Different chemical proteomic approaches to identify the targets of lapatinib

The process of identifying the protein targets and off-targets of a biologically active compound is of great importance in modern drug discovery. Various chemical proteomics approaches have been established for this purpose. To compare the different approaches, and to understand which method would provide the best results, we have chosen the EGFR inhibitor lapatinib as an example molecule. Lapatinib derivatives were designed using linkers with motifs, including amino (amidation), alkyne (click chemistry) and the diazirine group (photo-affinity). These modified lapatinib analogues were validated for their ability to inhibit EGFR activity in vitro and were shown to pull down purified recombinant EGFR protein. In all of the approaches evaluated here, we identified EGFR as the main protein target from the lysate of immortalised cell line expressing EGFR, thus validating its potential use to identify unknown protein targets. Taken together, the results reported here give insight into the cellular activities of lapatinib.

The Benzothiazine Core as a Novel Motif for DNA-Binding Small Molecules

A new series of 4H-1,3-benzothiazine dyes were prepared and fully characterized in an aqueous medium. Benzothiazine salts were synthesized either through the classical synthetic pathway using Buchwald-Hartwig amination or through economical and environmentally friendly electrochemical synthesis. The latest synthetic approach employs successful electrochemical intramolecular dehydrogenative cyclization of N-benzylbenzenecarbothioamides to form 4H-1,3-benzothiazines. 4H-1,3-Benzothiazines were evaluated as novel DNA/RNA probes. Through the use of several methods such as UV/vis spectrophotometric titrations, circular dichroism and thermal melting experiments, the binding of four benzothiazine-based molecules to polynucleotides was examined. Compounds 1 and 2 acted as DNA/RNA groove binders, thus suggesting the potential of these compounds as novel DNA/RNA probes. This is a proof-of-concept study and will be expanded to include SAR/QSAR studies.

Treatment of Scabies and Pediculosis in Health Education Publications and Folk Medicine of Eastern Croatia - Slavonija, Baranja, and Western Srijem County

Scabies and pediculosis are common parasitic infestations of the skin and hair, manifesting with intense pruritus and effectively treated with modern medications. Because of the attached social stigma linking it with poverty and poor hygiene, patients will often attempt alternative folk-based remedies before confiding in their physicians. We conducted a comprehensive bibliographical study of historic folk literature and interviewed 70 individuals experienced in everyday application of folk medicine in order to categorize available remedies and provide a modern, scientific comment on their effectiveness and dangers. Compositions containing sulfur, copper sulfate, petroleum, coal, tar, and highly alkaline soaps and washing solutions undoubtedly have scabicidal and pediculicidal properties, but they are used either in high concentrations with greater possibility of intoxication and irritation or lower concentrations with questionable therapeutic benefit. These remedies, extracted from historical-cultural frameworks, are poorly adapted to modern standards and can lead to side-effects and complications. Physicians today have to be aware of the reasons their patients seek alternative remedies and know the substances and procedures they may use in self-healing, so as to be able to provide the help that may be needed if those complications occur.

Simultaneous appearance of leukemoid reaction and phlegmasia cerulea dolens

A leukemoid reaction is an extreme form of reactive leukocytosis defined as granulocytic leukocytosis above 50 × 10(9)/L produced by normal bone marrow, mostly in response to systemic infection or cancer. The mechanism as to how the haematopoetic system is altered to elevate production of myeloid cells is not known. A 69-year-old man presented with phlegmasia cerulea dolens caused by massive iliofemoral thrombosis. His workout at admission revealed absolute white blood cell count of 73.4 × 10(9)/L, with neutrophil granulocyte of 68.5 × 10(9)/L. The new increase in white blood cell count happened at day 5 after admission, when the haematoma of the anteromedial thigh was evacuated in general anaesthesia. There was a gradual decrease in counts until they reached the normal range. Deteriorated general condition with signs of systemic inflammatory response syndrome improved with supportive therapy, and the patient was discharged from hospital after 30 days. During hospitalization we did not identify any infectious focus, or any malignancy. We could not exclude other occult chronic conditions (malignancy) but the patient did not develop any other condition during 4.5 years of follow-up.