Since the introduction of recombinant human erythropoietin (rhEPO) to clinical practice it seemed that the problem of anaemia in patients with chronic kidney disease has been brought under control. Further years have produced modifications of particles of rhEPO and led to the synthesis of new medicines – erythropoiesis stimulating agents. These drugs are characterized by longer half-life and the stability of action. However, the results of recent clinical trials carry dangerous conclusions. Despite the improvement of morphological parameters, the reduction of mortality in these patients was not observed.

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Human serum albumin (HSA) plays a very important role in the human body and is used in many clinical cases. Because of the problems associated with its extraction researchers have been working on new methods of creating it. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences published the latest results of research on transgenic rice seeds from which HSA was isolated. Read full text »

Written for Physician’s Weekly.

A new blood test may predict patients at risk of an imminent heart attack. Researchers have discovered mutated circulating endothelial cells (CECs) that are released into the bloodstream days before the formation of a clot. A blood test may be used to identify this particular cell type up to 2 weeks before the heart attack is likely to occur. Continue reading