Health Newsletter:September 2007
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[edit] Gene Identification Helps To Screen for Diabetes Risk
Gene therapy is the new buzzword in a hope for cure of disease, and genetic tests also assist in predicting the risk for disease. These predictions are reaffirmed by research that comes from McGill University in Montreal under Dr. Constantin Polychronakos, a professor of pediatrics and human genetics. A new DNA chip has been used for testing the genetic makeup that produces diabetes type 1(also called Juvenile Diabetes).So far the analysis has confirmed four previously identified genetic locations that contribute to the development of diabetes 1, and the test identified a new location occupied by the gene. With the research team working on the discovery of all the remaining genes, they are confident to develop a test which will predict the risk of developing diabetes. Dr.Polychronakos expects the work to be complete in two to three years. The findings will influence future treatment options. The most promising treatment for those already diagnosed with diabetes1 are stem cell regenerative treatments, such as islet transplantation, since the Langerhans islets are responsible for the production of insulin in the pancreas. These therapies will only work, if the immune system is also treated so that the patient does not suffer a relapse of the disease. Once all the diabetes genes are identified, there will not only be fast screening, but also therapies that can be targeted more effectively.
The Medical Post, August 7, 2007, page 1 and 60
[edit] Emotional Distress Impairs Cognitive Function
Stress has been linked to numerous medical conditions, such as heart disease, stomach problems and muscle spasm. Stress also has been quoted as a silent killer. Research in the field of Alzheimer’s has shown that negative emotions and chronic distress are associated with increased vulnerability to this disease. Study author Dr. Robert Wilson of the Rush’s Alzheimer’s disease Center in Chicago has found that people most prone to psychological distress were 40% more likely to develop mild cognitive impairment (MCI) than the group that is least distress prone. Dr. Wilson stated that these individuals would not necessarily see a psychiatrist to help them deal with their negative emotions. It becomes clear, however, that persistent negative emotional states truly impact the physical well being, and also the cognitive status. For this reason more medical attention should be given to an older patient with emotional problems and even mild depression. It can become a treatment challenge, if there are personality traits or deeply entrenched behavior patterns that may not respond well to treatment. By understanding the biological link between chronic distress and loss of cognitive function in old age, early intervention can be a way to delay symptoms or prevent disease onset.
The Medical Post, August 7, 2007, page53
[edit] Weight Loss Surgery Reduces Mortality
Excessive bodyweight contributes to a host of illnesses. Diets and lifestyle changes, physical activity and exercise programs can contribute to successful weight los, but for a group of patients morbid obesity remains a significant problem. Weight loss surgery, also known as bariatric surgery has been on the increase. Opinions about the usefulness of bariatric surgery have been divided. Often it was seen as a heroic effort with lots of risks and questionable benefits. In some procedures patients did not show significant weight loss, and there were some doubts whether the risk of surgery was worth taking. Dr. Lars Sjoestroem of Gothenburg University has a detailed study on 4,047 Swedish patients with obesity, of which 2,010 underwent bariatric surgery, while 2,037 received non-surgical treatment. The two groups were compared for overall mortality after 11 years. The non-surgical control group lost little or no weight. The bariatric surgery patients did better. The most successful group was the one which received gastric bypass surgery with a weight loss of 25%. Vertical-based gastroplasty patients lost 16% of their weight, and those who underwent gastric banding lost 14% of their weight over 10 years. At follow up the overall mortality was significantly decreased in the group that underwent surgery. Death risk from disease which is associated with obesity, such as coronary artery disease was significantly decreased by 56%. The risk of death from diabetes was decreased by 92% and the risk of death from cancer also showed a reduction of 60%. US data show similar results of a decrease in long-term mortality in obese patients who underwent bariatric surgery and lost weight.
The New England Journal of Medicine, Aug. 23, 2007
[edit] MS Vaccine Breakthrough
One of the great hopes that is associated with genetic research is the goal to combat disease. With the human genome project completed it is now possible to look at new therapies. The work remains large and seems to be overwhelming, but a new vaccine for MS represents a major triumph. MS has been an illness that has devastated individuals and their families. It also has vexed and frustrated researchers and health professionals. Immunomodulating therapy with interferon has been able to make a difference in the quality of life for many patients, but so far it has been a seemingly impossible dream to find a vaccine that is safe and effective. Montreal research, which has been published in August, confirms that the vaccine works by reducing the numbers of the immune system cells attacking the nerve fibre sheath. MS belongs to the groups of autoimmune diseases, meaning that cells of the own immune system turn against other body cells and destroy them. The challenge has been to stop these cells. So far immunomodulators have been looked at as an answer to this problem. This breakthrough represents a first in the history of medicine where a DNA vaccine will be used in the treatment of an autoimmune disease, which is MS. Other autoimmune diseases are lupus or rheumatoid arthritis. No vaccine is available for these diseases, but the first DNA vaccine represents hope for many, that more therapies will become available.
October 2007 issue of Archives of Neurology
[edit] Ginseng Lowers Risk For Common Cold
In Chinese medicine the ginseng plant has been widely used. Its history in North America seems to be shorter at first glance, as it received more attention only, as Chinese medicine and acupuncture have become popular over the last decades. The Asian variety of ginseng known under its botanical name as Panax ginseng is only one of the species. There is however a variety which is native to the eastern part of the North American continent with the botanical name Panax quinquefolius. The first people using it were various Native American groups. They found it useful for childbirth and fertility. It was also used to help those with shortness of breath. Ginseng root was considered the more valuable part of the plant, and new research has found that root extracts of the North American ginseng have an influence on the immune system. The substance enhances the production of interleukin and interferon-gamma. The immunomodulary effects which can help in the prevention of respiratory disease have also been studied in clinical trials involving older adults. It turned out that the likelihood of developing acute respiratory illness was significantly lower in the group that was treated with a standardized formulation of 200 mg ginseng extract twice a day than in a group that did receive placebo or no treatment. It was also observed that the number of patient who had common colds was reduced in those who received ginseng. The absolute risk reduction of recurring common colds was 12.8 % and the total number of days with cold symptoms was 34.5% lower in the treatment group. Long term studies are still outstanding, but based on the interim findings ginseng extract taken in the winter month can be beneficial especially in the older population as a weapon against respirator illness.
1. J. Altern. Complement. Med. 2006;12:153-7 2. J. Am. Geriatr. Soc. 2004;52:13-9
