Author Archives: mlpzrdrg

May
02
2013

Nonsurgical Treatment Turns Back the Clock, Shrinks Enlarged Prostate

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The prostate plays an important role as it makes up 25% of the volume of semen that helps sperm in both mobility and survival (Tortora and Derrickson 2012). It continually grows to expand until about age 30 when expansion stops, but then at age 45 it continues to grow once again (Tortora and Derrickson 2012). However, a current U.S. trial of a new nonsurgical procedure called prostatic artery embolization is helping in reducing the prostate enlargement (ScienceDaily). Shrinking of the prostate will counteract many of the symptoms of enlarged prostates without the potential risks that surgery can have (ScienceDaily).

Prostatic artery embolization was performed in Europe and South America with a correlation between the treatment and prostate size (ScienceDaily). This treatment is being carried out in Inova Alexandria Hospital in Alexandria, Virginia headed by Sandeep Bagla, M.D. (ScienceDaily). Prostatic artery embolization works by blocking the flow of blood to the prostate artery and therefore causing a decrease in the size of the prostate (ScienceDaily). Prostate enlargement occurs more frequently in older men and prostate size increases with older age, and because most men don’t choose surgical procedures many of them are prone to bladder stones, poor kidney functions, and infections (ScienceDaily).

As modern medicine continues to allow for humans to live a longer period of time higher incidents of prostate enlargement increases therefore diminishing the lifestyle of many elderly men. This treatment is a great option for those that don’t want to risk impotence, leaking urine, or infection that can come from surgery (ScienceDaily). Patients treated with PAE have had great results with 92% seeing an improvement of their symptoms (ScienceDaily). This is a treatment with the potential to alleviate or rid of the symptoms of enlarged prostates with a quick and easy treatment that has had great success in the clinical studies.

Tortora G.J. and B. Derrickson. 2012. Principles of Anatomy and Physiology. 13th ed., John Wiley and Sons

Society of Interventional Radiology. “Nonsurgical treatment turns back the clock, shrinks enlarged prostate.”ScienceDaily, 15. Apr. 2013. Web. 17 Apr. 2013.

Apr
25
2013

Tweaking Gene Expression to Repair Lungs

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Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease occurs when airflow to the lungs is blocked causing an increase of airway resistance (Tortorra and Derrickson). It is one of the highest causes of death of Americans and affects males more than females, but female COPD diagnoses have recently increased (Tortorra and Derrickson). Its primary cause is cigarette smoking or secondhand smoke meaning it can be prevented by avoiding those activities (Tortorra and Derrickson). There is no cure for COPD but there are available treatments to ease symptoms (ScienceDaily). However, recent studies have shown that with the use of epigenetics, chemical modifications to DNA and its proteins, can cause the lungs to regenerate damaged tissue and possibly curing the disease (ScienceDaily).

Dr. Ed Morrisey from the Institute for Regenerative Medicine in the University of Pennsylvania is researching the possibility of repairing the regenerative property of the lungs that is lost with pulmonary diseases (ScienceDaily). His studies show that a person with COPD had a lower amount of an enzyme called HDAC2 which he believes leads to the inability of the lung epithelium to regenerate properly (ScienceDaily). Further studies supported his belief when it was found that the different types of HDACs in the body functioned for both development and regeneration of lung tissue (ScienceDaily). With this finding, he believes that further studies of HDAC activity can lead to treatments that could potentially cure many types of lung diseases like COPD (ScienceDaily).

The lungs are one of the most important organs in the body and taking care of them is critical for an overall well being, and avoiding damaging such an important organ can prevent one from getting a lung disease. Respiratory diseases are all too common in America with millions diagnosed with Asthma, COPD, Emphysema, Chronic bronchitis, and other lung related diseases. These disorders are a big burden to those affected by them, and those with the disorder live the rest of their life with it as there are no cures only treatments for the symptoms. However, this recent study on the effects of the HDAC enzyme can lead to further research that could allow for a treatment with HDAC to regenerate damaged lung tissue that would cure many respiratory diseases.

Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania. “Tweaking gene expression to repair lungs.” ScienceDaily, 25 Feb.  2013. Web. 28 Mar. 2013

Tortora G.J. and B. Derrickson. 2012. Principles of Anatomy and Physiology. 13th ed., John Wiley and Sons

 

Mar
23
2013

Heart Condition: Arrhythmia Culprit Caught in Action

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For the heart to contract several steps have to occur, but one main component used to make the heart contract is calcium. Calcium binding allows for actin and myosin to develop tension which influences the strength of the heart contraction (Tortorra and Derrickson). However, substances can alter a change of calcium flowing through the calcium channels leading the heart to beat too fast or too slow in a condition called arrhythmia (Tortorra and Derrickson). Many diseases and conditions are associated with arrhythmia, such as sudden heart attacks in healthy people, which has researchers wondering what causes this.

With the utilization of powerful X-rays, University of British Columbia researches have managed to create an animated model that shows how gene mutations can affect the beating of the heart (ScienceDaily).  After calcium enters the muscle cells of the heart a special protein is in charge of opening the calcium channels that allow for calcium to be released and consequently make the heart contract (ScienceDaily). A gene mutation in the special protein controlling calcium release has been linked to arrhythmia, and other cardiac problems (ScienceDaily). With the construction of a 3D animated model of how the gene mutation of the special protein affects heart contraction, researchers can now better understand how this mutation can be corrected, and therefore possibly save lives (ScienceDaily).

Our hearts beat to the sound of calcium, but gene mutations such as the one that affects the special protein of the calcium channels can lead to serious health risks, and that is why the creation of a 3D model is so important. With a 3D model of the gene mutation researchers are allowed to visibly see such a mutation and watch it in action as it would occur in real life. Therefore, from this model, possible treatments can be made that would prevent or diminish heart related conditions caused by the gene mutation in the special protein. Arrhythmia, at its worst, can cause death, but further research and the utilization of this 3D model can help lower arrhythmia related conditions of the heart (ScienceDaily).

Tortora G.J. and B. Derrickson. 2012. Principles of Anatomy and Physiology. 13th ed., John Wiley and Sons

University of British Columbia (2013, February 17). Heart condition: Arrhythmia culprit caught   in action. ScienceDaily. Retrieved February 25, 2013, from http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/02/130217134214.htm

Feb
12
2013

Sensory Hair Cells Regenerated, Hearing Restored in Noise-Damaged Mammal Ear

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Hearing is a process in which the hair cells in the cochlea play a very important role.  Hair cells are stimulated and moved by a vibrating sound wave and they  convert the vibration into an electrical signal that is interpreted by our brain as a sound (Tortora and Derrickson). So as a result of their important role in hearing, when the hair cells are damaged by extended contact with loud noise deafness can occur. A cochlear implant is usually the treatment performed to those with damaged hair cells to recover some hearing (Tortora and Derrickson). However, the Massachusetts Eye and Ear and Harvard Medical School researchers have  successfully performed an experiment in which with the use of a drug managed to regenerate hair cells in deaf mice ( ScienceDaily).

Researchers used a group of deaf mice to test a drug’s effectiveness of turning supporting cells into new hair cells in the cochlea. The drug used inhibited a signal in the Notch protein which surrounds hair cells, and as a result of the inhibition the surrounding cells began to turn into hair cells (ScienceDaily). Afterwards, the deaf mice recovered some hearing because of the regenerated hair cells, and the drug was found to be what caused this improvement in their hearing (ScienceDaily). With the use of an analyses  that showed increase hair cells in the deaf mice ears, researchers further supported the regenerating power of the drug that was used (ScienceDaily).

Researchers are excited to see the results that this drug produced in adult mice because it is the first time hair cell regeneration has been achieved in adult mammals (ScienceDaily).  Implants, surgeries, and other types of treatments for hearing loss can become a thing of the past with this new found research. With further improvements of this drug and more testing, this drug could be used to correct any hearing problems caused by the damage or absence of hair cells. However, for now we should all take the proper precautions to take care of our hair cells by minimizing the exposure to loud sounds for an extended period of time.

Sources:

Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary. “Sensory hair cells regenerated, hearing restored in noise damaged mammal ear. “ScienceDaily, 9 Jan.  2013. Web. 27 Jan. 2013. http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/01/130109124201.htm

Tortora G.J. and B. Derrickson. 2012. Principles of Anatomy and Physiology. 13th ed., John Wiley and Sons

 

 

Dec
04
2012

Good News: Migraines Hurt Your Head but Not Your Brain

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New research in the link between migraines and dementia or cognitive decline suggest that one is not associated with the other. Migraines result in sharp pain in one side of the brain and is accompanied with other symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light and sound (Mayo Clinic). Worldwide, twenty percent of females are affected by migraines, but a new research from Brigham and Women’s Hospital has suggested that migraines do not have the long term consequences commonly associated with it (ScienceDaily).

The Women’s Health Study, which consisted of about 40,000 women from ages 45 and older, was used to test the relationship between migraines and cognitive decline. Four groups were created: one with no history of migraines, migraines with aura, migraines without aura, and past history of migraine (ScienceDaily). Migraines with aura are those that include the normal symptoms but also with flashes of light, blind spots, or tingling in arm or leg prior to the onset of the migraine (Mayo Clinic). The study was carried out in a two year interval with up to three cognitive test at a time. The results were that women with no past history of migraines and those that did had no significant cognitive decline differences (ScienceDaily).

Cognitive decline which affects memory retention can negatively impact one’s daily life, but seeing that there isn’t a significant link between migraines and cognitive decline can bring hope to those that experience them. This study can help doctors in better diagnosing their patients since migraines are normally associated with cognitive decline, and cognitive decline is the first step to Alzheimer’s, which affect about 11% of those over the age of 65 (Tortora and Derrickson 2012). Further research in the affects of migraines will eliminate older beliefs about it and result in better treatment to the large population that are affected by migraines today.

Sources

Brigham and Women’s Hospital. “Good news. Migraines hurt your head but not your brain.” ScienceDaily. 10 Aug. 2012. Web. 29 Nov. 2012

Mayo Clinic Staff. Migraine. http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/migraine-headache/DS00120. Accessed November 29, 2012.

Tortora G.J. and B. Derrickson. 2012. Principles of Anatomy and Physiology. 13th ed., John Wiley and Sons

Dec
03
2012

Key Part of Old Mystery in Generating Muscle Mass Solved

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Muscle loss to disease and age is a widely studied subject because of the large population of elderly and the higher diagnosis of muscular disorders worldwide (Tortora and Derrickson 2012). Normally after 30 years of age humans begin losing muscle mass due to a variety of reasons such as decrease in exercise, and as a result of muscle mass loss: strength, muscle reflexes, and flexibility are affected (Tortora). According the article “Key Part of Old Mystery in Generating Muscle Mass Solved” from the ScienceDaily, Johns Hopkins researchers have identified how myostatin, a protein that muscle cells release to block further growth in the muscle, can be manipulated to increase muscle mass that would serve to help the elderly and patients who have been diagnosed with a muscular disorder (2012, September 27).Muscle stem cells, which serve to regenerate muscle mass when stimulated, known as satellite cells are affected with age and disease.

Knowing the effects of myostatin researches performed an experiment using specially bred mice to find out if myostatin binds to the satellite or muscle cells. Three tests where done in which the first group had defective satellite cells and the researchers blocked the activity of myostatin. They found that, blocking myostatin in the first group of mice resulted in an increase in their muscle mass suggesting myostatin did not act on satellite cells. A second experiment was performed with mice having functional satellite cells and the researchers again blocked myostatin activity. The results suggested that, although muscle mass increased in the absence of myostatin, the number of satellite cells did not, again suggesting myostatin did not affect the activity of satellite cells. Finally, to show that the relationship of myostatin is not with the satellite cells but with the muscle cells, researchers produced a group of mice whose muscle cells did not have the protein receptor that binds to myostatin. This experiment resulted in a notable muscle mass increase only in the mice whose muscle cells did not have the protein receptor that binds to myostatin, thus, establishing a meaningful relationship between myostatin and the muscle cell.

Because the cause of muscle loss and many muscular disorders affect satellite cells, focusing on the relationship between myostatin and the muscle cells could lead to better treatment for the elderly and those affected by muscle diseases. Although modern medicine has made a longer life possible, most who reach that stage of life deal with the pains and aches caused by muscle problems. So why not live a long life and live it for the most part comfortably? This lifestyle can be achieved by performing further research in the muscle cell and myostatin relationship.

Sources

Tortora G.J. and B. Derrickson. 2012. Principles of Anatomy and Physiology. 13th ed., John Wiley and Sons

Johns Hopkins Medicine (2012, September 27). Key part of old mystery in generating muscle mass solved. ScienceDaily. Retrieved November 25, 2012, from http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/09/120927141304.htm

 

Oct
10
2012

Computerized Osteoporosis Detection

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According to the article “Computerized osteoporosis detection” from the ScienceDaily, osteoporosis is increasing but X-ray imaging has not improved. Osteoporosis occurs when the breakdown of bone is faster than the production, and the main cause of this is the low amount of calcium in the body (Tortora). The disease can be treated with early detection but because X-ray imaging has not advanced, detection tends to occur in later-stages of the disease. However, a breakthrough in X-ray imaging has been made by Neelesh Kumar of the Central Scientific Instruments Organization in Chandigarh, India, and colleagues (2012, October 1).

Using a sophisticated computer algorithm they have made digitizing x-rays possible, and this leads to a better view of the bone therefore detecting osteoporosis becomes more accurate. The article also states that, because of the errors that can occur in the x-ray film, an incorrect diagnosis can be made, even by experts. This computerized system is able to work with the input of previous accurate x-ray images, and once the computer analyzes the bone it compares the bone to the x-rays in its database to conclude if it’s a positive or negative result. The testing of this new technique has been performed, and according to the results there is less than 2 percent error rate. However, because more input can added to the databases the results can become more accurate.

Although this program was created to better diagnose osteoporosis, it can be used for the diagnosis of different bone diseases and breaks. This technique can be implemented in public hospitals because new equipment would not be required, and this would lead to an accurate diagnosis for everyone. With earlier detection, the life span of those affected by this disease would increase. The half-million fractures that occur in the United States because of osteoporosis would decrease significantly with this new program.

Sep
07
2012

Newly Identified Stem Cell Population in Skin’s Epidermis Responsible for Tissue Repair 1st Blog

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Skin is a vital part of our body because of the protection it provides to our body from the outside world. Furthermore, have you ever wondered what actually happens when the skin is damaged and needs to be healed? Professor Cédric Blanpain from , Université libre de Bruxelles, Belgium along with Professor Benjamin Simmons from Cambridge, United Kingdom analyzed the process of wound healing by performing different experiments that concluded that there are two types of cells responsible for the healing .Libre de Bruxelles, University (2012, September 3). Newly identified stem cell population in skin’s epidermis responsible for tissue repair.

What began as an experiment to monitor the life cycle and preservation of the epidermis, led to an exposing of two dividing cells. The first is slow-cycling stem cells which perform most of the healing of the epidermis, and a unique characteristic of these cells is the ability to extend over large distances. Furthermore, it does not have to be at the exact site of the wound in order to treat it. This fact amazed Professor Blanpain  so much that he said, ” It was amazing to see these long trails of cells coming from a single stem cell located at a very long distance from the wound to repair the epidermis”. The other type of cells that were exposed are the progenitors cells which do normal repairs. These cells are active only at the site of the damaged tissue because they are unable to expand, and provide quick minor healing.

Knowing that there are two different cells working together to heal a wound can help doctors and researchers find out why some wounds heal faster than others and why some wounds leave scars and others don’t. Further study in this subject can lead to more efficient treatments for those that have been severely burn or cut. Regenerative medicine could be revolutionized because of the fact that each of the two cells described above have unique functions, and researching further qualities of each can lead to more effective medicine.