The proline 12 alanine substitution in the PPARgamma2 gene is associated with increased extent of coronary artery disease in men.

Objective: To determine whether there is an independent association between the Pro12Ala polymorphism in the peroxisome proliferator-activated-receptor gamma2 (PPARgamma2)-gene and the extent of coronary artery disease in men.

Research Design And Methods: We determined the Pro12Ala polymorphism in the PPARgamma2 gene in 240 male patients undergoing elective coronary angiograpy, and quantitated the degree of CAD by evaluating the extent-score which better correlates with known risk factors than other measures of CAD.

Results: The presence of the 12Ala allele was significantly associated with higher CAD extent (r=0.

Endothelial Lipase: a key player in HDL metabolism modulates inflammation and atherosclerotic risk.

Endothelial Lipase (EL) is a newly identified member of the triacylglycerol lipase family. Recent studies suggested that EL may be an important determinant of HDL-metabolism and inflammation acting at the level of the vessel wall. The aim of this review is to summarize important facts derived from experimental approaches and from epidemiologic human studies to provide a comprehensive view on the role of EL in inflammation and atherogenesis as well as target for potential pharmaceutical interventions.

Single-dose comparison of formoterol (Oxis) Turbuhaler 6 microg and formoterol Aerolizer 12 microg in moderate to severe asthma: a randomised, crossover study.

Formoterol inhaled via Turbuhaler (Oxis) or Aerolizer (Foradil) produces fast and long-lasting bronchodilation in asthmatic patients. While formoterol Turbuhaler provides sustained efficacy for > or =12h at a metered dose of 6 microg (delivered dose 4.5 microg), the recommended metered dose for formoterol Aerolizer is 12 microg (delivered dose unknown).

A phase I study of paclitaxel in combination with etoposide in patients with stage IIIB/IV non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

Paclitaxel is a new antineoplastic agent with activity in lung cancer. This phase I clinical trial was designed to determine the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) of paclitaxel in combination with etoposide in previously untreated patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Doses of paclitaxel were in the range of 150-225 mg/m2 (d1) and of etoposide in the range of 100-120 mg/m2 (d2-4).

[Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) stage IIIA/IIIB. A pilot study of neoadjuvant chemotherapy with paclitaxel and carboplatin].

There is evidence that neoadjuvant chemotherapy may improve treatment results in patients with locally advanced NSCLC. The aim of the present study was to increase resectability rates by induction chemotherapy in NSCLC stage IIIA/IIIB with the new cytostatic combination, paclitaxel and carboplatin. Neoadjuvant treatment consisted of 3 cycles (q21) of chemotherapy with paclitaxel (200 mg/m(2)) and carboplatin (AUC 6).