Disulfiram and its novel derivative sensitize prostate cancer cells to the growth regulatory mechanisms of the cell by re-expressing the epigenetically repressed tumor suppressor-estrogen receptor β.

Estrogen Receptor-β (ER-β), a tumor-suppressor in prostate cancer, is epigenetically repressed by hypermethylation of its promoter. DNA-methyltransferases (DNMTs), which catalyze the transfer of methyl-groups to CpG islands of gene promoters, are overactive in cancers and can be inhibited by DNMT-inhibitors to re-express the tumor suppressors. The FDA-approved nucleoside DNMT-inhibitors like 5-Azacytidine and 5-Aza-deoxycytidine carry notable concerns due to their off-target toxicity, therefore non-nucleoside DNMT inhibitors are desirable for prolonged epigenetic therapy.

The thiocarbamate disulphide drug, disulfiram induces osteopenia in rats by inhibition of osteoblast function due to suppression of acetaldehyde dehydrogenase activity.

Dithiocarbamates (DTC), a sulfhydryl group containing compounds, are extensively used by humans that include metam and thiram due to their pesticide properties, and disulfiram (DSF) as an alcohol deterrent. We screened these DTC in an osteoblast viability assay. DSF exhibited the highest cytotoxicity (IC50 488nM).

Combining a synthetic spermicide with a natural trichomonacide for safe, prophylactic contraception.

Study Question: Can a specifically acting synthetic spermicide (DSE-37) be combined with a natural microbicide (saponins) for safe, prophylactic contraception?

Summary Answer: A 1:1 (w/w) combination of DSE-37 and Sapindus saponins can target sperm and Trichomonas vaginalis precisely without any noticeable off-target effects on somatic cells at effective concentrations.

What Is Known Already: Broad-spectrum vaginal agents like nonoxynol-9 (N-9) and cellulose sulfate have failed clinically as microbicides due to non-specific off-target effects, whereas agents that specifically target retroviruses have shown promise in clinical trials. DSE-37 and Sapindus saponins, respectively, specifically target human sperm and T.

Designed Chemical Intervention with Thiols for Prophylactic Contraception.

Unlike somatic cells, sperm have several-fold more available-thiols that are susceptible to redox-active agents. The present study explains the mechanism behind the instant sperm-immobilizing and trichomonacidal activities of pyrrolidinium pyrrolidine-1-carbodithioate (PPC), a novel thiol agent rationally created for prophylactic contraception by minor chemical modifications of some known thiol drugs. PPC, and its three derivatives (with potential active-site blocked by alkylation), were synthesized and evaluated against live human sperm and metronidazole-susceptible and resistant Trichomonas vaginalis, in vitro.

End-of-life decisions in an Indian intensive care unit.

Background: There is a paucity of data on end-of-life decisions (EOLD) for patients in Indian intensive care units (ICUs).

Objective: To document the end-of-life and full-support (FS) decisions among patients dying in an ICU, to compare the respective patient characteristics and to describe the process of decision-making.

Design: Retrospective, observational.