Agreement in assessment of infliximab and adalimumab levels in rheumatoid arthritis: interlaboratory and interassay comparison.

Objectives: Infliximab (IFX) and adalimumab (ADL) drug levels and anti-drug antibodies (ADA) are assessed using a variety of techniques, therefore, results cannot accurately be compared for clinical purposes. The aim of this study was to test two infliximab (IFX) and adalimumab (ADL) ELISA versions, for drug levels and ADA, to see whether they yield similar results.

Methods: ELISA versions [Promonitor® IFX R1 and R2 (V.

Investigating the link between disease activity and infliximab serum levels in rheumatoid arthritis patients.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to examine the extent to which infliximab (IFX) serum levels impact disease activity in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients.

Methods: In this cross sectional study, serum samples were taken prior to drug infusion from 60 RA patients who had been undergoing IFX therapy > 12 months as a first line of biological treatment. Patient IFX levels were tested and then associated with clinical disease activity.

Discovering a new analogue of thalidomide which may be used as a potent modulator of TNF-alpha production.

A new series of imide derivatives related to thalidomide were synthesized and evaluated as modulators of TNF-alpha production. These derivatives enhance TNF-alpha production using human leukemia HL-60 cells induced with 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol 13-acetate (TPA), while inhibiting TNF-alpha production induced with okadaic acid (OA) in the same cell line. The diphenylmaleimide derivative 2f, was found to be the most active product, producing a strong modulation of the cytokine level.

Apoptotic and free radical scavenging properties of the methanolic extract of Gentianella alborosea.

Gentianella alborosea ("Hercampure") is a Peruvian species used in folk medicine for the treatment of a variety of health disorders. We tested the free radical scavenging (DPPH) and induction of apoptosis on a human uterus tumor cell line (HeLa) by its methanolic extract. The results showed a noticeable radical scavenging activity and a dose-dependent apoptotic effect.

[Analysis and protocolization of rasburicase use in patients with hematologic neoplasms].

Objective: To describe the use of rasburicase in adult patients with hematological neoplasias and to present a protocol for its administration jointly prepared by the hematology and the pharmacy departments based on the scientific evidence available.

Method: Retrospective study that reviews treatments with rasburicase administered in a tertiary 800-bed hospital from July 2002 to May 2004 to adult patients with hematological neoplasias. The following data were collected: demographic and clinical data, daily dose of rasburicase and length of treatment, plasma levels of creatinine, potassium, phosphate, calcium, LDH, uric acid and white blood cell count daily and until 48 hours after administering the last dose of rasburicase.