Inhibition of the Raf-1 kinase inhibitory protein (RKIP) by locostatin induces cell death and reduces the CXCR4-mediated migration of chronic lymphocytic leukemia cells.

The Raf-1 kinase inhibitory protein (RKIP) is an important regulatory element in multiple signaling pathways, including MAPK-ERK1/2. We investigated whether targeted disruption of RKIP is a therapeutic option for chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). The RKIP inhibitor locostatin-induced apoptosis of CLL cells, irrespective of poor prognostic indications or treatment history.

Measuring Glutamate Levels in the Brains of Fibromyalgia Patients and a Potential Role for Glutamate in the Pathophysiology of Fibromyalgia Symptoms: A Systematic Review.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to systematically review the literature concerning proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (H-MRS) measured glutamate levels in specific brain regions of fibromyalgia (FM) patients to determine if there is a correlation between raised glutamate levels and the presentation of FM.

Materials And Methods: The electronic databases-MEDLINE, EMBASE Classic+Embase, PsychINFO, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Cochrane Database of Abstracts of Reviews of Effect, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials-were searched to find original studies that used H-MRS to measure glutamate concentrations in the brains of FM patients.

Results: Nine studies with a total of 482 participants were selected for inclusion in the review.

Bioconversion of sitosterol to useful steroidal intermediates by mutants of Mycobacterium fortuitum.

A series of mutants which are blocked at various stages of the sterol degradative pathway have been isolated from the potent sterol degrader Mycobacterium fortuitum ATCC-6842. Sitosterol bioconversions by these mutants result in the accumulation of a number of intermediate compounds, some of which are potentially useful as substrates in the manufacture of medically important steroids. These intermediates include androst-4-ene-3,17-dione, androsta-1,4-diene,3,17-dione, ring A-degraded tricyclic compounds and various 9alpha-hydroxy-steroids.

Rancinamycins, metabolites produced by Streptomyces lincolnensis in sulfur-depleted media.

Rancinamycins I, II, III, and IV are secondary metabolites produced by Streptomyces lincolnensis in a sulfur-depleted culture medium. Rancinamycins I, and II, the main components of the mixture, show broad spectrum antibiotic activity in vitro. Subcutaneously injected or orally administered antibiotic afforded no protection for experimentally infected mice against lethal challenges of Staphylococcus aureus.