Analysis of large epidemiologic studies identifies rare variants associated with no preventive benefit An analysis of genetic and lifestyle data from 10 large epidemiologic studies confirmed that regular use of aspirin or other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) appears to reduce the risk of colorectal cancer in most individuals. The study being published in the March 17 issue of JAMA found that a few individuals with rare genetic variants do not share this benefit. The study authors note, however, that additional questions need to be answered before preventive treatment with these medications can be recommended for anyone. "Previous studies, including randomized trials, demonstrated that NSAIDS, particularly aspirin, protect against the development of colorectal cancer, but it remains unclear whether an individual's genetic makeup might influence that benefit," says Andrew Chan, MD, MPH, of the Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) Gastroenterology Division, co-senior and co-corresponding author of the JAMA report. "Since these drugs are known to have serious side effects - especially gastrointestinal bleeding - determining whether certain subsets of the population might not benefit is important for our ability to tailor recommendations for individual patients." The research team analyzed data from the Colon Cancer Family Registry and from nine studies included in … Continue reading →

Orange, California (PRWEB) March 17, 2015 The top stem cell therapy clinics in California, Telehealth, are now offering treatment for nonhealing wounds at three locations. The stem cell therapy for wound healing is being offered by Board Certified doctors at three separate locations in Orange, La Jolla and Upland. Call (888) 828-4575 for more information and scheduling. Patients with diabetes, neuropathy and autoimmune disorders often find it difficult to heal even minor wounds. This may lead to diabetic ulcers and infections in the soft tissue and/or bone. At times, even the most rigorous conventional wound care fails to heal wounds sufficiently. At Telehealth, stem cell therapy for nonhealing wounds has been showing exceptional results. Wounds that had basically been unresponsive to traditional methods have displayed quick results with healing when the procedures are performed. The regenerative medicine treatments involve either bone marrow derived stem cells or amniotic derived stem cells. Additional, PRP therapy is included in the treatment at times when necessary. Along with helping to heal difficult wounds, stem cell therapy is also available for degenerative arthritis, chronic tendonitis, rotator cuff tears, ligament injuries, migraines and much more. Treatments are offered in Orange, Upland and a new La Jolla … Continue reading →

3 hours ago by Marla Vacek Broadfoot A jelly fish-green fluorescent gene marks stem cells and other proliferating primitive cells of an intestine-like structure. The central lumen hollow space is stained red. Credit: Magness Lab The human gut is a remarkable thing. Every week the intestines regenerate a new lining, sloughing off the equivalent surface area of a studio apartment and refurbishing it with new cells. For decades, researchers have known that the party responsible for this extreme makeover were intestinal stem cells, but it wasn't until this year that Scott Magness, PhD, associate professor of medicine, cell biology and physiology, and biomedical engineering, figured out a way to isolate and grow thousands of these elusive cells in the laboratory at one time. This high throughput technological advance now promises to give scientists the ability to study stem cell biology and explore the origins of inflammatory bowel disease, intestinal cancers, and other gastrointestinal disorders. But it didn't come easy. One step forward When Magness and his team first began working with intestinal stem cells some years ago, they quickly found themselves behind the eight ball. Their first technique involved using a specific molecule or marker on the surface of stem … Continue reading →