Could Dr. House Be Replaced By A Computer? Oct 18, 2008
The team is developing computational methods for identifying novel metabolic biomarkers that may be used for diagnosing an array of genetic metabolic disorders (including such disorders with relatively higher incidence in Jewish populations such as G6PD and Tay-Sachs). More generally, this basic research provides scientists with important knowledge of the metabolism of different body tissues and organs. (Science Daily)
Ernest Beutler, 80, pioneer in bone marrow transplants Oct 11, 2008
Dr. Beutler was a pioneer in bone marrow transplantation for fighting cancer; made key discoveries about the role of the X chromosome in women; helped discover G6PD deficiency, the most common clinically significant enzyme deficiency of humans; improved the diagnosis and treatment of Gaucher disease; and developed cladribine, a treatment for leukemia and multiple sclerosis ... With his colleagues Ray Dern and Alf Alving, Dr. Beutler determined that patients who developed anemia suffered a... (Boston Globe)
Lab to find newborn's genetic defects Sep 8, 2008
NEW DELHI: A first of its kind laboratory to diagnose genetic disorders in newborns was recently started at Lok Nayak Hospital. Doctors say that nearly 400 different genetic defects in newborns can be diagnosed at this genetic lab with just a few drops of their blood. (India Times, India -- Health/Science)
Malaria Control Goals Are Likely To Be Unachievable Jul 24, 2008
ScienceDaily (July 24, 2008) The Millennium Development Goal (MDG) to halt and begin to reverse the incidence of malaria globally is unlikely to be met, according to Wellcome Trust Principal Research Fellow Professor Bob Snow. The eight MDGs were established by the United Nations in 2000 with a view to tackling global poverty and health inequality. (Science Daily)
QLT announces agreement to sell Aczone(R) to Allergan for approximately US$150 million Jun 9, 2008
The label required all patients to undergo G6PD screening and for those patients with this enzyme deficiency, regular blood monitoring was required during Aczone treatment. On March 17, 2008, the Company announced that the FDA removed the G6PD screening and monitoring requirements based on a Phase IV clinical trial in 56 safety-evaluable G6PD-deficient patients ... On June 6, 2008, Health Canada similarly removed the G6PD screening and monitoring requirements based on the Phase IV clinical... (Canada Newswire)
Vitamin D Protects Cells From Stress That Can Lead To Cancer May 14, 2008
Lee found that vitamin D links with a gene known as G6PD, increasing its activity and the production of an enzyme called glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase ... The G6PD pathway is one of the mechanisms vitamin D uses, Lee said. (Science Daily)
Blood Disease Protects Against Malaria In An Unexpected Way, Study Shows Mar 20, 2008
19, 2008) Children with an inherited blood disorder called alpha thalassemia make unusually small red blood cells that mostly cause a mild form of anemia. Now, researchers have discovered that this disorder has a benefit--it can protect children against one of the world's greatest killers, malaria, according to a new study. (Science Daily)
Where people live the longest Feb 20, 2008
"One particular gene on the X chromosome seems to be faulty, failing to produce an enzyme known as G6PD. This can often have a negative impact on health, but in Ovodda it may well have had a positive effect.". The role G6PD may play in living longer is now being researched further, but the professor is convinced the genetic elixir of life lies with the families of Ovodda. (BBC News -- UK)
The continuing of human evolution Dec 17, 2007
One gene, called G6PD, is emerging in African populations. Although it harms people by causing anaemia, it harms malaria more, and so confers a net benefit. (Hindu)
At S$70, TMS test can save a baby Aug 31, 2007
Currently, only three tests those for a deficiency of G6PD enzyme which protects red blood cells, hypothyroidism and hearing impairment are mandatory for all babies. There is no consensus among the medical community on whether the TMS test should be compulsory, said Prof Satku. (Channel NewsAsia, Singapore)
Too Many Vitamins? One Antioxidant Linked To Heart Disease, Study Shows Aug 11, 2007
Glutathione, one of the body's most powerful antioxidants, is regulated at multiple steps principally by the G6PD enzyme. To establish the connection between reduced glutathione and heart failure, Benjamin mated mutant alpha B-Crystallin mice that carried too much G6PD with mice that had far lower levels. (Science Daily)
Too much anti-oxidant may lead to heart disease Aug 10, 2007
Glutathione, one of the body's most powerful antioxidants, is primarily regulated by an enzyme called G6PD. To establish the connection between reduced glutathione and heart failure, Benjamin mated mutant alpha B-Crystallin mice that carried too much G6PD with mice that had far lower levels. Their babies had normal levels of the antioxidant and didn't develop heart failure. (Deseret News)
G6PD Deficiency Is Associated With Significant Protection Against Severe, Life-threatening Malaria Mar 14, 2007
A case-control study in two populations in Mali, West Africa has shown that glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency is associated with significant protection against severe, life-threatening malaria ... G6PD (A-) deficiency, an X chromosome trait prevalent in Africa, protected hemizygous male children but not heterozygous female children against progression of malaria into life-threatening complications ... G6PD deficiency is also known as "favism" after the Italian word for broad... (Science Daily)
Black Women Have Excess Risk of Preterm Babies Feb 12, 2007
"This selective advantage phenomenon has been well described for diseases afflicting the black race, particularly sickle cell disease, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency, and nitrous oxide synthase polymorphisms and their effects on the incidence of malaria.". The authors conducted a population-based cohort study to determine whether being black was an independent risk factor for extreme preterm birth and for the frequency of recurrent preterm births at similar gestational ages. (MedPage Today)
