Attenuation of Visceral and Somatic Nociception by Ghrelin Mimetics.

Purpose: The anti-nociceptive properties of ghrelin have been demonstrated in alleviating inflammatory and neuropathic pain. Whether a ghrelin receptor-mediated mechanism attenuates visceral and somatic pain in the absence of active inflammation remains to be explored. Here, we investigate the efficacy of peripherally restricted (ipamorelin) and a globally active (HM01) selective ghrelin receptor agonist in an experimental model of non-inflammatory visceral hypersensitivity and somatic mechanical allodynia.

Anamorelin HCl (ONO-7643), a novel ghrelin receptor agonist, for the treatment of cancer anorexia-cachexia syndrome: preclinical profile.

Background: Anamorelin HCl (ANAM) is a novel, orally active, ghrelin receptor agonist in clinical development for the treatment of cancer cachexia. We report in vitro and in vivo studies evaluating the preclinical pharmacologic profile of ANAM.

Methods: Fluorescent imaging plate reader and binding assays in HEK293 and baby hamster kidney cells determined the agonist and antagonist activity of ANAM, and its affinity for the ghrelin receptor.

Outcomes of Prolonged Parent-Child Embrace Therapy among 102 children with behavioral disorders.

A growing body of research in neuroscience points to the impact of variations in maternal nurturing on child development and provides a rationale for interventions that target stress adaptation conditioning through natural family nurturing. This pilot study was collected within the course of private practice to assess the progress of children with severe behavioral disorders who were treated effectively with a multiple family therapy prototype, Prolonged Parent-Child Embrace (PPCE) Therapy. Subjects were a consecutive series of 102 patient children aged 4-18 years and their families.

Improving private practitioner sick-child case management in two urban communities in Pakistan.

Objective: To evaluate if INFECTOM, a multicomponent behaviour change strategy, would alter the care received by children visiting private healthcare providers so that it was more consistent with the IMCI algorithm.

Methods: Community surveys in two low income communities in Pakistan identified children who had visited healthcare providers in the preceding 2 weeks complaining of diarrhoea, cough or rapid breathing, or fever. Interviewers asked the mothers of these children whether providers performed specific behaviours recommended by the Integrated Management of Childhood Illness (IMCI) algorithm.