A study found that surgical weight loss programs significantly improved metabolic syndrome symptoms, with a 95.6% resolution rate for patients with the condition. Laparoscopic gastric bypass surgery resulted in greater weight loss and better blood lipid profiles compared to vertical banded gastroplasty.
A recent study examining obese postmenopausal women found that visceral fat storage was the main determinant of metabolic syndrome and increased cardiovascular disease risk. High-intensity exercise and general weight reduction were identified as potential strategies to reduce this risk.
Researchers found that lean mass, intra-abdominal fat, and inflammation biomarker sTNFR1 are higher in women with metabolic syndrome, independently related to its severity. Analysis of these factors can help doctors identify postmenopausal women at increased risk for diabetes and heart disease.
Researchers have identified a rare genetic syndrome, Timothy syndrome, characterized by cardiac arrhythmias and atypical autism. The syndrome arises from a single gene mutation that impairs a fundamental calcium channel, leading to widespread cellular overloading. Calcium-channel blocking drugs may provide treatment for symptoms.
Timothy syndrome is caused by spontaneous genetic mutations that interfere with calcium channels regulating heart excitation and contraction. A class of drugs may alleviate arrhythmia, while improving cognitive function in some cases. The disorder affects 200,000 to 400,000 children in the US.
A randomized trial found that a Mediterranean-style diet reduced the prevalence of metabolic syndrome by approximately one half after two years. The diet was rich in whole grains, fruits, vegetables, legumes, walnuts, and olive oil.
A new study challenges the long-held view that high-dose steroids cause bone loss in children. Researchers found no signs of osteoporosis in 60 steroid-sensitive nephrotic syndrome patients, contradicting previous findings in other childhood diseases treated with steroids. Obesity may actually stimulate bone growth and increase bone mass.
A recent study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that nearly 50% of severely obese youth develop metabolic syndrome. The condition is associated with worsening body mass index and insulin resistance, increasing risk for type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
An international team has defined a previously undescribed inherited cardiac arrhythmia syndrome caused by mutations in the ankyrin-B gene. The syndrome, distinct from Long QT Syndrome, is characterized by abnormal heartbeats and increased risk of sudden death, particularly among young people.
Researchers found female patients with Wolfram syndrome have significantly worse hearing than male patients. The study also discovered that USH2a patients' hearing loss gradually deteriorates over time.
A researcher has identified a genetic abnormality affecting American DFNA9 syndrome patients also present in Dutch families, including BOR syndrome, leading to valuable insights into the progression of diseases. The discovery highlights the importance of gene matching research for identifying new candidate genes.
Rett Syndrome researchers successfully introduced the 'Rett protein' into post-mitotic neurons, reversing symptoms in mice. This breakthrough could pave the way for new treatments and potentially even cures for Rett Syndrome, a devastating neurological disorder primarily affecting girls.
Researchers found that Tourette syndrome patients' brain activity during memory tasks normalized after receiving levodopa treatment. The study used functional magnetic resonance imaging and showed increased activity in certain brain regions, which decreased after treatment.
A new form of the MECP2 protein has been discovered to be associated with Rett syndrome, a devastating neurological disorder affecting approximately 3,000 girls in the US. This breakthrough finding promises to aid in the diagnosis and treatment of Rett syndrome and other developmental disabilities.
Researchers have identified a new form of the MECP2 gene associated with Rett syndrome, a genetic neurological disorder affecting mostly girls. The discovery suggests that a defective alternate form of the gene causes the disease, providing hope for improved diagnosis and treatment options.
Researchers have identified a novel form of the Rett syndrome protein, which is more abundant in human brain than previously thought. This discovery may provide insights into potential functional differences between the two proteins and help identify mutations in exon 1.
A new form of the MeCP2 protein has been discovered, which may be more important in causing Rett Syndrome. The protein is found to be more abundant in the brain and its function must be understood to relate it to the disease symptoms.
A new study suggests that treating metabolic syndrome's risk-factor components might reduce stroke risk before Type 2 diabetes develops. Men with metabolic syndrome have a 78% greater stroke risk, while women have more than double the risk compared to those without the condition.
Recent studies show that overweight Hispanic youth are at an increased risk for developing type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Insulin resistance directly contributes to the development of metabolic syndrome, particularly in those with a family history of diabetes.
Studies identify specific tissue sites where abnormal cells lead to insulin resistance and Metabolic Syndrome. PPARgamma in fat tissue affects adipose cell function, while defective muscle tissue causes profound insulin resistance.
A comprehensive DNA analysis of 744 healthy volunteers has identified 49 distinct genetic variants associated with increased risk of sudden cardiac death. These variants were found in specific ethnic groups and may impact diagnosis and testing for long QT syndrome, particularly among minority patients.
A new study finds evidence of genetic linkages to metabolic syndrome in both black and white patients. The researchers also identified chromosomal regions linked to cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes risk factors. These findings bring us closer to discovering the actual genes responsible for metabolic syndrome.
Researchers found that brain scans show increased metabolic activity in the temporal cortex, where Alzheimer's disease commonly develops, in adults with Down syndrome. The study suggests that this may be an early indicator of Alzheimer's, potentially allowing for early detection using a common PET scan procedure.
The NIH has established a network of clinical research centers focused on rare diseases, aiming to accelerate diagnosis and treatment. The RDCRCs will facilitate data sharing and collaboration among investigators and patient support groups to improve lives and potentially prevent or eliminate these diseases.
A new study reveals that MeCP2, a protein implicated in Rett Syndrome, regulates brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), leading to symptoms. Researchers found that MeCP2 controls BDNF's 'off' state, but also enables its activation through temporary detachment.
Researchers have discovered that the protein MeCP2 regulates gene expression in normal central nervous system cells, and its mutation may be responsible for Rett Syndrome. The study also suggests that BDNF, a highly active gene, plays a key role in the disease.
IVIg is the preferred treatment for Guillain-Barré Syndrome due to its ease of use and lower complication rate compared to plasma exchange. Early treatment within two weeks of symptom onset improves chances for a better outcome.
Exercising and losing weight can significantly reduce excess insulin production and lower blood pressure in patients with Syndrome X. The study found that overweight patients experienced a 47% reduction in hyperinsulinemia with combined exercise and weight loss.
Researchers identified a genetic region on chromosome 11 associated with eye and kidney problems in individuals with Joubert syndrome. The study provides hope for developing a genetic screening test to inform parents about the risk of passing the condition to future children.
A study at the Salk Institute found that children with Williams syndrome exhibit unique social behavior patterns, including high scores on tests measuring social interactions. Genetic screening revealed that one gene may be responsible for this hyper-sociability in some individuals, suggesting a potential genetic link to the disorder.
A case report suggests Munchausen syndrome by proxy may be responsible for unexplained medical conditions in infants, with symptoms including bleeding, seizures, and rash. The condition can be difficult to diagnose due to the perpetrator's cooperative nature, but experts emphasize its potential lethality.
A new study published in The Lancet found that the meningococcal C conjugate vaccine (MCCV) may increase relapse rates of nephrotic syndrome in children with kidney disease. The vaccine was introduced to all UK children under 18 years old in 1999, but subsequent monitoring revealed a 30% increase in relapses post-vaccination.
A study published in the American Journal of Ophthalmology found that nearly 3.2 million women aged 50 and older in the US suffer from debilitating dry eye syndrome, which can lead to scarring, ulceration, and loss of vision. The disease is more common in women than men, with Hispanic and Asian women experiencing more severe symptoms.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center have successfully treated seven out of 12 children with complete DiGeorge Syndrome using a thymus transplant procedure. The transplants enabled the children's bodies to form new immune systems, leading to improved survival rates and reduced infections.
A new study connects a powerful cancer-causing protein to a gene associated with Werner syndrome, a disease causing premature aging. Researchers suggest developing drugs that interfere with the WRN gene's anti-aging properties to block Myc's tumor-promoting activity.
The XENDOS study shows that Xenical significantly improves weight loss, waist measurement, blood pressure, triglyceride levels, fasting plasma glucose, and HDL cholesterol in patients with Metabolic Syndrome. The treatment also reduces the risk of type 2 diabetes by 36%.
A collaborative research group investigated whether Down's syndrome and NTD arise more often in the same family. The study found a significant link between the two conditions, with increased rates of pregnancy loss among families at high risk of NTD and Down's syndrome.
Researchers have found the same gene responsible for fragile X syndrome, a developmental disorder in children, also causes Fragile X Associated Tremor/Ataxia Syndrome (FXTAS) in male carriers, leading to neurodegenerative symptoms. The study aims to develop therapies for both conditions.
A study found that people with metabolic syndrome are 1.5 times more likely to develop a stroke than those without it, with women being 2.1 times more at risk. The condition is also associated with an increased risk of heart attacks and vascular-related deaths.
Scientists have improved understanding of TGF-beta's regulation in Marfan syndrome by studying mice with genetic mutations. They found that blocking TGF-beta activity during development may prevent features of the disorder, including emphysema and aortic rupture.
Research finds that eating breakfast daily lowers rates of obesity and insulin resistance syndrome, a key factor in type 2 diabetes and heart disease. Whole-grain cereals also appear to have protective effects, with daily consumption associated with a 15% reduced risk of the syndrome.
A quadruple test that measures four maternal blood markers is more effective than earlier single marker tests in detecting Down's syndrome pregnancies. The test detected 81% of Down's syndrome cases, while a single marker test detected only 51%.
A gene involved in forming blood vessels has been identified as a key player in DiGeorge syndrome, a chromosomal abnormality causing devastating birth defects. The study found that abnormalities in VEGF lead to the syndrome, which affects the heart, thymus, parathyroid gland, and mental retardation.
Researchers found Kindler syndrome patients develop periodontitis at a younger age and experience rapid progression of the disease. The study also revealed significant differences in periodontal destruction between Kindler and control groups.
Researchers found that CRP levels above 3.0mg/L significantly increased the risk of heart attacks, strokes, and death from cardiovascular disease in women with metabolic syndrome. Higher CRP levels were also associated with higher cardiovascular risk, even among those with lower CRP levels.
Scientists have identified the gene responsible for Shwachman-Diamond syndrome, a rare genetic disorder that affects the pancreas, white blood cells, skeletal system, and causes severe infections. The discovery will aid in accurate diagnosis, clinical management, and potentially lead to new therapies.
Scientists have identified specific genes on chromosome 21 that contribute to Down syndrome, a condition affecting one in 800 live births. The discovery provides a roadmap for understanding the genetic causes of the disorder and potentially developing new therapies.
Researchers at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center found that pituitary tumor cells express abundant PPAR-gamma, a protein receptor linked to growth and metabolism. Treatment with common diabetes drug rosiglitazone effectively shrunk tumors and reduced hormone production in mice with Cushing's syndrome.
A new study from the University of Wisconsin-Madison suggests that individuals with Down syndrome can continue to improve their language skills well into young adulthood. Language comprehension skills tend to plateau during late adolescence, while language expression skills continue to develop and even improve in some cases.
A team of researchers at the University of Toronto has identified a protein and developed a prototype vaccine that shows promise in treating Sjögren syndrome. The vaccine was able to stop disease progression even after the condition had fully developed.
Researchers have found a gene mutation that causes acute megakaryoblastic leukemia in children with Down syndrome, increasing their risk by 10-20 times. The discovery highlights the importance of GATA1, a transcription factor regulating red blood cell and platelet production.
A genetic mutation in the NOG gene causes autosomal dominant stapes ankylosis, a rare hearing loss syndrome with similar symptoms to otosclerosis. The syndrome is characterized by skeletal abnormalities and may require different treatment options.
Researchers created a mouse model of Rett syndrome to study the gene MECP2 and its role in fine-tuning the developing nervous system. The study may improve understanding of the disorder and lead to potential treatments for patients.
A recent study reveals that mutations in the FBN1 gene can cause Marfan syndrome by disrupting an exonic splicing enhancer, leading to exon skipping and compromised fibrillin protein activity. This understanding may help explain other human diseases associated with exon skipping.
Mayo Clinic researchers have found a renewed use for a test to identify patients at risk of long QT syndrome, a genetic condition that can cause sudden death. The study used epinephrine infusion and electrocardiogram monitoring to detect a specific response in people with long QT syndrome 1, a subtype of the condition.
A study using mice found that mutations in the Lmx1b gene cause a reduction in two proteins necessary for mature podocytes to function properly. This disruption leads to immature podocytes and impaired kidney filtering, increasing the risk of kidney problems associated with nail-patella syndrome.
People with Down's syndrome experienced almost double the life expectancy from 1982 to 1997, averaging 49 years. The majority of deaths were attributed to characteristic Down's syndrome disorders, such as congenital heart defects and leukaemia.
A new UCLA study finds that 'sweaty palms' syndrome is caused by a dominant gene, affecting up to 5% of the population. The disorder can significantly impact daily life and career, with symptoms including excessive sweating in hands and feet.
A recent study using human stem cells has made significant breakthroughs in understanding the origin of Down syndrome, one of the most common causes of developmental disabilities. The research found a faulty genetic circuit that disrupts brain development, leading to a deficit in specific genes critical for neuronal growth.
A study of 250 primary-care patients found that infections like glandular fever can trigger chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), while mood disorders are predicted by factors such as psychiatric history and social adversity. Early physical activity may help prevent or treat CFS after infectious mononucleosis.