Anthrax infection was described in ancient literature and religious writings. Some biblical schol... more Anthrax infection was described in ancient literature and religious writings. Some biblical scholars have interpreted descriptions of two of the plagues that struck Egypt around 1500 B.C. as anthrax epidemics. The 5th plague, as described in the book of Exodus, is a plague of grievous murrain (an infectious and fast-spreading disease) that affected livestock (Witkowski, 2002). The description of the 6th plague, or the Plague of Boils, is very similar to the symptoms of cutaneous anthrax (raised inflammatory swelling and blisters also suggest anthrax) (CNN.com, 2001). Descriptions of anthrax infection exist in ancient literature as well. For example, scholars have construed the "burning plague" described in Homer's Iliad (estimated date 950-700 B.C.) as an anthrax epidemic (Witkowski, 2002). In addition, Virgil detailed an outbreak in Georgics (29 B.C.). Georgics is set in the world of animal husbandry and describes a murrain that devastated farms and meadows, polluted water supplies, and contaminated food sources. Flocks of sheep were affected, and human victims died after suffering burning fever and shriveled flesh. Virgil made the connection between the murrain that affected the sheep and the disease killing humans: If anyone wore a garment made from tainted wool, his limbs were soon attacked by inflamed papules and foul exudates, and if he delayed too long to remove the material, a violent inflammation consumed the parts it had touched. (Witkowski, 2002) Anthrax is the most likely infection to cause this. Periodically, over the following millennia, there were outbreaks of anthrax worldwide. For example, there was a substantial outbreak in Germany in the 14th century. During the 17th century, there were large outbreaks in Russia and one in Europe that killed more than 60,000 head of cattle (CNN.com, 2001). During the mid-18th century, a panzootic consumed half of the sheep in Europe (Witkowski, 2002).
In an era of medicine where the patient has the potential to access the vast array of scientific ... more In an era of medicine where the patient has the potential to access the vast array of scientific literature that is now on offer, it is important to convey groundbreaking research, not only in the form of reviews, perspectives and editorials, but also by presenting pure opinion and discussion. Ask The Experts is designed to allow experts in their respective fields of virology to voice their ideas on issues that have made headlines around the world, owing to their important and controversial nature. Avian influenza, biological weapons and HIV antivirals are just some of the most widely debated areas of biomedical science in the 21st century among both scientists and the public. Kenneth Alibek, Michael Katze, Mark Wainberg and Richard Webby give their views to Future Virology.
Likars'ka sprava / Ministerstvo okhorony zdorov'ia Ukraïny, Jul 1, 2007
More than one century passed since the viral cancerogenesis theory was declared. Enormous massive... more More than one century passed since the viral cancerogenesis theory was declared. Enormous massive of new data on the role of viruses and viral constructions in cancer initiation and progression has been accumulated with the development of new diagnostic methods and biotechnology. The aim of this review was the analysis of current literature data on the impact of viruses in the development of malignancies.
In the case of current COVID-19, successful prophylactic approaches are likely to have a greater ... more In the case of current COVID-19, successful prophylactic approaches are likely to have a greater impact than successful treatment approaches. In this article, we discuss the challenges before the creation of anti-SARS-CoV-2 vaccines and opportunities of other means that can enhance non-specific immunity focusing on interferon in particular. Since efficacy of intranasal interferons against a number of pathogens throughout a period of 37 years and against COVID-19 as well as safety have been shown, this method of protection can be introduced in a short period while using a permitted off-label application approach.
All human herpesviruses (HHVs) have been implicated in immune system evasion and suppression. Mor... more All human herpesviruses (HHVs) have been implicated in immune system evasion and suppression. Moreover, two HHV family members, i.e. EBV and KSHV, are recognised as oncogenic viruses. Our literature review summarises additional examples of possible oncogenic mechanisms that have been attributed to other HHVs. In general, HHVs affect almost every cancer-implicated branch of the immune system, namely tumour-promoting inflammation, immune evasion, and immunosuppression. Some HHVs accomplish these effects by inhibiting apoptotic pathways and by promoting proliferation. Mechanisms related to immunosupression and low grade chronic inflammation could eventually result in the initiation and progression of cancer. In this article we open a discussion on the members of Herpesviridae, their immune evasion and suppression mechanisms, and their possible role in cancer development. We conclude that discerning the mechanisms of interplay between HHV, immune system, and cancer is essential for the development of novel preventative and therapeutic approaches for cancer treatment and prophylaxis.
Although the Soviet Union was a party to the 1972 Biological and Toxin Weapons Convention, it con... more Although the Soviet Union was a party to the 1972 Biological and Toxin Weapons Convention, it continued a high-intensity program to develop and produce biological weapons through at least the early 1990s. The size and scope of this program were
The regulation of cancerous tumor development is converged upon by multiple pathways and factors.... more The regulation of cancerous tumor development is converged upon by multiple pathways and factors. Besides environmental factors, gastrointestinal (GI) tract cancer can be caused by chronic inflammation, which is generally induced by bacteria, viruses, and parasites. The role of these inducers in cancer development, cell differentiation and transformation, cell cycle deregulation, and in the expression of tumor-associated genes cannot be ignored. Although Helicobacter pylori activates many oncogenic pathways, particularly those in gastric and colorectal cancers, the role of viruses in tumor development is also significant. Viruses possess significant oncogenic potential to interfere with normal cell cycle control and genome stability, stimulating the growth of deregulated cells. An increasing amount of recent data also implies the association of GI cancers with bacterial colonization and viruses. This review focuses on host-cell interactions that facilitate primary mechanisms of tumorigenesis and provides new insights into novel GI cancer treatments.
A Quick Reference for Potential Biological Weapons (tear out sheet) Preface How to Use This Book ... more A Quick Reference for Potential Biological Weapons (tear out sheet) Preface How to Use This Book Introduction Basic Bioterrorism (Section I) What is Bioterrorism? Flu-Like Illness What Makes an Effective Weapon Personal Precautions: Table 1 (Comparison of Symptoms of Potential Biological Weapons to Influenza) Table 2 (Signs that Suggest an Attack with a Biological Weapon) Syndromic Cross References (Section 2) Fever with Prominent Arthralgias Acute Hepatic Syndrome Hemorrhagic Diathesis Hilar Adenopathy or Widened Mediastinum Fever with Petechiae Cutaneuos Lesions of Ulcertations Acute Respiratory Syndrome With Fever Acute Respiratory Syndrome Without Fever Flu-Like Illness with Rash Fever with Lymphadenopathy Acute Neurologic Syndrome with Fever Acute Neurologic Syndrome without Fever Acute GI Syndrome with Fever Acute GI Syndrome without Fever Individual Biologic Weapon Detalied Quick Reference (Section 3) Aflatoxins Anthrax (Inhalational & gastrointestinal) Anthrax (Cutaneous) Blastomucosis Botulism (Botulism Toxins) Brucellosis Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever Chikungunya Cholera Dengue Fever (Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever) Domoic Acid (Amnesic Shellfish Poisining) Ebola and Marburg Viral Hemorrhagic Fevers Encephalis, Viral (Venezuelan, Eastern, Western, St. Louis, Japanese, and West Nile Virus) Imfluenza Glanders Hantavirus Kyansunur Forest Disease Lassa Virus and the South American Viral Hemorrhagic Fevers Legionellosis Leptospirosis Melioidosis Nipah Virus Omsk Hemorrhagic Fever Plague Psittacosis Q Fever Ricin and Abrin Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever Rift Valley Fever Salmonellosis (Typhoid, parathypoid and Non-Typhoidal) Saxitoxin (Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning) Staphylococcal Enterotoxin B Shigellosis Smallpox (information sheet) Smallpox (Color Atlas and Visual Guide) Trichothescene (T-2) Mycotoxins Tetrodotoxin Tularemia Typhus (Epedemic, Murine and Scrub) Yellow Fever Basic Chemical Terrorism (Section 4) What is Chemical Terrorism Physical Properties of Chemical Weapons Protecting Yourself Chemical Weapon Syndriomic Cross References (Section 5) Prominent Skin Rash, Blistering, and/or Burns Prominent Pulmonary Symptoms Seizures and/or Sudde Coma Acute Hemolytic Anemia Individual Chemical Weapon Detailed Quick References (Section 6) Nerve Agents Cyanides (Blood Agents) Hydrogen Sulfide Pulmonary Agents Mustard Lewisite hosgene Oxime (CX) Anhydrous Ammonia, Sulfur Dioxide, and Hydrogen Chloride Hydrogen Flouride Arsine Lacrimators (Tear Gas) References Resources on the Internet Glossary Index
Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data Bioterrorism and infectious agents: a new dile... more Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data Bioterrorism and infectious agents: a new dilemma for the 21st century / I. W. Fong, Kenneth Alibek. p. cm.-(Emerging infectious diseases of the 21st century) Includes bibliographical references and index.
Recently, we demonstrated that simultaneous blocking of bacterial growth by antibiotics and inhib... more Recently, we demonstrated that simultaneous blocking of bacterial growth by antibiotics and inhibition of anthrax toxin action with antibodies against protective antigen were beneficial for the treatment of anthrax. The present study examined the hypothesis that blocking the pore formed by protective antigen can inhibit the action of anthrax toxin. The potential inhibitors were chosen by a structure-based design using beta-cyclodextrin as the starting molecule. Several beta-cyclodextrin derivatives were evaluated for their ability to protect RAW 264.7 cells from the action of anthrax lethal toxin. Per-substituted aminoalkyl derivatives displayed inhibitory activity and were protective against anthrax lethal toxin action at low micromolar concentrations. These results provide the basis for a structure-based drug discovery program, with the goal of identifying new drug candidates for anthrax treatment.
Recent clinical and pre-clinical data demonstrate that adjuvant antimicrobial therapy is benefici... more Recent clinical and pre-clinical data demonstrate that adjuvant antimicrobial therapy is beneficial in cancer treatment. There could be several reasons for this effect, which include treating cancer associated bacteria and viruses, prophylaxis of post-chemotherapy infections due to immunosuppression, and antiproliferative effect of certain antimicrobials. Targeting cancer associated viruses and bacteria with antimicrobial agents is currently used for gastric, cervical, hematopoietic, liver and brain cancer. However this treatment is effective only in combination with conventional therapies. Antimicrobials can also have a direct antiproliferative and cytotoxic effect, and can cause apoptosis. Moreover, some antimicrobials are known to be helpful in overcoming side effects of drugs commonly used in cancer treatment. Chemotherapy related bacteremia and neutropenia can be overcome by the appropriately timed use of antimicrobials. This review summarizes the data on the effects of antivirals and antibiotics on cancer treatment and describes their mechanisms.
Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are a range of neurodevelopmental conditions that are clinically ... more Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are a range of neurodevelopmental conditions that are clinically present early in childhood with the symptoms of social withdrawal and repetitive behavior. Despite an extensive research on ASD, no commonly accepted theory on the disease etiology exists. Hence, we reviewed several scientific publications, including reviews, preclinical and clinical investigations, and published hypotheses to analyze various opinions on the nature and cause of the disorder. Many studies suggest that infections and inflammation during pregnancy play a significant role in genetic and epigenetic changes in the developing fetus, resulting in an autistic phenotype in a child. Still, there is a lack of comprehensive literature about the multitude of autism inducing factors. Therefore, this article reviews and discusses available scientific evidence on the roles of viral, bacterial, fungal, and parasitic infections, overactivation of the immune system, and intestinal microflora in the pathogenesis and clinical manifestation of ASD. The overview of the scientific publications, including our own studies, suggests that TORCH infections, imbalanced microbiome, and persistent inflammation are significantly ‡, § § ‡ | This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the CC0 Public Domain Dedication. associated with the disruption of the social domain in ASD children. The ASD-related changes begin prenatally as maternal-to-fetal immune activation triggered by infection. It results in continuous low-grade inflammation and oxidative stress in a fetus, causing germline and somatic genetic changes in the developing brain and the establishment of the dysregulated immune system. These changes and dysregulations result in central and peripheral nervous systems dysfunctions as well as other comorbid conditions found in autistic children.
Published evidence suggests that congenital infections caused by a variety of infectious agents c... more Published evidence suggests that congenital infections caused by a variety of infectious agents can result in an infant's inflammation and immune system disruptions, which have potential to cause neurodevelopmental changes leading to autism spectrum disorder (ASD). We conducted the assessment of 57 ASD children through web-mediated communication, questionnaires, and laboratory analyses of blood parameters. The results show that 57 children from Central Asia and Eastern Europe diagnosed with ASD had multiple signs of infections, inflammation, immune system disruption, and folate deficiency. Our collected information gives us an assumption that initial negative changes resulting in the autistic phenotypes in these children were initiated during the mother's pregnancy producing a number of negative etiopathogenic changes resulting in the disorder.
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that reveals itself by social com... more Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that reveals itself by social communication problems, restrictive/repetitive behavior, and language impairment. ASD is a growing problem in the USA and in the world with no commonly-accepted etiology resulting in the absence of effective methods of treatment. Based on more than 80 scientific publications we are proposing the following understanding of ASD: it is a genetic disorder, in which some changes in DNA are resulting from a congenital mother to fetus transmitted infection and maternal immune activation. The infections and maternal immune activation result in oxidative stress and production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and other mediators. Based on this understanding, we developed a method of long-term etiotropic and pathogenetic therapy tailored to major chronic/latent infections, inflammation and immune system aberration. We present six cases of ASD treatment, which included the antiviral medication Valacyclovir and five nutritional supplements. The presented results are based on five cycles of treatment continued for 5 months. In all six cases the treatment resulted in social communication skills and behavioral improvements well as positive changes in the physical and psychological conditions. These improvements covariated with a tendency to normalization of blood and immune parameters. Social communication skills, behavioral, physical and psychological improvements also positively affected parents whose subjected quality of life increased over course of the treatment. According to parents of these children, the proposed treatment had superior efficacy compared to other types of treatment that their children underwent before.
A Quick Reference for Potential Biological Weapons (tear out sheet) Preface How to Use This Book ... more A Quick Reference for Potential Biological Weapons (tear out sheet) Preface How to Use This Book Introduction Basic Bioterrorism (Section I) What is Bioterrorism? Flu-Like Illness What Makes an Effective Weapon Personal Precautions: Table 1 (Comparison of Symptoms of Potential Biological Weapons to Influenza) Table 2 (Signs that Suggest an Attack with a Biological Weapon) Syndromic Cross References (Section 2) Fever with Prominent Arthralgias Acute Hepatic Syndrome Hemorrhagic Diathesis Hilar Adenopathy or Widened Mediastinum Fever with Petechiae Cutaneuos Lesions of Ulcertations Acute Respiratory Syndrome With Fever Acute Respiratory Syndrome Without Fever Flu-Like Illness with Rash Fever with Lymphadenopathy Acute Neurologic Syndrome with Fever Acute Neurologic Syndrome without Fever Acute GI Syndrome with Fever Acute GI Syndrome without Fever Individual Biologic Weapon Detalied Quick Reference (Section 3) Aflatoxins Anthrax (Inhalational & gastrointestinal) Anthrax (Cutaneous) Blastomucosis Botulism (Botulism Toxins) Brucellosis Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever Chikungunya Cholera Dengue Fever (Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever) Domoic Acid (Amnesic Shellfish Poisining) Ebola and Marburg Viral Hemorrhagic Fevers Encephalis, Viral (Venezuelan, Eastern, Western, St. Louis, Japanese, and West Nile Virus) Imfluenza Glanders Hantavirus Kyansunur Forest Disease Lassa Virus and the South American Viral Hemorrhagic Fevers Legionellosis Leptospirosis Melioidosis Nipah Virus Omsk Hemorrhagic Fever Plague Psittacosis Q Fever Ricin and Abrin Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever Rift Valley Fever Salmonellosis (Typhoid, parathypoid and Non-Typhoidal) Saxitoxin (Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning) Staphylococcal Enterotoxin B Shigellosis Smallpox (information sheet) Smallpox (Color Atlas and Visual Guide) Trichothescene (T-2) Mycotoxins Tetrodotoxin Tularemia Typhus (Epedemic, Murine and Scrub) Yellow Fever Basic Chemical Terrorism (Section 4) What is Chemical Terrorism Physical Properties of Chemical Weapons Protecting Yourself Chemical Weapon Syndriomic Cross References (Section 5) Prominent Skin Rash, Blistering, and/or Burns Prominent Pulmonary Symptoms Seizures and/or Sudde Coma Acute Hemolytic Anemia Individual Chemical Weapon Detailed Quick References (Section 6) Nerve Agents Cyanides (Blood Agents) Hydrogen Sulfide Pulmonary Agents Mustard Lewisite hosgene Oxime (CX) Anhydrous Ammonia, Sulfur Dioxide, and Hydrogen Chloride Hydrogen Flouride Arsine Lacrimators (Tear Gas) References Resources on the Internet Glossary Index
Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences, Dec 1, 1999
I was the First Deputy Chief of Biopreparat, the civilian branch of the Soviet Union's anti-perso... more I was the First Deputy Chief of Biopreparat, the civilian branch of the Soviet Union's anti-personnel biological weapons program. Although all of my work was conducted in the area of anti-personnel biological weapons, my duties included sitting on high-level scientific and administrative councils that oversaw the work of all of the branches of the Soviet Union's biological weapons program, including that concerned with anti-agricultural weapons. In particular, I attended meetings of the Military-Industrial Commission, which was responsible for governmental and administrative oversight of these programs. I was also a member of the Interagency Scientific and Technical Council, which met bimonthly to discuss scientific achievements and approaches in all areas of biological weapons development. This council's membership included Major-General Khudyakov, the director of the Ministry of Agriculture's Main Directorate of Scientific Research and Production Facilities. This directorate was responsible for the research, development, and production of anti-agricultural biological weapons. Through these meetings, I obtained a great deal of information on the Soviet Union's anti-agricultural biological weapons program. Although the Soviet Union had been developing anti-personnel biological weapons since the late 1920s, it began to develop anti-agricultural biological weapons only in the late 1940s or early 1950s. By this time, the U.S. already had begun such work. My theory is that the Soviet Union developed an interest in anti-agricultural weapons specifically because the Americans were developing them. The code name for this program was "Ecology," and as mentioned above, it was run by the Ministry of Agriculture's Main Directorate of Scientific Research and Production Facilities. The weapons developed by this agency can be divided into three categories: anti-crop, anti-livestock, and combined anti-personnel/antilivestock. The anti-crop agents included wheat rust, rice blast, and rye blast; the antilivestock weapons included African swine fever, rinderpest, and foot-and-mouth disease; and the combined anti-personnel/anti-livestock agents included anthrax and psittacosis. Although some of the agents designated for weapons use in the anti-agricultural program coincide with those used in the anti-personnel program-anthrax being the most notable example-the Ministry of Agriculture independently developed its own production techniques. In contrast to the sophisticated reactor techniques devel
The most recent studies and publications demonstrate the enormous role of infectious agents and c... more The most recent studies and publications demonstrate the enormous role of infectious agents and chronic inflammation not only in various comorbid conditions in autistic patients but also in the dysregulation of the immune system, which in turn leads to the accumulation of immunodeficiency states and to a worsening of the autistic phenotype. Therefore, the focus of this article is on how congenital and early postnatal infections found in children with autism spectrum disorders may trigger the chain of pathological events found in autism. We discuss how some infectious agents such as Toxoplasma gondii, measles, rubella, cytomegalovirus, Epstein-Barr virus, and herpes-simplex virus-1 and 2 are involved in the dysregulation of immunity and nervous system abnormalities. Furthermore, we want to provide recommendations for potential combined treatment methods for patients with autism with concomitant immune dysfunction.
Anthrax infection was described in ancient literature and religious writings. Some biblical schol... more Anthrax infection was described in ancient literature and religious writings. Some biblical scholars have interpreted descriptions of two of the plagues that struck Egypt around 1500 B.C. as anthrax epidemics. The 5th plague, as described in the book of Exodus, is a plague of grievous murrain (an infectious and fast-spreading disease) that affected livestock (Witkowski, 2002). The description of the 6th plague, or the Plague of Boils, is very similar to the symptoms of cutaneous anthrax (raised inflammatory swelling and blisters also suggest anthrax) (CNN.com, 2001). Descriptions of anthrax infection exist in ancient literature as well. For example, scholars have construed the "burning plague" described in Homer's Iliad (estimated date 950-700 B.C.) as an anthrax epidemic (Witkowski, 2002). In addition, Virgil detailed an outbreak in Georgics (29 B.C.). Georgics is set in the world of animal husbandry and describes a murrain that devastated farms and meadows, polluted water supplies, and contaminated food sources. Flocks of sheep were affected, and human victims died after suffering burning fever and shriveled flesh. Virgil made the connection between the murrain that affected the sheep and the disease killing humans: If anyone wore a garment made from tainted wool, his limbs were soon attacked by inflamed papules and foul exudates, and if he delayed too long to remove the material, a violent inflammation consumed the parts it had touched. (Witkowski, 2002) Anthrax is the most likely infection to cause this. Periodically, over the following millennia, there were outbreaks of anthrax worldwide. For example, there was a substantial outbreak in Germany in the 14th century. During the 17th century, there were large outbreaks in Russia and one in Europe that killed more than 60,000 head of cattle (CNN.com, 2001). During the mid-18th century, a panzootic consumed half of the sheep in Europe (Witkowski, 2002).
In an era of medicine where the patient has the potential to access the vast array of scientific ... more In an era of medicine where the patient has the potential to access the vast array of scientific literature that is now on offer, it is important to convey groundbreaking research, not only in the form of reviews, perspectives and editorials, but also by presenting pure opinion and discussion. Ask The Experts is designed to allow experts in their respective fields of virology to voice their ideas on issues that have made headlines around the world, owing to their important and controversial nature. Avian influenza, biological weapons and HIV antivirals are just some of the most widely debated areas of biomedical science in the 21st century among both scientists and the public. Kenneth Alibek, Michael Katze, Mark Wainberg and Richard Webby give their views to Future Virology.
Likars'ka sprava / Ministerstvo okhorony zdorov'ia Ukraïny, Jul 1, 2007
More than one century passed since the viral cancerogenesis theory was declared. Enormous massive... more More than one century passed since the viral cancerogenesis theory was declared. Enormous massive of new data on the role of viruses and viral constructions in cancer initiation and progression has been accumulated with the development of new diagnostic methods and biotechnology. The aim of this review was the analysis of current literature data on the impact of viruses in the development of malignancies.
In the case of current COVID-19, successful prophylactic approaches are likely to have a greater ... more In the case of current COVID-19, successful prophylactic approaches are likely to have a greater impact than successful treatment approaches. In this article, we discuss the challenges before the creation of anti-SARS-CoV-2 vaccines and opportunities of other means that can enhance non-specific immunity focusing on interferon in particular. Since efficacy of intranasal interferons against a number of pathogens throughout a period of 37 years and against COVID-19 as well as safety have been shown, this method of protection can be introduced in a short period while using a permitted off-label application approach.
All human herpesviruses (HHVs) have been implicated in immune system evasion and suppression. Mor... more All human herpesviruses (HHVs) have been implicated in immune system evasion and suppression. Moreover, two HHV family members, i.e. EBV and KSHV, are recognised as oncogenic viruses. Our literature review summarises additional examples of possible oncogenic mechanisms that have been attributed to other HHVs. In general, HHVs affect almost every cancer-implicated branch of the immune system, namely tumour-promoting inflammation, immune evasion, and immunosuppression. Some HHVs accomplish these effects by inhibiting apoptotic pathways and by promoting proliferation. Mechanisms related to immunosupression and low grade chronic inflammation could eventually result in the initiation and progression of cancer. In this article we open a discussion on the members of Herpesviridae, their immune evasion and suppression mechanisms, and their possible role in cancer development. We conclude that discerning the mechanisms of interplay between HHV, immune system, and cancer is essential for the development of novel preventative and therapeutic approaches for cancer treatment and prophylaxis.
Although the Soviet Union was a party to the 1972 Biological and Toxin Weapons Convention, it con... more Although the Soviet Union was a party to the 1972 Biological and Toxin Weapons Convention, it continued a high-intensity program to develop and produce biological weapons through at least the early 1990s. The size and scope of this program were
The regulation of cancerous tumor development is converged upon by multiple pathways and factors.... more The regulation of cancerous tumor development is converged upon by multiple pathways and factors. Besides environmental factors, gastrointestinal (GI) tract cancer can be caused by chronic inflammation, which is generally induced by bacteria, viruses, and parasites. The role of these inducers in cancer development, cell differentiation and transformation, cell cycle deregulation, and in the expression of tumor-associated genes cannot be ignored. Although Helicobacter pylori activates many oncogenic pathways, particularly those in gastric and colorectal cancers, the role of viruses in tumor development is also significant. Viruses possess significant oncogenic potential to interfere with normal cell cycle control and genome stability, stimulating the growth of deregulated cells. An increasing amount of recent data also implies the association of GI cancers with bacterial colonization and viruses. This review focuses on host-cell interactions that facilitate primary mechanisms of tumorigenesis and provides new insights into novel GI cancer treatments.
A Quick Reference for Potential Biological Weapons (tear out sheet) Preface How to Use This Book ... more A Quick Reference for Potential Biological Weapons (tear out sheet) Preface How to Use This Book Introduction Basic Bioterrorism (Section I) What is Bioterrorism? Flu-Like Illness What Makes an Effective Weapon Personal Precautions: Table 1 (Comparison of Symptoms of Potential Biological Weapons to Influenza) Table 2 (Signs that Suggest an Attack with a Biological Weapon) Syndromic Cross References (Section 2) Fever with Prominent Arthralgias Acute Hepatic Syndrome Hemorrhagic Diathesis Hilar Adenopathy or Widened Mediastinum Fever with Petechiae Cutaneuos Lesions of Ulcertations Acute Respiratory Syndrome With Fever Acute Respiratory Syndrome Without Fever Flu-Like Illness with Rash Fever with Lymphadenopathy Acute Neurologic Syndrome with Fever Acute Neurologic Syndrome without Fever Acute GI Syndrome with Fever Acute GI Syndrome without Fever Individual Biologic Weapon Detalied Quick Reference (Section 3) Aflatoxins Anthrax (Inhalational & gastrointestinal) Anthrax (Cutaneous) Blastomucosis Botulism (Botulism Toxins) Brucellosis Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever Chikungunya Cholera Dengue Fever (Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever) Domoic Acid (Amnesic Shellfish Poisining) Ebola and Marburg Viral Hemorrhagic Fevers Encephalis, Viral (Venezuelan, Eastern, Western, St. Louis, Japanese, and West Nile Virus) Imfluenza Glanders Hantavirus Kyansunur Forest Disease Lassa Virus and the South American Viral Hemorrhagic Fevers Legionellosis Leptospirosis Melioidosis Nipah Virus Omsk Hemorrhagic Fever Plague Psittacosis Q Fever Ricin and Abrin Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever Rift Valley Fever Salmonellosis (Typhoid, parathypoid and Non-Typhoidal) Saxitoxin (Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning) Staphylococcal Enterotoxin B Shigellosis Smallpox (information sheet) Smallpox (Color Atlas and Visual Guide) Trichothescene (T-2) Mycotoxins Tetrodotoxin Tularemia Typhus (Epedemic, Murine and Scrub) Yellow Fever Basic Chemical Terrorism (Section 4) What is Chemical Terrorism Physical Properties of Chemical Weapons Protecting Yourself Chemical Weapon Syndriomic Cross References (Section 5) Prominent Skin Rash, Blistering, and/or Burns Prominent Pulmonary Symptoms Seizures and/or Sudde Coma Acute Hemolytic Anemia Individual Chemical Weapon Detailed Quick References (Section 6) Nerve Agents Cyanides (Blood Agents) Hydrogen Sulfide Pulmonary Agents Mustard Lewisite hosgene Oxime (CX) Anhydrous Ammonia, Sulfur Dioxide, and Hydrogen Chloride Hydrogen Flouride Arsine Lacrimators (Tear Gas) References Resources on the Internet Glossary Index
Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data Bioterrorism and infectious agents: a new dile... more Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data Bioterrorism and infectious agents: a new dilemma for the 21st century / I. W. Fong, Kenneth Alibek. p. cm.-(Emerging infectious diseases of the 21st century) Includes bibliographical references and index.
Recently, we demonstrated that simultaneous blocking of bacterial growth by antibiotics and inhib... more Recently, we demonstrated that simultaneous blocking of bacterial growth by antibiotics and inhibition of anthrax toxin action with antibodies against protective antigen were beneficial for the treatment of anthrax. The present study examined the hypothesis that blocking the pore formed by protective antigen can inhibit the action of anthrax toxin. The potential inhibitors were chosen by a structure-based design using beta-cyclodextrin as the starting molecule. Several beta-cyclodextrin derivatives were evaluated for their ability to protect RAW 264.7 cells from the action of anthrax lethal toxin. Per-substituted aminoalkyl derivatives displayed inhibitory activity and were protective against anthrax lethal toxin action at low micromolar concentrations. These results provide the basis for a structure-based drug discovery program, with the goal of identifying new drug candidates for anthrax treatment.
Recent clinical and pre-clinical data demonstrate that adjuvant antimicrobial therapy is benefici... more Recent clinical and pre-clinical data demonstrate that adjuvant antimicrobial therapy is beneficial in cancer treatment. There could be several reasons for this effect, which include treating cancer associated bacteria and viruses, prophylaxis of post-chemotherapy infections due to immunosuppression, and antiproliferative effect of certain antimicrobials. Targeting cancer associated viruses and bacteria with antimicrobial agents is currently used for gastric, cervical, hematopoietic, liver and brain cancer. However this treatment is effective only in combination with conventional therapies. Antimicrobials can also have a direct antiproliferative and cytotoxic effect, and can cause apoptosis. Moreover, some antimicrobials are known to be helpful in overcoming side effects of drugs commonly used in cancer treatment. Chemotherapy related bacteremia and neutropenia can be overcome by the appropriately timed use of antimicrobials. This review summarizes the data on the effects of antivirals and antibiotics on cancer treatment and describes their mechanisms.
Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are a range of neurodevelopmental conditions that are clinically ... more Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are a range of neurodevelopmental conditions that are clinically present early in childhood with the symptoms of social withdrawal and repetitive behavior. Despite an extensive research on ASD, no commonly accepted theory on the disease etiology exists. Hence, we reviewed several scientific publications, including reviews, preclinical and clinical investigations, and published hypotheses to analyze various opinions on the nature and cause of the disorder. Many studies suggest that infections and inflammation during pregnancy play a significant role in genetic and epigenetic changes in the developing fetus, resulting in an autistic phenotype in a child. Still, there is a lack of comprehensive literature about the multitude of autism inducing factors. Therefore, this article reviews and discusses available scientific evidence on the roles of viral, bacterial, fungal, and parasitic infections, overactivation of the immune system, and intestinal microflora in the pathogenesis and clinical manifestation of ASD. The overview of the scientific publications, including our own studies, suggests that TORCH infections, imbalanced microbiome, and persistent inflammation are significantly ‡, § § ‡ | This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the CC0 Public Domain Dedication. associated with the disruption of the social domain in ASD children. The ASD-related changes begin prenatally as maternal-to-fetal immune activation triggered by infection. It results in continuous low-grade inflammation and oxidative stress in a fetus, causing germline and somatic genetic changes in the developing brain and the establishment of the dysregulated immune system. These changes and dysregulations result in central and peripheral nervous systems dysfunctions as well as other comorbid conditions found in autistic children.
Published evidence suggests that congenital infections caused by a variety of infectious agents c... more Published evidence suggests that congenital infections caused by a variety of infectious agents can result in an infant's inflammation and immune system disruptions, which have potential to cause neurodevelopmental changes leading to autism spectrum disorder (ASD). We conducted the assessment of 57 ASD children through web-mediated communication, questionnaires, and laboratory analyses of blood parameters. The results show that 57 children from Central Asia and Eastern Europe diagnosed with ASD had multiple signs of infections, inflammation, immune system disruption, and folate deficiency. Our collected information gives us an assumption that initial negative changes resulting in the autistic phenotypes in these children were initiated during the mother's pregnancy producing a number of negative etiopathogenic changes resulting in the disorder.
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that reveals itself by social com... more Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that reveals itself by social communication problems, restrictive/repetitive behavior, and language impairment. ASD is a growing problem in the USA and in the world with no commonly-accepted etiology resulting in the absence of effective methods of treatment. Based on more than 80 scientific publications we are proposing the following understanding of ASD: it is a genetic disorder, in which some changes in DNA are resulting from a congenital mother to fetus transmitted infection and maternal immune activation. The infections and maternal immune activation result in oxidative stress and production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and other mediators. Based on this understanding, we developed a method of long-term etiotropic and pathogenetic therapy tailored to major chronic/latent infections, inflammation and immune system aberration. We present six cases of ASD treatment, which included the antiviral medication Valacyclovir and five nutritional supplements. The presented results are based on five cycles of treatment continued for 5 months. In all six cases the treatment resulted in social communication skills and behavioral improvements well as positive changes in the physical and psychological conditions. These improvements covariated with a tendency to normalization of blood and immune parameters. Social communication skills, behavioral, physical and psychological improvements also positively affected parents whose subjected quality of life increased over course of the treatment. According to parents of these children, the proposed treatment had superior efficacy compared to other types of treatment that their children underwent before.
A Quick Reference for Potential Biological Weapons (tear out sheet) Preface How to Use This Book ... more A Quick Reference for Potential Biological Weapons (tear out sheet) Preface How to Use This Book Introduction Basic Bioterrorism (Section I) What is Bioterrorism? Flu-Like Illness What Makes an Effective Weapon Personal Precautions: Table 1 (Comparison of Symptoms of Potential Biological Weapons to Influenza) Table 2 (Signs that Suggest an Attack with a Biological Weapon) Syndromic Cross References (Section 2) Fever with Prominent Arthralgias Acute Hepatic Syndrome Hemorrhagic Diathesis Hilar Adenopathy or Widened Mediastinum Fever with Petechiae Cutaneuos Lesions of Ulcertations Acute Respiratory Syndrome With Fever Acute Respiratory Syndrome Without Fever Flu-Like Illness with Rash Fever with Lymphadenopathy Acute Neurologic Syndrome with Fever Acute Neurologic Syndrome without Fever Acute GI Syndrome with Fever Acute GI Syndrome without Fever Individual Biologic Weapon Detalied Quick Reference (Section 3) Aflatoxins Anthrax (Inhalational & gastrointestinal) Anthrax (Cutaneous) Blastomucosis Botulism (Botulism Toxins) Brucellosis Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever Chikungunya Cholera Dengue Fever (Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever) Domoic Acid (Amnesic Shellfish Poisining) Ebola and Marburg Viral Hemorrhagic Fevers Encephalis, Viral (Venezuelan, Eastern, Western, St. Louis, Japanese, and West Nile Virus) Imfluenza Glanders Hantavirus Kyansunur Forest Disease Lassa Virus and the South American Viral Hemorrhagic Fevers Legionellosis Leptospirosis Melioidosis Nipah Virus Omsk Hemorrhagic Fever Plague Psittacosis Q Fever Ricin and Abrin Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever Rift Valley Fever Salmonellosis (Typhoid, parathypoid and Non-Typhoidal) Saxitoxin (Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning) Staphylococcal Enterotoxin B Shigellosis Smallpox (information sheet) Smallpox (Color Atlas and Visual Guide) Trichothescene (T-2) Mycotoxins Tetrodotoxin Tularemia Typhus (Epedemic, Murine and Scrub) Yellow Fever Basic Chemical Terrorism (Section 4) What is Chemical Terrorism Physical Properties of Chemical Weapons Protecting Yourself Chemical Weapon Syndriomic Cross References (Section 5) Prominent Skin Rash, Blistering, and/or Burns Prominent Pulmonary Symptoms Seizures and/or Sudde Coma Acute Hemolytic Anemia Individual Chemical Weapon Detailed Quick References (Section 6) Nerve Agents Cyanides (Blood Agents) Hydrogen Sulfide Pulmonary Agents Mustard Lewisite hosgene Oxime (CX) Anhydrous Ammonia, Sulfur Dioxide, and Hydrogen Chloride Hydrogen Flouride Arsine Lacrimators (Tear Gas) References Resources on the Internet Glossary Index
Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences, Dec 1, 1999
I was the First Deputy Chief of Biopreparat, the civilian branch of the Soviet Union's anti-perso... more I was the First Deputy Chief of Biopreparat, the civilian branch of the Soviet Union's anti-personnel biological weapons program. Although all of my work was conducted in the area of anti-personnel biological weapons, my duties included sitting on high-level scientific and administrative councils that oversaw the work of all of the branches of the Soviet Union's biological weapons program, including that concerned with anti-agricultural weapons. In particular, I attended meetings of the Military-Industrial Commission, which was responsible for governmental and administrative oversight of these programs. I was also a member of the Interagency Scientific and Technical Council, which met bimonthly to discuss scientific achievements and approaches in all areas of biological weapons development. This council's membership included Major-General Khudyakov, the director of the Ministry of Agriculture's Main Directorate of Scientific Research and Production Facilities. This directorate was responsible for the research, development, and production of anti-agricultural biological weapons. Through these meetings, I obtained a great deal of information on the Soviet Union's anti-agricultural biological weapons program. Although the Soviet Union had been developing anti-personnel biological weapons since the late 1920s, it began to develop anti-agricultural biological weapons only in the late 1940s or early 1950s. By this time, the U.S. already had begun such work. My theory is that the Soviet Union developed an interest in anti-agricultural weapons specifically because the Americans were developing them. The code name for this program was "Ecology," and as mentioned above, it was run by the Ministry of Agriculture's Main Directorate of Scientific Research and Production Facilities. The weapons developed by this agency can be divided into three categories: anti-crop, anti-livestock, and combined anti-personnel/antilivestock. The anti-crop agents included wheat rust, rice blast, and rye blast; the antilivestock weapons included African swine fever, rinderpest, and foot-and-mouth disease; and the combined anti-personnel/anti-livestock agents included anthrax and psittacosis. Although some of the agents designated for weapons use in the anti-agricultural program coincide with those used in the anti-personnel program-anthrax being the most notable example-the Ministry of Agriculture independently developed its own production techniques. In contrast to the sophisticated reactor techniques devel
The most recent studies and publications demonstrate the enormous role of infectious agents and c... more The most recent studies and publications demonstrate the enormous role of infectious agents and chronic inflammation not only in various comorbid conditions in autistic patients but also in the dysregulation of the immune system, which in turn leads to the accumulation of immunodeficiency states and to a worsening of the autistic phenotype. Therefore, the focus of this article is on how congenital and early postnatal infections found in children with autism spectrum disorders may trigger the chain of pathological events found in autism. We discuss how some infectious agents such as Toxoplasma gondii, measles, rubella, cytomegalovirus, Epstein-Barr virus, and herpes-simplex virus-1 and 2 are involved in the dysregulation of immunity and nervous system abnormalities. Furthermore, we want to provide recommendations for potential combined treatment methods for patients with autism with concomitant immune dysfunction.
Uploads
Papers by Ken Alibek