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In recent years there has been an evolution in the systemic therapy of skin disease, in particular immunosuppressive agents, retinoids and, most lately, biological drugs and new classes of drugs for advanced skin cancer. Developments in drug monitoring include measurement of thiopurine methyl transferase enzyme activity before prescribing azathioprine, to screen for patients at risk of severe bone marrow depression, and monitoring recipients of methotrexate with procollagen III peptide or Fibroscans to detect hepatic fibrosis. Biologics including anti-tumour necrosis factor α therapy offer a new and effective treatment for severe psoriasis in patients who have failed to respond to conventional systemic drugs, but risks include reactivation of tuberculosis. Oral retinoid therapy has expanded to include alitretinoin, a new oral drug for severe hand eczema, and stringent requirements have been introduced for females treated with isotretinoin due to the high risk of birth deformity which is common to these drugs. It is important that physicians are aware of the adverse effects of treatment and that patients are carefully selected screened and monitored to minimize any risk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the various drugs and therapies for dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD). It emphasizes that ACU-4429 nonretinoid molecule and fenretinide retinoid disrupt the conversion of retinol to rhodopsin. It stresses that neuroprotective agents such as ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF) decreases photoreceptor cell death in animal models of retinal degeneration. It asserts that the reduction of extracellular deposits and suppression of inflammation can also treat the disease.

The article presents information on the treatments available for curing acne. Several acne cases can be treated by applying systemic antibiotics and isotretinoin. Benzoyl peroxide has anti-microbial, keratolytic and anti-inflammatory properties and can be used either alone or in combination with topical antibiotics. Topical retinoids are recommended for treating comedonal acne.

Topical therapies constitute an important aspect of dermatological treatments. This article covers the principles of topical treatments, vehicles used and a number of commonly used topical agents, including corticosteroids. Indications for use and common adverse effects of these topical agents are mentioned. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents information about the diagnosis of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, AMD is characterized by drusen formation, abnormalities of the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) such as hypopigmentation or hyperpigmentation, geographic atrophy of the RPE and choriocapillaris and neovascular exudative maculopathy. Fluorescein angiography is an important tool for the diagnosis and management of choroidal neovascularizatton, the distinguishing feature of wet AMD.

Reports on an investigation of gene product angiopoietin-2 to examine why the deep capillary bed is more sensitive to vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) than any other bed in the eye. Change of the expression patterns in the deep retina from horizontal cells; Use of the interphotoreceptor retinoid-binding protein promoter to express VEGF in the inducible transgenics; Possibility of systemic treatment for choroidal neovascularization.

The article focuses on the results of an extensive study, which highlight the efficacy of oral fenretinide RT-101 from ReVision Therapeutics Inc. It mentions the chemopreventive, apoptotic and anti-inflammatory characteristics of the drugs that set as advantage compared to other retinoids. Moreover, two mechanisms were identified in the study including the sustained retinol binding protein (RBP) reduction and decreased choroidal neovascularization (CNV) in patients.

This article focuses on the Blue light, which composes a large proportion of solar energy, has been identified as a potential hazard for retinal or photochemical injury. It is estimated that by age 80 years, lipofuscin may occupy 20% of the cytoplasmic volume of the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cell, with the greatest accumulation in the RPE underlying the macula. A2E accumulation is one of the factors that cause Stargardt's disease and possibly agerelated macular degeneration (AMD). In these diseases, all-trans retinal accumulates in the outer segment, complexes with phosphatidyl-ethanolamine, and is shunted over to the RPE cell, where A2E accumulates.

The article provides updates in the field of ophthalmology. It reveals that patients who have macular edema secondary to central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO) attained considerable and sustained improvements in visual acuity with aflibercept injection. It highlights the GALILEO phase III study presented by physician Frank G. Holz.

The article previews several pharmaceutical products including the FluMist Quadrivalent influenza vaccine from MedImmune, vitaMedMD RediChew Rx prescription prenatal vitamins from TherapeuticsMD Inc. and the Fabior Fam 0.1 percent retinoid from Stiefel.

The article discusses the development of an experimental oral synthetic retinoid compound (QLT091001) to treat two sub-types of Leber's congenital amaurosis (LCA). It mentions that QLT091001 will replace 11-cis-retinal which is a key chemical in the visual cycle and is lacking in patients with LCA. According to the explanation of Doctor Robert K. Koenekoop, 11-cis-retinal cannot be administered as a drug since it is unstable.

The article discusses the findings of a study which suggests that vitamin A may influence the development of gastric cancer. According to the author, the said study provides evidence indicating that people who eat a lot of liver and carrots, which contain high levels of vitamin A, may be at lower risk of gastric cancer. Moreover, vitamin A is said to control cell proliferation.