Activin and inhibin, members of transforming growth factor-beta (TGFbeta) superfamily, have diverse and widespread effects within living organisms at many stages during growth and development. From the initial isolation of these growth factors based on their effects of FSH secretion, the study of these factors, as well as of the activin-binding protein follistatin, has progressed from the localization of the expression of the inhibin alpha subunit, activin betaA and betaB subunits, and activin receptors in the tissues of various organisms to the examination of activin and inhibin as autocrine and paracrine agents in cell proliferation and differentiation. The inhibitory effects on cell growth and differentiation that have been observed upon treatment of cells with activin suggest that further understanding of the bioactivity of this molecule and its characterization on a molecular level may aid in a more complete understanding of cell growth and differentiation. This minireview discusses the roles of activin, inhibin, and follistatin in the arenas of cell proliferation, differentiation, and embryogenesis, as well as the roles of these molecules in cancerous cells.

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We observed a 46, XY infant with atrophy of the optic nerve, complex congenital heart disease including a double outlet right ventricle, hypoplasia of the right pulmonary artery and lung, eventration of the diaphragm, and ambiguous genitalia. The baby died of cardiac arrhythmias at 204 days. The pattern of malformations was compatible with pulmonary tract and pulmonary artery, agonadism, omphalocele, diaphragmatic defect, and dextrocardia (PAGOD) syndrome. The condition may resemble the malformation complex associated with developmental deficiency of vitamin A or retinoic acid, as described in animal models.

Background Methamphetamine dependence is a significant public health concern without any approved medications for treatment. We evaluated ibudilast, a non-selective phosphodiesterase inhibitor, to assess the safety and tolerability during intravenous (IV) methamphetamine administration. We conducted a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, within-subjects crossover clinical trial. Methods Participants received ibudilast (20 mg twice daily followed by 50 mg twice daily) and placebo, with order determined by randomization, and then underwent IV methamphetamine challenges (15 and 30 mg). We monitored cardiovascular effects, methamphetamine pharmacokinetics and reported adverse events. Results Ibudilast treatment had similar rates of adverse events compared to placebo and there was no significant augmentation of cardiovascular effects of methamphetamine. Pharmacokinetic analysis revealed no clinically significant change in maximum concentration or half-life of methamphetamine with ibudilast. Conclusions Methamphetamine administration during ibudilast treatment was well-tolerated without additive cardiovascular effects or serious adverse events, providing initial safety data to pursue ibudilast’s effectiveness for the treatment of methamphetamine dependence.