Abstract: Due to ethical concerns, human embryonic stem cells have limited availability and practical usefulness. Adult stem cells are present within tissues of adult organisms and are responsible for cell turnover or repopulation of tissues under normal or exceptional circumstances. Multi-potent stem cells have been isolated from the umbilical cord blood and they offer promising therapeutic potentials. ... Read more

Abstract: Mycobacteria tuberculosis infects about one third of the world population in their life times and causes millions of deaths each year. M. tuberculosis has a unique capability to circumvent the bactericidal activities of macrophages - the frontline defenders of the host immunity. New understanding of this mechanism has positioned scientists to develop therapies that allow host immune system to gain an upper hand. ... Read more

Abstract: Fat cells are traditionally considered dormant cells, quietly functioning in lipid accumulation and lipolysis. In recent years, fat cells received a glowing appraisal and were found to be an important player in energy homeostasis, tumorigenesis, immunity, and reproduction, via their endocrine and regulatory functions. Fat cells secrete adipokines, many of which are inflammation-related peptides such as cytokines and cytokine-like molecules. ... Read more

Abstract: It was shown that NSAIDs, such as aspirin or Celebrex, are effective cancer preventive agents when taken regularly. However, the long-term use of NSAIDs, the cyclooxygenase (COX) inhibitors, may have significant adverse effects - primarily on the gastrointestinal (inhibiting COX-1) and cardiovascular (inhibiting COX-2) systems. Genetic analysis of enzymes (including COX) involved in the prostaglandin synthesis should reveal and predict a person's benefits vs. toxicity resulting from the NSAID treatment. ... Read more

Abstract: Most drugs don't work optimally in most patients. The same drug can exert a significant overall therapeutic benefit in some patients while post a pronounced overall toxicity risk in others with the same disease. Pharmacogenomics has progressively received attention in the drug development process. But genetics is not the only factor that contributes to the differences that individual patients respond to drugs. Enter global systems biology. ... Read more