Inherited and acquired blistering diseases
Article Abstract:
Understanding of inherited and acquired forms of epidermolysis bullosa has increased significantly since the 1980s. Epidermolysis bullosa is a group of rare diseases that cause blistering and scarring of skin after minor abrasions. Severity of the disease varies depending on the layer of skin in which blistering occurs. Early research studies found that blister formation may be caused by excess amounts of the collagenase enzyme in patients with a recessive inherited form of the disease. These patients were treated with phenytoin to decrease collagenase production. A recent research study found treatment with phenytoin did not decrease blistering in these patients, and doubt has arisen about the role of collagenase in the disease. Patients with inherited forms of the disease may have structural, biochemical and molecular abnormalities in the basement-membrane layer of skin. These patients may be treated with gene therapy in the future. Individuals with acquired forms of the disease may also have molecular abnormalities in the basement-membrane of their skin.
Publication Name: The New England Journal of Medicine
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0028-4793
Year: 1992
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Intrinsic and acquired resistance to methotrexate in acute leukemia
Article Abstract:
Researchers are developing new drugs to treat diseases that no longer respond to methotrexate. Methotrexate is used to treat many types of cancer as well as rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis and autoimmune diseases. It inhibits the enzyme dihydrofolate reductase, which ultimately inhibits DNA replication and causes cell death. However, the cells can become resistant to methotrexate by producing more of the enzyme or changing the transport and metabolism of methotrexate. Mutations in the gene for the enzyme have also been found in drug-resistant tumors. Methotrexate resistance can also occur if the retinoblastoma protein is defective.
Publication Name: The New England Journal of Medicine
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0028-4793
Year: 1996
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