Symptoms And Treatments For Mesothelioma
By KhmengWat.com
Mesothelioma is one of the few cancers that don't exhibit symptoms until the cancer reaches the late stage of development and it is at this point that many cases become incurable. It also has Read more...
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International team identifies 21 new genetic risk factors for crohn's disease
An international consortium of Crohn's disease researchers has combined data from three independent studies to identify 21 new genetic variants associated with the inflammatory bowel disorder. (Source: medicexchange.com - Abdominal-Pelvic - Industry) <p> </p><p><b><i>MedWorm Sponsored Message:</i></b> Find out how you can <a href="http://www.medworm.com/rss/medicalsponsorship.php" target="_self">get your message across here</a> by sponsoring this MedWorm news feed.</p>
Hypnosis may benefit ulcerative colitis patients
Hypnosis may help reduce inflammation levels in people with the inflammatory bowel disease ulcerative colitis, researchers have found. (Source: MedWire News - Consumer Health)
European chmp recommends updating safety information on adalimumab (humira)
The European Committee of Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP) has recommended updating the product information for adalimumab (Humira®) to include a warning about hepatosplenic T-cell lymphoma, a rare aggressive form of non-Hodgkin lymphoma with a poor prognosis that occurs most commonly in adolescent and young adult males. This follows reports of 3 cases; some of whom were also receiving azathioprine or 6-mercaptopurine for the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease. A causal relationship could not be excluded and communication on these safety issues to healthcare professionals is being prepared. (Source: NeLM news - Cancer)
Review: inflammatory bowel disease in pregnancy
The latest in a series of occasional articles about how to manage a pre-existing medical condition during pregnancy discusses inflammatory bowel disease; the following questions are addressed:
? How does pregnancy affect inflammatory bowel disease?
? How does inflammatory bowel disease affect the outcome of pregnancy and the baby?
? How is inflammatory bowel disease treated in pregnancy?
? What preconception advice should I give women with inflammatory bowel disease?
? How does inflammatory bowel disease affect fertility?
? Does breast feeding carry any risks? (Source: NeLM Headline News)
Review: new drug developments for crohn?s disease
In this review on future directions in the management of Crohn?s disease, the authors review mechanisms of actions of new drugs and their efficacy and safety from clinical trial data. The pathways discussed include:
? T-cell blockade
? Blockade of T-cell differentiation or activation
? Resetting T-cells, Anti TNF strategies
? Regulatory T-cell modulation
? Blocking cell recruitment
? Enhancing repair
? Innate immune stimulation
? Induction of oral tolerance (Source: NeLM Headline News)
Suboptimal vitamin d status common in patients with inflammatory bowel disease
Among patients with inflammatory bowel disease, poor vitamin D status correlates with lower bone mineral density, according to findings published in the June issue of the American Journal of Gastroenterology. Reuters Health Information (Source: Medscape Medical News Headlines) <p> </p><p><b><i>MedWorm Sponsored Message:</i></b> Find out how you can <a href="http://www.medworm.com/rss/medicalsponsorship.php" target="_self">get your message across here</a> by sponsoring this MedWorm news feed.</p>
The blockade of il-6 signaling in rational drug design.
<table border="0" width="100%"><tr><td align="left"/><td align="right"><a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Display&dopt=PubMed_PubMed&from_uid=18473869">Related Articles</a></td></tr></table>
<p><b>The blockade of IL-6 signaling in rational drug design.</b></p>
<p>Curr Pharm Des. 2008;14(12):1217-24</p>
<p>Authors: Adachi Y, Yoshio-Hoshino N, Nishimoto N</p>
<p>After three decades from the development of the hybridoma technology, a monoclonal antibody-based therapy targeting the inflammatory cytokine has been established as an ultimate treatment for chronic inflammatory diseases. Interleukine-6 (IL-6) is one of the inflammatory cytokines playing a pivotal role in these conditions, and strategies targeting IL-6 signal show promise in the treatment of chronic inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, juvenile idiopathic arthritis, and Crohn's disease. Although many groups have been exploring the approach to block the IL-6 signal, tocilizumab, a humanized monoclonal antibody of the IL-6 receptor, has been the most intensively studied agent for clinical use. Clinical trials regarding chronic inflammatory diseases described above have demonstrated efficacy of tocilizumab, however, this treatment has limitations in terms of economic costs and ease of administration, and further advances are necessary to expand the concept of IL-6-specific therapeutics. In this review, we discuss targeting IL-6 in a rational drug design and present the various strategies to achieve this.</p>
<p>PMID: 18473869 [PubMed - in process]</p> (Source: Current Pharmaceutical Design)
Mesalazine negatively regulates cdc25a protein expression and promotes accumulation of colon cancer cells in s phase
Regular consumption of mesalazine has been associated with a reduced risk of colorectal cancer (CRC) in patients with inflammatory bowel disease. The molecular mechanisms underlying the antineoplastic effect of 5-aminosalicylic acid remain, however, poorly characterized. In this study, we examined whether mesalazine affects cell cycle progression and analyzed specific checkpoint pathways in experimental models of CRC. Mesalazine inhibited the growth of HCT-116 and HT-29 cells, two CRC cell lines that express either a wild-type or mutated p53. Cell cycle analysis revealed that mesalazine induced cells to accumulate in S phase. This effect was associated with a sustained phosphorylation of the cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK)2 at threonine 14 and tyrosine 15 residues, an event that inactivates the CDK2–cyclin complex and blocks S–G2 phase cell cycle transition. Consistently, mesalazine reduced the protein content of CDC25A, a phosphatase that regulates CDK2 phosphorylation status. Analysis of upstream kinases that negatively control CDC25A expression showed that mesalazine enhanced the activation of CHK1 and CHK2. However, silencing of CHK1 and CHK2 did not prevent the mesalazine-induced CDC25A protein downregulation. In contrast, CDC25A protein ubiquitination and degradation and accumulation of cells in S phase following mesalazine exposure were reverted by proteasome inhibitors. Notably, mesalazine also inhibited CDC25A in human CRC explants. Finally, we showed that mesalazine downregulated CDC25A in CT26, a murine CRC cell line, and prevented the formation of CT26-derived tumors in mice. Data show that mesalazine negatively regulates CDC25A protein expression, thus delaying CRC cell progression. (Source: Carcinogenesis)
Substance p-mediated expression of the pro-angiogenic factor ccn1 modulates the course of colitis.
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<p><b>Substance P-Mediated Expression of the Pro-Angiogenic Factor CCN1 Modulates the Course of Colitis.</b></p>
<p>Am J Pathol. 2008 Jul 3;</p>
<p>Authors: Koon HW, Zhao D, Xu H, Bowe C, Moss A, Moyer MP, Pothoulakis C</p>
<p>Substance P (SP) regulates important intestinal functions, such as mucosal permeability, motility, chloride secretion, and inflammation via the neurokinin-1 receptor (NK-1R). Previous reports showed that vascularization and expression of angiogenic factors are evident in the colonic mucosa of rats with colitis and patients with inflammatory bowel disease. Here we determined whether SP is associated with angiogenesis. Human NCM460 colonocytes stably transfected with the human NK-1R (NCM460-NK-1R cells) and mice with dextran sodium sulfate-induced colitis were used. We found that expression of the angiogenic factor CCN1 was increased in the colons of patients with Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. Mucosal extracts from inflammatory bowel disease patients induced human intestinal microvascular endothelial cell migration that was inhibited by blockade of CCN1 and its receptor integrin alphavbeta3. Both the degree of angiogenesis and CCN1 expression were elevated in the colons of mice with dextran sodium sulfate-induced colitis, which was reduced by treatment with the NK-1R antagonist CJ-12255. SP also increased CCN1 expression in NCM460-NK-1R colonocytes. SP exposure to human intestinal microvascular endothelial cells co-cultured with NCM460-NK-1R cells induced angiogenic activity that was inhibited by CCN1 silencing. In addition, intracolonic overexpression of CCN1 induced angiogenesis in mouse colon. Thus, SP mediates angiogenesis via CCN1 during colitis.</p>
<p>PMID: 18599605 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]</p> (Source: The American Journal of Pathology)
Genetic link between crohn's and asthma discovered
Research into the genetic causes of Crohn's disease has revealed that the gene ORMDL3, known to be a risk factor for childhood asthma, is also associated with Crohn's disease, and in the process links between the condition and other diseases have been found. (Source: News-Medical News Feed)
Psychological distress reduces quality of life in bowel disease patients
Psychological distress - a generalised term for anxiety and depression - significantly affects the quality of life of patients with inflammatory bowel disease, research shows. (Source: MedWire News - Consumer Health) <p> </p><p><b><i>MedWorm Sponsored Message:</i></b> Find out how you can <a href="http://www.medworm.com/rss/medicalsponsorship.php" target="_self">get your message across here</a> by sponsoring this MedWorm news feed.</p>
Mr imaging of the bowel: pediatric applications.
<table border="0" width="100%"><tr><td align="left"/><td align="right"><a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Display&dopt=PubMed_PubMed&from_uid=18585599">Related Articles</a></td></tr></table>
<p><b>MR Imaging of the Bowel: Pediatric Applications.</b></p>
<p>Magn Reson Imaging Clin N Am. 2008 Aug;16(3):467-78</p>
<p>Authors: Darge K, Anupindi SA, Jaramillo D</p>
<p>Magnetic resonance enterography with oral contrast administration using fast T2-weighted and fat saturated, contrast-enhanced T1-weighted sequences is the most common technique for bowel evaluation. The main indication for bowel MR imaging in children has been evaluation of inflammatory bowel diseases. A less common application is appendicitis. Other potential applications include evaluation of vascular malformations and transplanted bowel.</p>
<p>PMID: 18585599 [PubMed - in process]</p> (Source: Magnetic Resonance Imaging Clinics of North America)
The transcription factor ifn regulatory factor-4 controls experimental colitis in mice via t cell-derived il-6
The proinflammatory cytokine IL-6 seems to have an important role in the intestinal inflammation that characterizes inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs) such as Crohn disease and ulcerative colitis. However, little is known about the molecular mechanisms regulating IL-6 production in IBD. Here, we assessed the role of the transcriptional regulator IFN regulatory factor–4 (IRF4) in this process. Patients with either Crohn disease or ulcerative colitis exhibited increased IRF4 expression in lamina propria CD3+ T cells as compared with control patients. Consistent with IRF4 having a regulatory function in T cells, in a mouse model of IBD whereby colitis is induced in RAG-deficient mice by transplantation with CD4+CD45RBhi T cells, adoptive transfer of wild-type but not IRF4-deficient T cells resulted in severe colitis. Furthermore, IRF4-deficient mice were protected from T cell–dependent chronic intestinal inflammation in trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid– and oxazolone-induced colitis. In addition, IRF4-deficient mice with induced colitis had reduced mucosal IL-6 production, and IRF4 was required for IL-6 production by mucosal CD90+ T cells, which it protected from apoptosis. Finally, the protective effect of IRF4 deficiency could be abrogated by systemic administration of either recombinant IL-6 or a combination of soluble IL-6 receptor (sIL-6R) plus IL-6 (hyper–IL-6). Taken together, our data identify IRF4 as a key regulator of mucosal IL-6 production in T cell–dependent experimental colitis and suggest that IRF4 might provide a therapeutic target for IBDs. (Source: Journal of Clinical Investigation)
Dna damage induced by chronic inflammation contributes to colon carcinogenesis in mice
Chronic inflammation increases cancer risk. While it is clear that cell signaling elicited by inflammatory cytokines promotes tumor development, the impact of DNA damage production resulting from inflammation-associated reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (RONS) on tumor development has not been directly tested. RONS induce DNA damage that can be recognized by alkyladenine DNA glycosylase (Aag) to initiate base excision repair. Using a mouse model of episodic inflammatory bowel disease by repeated administration of dextran sulfate sodium in the drinking water, we show that Aag-mediated DNA repair prevents colonic epithelial damage and reduces the severity of dextran sulfate sodium–induced colon tumorigenesis. Importantly, DNA base lesions expected to be induced by RONS and recognized by Aag accumulated to higher levels in Aag-deficient animals following stimulation of colonic inflammation. Finally, as a test of the generality of this effect we show that Aag-deficient animals display more severe gastric lesions that are precursors of gastric cancer after chronic infection with Helicobacter pylori. These data demonstrate that the repair of DNA lesions formed by RONS during chronic inflammation is important for protection against colon carcinogenesis. (Source: Journal of Clinical Investigation)
Accumulation, activation, and survival of neutrophils in ulcerative colitis: regulation by locally produced factors in the colon and impact of steroid treatment
Abstract
Background and aims Neutrophil granulocytes infiltrate the intestinal mucosa in active ulcerative colitis (UC), and may contribute to tissue damage
and inflammation. The aim of this investigation was to study the importance of locally produced factors and the impact of
steroid treatment on neutrophil functions in UC.
Patients and methods Intestinal perfusion fluids from 11 patients with active distal UC before and after seven and 28 days of treatment with prednisolone
and from seven control patients were used in the study. Neutrophil migration towards perfusion fluid was measured in a microchemotaxis
chamber. The effect of perfusion fluids on neutrophil activation was assessed as the surface expression of CD66b by flow cytometry.
Neutrophil survival was evaluated by staining with propidium iodide, annexin V, and fluorescein di-acetate. We also assessed
the viability of freshly isolated tissue neutrophils from rectal biopsy samples.
Results Perfusion fluids from untreated patients caused increased migration, activation, and survival of neutrophils. Perfusion fluids
collected after treatment had no effect on neutrophil migration, but some of the activation and anti-apoptotic effects remained
after 7 days. Anti-granulocyte?macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) inhibited the anti-apoptotic effect of perfusion
fluids. Rectal tissue neutrophils from patients with active proctitis had increased viability compared to patients with inactive
proctitis and control subjects.
Conclusions These data show that mediators in the colon of patients with active UC stimulate the migration, activation, and survival of
neutrophils. The activities were partly neutralized by topical steroid treatment. We also identified GM-CSF as an anti-apoptotic
factor for neutrophils in inflamed colon.
Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Original ArticleDOI 10.1007/s00384-008-0509-xAuthors
Maria Lampinen, University Hospital Department of Medical Sciences, Gastroenterology Research Group Uppsala SwedenPer Sangfelt, University Hospital Department of Medical Sciences, Gastroenterology Research Group Uppsala SwedenYesuf Taha, Karolinska University Hospital Department of Medicine, Karolinska Institute Huddinge SwedenMarie Carlson, University Hospital Department of Medical Sciences, Gastroenterology Research Group Uppsala Sweden
Journal International Journal of Colorectal DiseaseOnline ISSN 1432-1262Print ISSN 0179-1958 (Source: International Journal of Colorectal Disease)
Diagnostic performance of rapid tests for detection of fecal calprotectin and lactoferrin and their ability to discriminate inflammatory from irritable bowel syndrome.
<table border="0" width="100%"><tr><td align="left"/><td align="right"><a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Display&dopt=PubMed_PubMed&from_uid=18597588">Related Articles</a></td></tr></table>
<p><b>Diagnostic performance of rapid tests for detection of fecal calprotectin and lactoferrin and their ability to discriminate inflammatory from irritable bowel syndrome.</b></p>
<p>Clin Chem Lab Med. 2008 Jul 2;</p>
<p>Authors: Otten CM, Kok L, Witteman BJ, Baumgarten R, Kampman E, Moons KG, de Wit NJ</p>
<p>Abstract Background: Ruling out somatic bowel disease, such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), is an important goal in the management of abdominal complaints. Endoscopy is commonly used but is invasive and expensive. Mucosal inflammation in IBD can be detected through fecal biomarkers, though the present enzyme-linked immunoabsorbent assay (ELISA) tests require laboratory facilities. We validated the diagnostic performance of two new fecal rapid tests (FRTs) for the detection of calprotectin and lactoferrin and assessed their potential to differentiate IBD from irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Methods: The calprotectin and lactoferrin FRTs and ELISA tests were performed on the fecal samples of 114 patients referred for endoscopy, 80% of whom had IBS and 20% IBD, and validated against the endoscopic diagnosis. Results: The sensitivity and negative predictive value of the calprotectin FRT were both 100%, whereas they were 78% and 95%, respectively, for the lactoferrin FRT. The specificity and positive predictive value were slightly higher for the lactoferrin FRT. Both FRTs had similar diagnostic accuracy as the corresponding ELISA tests. Conclusions: The calprotectin and lactoferrin rapid tests are as good as the ELISA tests in detecting colonic inflammation. Given their simple use, FRTs can support the non-invasive exclusion of IBD, notably in primary care. Clin Chem Lab Med 2008;46.</p>
<p>PMID: 18597588 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]</p> (Source: Clinics in Laboratory Medicine) <p> </p><p><b><i>MedWorm Sponsored Message:</i></b> Find out how you can <a href="http://www.medworm.com/rss/medicalsponsorship.php" target="_self">get your message across here</a> by sponsoring this MedWorm news feed.</p>
Bowel disease severity similar in african americans and caucasians
African Americans do not suffer from more severe forms of inflammatory bowel disease than their Caucasian counterparts, researchers have found. (Source: MedWire News - Consumer Health)
International team identifies 21 new genetic risk factors for crohn's disease
An international consortium of Crohn's disease researchers has combined data from three independent studies to identify 21 new genetic variants associated with the inflammatory bowel disorder, bringing the total number of risk factors to 32. (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)
Link between crohn's and asthma
Scientists looking into the genetic causes of Crohn's disease have discovered a surprising link between the bowel disorder and asthma (Source: Nursing in Practice)
Complexity of crohn's disease revealed as 'gene' count tops 30
New research has trebled the number of genetic regions known to be implicated in Crohn's disease, a form of inflammatory bowel disease, to over thirty. The research, published in the journal Nature Genetics, has identified a number of potential new targets for drug development as well as providing surprising new links between the condition and other common diseases including asthma. (Source: Genetics News From Medical News Today)
Scientists id new genes tied to crohn's disease
Title: Scientists ID New Genes Tied to Crohn's DiseaseCategory: Health NewsCreated: 7/1/2008 2:00:00 AMLast Editorial Review: 7/1/2008 (Source: MedicineNet Asthma General) <p> </p><p><b><i>MedWorm Sponsored Message:</i></b> Find out how you can <a href="http://www.medworm.com/rss/medicalsponsorship.php" target="_self">get your message across here</a> by sponsoring this MedWorm news feed.</p>
Scientists id new genes tied to crohn's disease
Title: Scientists ID New Genes Tied to Crohn's DiseaseCategory: Health NewsCreated: 7/1/2008 2:00:00 AMLast Editorial Review: 7/1/2008 (Source: MedicineNet Rheumatoid Arthritis General)
Scientists id new genes tied to crohn's disease
Title: Scientists ID New Genes Tied to Crohn's DiseaseCategory: Health NewsCreated: 7/1/2008 2:00:00 AMLast Editorial Review: 7/1/2008 (Source: MedicineNet Skin General)
Scientists id new genes tied to crohn's disease
Title: Scientists ID New Genes Tied to Crohn's DiseaseCategory: Health NewsCreated: 7/1/2008 2:00:00 AMLast Editorial Review: 7/1/2008 (Source: MedicineNet Liver General)
Scientists id new genes tied to crohn's disease
Title: Scientists ID New Genes Tied to Crohn's DiseaseCategory: Health NewsCreated: 7/1/2008 2:00:00 AMLast Editorial Review: 7/1/2008 (Source: MedicineNet Diabetes General)
Scientists id new genes tied to crohn's disease
Title: Scientists ID New Genes Tied to Crohn's DiseaseCategory: Health NewsCreated: 7/1/2008 2:00:00 AMLast Editorial Review: 7/1/2008 (Source: MedicineNet Senior Health General) <p> </p><p><b><i>MedWorm Sponsored Message:</i></b> Find out how you can <a href="http://www.medworm.com/rss/medicalsponsorship.php" target="_self">get your message across here</a> by sponsoring this MedWorm news feed.</p>
Scientists id new genes tied to crohn's disease
Title: Scientists ID New Genes Tied to Crohn's DiseaseCategory: Health NewsCreated: 7/1/2008 2:00:00 AMLast Editorial Review: 7/1/2008 (Source: MedicineNet Chronic Pain General)
Review: sunwarrior protein wins editor's choice award for raw, vegan, brown rice protein concentrate
(NaturalNews) If you're into a plant-based diet and all the health and performance benefits that come from eating plants, it's difficult to find a high-quality source of supplemental protein. Until now, traditional sources have been soy protein, yellow pea protein, hemp seed protein, brown rice protein and mesquite flour. But each of these has problems. Isolated soy protein, for example, is a cheap, low-end protein "filler" protein that's often extracted with chemical solvents (and can even be made from genetically-modified soybeans!). This is why it's the No. 1 protein used in all those cheap, low-end protein bars found at the grocery store.Hemp protein, on the other hand, is nutritionally very rich, but it often has an annoyingly high "grit" factor, and the taste is not very pleasing to many consumers (I still eat lots of hemp protein, though, due to its outstanding nutritional profile). Brown rice protein also seems to have a high grit factor, and it never seemed to offer sufficient assimilation to provide all the protein I needed in my diet. That's why, until now, I had never found a source of brown rice protein that I really liked.All that changed when I received a phone call from Brent Hauver at SunWarrior (www.SunWarrior.com). He had gotten my phone number from David Wolfe at Sunfood Nutrition (www.SunFood.com), who was convinced that I needed to know about this new "silky smooth" brown rice protein that was about to be launched. He said it was both raw and vegan, and that it trounced every other plant-based protein product on the market today in terms of assimilation and performance. Strong claims, yes. But could they be true?In this article, you'll hear my full review of this breakthrough SunWarrior brown rice protein concentrate. I'll reveal why I've come to the conclusion almost everyone can benefit from this supplemental protein (including women, children and senior citizens), and how it helped me break through a strength plateau in my own training at the gym. Better yet, you'll also learn about an exclusive, time-limited discount offered only to NaturalNews readers. Feel free to just skip right to the discount code, below, if you're ready to try SunWarrior protein for yourself. (Note: I earn nothing from the sales of this product. This is a 100% independent, non-commercial product review.)You can watch my video review of SunWarrior Protein here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dtk3pNfQddUYou can also listen to my audio interview with Brent Hauver here: http://www.naturalnews.com/Index-Podcasts.html#36My introduction to SunWarrior ProteinWhen Brent enthusiastically described SunWarrior protein to me, I was naturally skeptical. I've got a lot of products showing up at my door every day, and some are described with some fairly outrageous claims, but knowing the integrity of David Wolfe and Sunfood, I decided to go visit Brent Hauver in person and find out for myself if this protein product lived up to its claims.I got that chance at the Expo West gathering in Anaheim, California, where over 3,000 natural living product vendors get together to show off their latest products to buyers like Whole Foods, Vitacost, and individual health food chains from around the world.On the first morning, just after the exposition doors opened, I darted over to the SunWarrior booth and introduced myself to Brent Hauver, the founder of SunWarrior. Brent is really tall, with a wide smile and a level of enthusiasm for natural living that's ridiculously contagious. Within minutes we were talking about global transformation through the pursuit of a plant-based diet, and why animal-based protein products are being increasingly replaced with plant-based protein supplements by discerning consumers.Brent tells me his new SunWarrior protein product is raw, GMO-free, vegan, fermented brown rice protein, and that what's in the canister is 85% pure protein! He also says it's silky smooth, without any of the grit usually associated with brown rice protein products. This is accomplished, Brent explains, through a high-tech microfiltration process conducted at very low temperatures (room temperature, essentially), which keeps the product raw. No chemical solvents whatsoever are used in the processing of this brown rice protein concentrate.I interrupted Brent to remind him that I still hadn't tasted the product to see for myself what it was like. He chuckled, reached under the booth table, pulled out a 2.2 lb. container of SunWarrior "Natural" Protein, and with a magician's flourish, whipped back a curtain, revealing a Vita-Mix blender. (Score! A Vita-Mix on the road is worth its weight in gold, I've discovered...)I scooped up three or four heaping spoons of SunWarrior protein, chucked it into the Vita-Mix, then poured in a container of unsweetened hemp milk I'd scored the night before. After a 15-second blend, I poured the resulting brown rice protein milk into a cup and chugged it.Wow... Brent was right. No grit! This stuff was not only exquisitely delicious, it was also silky smooth. As smooth as the best whey protein powders, yet it was made from brown rice! This made it easy to swallow, and the taste was phenomenal: Just a hint of natural sweetness, with absolutely none of the sharp taste overtones you might find in hemp protein or soy protein. I instantly knew I could blend this into any smoothie -- fruit, chocolate, tropical, whatever! -- and the taste would fit right in.On top of that, this product had no chemical sweeteners, no refined sugars, no dairy, no soy, no genetically-modified ingredients... this looked like the plant-based protein product I was searching for!Why a professional bodybuilder switched to SunWarrior ProteinI won't go into all the rest of the technical details of what Brent described to me: How the product is fermented, for example, to make the amino acids far more bioavailable, and why this greatly enhances absorption, making it superior to any other plant-based protein source he'd ever seen. I agreed this was a big benefit, because as a person who works out at the gym quite a bit, I'm usually disappointed with plant-based protein products. They usually don't provide the absorption I'm looking for, and they leave me feeling hungry and under-nourished.That's when superstar bodybuilder Wade McNutt stopped by the booth. He's a champion bodybuilder with a freakishly ripped physique. I slapped a microphone on Wade and pressed record on my portable audio recorder as he talked about why whey protein caused him bloating and gas, but after finding SunWarrior protein, his waist slimmed down, all the bloating went away, and he was getting some crazy-good results at the gym... all from SunWarrior brown rice protein! (You can check out Wade McNutt's "natural bodybuilding" site, if you're curious, at: www.WadeBodySystems.com )Listen to my full interview with Wade McNutt and Brent Hauver here: http://www.naturalnews.com/Index-Podcasts.html#36With all this enthusiasm about the SunWarrior product, I told Brent I would give it the Health Ranger test: I would take it home, work out with it for 2-3 months as my primary protein source and find out what it did for me personally. So I bought several large canisters from Brent, stacked them into the back of my van, and drove back to Tucson after the show, ready to start the test.You can get your own SunWarrior protein right now, by the way, with an exclusive discount for NaturalNews readers, at: http://store.sunwarrior.com/SearchResults.asp?Search=iUse coupon code natnews to get the 10% discount (good only through July 10th). After July 10th, it's the regular price, which is still a really fantastic price, by the way, as I've seen competing products sell for $60 - $70 for similar quantities. (Don't compare SunWarrior Protein to cheap soy-based protein products. There's simply no comparison...)You can also order by phone at: 800-205-2350 (U.S. only)Who Needs Supplemental ProteinYou don't have to be working out in the gym, of course, to benefit from supplemental protein. A lot of natural health consumers are eating and drinking so many plants that they don't get the level of protein they would need for optimum performance. This is even true of women; especially those who are pregnant.High-quality protein, I've discovered, is absolutely crucial for maintaining a healthy heart and healthy digestive system. Often, people suffering from Crohn's disease or irritable bowel syndrome see their symptoms completely disappear when they shift to a high-assimilation plant-based protein product. I've even heard of asthma and arthritis vanishing! (Because animal products cause inflammation, of course...)Getting off of animal products and onto a plant-based diet, in fact, is likely the single most beneficial decision you can make in your own diet. And usually, when people do that, they're concerned about getting enough protein because they aren't eating meat anymore. Well guess what? SunWarrior Protein solves that. (Plus, you can eat quinoa, kale juice, spinach juice, nuts, seeds and lots of other plant-based protein sources.) Also, as Dr. Gabriel Cousens points out, cooking food destroys about half its protein, so eating RAW plants will also boost your protein intake substantially!Children especially need high-quality plant-based proteins, and this SunWarrior product is the perfect way to deliver that in a tasty, sweet superfood smoothie that has absolutely no grit and no chemical additives. If you've got children and you want to feed them right, I encourage you to experiment with adding SunWarrior protein to their smoothies. Just blend it up with lots of fruits and superfoods, then sweeten with stevia, agave nectar or even raw honey! It's delicious!! (I also recommend Sunfood's raw cacao powder in those smoothies to turn them into raw chocolate powerhouse smoothies! You can find that at www.Sunfood.com )For anyone who exercises -- even just walking a few times a week -- I can't say enough about this: SunWarrior Protein could very well be the product that helps you break through that performance plateau and get to the next level of strength, endurance, fitness or just pure cosmetic beauty in your own life.People who look fit, lean and athletic are sexy! But it's only truly sexy from the inside out if they're doing it naturally, without chemicals, additives or junk protein products. That's why SunWarrior makes so much sense: It helps build an athletic physique while staying 100% natural, raw and plant-based!By the way, I do want to interject here and say that becoming athletic also requires lots of exercise. You cannot eat your way to an athletic body. Food is crucial, but exercise is still required, no matter what. Lots of it. Fortunately, SunWarrior is exactly the kind of product that gives you the strength, endurance and adaptability that helps you pursue and enjoy far more exercise than what you might have done in the past; and that's what will give you the results you're looking for! (Weight loss, slim waist, radiant skin, better posture, ripped abs, whatever...)How to get SunWarrior Protein: Go to:
http://store.sunwarrior.com/SearchResults.asp?Search=iUse coupon code natnews to get the 10% discount (good only through July 10th) on as many bottles as you want. The discount is also good on SunWarrior's Activated Barley product, which is also outstanding!You can also order by phone at 800-205-2350 (then choose option #1). (U.S. only)How SunWarrior performs in the gymEverybody who has seen my fitness pictures knows I'm not a super bulky muscle guy (www.HealthRanger.org/stats.html). At over six feet tall, I just don't have the proportions to look like a Wade McNutt, but I do pack a lot of strength and endurance into my much smaller muscles. In fact, I've steadily built strength over the last eight years to the point where I'm much stronger at age 38 than I was at age 30, and I'm doing things now with Capoeira, Pilates and martial arts that I could never do in my 20's (because I was eating a junk food diet then, of course).But the big question was now: Would SunWarrior protein support significant strength and endurance gains in my own training routine?To conduct this test, I stopped eating fish. As NaturalNews readers know, I used to eat fish from time to time as a last resort animal-based protein source. I always felt I needed the fish protein to avoid feeling hungry all the time, and even though I disliked sacrificing any living creature to feed myself, I reasoned that fish were the simplest life forms providing such protein, and thus any bad karma would be minimized. (Funny how we rationalize things like that, huh?)Well, I'm happy to announce that SunWarrior protein worked to keep me off all animal products, period! After a few days, it became obvious to me that SunWarrior protein was providing the same high-density protein assimilation as fish meat, and I no longer needed to eat fish at all.From that day, I have been on a 100% vegan diet! It's exciting, because as an "O" blood type, and someone who used to be prediabetic, I had always felt the need to consume a lot of protein, but suddenly, something truly magical was happening with SunWarrior Protein that completely shifted my biology and got me off fish protein for life!But how about the training in the gym? Would SunWarrior make me weak and thin, or strong and functional?Getting fit, lean and trim with SunWarrior ProteinIt's not difficult to notice that a lot of raw foodists don't have much muscle mass. Although I completely respect the Ghandi approach to minimizing calories (and extending life), I personally do not choose to live my life in a state of hunger. I like to eat a lot of food, and I enjoy the physical freedom and athletic expression that comes from being able to do handstands, poi spinning, weight lifting and other similar functions that require significant muscle strength.So I enjoy being strong, lean and muscular, regardless of whether it's a bit of a diversion from the usual raw foodie physique. Because I'm so serious about strength gains, I track the results of all my workouts. I know exactly how much weight I can push for how many reps, for each muscle group. Since I've kept logs for the past three years, this gave me an ideal way to test the effectiveness of SunWarrior Protein.After blending SunWarrior Protein into my smoothies twice each day (for a week or so), I hit the gym and began the workouts. The first workout was really just a way to wake up the muscles and get them to adapt with more strength over time, so I wasn't really concerned about the strength performance on the first workout. Rather, I was more interested in how my muscles would adapt to the workout when I was on the SunWarrior Protein product!It didn't take long for that answer to become clear. After two weeks, nearly every one of my strength exercises was UP by anywhere from 5% - 10%. One leg exercise went up by 20%! (Leg press.)If these gains seems small, consider that I'm not some newbie to the gym. I've been working out for years, and sometimes I'll go six months with no gains whatsoever for a particular muscle group. To see a 10% strength gain in two weeks is phenomenal for a person who's already training on a regular basis.After a few more weeks of tracking the results of over 25 exercises, the results were clear: I was gaining significant strength on this raw, vegan protein, even without the fish protein in my diet. SunWarrior was working!And yet, it didn't make me bloated or gassy. It didn't make my muscles look bulky, either; it just help me keep them looking lean and functional -- even while I was getting stronger!Team WarriorThis made me an instant convert to the SunWarrior brown rice protein. I was astonished at the performance gains on this product, and knowing that it was 100% GMO-free, chemical free, sweetener free and made entirely from raw plants drove this point home even further: SunWarrior is the best plant-based protein concentrate product available today, anywhere in the world!David Wolfe feels the same way about it. He provided this quote for this article:"For years I have been looking for a pure, natural, superfood, protein source that tastes great, is easy to assimilate, burns fat and tones muscle. That's when I discovered Sun Warrior. At 85% protein, this is the best meal replacement strategy ever. When used with nutrient dense superfoods like my Maca Extreme, Goji Berries, Cacao Powder and Yacon Syrup you can pack more nutrition into a single smoothie than many people get in a month. From moms on the go to extreme athletes, Sun Warrior provides a quick and delicious way to get the energy and nutrition your body needs to make every day the best day ever!" - David Wolfe, founder www.sunfood.com, author of The Sunfood Diet Success System, Eating For Beauty, Amazing Grace, Naked ChocolateSo now, David Wolfe, Wade McNutt and myself have all joined "Team SunWarrior," which is a group of natural living warriors who are using this product to fuel our muscles as we pursue our work in the world. You can read more about Team Warrior at: http://store.sunwarrior.com/Articles.asp?ID=134Be part of Team SunWarrior yourself by getting SunWarrior Protein at: www.SunWarrior.comUse coupon code natnews to get the 10% discount (good only through July 10th) on any SunWarrior product.SunWarrior Protein powers elite athletes who are embracing a plant-based dietIt also turns out that Brent Hauver, the founder of SunWarrior, is turning on all kinds of MMA (Mixed Martial Arts) athletes to this product, and in doing so, he's getting an increasing number of those guys off the animal products and onto plant-based diets that are fine-tuned for athletic performance! Is that exciting, or what?!I love the fact that elite athletes are now starting to ditch the animal products and discover the seemingly superhuman performance attributes of eating superfoods, raw foods, and plant-based protein concentrates. This could really change the tide for mainstream America and show all those kids who look up to MMA athletes that eating McDonald's hamburgers and drinking Pepsi is NOT going to make you fit and healthy!Brent Hauver at SunWarrior is leading the charge to introduce this plant-based protein to the very top athletes in the MMA industry. I personally believe, without a doubt, that the top athletes who switch to superfoods, raw foods and plant-based diets will greatly out-perform those who don't.I think that a plant-based diet may turn out to be the single most important factor in determining an athlete's strength, endurance, adaptability and resiliency. In fact, be sure to read my $10,000 athletic challenge, where I've personally challenged Big Pharma to produce a single person on their prescription drugs who can beat me in a physical contest. You can read that $10,000 challenge here: http://www.naturalnews.com/023476.htmlWhat can SunWarrior protein do for you?Regardless of what SunWarrior protein does for anybody else, the real question is: What can it do for you?Based on my considerable research and experience in this area, here are the main benefits of SunWarrior brown rice protein:• Builds functional strength without unnecessary bulk caused by the hormones found in meat products.• Helps create a lean, athletic body with a thin waist (no gas, no bloating, no putrified meat products sitting in your gut...)• Accelerates strength gains due to the outstanding assimilation of amino acids (probably due to the fermentation process).• Tastes truly fantastic: Can be used in ANY smoothie!• Does not contain ANY garbage additives: No chemical sweeteners, no chemical solvents, no refined sugars, no dairy, no soy, no animal byproducts, nothing artificial!• Seems to be remarkably alkaline for a protein product. Animal-based proteins are highly acidic and have a huge insulin load over time, but this SunWarrior Protein has never made me acidic, even when consumed in large quantities!• Allows you to follow more of a high-protein diet without turning to animal products. Please remember to also drink lots of fresh vegetable juices, eat fruits, superfoods, nuts and seeds, too.• Is available at an almost ridiculously low price, considering the quality of what's in it (and the time-limited coupon code, see below).How to get SunWarrior for yourselfI'm happy to announce that I've prearranged with the SunWarrior company to not only provide a healthy discount to NaturalNews readers, but I've also made sure they have 10,000 bottles on hand so that they don't run out of inventory (as has happened a lot in the past when I reviewed a great product like this!).So here's the deal: For 10 days only, you can save 10% on the already-low price of SunWarrior, which is normally $48.95 for a huge, 2.2-lb. canister.1. Go to http://store.sunwarrior.com/SearchResults.asp?Search=i2. Add SunWarrior protein and Activated Barley products to your shopping cart. (There is no quantity limit on this offer. I recommending stocking up a bit, because this introductory discount will NOT be repeated. You will never be able to get this product at this low price again...)3. In the shopping cart, enter natnews as the discount code. You will see an instant 10% discount reflected in your total.4. Click the yellow "Proceed to Checkout" button at the bottom of the shopping cart page, and finish the checkout process.You're done! Enjoy the SunWarrior protein!How to order by phoneIf you want to order by phone, just call Sunfood at: 800-205-2350 (then press option #1). Be sure to ask for the 10% discount from NaturalNews.This introductory discount expires July 10th, and it's good on:• SunWarrior Chocolate Protein
• SunWarrior Vanilla Protein
• SunWarrior Natural Flavor Protein
• SunWarrior Activated Barley (both sizes)SunWarrior receives Editor's Choice AwardBecause of the extremely impressive nutritional profile of this product -- and the remarkable leadership and enthusiasm of its founder Brent Hauver -- I've given SunWarrior protein our Editor's Choice Award for Best New Protein Product. You'll see this award on the label of each bottle.Financial disclaimer: Please note that I have absolutely NO financial relationship with the SunWarrior company or Brent. I earn nothing on product sales, and I have never received even a single dime of compensation for writing about this product. As always, I offer a truly independent, objective and trusted review of products that are the very best in the world, then I negotiate the best discounts for my readers. NaturalNews does not sell these products, nor do we earn anything from their sale.Other notable protein productsSince we're talking about high-quality protein products here, I also wanted to mention three others that are also receiving my Editor's Choice awards. They are:Living Protein from www.LivingFuel.com (a plant-based protein with added enzymes, probiotics, and some natural sweeteners).Raw Hemp Protein Powder with E3 Live and Maca from Ruth's Hemp Foods (www.RuthsHempFoods.com) This is an outstanding hemp protein product, from the best of the best in the world of hemp. Ruth rocks. And the E3 Live addition to this recipe just blows my mind...In the world of animal-based protein products, I still strongly advocate Jay Robb's whey protein powders (www.JayRobb.com) as the most natural and most ethical in the industry. Another good whey protein source is Natural Factors (www.NaturalFactors.com). But I'm personally using plant-based proteins for the foreseeable future.Nutritional profile of SunWarrior ProteinServing size: 21g
Total Fat: 1g
Total Carbohydrate: 3g
Dietary Fiber: 1g
Protein 16gWatch my video review of SunWarrior Protein here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dtk3pNfQddUListen to my audio interview with Brent Hauver here: http://www.naturalnews.com/Index-Podcasts.html#36Enjoy!
- Mike (Source: NaturalNews.com)
[review] microarray technology and applications in the arena of genome-wide association
Background: There is a revolution occurring in single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) genotyping technology, with high-throughput methods now allowing large numbers of SNPs (105–106) to be genotyped in large cohort studies. This has enabled large-scale genome-wide association (GWA) studies in complex diseases, such as diabetes, asthma, and inflammatory bowel disease, to be undertaken for the first time.
Content: The GWA approach serves the critical need for a comprehensive and unbiased strategy to identify causal genes related to complex disease, and is rapidly replacing the more traditional candidate gene studies and microsatellite-based linkage mapping approaches that have dominated gene discovery attempts for common diseases. As a consequence of employing array-based technologies, over the last 3 years dramatic discoveries of key variants involved in multiple complex diseases and related traits have been reported in the top scientific literature and, most importantly, have been largely replicated by independent investigator groups. As a consequence, several novel genes have been identified, most notably in the metabolic, cardiovascular, autoimmune, and oncology disease areas, that are clearly rooted in the biology of these disorders. These discoveries have opened up new avenues for investigators to address novel molecular pathways that were not previously linked to or thought of in relation with these diseases.
Summary: This review provides a synopsis of recent advances and what we may expect to still emerge from this field. (Source: Clinical Chemistry)
Intestinal anti-inflammatory activity of coumarin and 4-hydroxycoumarin in the trinitrobenzenesulphonic acid model of rat colitis.
<table border="0" width="100%"><tr><td align="left"/><td align="right"><a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Display&dopt=PubMed_PubMed&from_uid=18591772">Related Articles</a></td></tr></table>
<p><b>Intestinal Anti-inflammatory Activity of Coumarin and 4-Hydroxycoumarin in the Trinitrobenzenesulphonic Acid Model of Rat Colitis.</b></p>
<p>Biol Pharm Bull. 2008 Jul;31(7):1343-50</p>
<p>Authors: Luchini AC, Rodrigues-Orsi P, Cestari SH, Seito LN, Witaicenis A, Pellizzon CH, Di Stasi LC</p>
<p>Coumarins represent an important class of phenolic compounds with multiple biological activities, including inhibition of lipidic peroxidation and neutrophil-dependent anion superoxide generation, anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressor actions. All of these proprieties are essential for that a drug may be used in the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease. The present study examined intestinal anti-inflammatory activity of coumarin and its derivative, the 4-hydroxycoumarin on experimental ulcerative colitis in rats. This was performed in two different experimental settings, i.e. when the colonic mucosa is intact or when the mucosa is in process of recovery after an initial insult. The results obtained revealed that the coumarin and 4-hydroxycoumarin, at doses of 5 and 25 mg/kg, significantly attenuated the colonic damage induced by trinitrobenzenesulphonic acid (TNBS) in both situations, as evidenced macroscopically, microscopically and biochemically. This effect was related to an improvement in the colonic oxidative status, since coumarin and 4-hydroxycoumarin prevented the glutathione depletion that occurred as a consequence of the colonic inflammation.</p>
<p>PMID: 18591772 [PubMed - in process]</p> (Source: Biol Pharm Bull)
Control of autoimmune diseases by the vitamin d endocrine system.
<table border="0" width="100%"><tr><td align="left"/></tr></table>
<p><b>Control of autoimmune diseases by the vitamin D endocrine system.</b></p>
<p>Nat Clin Pract Rheumatol. 2008 Jul 1;</p>
<p>Authors: Adorini L, Penna G</p>
<p>1,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D(3) [1,25(OH)(2)D(3)], the biologically active form of vitamin D(3), is a secosteroid hormone essential for bone and mineral homeostasis. It regulates the growth and differentiation of multiple cell types, and displays immunoregulatory and anti-inflammatory properties. Cells involved in innate and adaptive immune responses-including macrophages, dendritic cells, T cells and B cells-express the vitamin D receptor (VDR), and can both produce and respond to 1,25(OH)(2)D(3). The net effect of the vitamin D system on the immune response is an enhancement of innate immunity coupled with multifaceted regulation of adaptive immunity. Epidemiological evidence indicates a significant association between vitamin D deficiency and an increased incidence of several autoimmune diseases, and clarification of the physiological role of endogenous VDR agonists in the regulation of autoimmune responses will guide the development of pharmacological VDR agonists for use in the clinic. The antiproliferative, prodifferentiative, antibacterial, immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory properties of synthetic VDR agonists could be exploited to treat a variety of autoimmune diseases, from rheumatoid arthritis to systemic lupus erythematosus, and possibly also multiple sclerosis, type 1 diabetes, inflammatory bowel diseases, and autoimmune prostatitis.</p>
<p>PMID: 18594491 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]</p> (Source: Nature Clinical Practice. Rheumatology.) <p> </p><p><b><i>MedWorm Sponsored Message:</i></b> Find out how you can <a href="http://www.medworm.com/rss/medicalsponsorship.php" target="_self">get your message across here</a> by sponsoring this MedWorm news feed.</p>
Development and analytic validation of a radioimmunoassay for the quantification of canine calprotectin in serum and feces from dogs.
<table border="0" width="100%"><tr><td align="left"/><td align="right"><a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Display&dopt=PubMed_PubMed&from_uid=18593232">Related Articles</a></td></tr></table>
<p><b>Development and analytic validation of a radioimmunoassay for the quantification of canine calprotectin in serum and feces from dogs.</b></p>
<p>Am J Vet Res. 2008 Jul;69(7):845-53</p>
<p>Authors: Heilmann RM, Suchodolski JS, Steiner JM</p>
<p>Objective-To develop and analytically validate a radioimmunoassay (RIA) for the quantification of canine calprotectin (cCP) in serum and fecal extracts of dogs. Sample Population-Serum samples (n = 50) and fecal samples (30) were obtained from healthy dogs of various breeds and ages. Procedures-A competitive, liquid-phase, double-antibody RIA was developed and analytically validated by assessing analytic sensitivity, working range, linearity, accuracy, precision, and reproducibility. Reference intervals for serum and fecal cCP concentrations were determined. Results-Sensitivity and upper limit of the working range were 29 and 12,774 mug/L for serum and 2.9 and 1,277.4 mug/g for fecal extracts, respectively. Observed-to-expected ratios for serial dilutions of 6 serum samples and 6 fecal extracts ranged from 95.3% to 138.2% and from 80.9% to 118.1%, respectively. Observed-to-expected ratios for spiking recovery for 6 serum samples and 6 fecal extracts ranged from 84.6% to 121.5% and from 80.3% to 132.1%, respectively. Coefficients of variation for intra-assay and interassay variability were < 3.9% and < 8.7% for 6 serum samples and < 8.5% and < 12.6% for 6 fecal extracts, respectively. Reference intervals were 92 to 1,121 mug of cCP/L for serum and < 2.9 to 137.5 mug of cCP/g for fecal extracts. Conclusions and Clinical Relevance-The RIA described here was analytically sensitive, linear, accurate, precise, and reproducible for the quantification of cCP in serum and fecal extracts. This assay should facilitate research into the clinical use of serum and fecal cCP measurements in dogs with inflammatory bowel disease.</p>
<p>PMID: 18593232 [PubMed - in process]</p> (Source: American Journal of Veterinary Research)
Researchers identify more genes linked to crohn's disease
An international team of researchers has identified many novel genetic links to the development of Crohn's disease, and confirmed that previously identified genes play a role in the development of the inflammatory bowel disease. (Source: MedWire News - Consumer Health)
Crohn's disease linked with asthma
A surprising link between Crohn's disease and asthma has been discovered by scientists looking into the genetic causes of the bowel disorder. (Source: the Mail online | Health)
Evolving issues in biologic therapy for inflammatory bowel disease
Scott Plevy, MD, discusses emerging issues in biologic strategies for inflammatory bowel disease, as based on key data presented during DDW 2008.
Medscape Gastroenterology (Source: Medscape Gastroenterology Headlines)
Advances in nonbiologic therapy for inflammatory bowel disease
Bret Lashner, MD, explores current and emerging issues in nonbiologic strategies for inflammatory bowel disease, as based on key data presented during DDW 2008.
Medscape Gastroenterology (Source: Medscape Gastroenterology Headlines) <p> </p><p><b><i>MedWorm Sponsored Message:</i></b> Find out how you can <a href="http://www.medworm.com/rss/medicalsponsorship.php" target="_self">get your message across here</a> by sponsoring this MedWorm news feed.</p>
Researchers contribute to crohn's disease study
(Source: Huliq Health News)
Ddw 2008: inflammatory bowel disease
Scott Plevy, MD, and Bret Lashner, MD, provide in-depth clinical updates on the latest issues in Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, based on selected sessions at DDW 2008. Medscape Gastroenterology (Source: Medscape FamilyMedicine Headlines)
21 new genetic risk factors for crohn's disease
An international consortium of Crohn's disease researchers has combined data from three independent studies to identify 21 new genetic variants associated with the inflammatory bowel disorder, bringing the total number of risk factors to 32. (Source: Huliq Health News)
Complexity of crohn's disease revealed as gene count tops 30
New research has trebled the number of genetic regions known to be implicated in Crohn's disease, a form of inflammatory bowel disease, to over thirty. (Source: Huliq Health News)
Complexity of crohn's disease revealed as 'gene' count tops 30
New research has trebled the number of genetic regions known to be implicated in Crohn's disease, a form of inflammatory bowel disease, to over thirty. The research, published in the journal Nature Genetics, has identified a number of potential new targets for drug development as well as providing surprising new links between the condition and other common diseases including asthma. (Source: ScienceDaily Headlines) <p> </p><p><b><i>MedWorm Sponsored Message:</i></b> Find out how you can <a href="http://www.medworm.com/rss/medicalsponsorship.php" target="_self">get your message across here</a> by sponsoring this MedWorm news feed.</p>
What causes idiopathic intracranial hypertension?
Patient Presentation
A 14-year-old female came to the emergency room with a 3 week history of tinnitus that resolved 3 days prior to admission.
She had persistent blurred vision in her left eye and 2 days ago developed it in her right eye. She also complains of some neck pain and a headache that she was taking ibuprofen for. She denied any trauma.
The past medical history showed attention deficit disorder on methylphenidate and mild acne that was controlled with benzoyl peroxide.
The family history was negative for any hematological, neurological or ophthalmological disorders.
The review of systems showed no fever, nausea, vomiting, cough, diarrhea, difficulties walking, writing or speaking.
The pertinent physical exam showed vital signs of blood pressure = 145/105, pulse = 98, respiratory rate = 20, was afebrile, with a mini-mental status evaluation showing her to be alert and oriented x 3.
Her weight was > 95% for age with a body mass index of 35 kg/m2. Eye examination showed decreased light perception bilaterally, with papilledema and her venous pulsations could not be determined. Extraocular muscles were intact.
Neurologically cranial nerves III-XII were intact, deep tendon reflexes were normal, strength and tone were normal. She had normal sensation and was able to walk but had problems because of her vision.
She had no obvious ataxia.
The work-up included an emergency consultation with ophthalmology and neurology that confirmed decreased vision, papilledema and no venous pulsations.
She was taken to the pediatric intensive care unit, given intravenous Diamox®, Lasix® and Solumedrol®.
Magnetic resonance imaging revealed the diagnosis of a non-occulsive venous sinus thrombosis in the right transverse sinus, but it was questioned whether or it this alone could be the cause of her idiopathic intracranial hypertension.
A lumbar puncture was normal.
The patient's clinical course showed her to have a continued decrease in her vision over the next day and therefore a lumboperitoneal shunt was placed to decrease the intracranial pressure.
This stopped the visual decline but at discharge she had not regained her prior vision and had a discharge acuity of 20/150 in her right eye and 20/180 in her left eye.
The diuretics were stopped and she was to continue prednisone, tapering it over 1 month.
During her admission she was evaluated for her hypertension and her idiopathic hypertension was being controlled on propranolol at discharge.
She had a hematological evaluation for a hypercoagulable state that was negative, but would have repeated Protein C and Protein S levels drawn later as acute levels may not be accurate. She was placed on aspirin prophylaxis.
She was discharged to home with daily occupational therapy and physical therapy. She was to follow up with a local nutritionist for her obesity, with her local physician within the week and other specialists within the month.
http://www.pediatriceducation.org/pictures/viewer$282
Figure 63 - Axial (left) and sagittal (right) T1-weighted
magnetic resonance images of the brain demostrate a relatively small
bright (seen here as white) signal abnormality in the right
transverse sinus, concerning for venous sinus thrombosis.
Figure 64 - 06-30-08 - Magnetic resonance venogram obtained with
contrast demonstrates some irregularity in the contour of the right
transverse sinus, but it is still patent and there is flow within it,
demonstrating the thrombus is non-occlusive.
Discussion
Papilledema is described as congestion and elevation of the optic nerve head, blurring of the optic nerve disc margin, obliteration of the physiological optic cup, venous congestion with loss of spontaneous venous pulses, peripapillary splinter hemorrhages and edema of the peripapillary retina.
An image of papilledema from EyeRounds.org can be seen by clicking here.
Papilledema is a neurological emergency and needs prompt evaluation by specialists.
The causes of papilledema include:
Cataracts
Demyelinating diseases
Drugs
Glaucoma
Hypertension
Iridocyclitis
Meningo-encelphalitis
Optic atrophy
Tumor
Retinitis pigmenotosa
Idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) is the proper term but many other terms are used such as benign intracranial hypertension or pseudotumor cerebri which is the term used by the National Library of Medicine.
IIH is defined as elevated intracranial pressure but no clinical laboratory or radiographic evidence of hydrocephalus, infection, tumor or vascular abnormality.
IIH has papilledema, normal or small cerebral ventricular system on radiographic imaging, no intracranial mass and normal cerebrospinal fluid.
The pathogenesis of IIH is not complete understood. Proposed mechanisms include increased cerebral blood volume, increased cerebrospinal fluid secretion, increased venous sinus pressure and decreased cerebrospinal fluid absorption. All or combinations of these problems can lead to intracranial hypertension.
IIH occurs from childhood (with an increasing incidence in adolescence) to adulthood. Infants and neonates usually do not have it.
In younger children there is an equal gender distribution of patients, but as age increases female predominate.
Patients often come to attention because of headache, nausea and/or vomiting, blurred vision or diplopia, dizziness, tinnitus and stiff neck.
Other presentations include anorexia, increasing head size, pain behind the orbit, photophobia, head tilt and preference for knee-chest position.
Patients can also be asymptomatic with papilledema noticed incidentally on physical examination.
The papilledema in IIH is usually bilateral but may be unilateral or asymmetric.
Treatment to decrease the intracranial pressure and to maintain vision include stopping possible causative drugs, diuretics (i.e. acetazolamide, furosemide), serial lumbar punctures, and operative procedures such as optic nerve sheath fenestration or placement of a lumboperitoneal shunt.
With prompt treatment, visual loss can be completely reversible, but some visual loss is reported in up to 17% of patients. Recurrence rate is between 6-12%
Learning Point
Causes and possible associations with IIH include:
Cardiovascular
Heart murmur
Mitral valve prolapse
Heart transplant*
Collagen Vascular
Behçet disease
Panuveitis
Polyangiitis overlap syndrome
Systemic lupus erythematosus
Drugs
Amiodarone
Antibiotics - minocycline and tetracycline
Chemotherapy - cytarabine
Contraceptives, oral and implantable
Danazol
Desmopressin
Human growth hormone
Steroids or steroid withdrawal
Lithium
Mesalamine
Nalidixic acid
Nitrofurantoin
Vitamin A, retinoic acid and similar drugs
Endocrine
Addison disease
Cushing disease
Hypocalcemia
Hypo or hyperthyroidism
Ovarian dysfunction
Vitamin D-dependent rickets
Vitamin A excess or deficiency
Gastrointestinal
Crohn's disease
Genetic
Guillain-Barré
Galactosemia
Miller-Fisher variant
Hematologic
Severe anemia
Hypercoagulable states*
Polycythemia vera
Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome
Infectious Disease
Illness with fever
Lyme disease*
Measles
Otitis media
Roseola
Sinusitis
Streptococcal B pharyngitis
Tonsillitis
Upper respiratory tract infection
Viral disease
Varicella
Pulmonary
Asthma
Chronic lung disease
Cystic fibrosis*
Renal
Renal failure*
Renal transplant*
Surgical/Trauma
Appendectomy
Head trauma*
Tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy
Miscellaneous
Malnutrition
Obesity
Postvaccination
Refeeding
Note: one paper (Rangwala and Liu, see To Learn More below) reviewed other reports which may not meet the standard criteria for IIH. This paper cites the following as possibly not meeting criteria for IIH: cystic fibrosis, head trauma, heart transplantation, hypercoagulable states, Lyme disease, renal failure and renal transplantation.
Questions for Further Discussion
1. What radiographic imaging tests should be performed to evaluate papilledema?
2. What disease processes are considered neurological emergencies?
3What disease processes are considered opthalmological emergencies?
Related Cases
Disease
Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension
Pseudotumor cerebri
Benign Tumors
Blood and Blood Disorders
Eye Diseases
High Blood Pressure
Venous Sinus Thrombosis
Symptom/Presentation
Bleeding and Bruising
Blurred Vision
Hypertension
Neck Stiffness
Tinnitus
Visual Field Defects
Specialty
Ophthalmology
Neurology / Neurosurgery
Radiology / Nuclear Medicine / Radiation Oncology
Pharmacology / Toxicology
Age
Teenager
To Learn More
To view pediatric review articles on this topic from the past year check PubMed.
Information prescriptions for patients can be found at MedlinePlus for this topic: (Source: PediatricEducation.org)
Montreal heart institute and mount sinai hospital researchers contribute to crohn's disease study
(University of Montreal) Twenty-one new genetic risk factors associated with Crohn's disease have been discovered, more than doubling the amount of genetic information about the disease. An international consortium of Crohn's disease researchers combined efforts, including major contributions from Canadian researchers -- Dr. John D. Rioux from Montreal Heart Institute and Université de Montréal and Drs. Mark Silverberg and Hillary Steinhart from Mount Sinai Hospital in Toronto -- to publish this breakthrough study in Nature Genetics. (Source: EurekAlert! - Biology)
Genetic tests distinguish uc, cd, and ibs
Multigene analysis can distinguish between ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease, and irritable bowel syndrome, Swedish researchers have revealed. (Source: MedWire News - Gastroenterology)
Corticosteroid-treated patients with inflammatory bowel disease have increased mortality risk
A retrospective study of UK primary care data found that patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) had an increased risk of death compared to controls, which was related to treatment with corticosteroids but not treatment with thiopurines (azathioprine or mercaptopurine).
Previous work has shown that patients with IBD, particularly those with Crohn's disease (CD), have an increased mortality compared to controls. The aim of this study was to determine whether there was any relationship between therapy, excluding anti-TNF agents, and increased risk. The authors used data from the UK General Practice Research Database (GPRD) between 1987 to 1997 to identify patients with IBD (CD or ulcerative colitis, UC) and match them with controls based on age, sex, and primary care practice. Patients were stratified by use of immunosuppressant drugs, and followed-up to determine relative hazard of death according to drug use.
There were 5,539 patients with CD, 8,910 patients with UC, and 41,624 controls. Overall, patients with CD had an increased risk of death compared to controls regardless of immunosuppressive use, although the risk for non-users was lower (HR1.27; 95% CI, 1.07 to 1.51 - see note) than that for users (HR 2.44; 95% CI, 1.84 to 3.25). Patients with UC only had an increased risk if treated with immunosuppressive drugs (HR 1.67; 95% CI, 1.34 to 2.09).
The increase in risk occurred only in association with corticosteroid treatment: current corticosteroid therapy was linked to increased mortality risk for CD (HR 2.48; 95% CI, 1.85 to 3.31) and UC (HR 2.81; 95% CI, 2.26 to 3.50). In contrast, patients treated with thiopurines had no increase whether they had CD (HR, 0.83; 95% CI, 0.37 to 1.86) or UC (HR, 0.70; 95% CI, 0.29 to 1.70).
The authors conclude that patients with IBD who are treated with corticosteroids, but not thiopurines, are at increased risk of death. They caution that this study cannot prove causation and therefore whether the effect is due to the medication or underlying disease severity. They also comment that it has a number of significant limitations (see note), nevertheless they suggest that there should be re-examination of safety of corticosteroids in comparison with thiopurines in the treatment of IBD.
[Editor's note: hazard ratios close to 1, even if apparently statistically significant, should be treated with some circumspection. This is especially important outside randomised controlled trials, and is because of the potential effects of the limitations on the figures - e.g. see link to Bandolier for a discussion.] (Source: NeLM Headline News)
Meta-analysis identifies 21 previously unknown susceptibility loci for crohn's disease
Additional loci increase our understanding of the biology of this multifactorial disease. Medscape Medical News (Source: Medscape Medical News Headlines) <p> </p><p><b><i>MedWorm Sponsored Message:</i></b> Find out how you can <a href="http://www.medworm.com/rss/medicalsponsorship.php" target="_self">get your message across here</a> by sponsoring this MedWorm news feed.</p>
Big haul of crohn's genes shows disease complexity
LONDON (Reuters) - Scientists have linked 32 genetic variations to Crohn's disease, a bowel disorder, highlighting the complexity of many common diseases and the difficulties facing researchers seeking treatments. (Source: Reuters: Health)
International team identifies 21 new genetic risk factors for crohn's disease
(Massachusetts General Hospital) An international consortium of Crohn's disease researchers has combined data from three independent studies to identify 21 new genetic variants associated with the inflammatory bowel disorder, bringing the total number of risk factors to 32. Several of these are involved with the immune system's inital response to pathogens, supporting earlier evidence that disruptions in a process called autophagy may lead to the disorder's characteristic immune system overactivity. (Source: EurekAlert! - Biology)
Complexity of crohn's disease revealed as 'gene' count tops 30
(Wellcome Trust) New research has trebled the number of genetic regions known to be implicated in Crohn's disease, a form of inflammatory bowel disease, to over thirty. The research, published today in the journal Nature Genetics, has identified a number of potential new targets for drug development as well as providing surprising new links between the condition and other common diseases including asthma. (Source: EurekAlert! - Biology)
Denovo post renal transplantation inflammatory bowel disease.
<table border="0" width="100%"><tr><td align="left"/><td align="right"><a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Display&dopt=PubMed_PubMed&from_uid=18580024">Related Articles</a></td></tr></table>
<p><b>Denovo post renal transplantation inflammatory bowel disease.</b></p>
<p>Saudi J Kidney Dis Transpl. 2008 Jul-Aug;19(4):624-6</p>
<p>Authors: Halim MA, Al-Otaibi T, Elsisi A, El-Sayed A, Nair P, Said T, Balaha MA, Nampoory M</p>
<p>Post-renal transplant de-novo inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) may develop despite the presence of mycophenolate mofetil (MMF), a drug used for treatment of IBD, in the immunosuppressive regimen. A 39-year-old man received live unrelated renal transplant, and was started postoperatively on prednisolone, MMF, and tacrolimus, which was changed to sirolimus when he developed diabetes mellitus two months post-transplant. Nine months post-transplant, the patient developed recurrent attacks of bloody diarrhea and ischio-rectal abscesses complicated by anal fistulae not responding to routine surgical treatment. Colonoscopy diagnosed IBD, a Crohn's disease-like pattern. The patient was treated with steroids and 5-aminosalicylic acid (5-ASA) in addition to a two months course of ciprofloxacin and metronidazole. He became asymptomatic and rectal lesions healed within one month of treatment. The patient continued to be asymptomatic, and he maintained normal graft function on the same immunosuppressive treatment in addition to 5-ASA. We conclude that de-novo IBD disease can develop in renal transplant recipients in spite of immunosuppressive therapy including MMF.</p>
<p>PMID: 18580024 [PubMed - in process]</p> (Source: Saudi Journal of Kidney Diseases and Transplantation)
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