Iron Chelation Reduces DNA Damage in Sickle Cell Anemia.

Sickle cell anemia (SCA) is a blood condition that causes severe pain. One of the therapeutic agents used for the treatment of SCA is hydroxyurea, which reduces the episodes of pain but causes DNA damage to white blood cells. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of the combination of hydroxyurea and iron chelation therapy in relation to the extent of DNA-associated damage.

Biofilm matrix of Candida albicans and Candida tropicalis: chemical composition and role in drug resistance.

Matrix material was extracted from biofilms of Candida albicans and Candida tropicalis and analysed chemically. Both preparations contained carbohydrate, protein, hexosamine, phosphorus and uronic acid. However, the major component in C.

Penetration of Candida biofilms by antifungal agents.

A filter disk assay was used to investigate the penetration of antifungal agents through biofilms containing single and mixed-species biofilms containing Candida. Fluconazole permeated all single-species Candida biofilms more rapidly than flucytosine. The rates of diffusion of either drug through biofilms of three strains of Candida albicans were similar.