Hereditary Condition Causing Limb Weakness Traced to Gene for Menkes disease - a Rare Disorder

Mar 12th of 2010

Diseases Genetics Musculoskeletal FEATURED

A gene that causes a fatal childhood brain disorder can also cause adults to develop peripheral neuropathy, a condition resulting in weakness and decreased sensation in the hands and limbs, according to a study by researchers at the National Institutes of Health and other institutions. The study is the first to show that different mutations in the same gene cause the two seemingly unrelated disorders.

Food Allergy-Related Disorder Linked to Master Allergy Gene

Mar 8th of 2010

Research Immunology

Scientists have identified a region of a human chromosome that is associated with eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE), a recently recognized allergic disease. People with EoE frequently have difficulty eating or may be allergic to one or more foods. This study further suggests that a suspected so-called master allergy gene may play a role in the development of this rare but debilitating disorder.

FDA Announces Possible Safety Concern for HIV Drug Combination

Mar 1st of 2010

Diseases HIV/AIDS Immunology

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration today announced preliminary data suggesting that Invirase (saquinavir) in combination with Norvir (ritonavir) may have potentially important adverse effects on the heart.

Information on Life after Cancer Now Available on NIHSeniorHealth.gov

Mar 1st of 2010

Other News Seniors & Aging Cancer FEATURED

Older adults who have survived cancer can find out what to expect once treatment ends in Life after Cancer, the newest topic on NIHSenior Health. Visitors to the site will learn about managing follow-up care, physical and emotional changes, and relationships with family and friends. The topic also addresses how a person's age and health status can affect recovery and survival. This is important information for older adults who make up about 60 percent of cancer survivors and whose cancer tre...

NIH Clinical Trial Comparing Two Stroke Prevention Procedures Shows Surgery and Stenting Equally Safe and Effective

Mar 1st of 2010

Research Stroke FEATURED

A major new study of people at risk for stroke showed that two medical procedures designed to prevent future strokes are safe and effective overall. Physicians will now have more options in tailoring treatments for their patients at risk for stroke. In the trial of 2,502 participants, carotid endarterectomy (CEA), a surgical procedure to clear blocked blood flow and considered the gold standard prevention treatment, was compared to carotid artery stenting (CAS), a newer and less invasive proc...

NHGRI Launches Online Genomics Center for Educators of Nurses, Physician Assistants

Mar 1st of 2010

Student affairs

An online tool to help educators teach the next generation of nurses and physician assistants about genetics and genomics was launched today by the National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI), part of the National Institutes of Health. The tool is part of NHGRI's effort to address the growing need among health care professionals for knowledge in this area, which is paving the way for more individualized approaches to detect, treat and prevent many diseases.

Abnormal Glycoprotein Antibodies Identified as Possible Biomarkers for Cancer

Feb 22nd of 2010

Diseases Cancer FEATURED

Scientists have found that cancer patients produce antibodies that target abnormal glycoproteins (proteins with sugar molecules attached) made by their tumors. The result of this work suggests that antitumor antibodies in the blood may provide a fruitful source of sensitive biomarkers for cancer detection. The study, supported in part by the National Cancer Institute (NCI), part of the National Institutes of Health, appears in the Feb. 15, 2010 issue of the journal Cancer Research.

Scientists Map Genetic Regulatory Elements for the Heart

Feb 22nd of 2010

Research Genetics Cardiovascular

Scientists have devised a new computational model that can be used to reveal genetic regulatory elements responsible for development of the human heart and maintenance of its function. Although the teams focused on the heart, the computational method they developed is broadly applicable to other tissues, and was successfully used to identify regulatory elements for cells of the limbs and brain. Cataloging these regulatory sequences may improve understanding of diseases and lays the groundwor...

FDA Approves Rituxan (Rituximab) to Treat Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia

Feb 18th of 2010

Drugs Cancer Blood & Lymphatic

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration today approved Rituxan (rituximab) to treat certain patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), a slowly progressing blood and bone marrow cancer. Rituxan, an anti-cancer drug, is intended for patients with CLL who are beginning chemotherapy for the first time and for those who have not responded to other cancer drugs for CLL. Rituxan is administered with two other chemotherapy drugs, fludarabine and cyclophosphamide.

Scientists Identify Maternal and Fetal Genes That Increase Preterm Birth Risk

Feb 16th of 2010

Research Pregnancy Genetics

Researchers at the National Institutes of Health have identified DNA variants in mothers and fetuses that appear to increase the risk for preterm labor and delivery. The DNA variants were in genes involved in the regulation of inflammation and of the extracellular matrix, the mesh-like material that holds cells within tissues.