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1.
A familiar ring to it: biosynthesis of plant benzoic acids.
Widhalm, JR, Dudareva, N
Molecular plant. 2015;(1):83-97
Abstract
Plant benzoic acids (BAs) are building blocks or important structural elements for numerous primary and specialized metabolites, including plant hormones, cofactors, defense compounds, and attractants for pollinators and seed dispersers. Many natural products derived from plant BAs or containing benzoyl/benzyl moieties are also of medicinal or nutritional value to humans. Biosynthesis of BAs in plants is a network involving parallel and intersecting pathways spread across multiple subcellular compartments. In this review, a current overview on the metabolism of plant BAs is presented with a focus on the recent progress made on isolation and functional characterization of genes encoding biosynthetic enzymes and intracellular transporters. In addition, approaches for deciphering the complex interactions between pathways of the BAs network are discussed.
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Breeding Vegetables with Increased Content in Bioactive Phenolic Acids.
Kaushik, P, Andújar, I, Vilanova, S, Plazas, M, Gramazio, P, Herraiz, FJ, Brar, NS, Prohens, J
Molecules (Basel, Switzerland). 2015;(10):18464-81
Abstract
Vegetables represent a major source of phenolic acids, powerful antioxidants characterized by an organic carboxylic acid function and which present multiple properties beneficial for human health. In consequence, developing new varieties with enhanced content in phenolic acids is an increasingly important breeding objective. Major phenolic acids present in vegetables are derivatives of cinnamic acid and to a lesser extent of benzoic acid. A large diversity in phenolic acids content has been found among cultivars and wild relatives of many vegetable crops. Identification of sources of variation for phenolic acids content can be accomplished by screening germplasm collections, but also through morphological characteristics and origin, as well as by evaluating mutations in key genes. Gene action estimates together with relatively high values for heritability indicate that selection for enhanced phenolic acids content will be efficient. Modern genomics and biotechnological strategies, such as QTL detection, candidate genes approaches and genetic transformation, are powerful tools for identification of genomic regions and genes with a key role in accumulation of phenolic acids in vegetables. However, genetically increasing the content in phenolic acids may also affect other traits important for the success of a variety. We anticipate that the combination of conventional and modern strategies will facilitate the development of a new generation of vegetable varieties with enhanced content in phenolic acids.
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Aceruloplasminaemia: a rare but important cause of iron overload.
Doyle, A, Rusli, F, Bhathal, P
BMJ case reports. 2015
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Abstract
We present a case of a 20-year-old man referred to our service with iron overload and mildly deranged liver biochemistry. Although liver histopathology was consistent with haemochromatosis, iron studies were not consistent with this diagnosis. Serum ceruloplasmin levels were undetectable, leading to a diagnosis of aceruloplasminaemia. Unlike other iron overload disorders, neurological complications are a unique feature of this illness, and often irreversible, once established. The patient was treated with iron chelation prior to the onset of neurological injury, and experienced progressive normalisation of his ferritin and liver biochemistry. This is one of the youngest diagnosed cases in the published literature and, crucially, was a rare case of diagnosis and treatment prior to the onset of neurological sequelae. This is presented alongside a review of previously published cases of aceruloplasminaemia, including responses to iron chelation therapy.
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A case report of deferasirox-induced kidney injury and Fanconi syndrome.
Murphy, N, Elramah, M, Vats, H, Zhong, W, Chan, MR
WMJ : official publication of the State Medical Society of Wisconsin. 2013;(4):177-80
Abstract
Cases of kidney injury associated with the use of deferasirox chelation therapy during the course of treatment for iron overload have been reported infrequently. We present the case of a patient treated with deferasirox who had biopsy-proven tubular injury in the setting of clinical Fanconi syndrome. The patient required hospitalization for metabolic acidosis, electrolyte abnormalities, and associated symptoms. With supportive care and cessation of chelation therapy he improved, but has yet to fully recover. This is the first known case reporting biopsy-proven tubular damage in the setting of deferasirox use.
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Review article: cinnamon- and benzoate-free diet as a primary treatment for orofacial granulomatosis.
Campbell, HE, Escudier, MP, Patel, P, Challacombe, SJ, Sanderson, JD, Lomer, MC
Alimentary pharmacology & therapeutics. 2011;(7):687-701
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Orofacial granulomatosis is a rare chronic granulomatous inflammatory disease of the lips, face and mouth. The aetiology remains unclear but may involve an allergic component. Improvements have been reported with cinnamon- and benzoate-free diets. AIMS To explore the prevalence of compound and food sensitivity and examine the dietary treatments used in orofacial granulomatosis. METHODS A comprehensive literature search was carried out and relevant studies from January 1933 to January 2010 were identified using the electronic database search engines; AGRIS 1991-2008, AMED 1985-2008, British Nursing and Index archive 1985-2008, EMBASE 1980-2008, evidence based medicine review databases (e.g. Cochrane DSR), International Pharmaceutical and Medline 1950-2008. RESULTS Common sensitivities identified, predominantly through patch testing, were to benzoic acid (36%) food additives (33%), perfumes and flavourings (28%), cinnamaldehyde (27%), cinnamon (17%), benzoates (17%) and chocolate (11%). The cinnamon- and benzoate-free diet has been shown to provide benefit in 54-78% of patients with 23% requiring no adjunctive therapies. A negative or positive patch test result to cinnamaldehyde, and benzoates did not predict dietary outcome. The most concentrated source of benzoate exposure is from food preservatives. Use of liquid enteral formulas can offer a further dietary therapy, particularly in children with orofacial granulomatosis. CONCLUSION Management of orofacial granulomatosis is challenging but cinnamon- and benzoate-free diets appear to have a definite role to play.
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Japanese epidemiological survey with consensus statement on Japanese guidelines for treatment of iron overload in bone marrow failure syndromes.
Suzuki, T, Tomonaga, M, Miyazaki, Y, Nakao, S, Ohyashiki, K, Matsumura, I, Kohgo, Y, Niitsu, Y, Kojima, S, Ozawa, K
International journal of hematology. 2008;(1):30-35
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Abstract
Many patients with bone marrow failure syndromes need frequent transfusions of red blood cells, and most of them eventually suffer from organ dysfunction induced by excessively accumulated iron. The only way to treat transfusion-induced iron overload is iron chelating therapy. However, most patients have not been treated effectively because daily/continuous administration of deferoxamine is difficult for outpatients. Recently, a novel oral iron chelator, deferasirox, has been developed, and introduction of the drug may help many patients benefit from iron chelation therapy. In this review, we will discuss the current status of iron overload in transfusion-dependent patients, and the development of Japanese guidelines for the treatment of iron overload in Japan, which were established by the National Research Group on Idiopathic Bone Marrow Failure Syndromes in Japan.
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[Kinzalkomb, a fixed telmisartan-hydrochlorothiazide combination for the treatment of hypertension].
Kulbertus, H
Revue medicale de Liege. 2003;(9):580-4
Abstract
Kinzalkomb marketed in Belgium by Bayer is a fixed combination of telmisartan 80 mg and hydrochlorothiazide 125 mg for the treatment of hypertension. New guidelines for the treatment of hypertension were recently released both in Europe and the United States (see article by J.M. Krzesinski in this issue). They offer the choice of using a fixed biotherapy even as first line treatment. Hydrochlorothiazide at low dose is a frequent component of such biotherapies: it is efficacious and secure. Telmisartan is a highly selective blocker of angiotensin II AT1 receptors ("sartans"); it is at least as effective as the classical antihypertensive agents; thanks to its half-life, the longest of all sartans', it provides adequate antihypertensive coverage throughout the whole 24-hour postdose interval and particularly over the last 6 hours of the dosage interval. Its tolerability profile is equivalent to placebo. The combination telmisartan-hydrochlorothiazide is more effective than each agent alone at lowering blood pressure; furthermore telmisartan possesses a potassium-sparing effect that when the two drugs are coadministered attenuates the kaliuretic effect of hydrochlorothiazide. Various large trials are currently under way (ONTARGET, TRANSCEND, PROFESS, PROTECTION, DETAIL). These studies which together involve some 50,000 patients will hopefully help to further specify the role of telmisartan in condition which require an intervention on the renin-angiotensin system.