Monoclonal antibodies are composed of two identical heavy chains and two identical light chains, forming a Y-shaped molecule. The tips of the "Y" contain the antigen-binding sites, which are highly specific to the target antigen. This specificity allows monoclonal antibodies to bind to their target with high affinity, blocking or modulating the function of the antigen.
Types of Engineered Monoclonal Antibodies[edit source]
There are several types of engineered monoclonal antibodies, each designed for specific therapeutic purposes:
Chimeric antibodies: These antibodies are composed of murine (mouse) variable regions and human constant regions. They are less immunogenic than fully murine antibodies.
Humanized antibodies: These antibodies are mostly human, with only the antigen-binding sites derived from murine sources. This reduces the risk of immune reactions.
Fully human antibodies: These are entirely human in origin, produced using transgenic mice or phage display technologies.
Bispecific antibodies: These antibodies are engineered to bind two different antigens simultaneously, offering unique therapeutic mechanisms.
Engineered monoclonal antibodies have revolutionized the treatment of many diseases:
Cancer therapy: Monoclonal antibodies can target specific tumor antigens, leading to direct tumor cell killing or recruitment of immune cells to attack the tumor.
Autoimmune diseases: By targeting specific components of the immune system, monoclonal antibodies can reduce inflammation and tissue damage in diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and multiple sclerosis.
Infectious diseases: Monoclonal antibodies can neutralize pathogens or their toxins, providing passive immunity or enhancing the host's immune response.
The production of engineered monoclonal antibodies involves several steps:
1. Antigen identification: The target antigen is identified and characterized.
2. Hybridoma technology: B cells from immunized animals are fused with myeloma cells to create hybridomas that produce the desired antibody.
3. Recombinant DNA technology: Genes encoding the antibody are cloned and expressed in suitable host cells, such as Chinese hamster ovary cells.
4. Purification and formulation: The antibodies are purified and formulated for clinical use.
While engineered monoclonal antibodies have shown great promise, there are challenges such as high production costs, potential for immune reactions, and the development of resistance. Ongoing research aims to improve antibody design, reduce immunogenicity, and enhance therapeutic efficacy.
Trazodone therapy can be associated with transient, usually asymptomatic elevations in serum aminotransferase levels and has been linked to rare instances of clinically apparent acute liver injury.
Trazodone (traz' oh done) is a triazolopyridine derivative whose mechanism of action is believed to be inhibition of serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake, which results in increased levels and activity of these neurotransmitters.
FDA approval information for Trazodone[edit source]
Trazodone was approved for use in major depressive disorder in the United States in 1981 and remains in wide use, with more than 15 million prescriptions being filled yearly.
Dosage and administration for Trazodone[edit source]
Trazodone is also used off-label for control of aggressive behavior and for panic disorder. Trazodone is available in tablets of 50, 75, 100, 150 and 300 mg in several generic forms.
Dosage and administration for Trazodone[edit source]
The recommended dosage for depression in adults is 150 in divided doses that can be increased in 50 mg amounts to a maximum of 600 mg daily. An extended release formulation is also available in 150 mg tablets (Oleptro) which is given once daily.
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