Gene/Protein Disease Symptom Drug Enzyme Compound
Pivot Concepts:   Target Concepts:
Query: UNIPROT:P04141 (granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor)
 6,790 document(s) hit in 31,850,051 MEDLINE articles (0.00 seconds)

Recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH) and its primary induced product, insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I), have beneficial effects on a myriad of syndromes associated with catabolic metabolism in children and in adults. Their ability to promote nitrogen retention and protein synthesis and to enhance lipolysis has translated into significant increases in body weight, lean body mass, and sense of well-being among HIV+ individuals with wasting syndromes. These changes, first observed in limited phase I studies, have now been confirmed by two large, controlled clinical trials. The alterations are consistent with the low GH and/or IGF-I levels observed in HIV infection, as well as the relative resistance to GH. Whether long-term outcome in HIV disease is altered by such therapies remains to be determined, however. The ability of GH to augment cellular immune function and modulate T lymphocyte trafficking in animal models of immune suppression has also led to examination of its impact on CD4+ T cell counts and viral load in HIV infection. There is currently little evidence that short-term rhGH administration has any lasting impact on T cell biology in the setting of HIV disease. However, preliminary reports that, in vitro, GH alters immune cell apoptosis and enhances the efficacy of Zidovidine (AZT), similar to changes observed with granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor, may lead to additional uses for GH. Studies to define the mechanism of action of GH and IGF-I on normal and abnormal immune homeostasis in children and adults should enhance our ability to design effective treatments for those with acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) and perhaps other wasting and immune suppressive disorders.
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PMID:Growth hormone in HIV/AIDS: current uses and future prospects. 1136 93

A number of significant papers from the Eleventh Annual Houston Conference on AIDS in America are summarized. Topics include the current concepts in pathogenesis of HIV infection, the use of anti-HIV therapies, and drug interactions in HIV treatment. A session on HIV disease in children focused on the epidemiology and prevention of vertical transmission with Zidovudine, when to initiate therapy, and options for children who have failed current therapies. Studies using immune-based therapy have shown promise in treating HIV disease. New data from a study with sargramostim, an investigational agent for opportunistic infection prophylaxis, shows that the drug reduces viral loads and delays time to treatment failure. Pentafuside (T-20), the first of a new class of HIV drugs, fusion inhibitors, has been found to be safe and effective against HIV, although drug resistance may be associated with its use. Other sessions summarized progress in clearing HIV from viral reservoirs, the ethics of HIV research support from the drug industry and drug marketing, and a review of immune reconstitution studies among people on antiretroviral therapy. Sam Avrett of the AIDS Vaccine Advocacy Coalition (AVAC) summarized in his session the characteristics of a successful HIV vaccine and the need to have more people involved in vaccine advocacy as a means to ending the epidemic. Contact information is provided.
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PMID:Summaries from the Eleventh Annual Houston Conference on AIDS in America. 1136 19


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