Hematopoietic growth factors; biology and clinical applications

Article Abstract:

Small glycoprotein hormones, hematopoietic growth factors, are responsible for the regulation of growth and development (differentiation) of the cells which constitute the blood. The process of proliferation and differentiation is a complicated progression from early progenitor or stem cells through many intermediate cell forms to the mature blood cells. The process is called hematopoiesis and it includes the developmental processes of both red and white blood cells. A large variety of these hematopoietic factors have recently been discovered and much research has been undertaken to describe more completely the nature of their function and the exact points in the hematopoietic process in which they are involved. Research efforts have been greatly facilitated by the availability of these hormones as produced by recombinant genetic technology. The biology of erythropoietin, granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor, granulocyte colony-stimulating factor, macrophage colony-stimulating factor, interleukin-3 and others is discussed at length in this review article. Hematopoietic growth factors have been successfully utilized in treating the anemia which may accompany kidney failure. This class of compounds has proven useful in treating other anemias as well. Research studies have also used these products to improve the condition of the bone marrow of cancer patients receiving chemotherapy; ordinarily chemotherapy severely depresses the ability of the bone marrow to form new blood cells. Many other conditions which can be treated with hematopoietic growth factors, including marrow transplantation, aplastic anemia, and other illnesses which selectively affect blood cell production are also reviewed.

Research, Anemia, Physiological aspects, Bone marrow, Bone marrow transplantation, Growth factors, Hematopoietic stem cells, Hematopoiesis, Blood cells

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Nucleoside therapy for HIV infection - some answers, many questions

Article Abstract:

Zidovudine is the first drug to be approved to inhibit HIV virus enzyme activity. Didanosine and dideoxycytidine are two new drugs related to AZT which are progressing through preclinical and clinical development. Potency, toxicity, viral resistance and patient's immune status all affect the benefit of receiving a particular drug or combination of drugs. Therapies combining or alternating the same or different families of antiretroviral drugs must be explored. Therapies which worked at one stage of the disease should be explored for use in other stages or for complications of HIV infection or AIDS. Some drugs may not increase life expectancy but may improve quality of life. Others may work best after previous treatment with another drug or may seem more effective because they have fewer side effects during clinical trials.

Evaluation, Column, HIV infection, HIV infections, Antiviral agents

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Primary-effusion lymphoma and Kaposi's sarcoma in a cardiac-transplant recipient

Article Abstract:

The case of a 59-year-old Haitian man illustrates that primary-effusion lymphoma may be linked to human herpesvirus 8 (HHV-8). This virus has also been linked to Kaposi's sarcoma. He received a heart transplant for congestive heart failure and developed Kaposi's sarcoma about five months later. About seven years later, he developed worsening heart failure and eventually died. X-rays during his last hospitalization revealed fluid in his lungs, which was eventually diagnosed as primary-effusion lymphoma. HHV-8 was detected in body fluid samples as well as in his natural heart, indicating that he was infected prior to the transplant.

Health aspects, Case studies, Organ transplant recipients, Lymphomas, Human herpesvirus 8

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