By Randy Dotinga HealthDay Reporter FRIDAY, Oct. 24, 2014 (HealthDay News) -- As more genetic tests are developed that spot increased risks for certain cancers, one might think that high-risk people would be more proactive about getting screened. But a new study suggests that, at least with colon cancer, knowledge does not change behavior: People who found out their genes doubled their risk of colon cancer were no more likely than people with average risk to get screened. "It didn't make any difference, not at all," said study author Dr. David Weinberg, chairman of medicine at Fox Chase Cancer Center in Philadelphia. Weinberg cautioned against using the findings to come to conclusions about the impacts of genetic tests for other cancers. Still, he said, the "modest amount of available data" suggests that genetic tests like the colon cancer one -- which don't confirm a huge increased risk of disease -- don't alter health habits. The researchers were surprised by the results. "Our hypothesis was that this would be effective," Weinberg said, especially considering that a person's genetic makeup is so personal and "might be a more compelling motivator than something like their cholesterol level or a lifestyle choice like smoking." … Continue reading →

PUBLIC RELEASE DATE: 28-Oct-2014 Contact: Charli Scouller c.scouller@qmul.ac.uk 44-770-982-5741 Queen Mary, University of London @QMUL A large analysis of over 40,000 individuals on statin treatment has identified two new genetic variants which influence how 'bad' cholesterol levels respond to statin therapy. Statins are widely prescribed to patients and have been shown to lower bad cholesterol levels by up to 55%, making them a highly effective method of reducing risk of heart disease. However, despite this success, patient response can vary widely. The study, led by Queen Mary University of London and published in Nature Communications, is the largest to date and involved analysing data from six randomised clinical trials and 10 observational studies to look for genetic variants influencing patients' response to statins. Together with multiple universities around the world, the researchers validated their findings in a further 22,318 individuals and found two new common genetic variants which significantly affected the degree to which bad cholesterol was lowered during statin treatment. Professor Mark Caulfield, Lead Author, Queen Mary University of London and the NIHR Biomedical Research Unit, comments: "This study marks an important step toward understanding how genetic variations influence statin response. However, further research is needed to find out … Continue reading →

Q: You recently wrote about stem cell research, and I understand that stem cell therapy is being used to treat inflammatory bowel disease in cats. Do you have more details? A: The Winn Feline Foundation has funded the research of Dr. Craig Webb and Dr. Tracy Webb of Colorado State University College of Veterinary Medicine to study the use of stem cells to treat inflammatory bowel disease in cats. Early results are promising. Stem cell research in cats doesn't stop there. Dr. Glenn Olah, president of the Winn Feline Foundation, notes that Winn also funded stem cell studies to treat feline asthma and kidney disease. Results are hopeful, but it's simply too early to offer definitive answers. "In some ways, stem cell studies in pets are ahead of (those in) people." Q: About a month ago, I adopted a beautiful Burmese after she romanced me at the shelter. Once we got home, she wanted nothing to do with me. It's not that she isn't friendly. She loves my son and even sleeps with him. When I get up early to feed her, she stays away until I've left the room. My son suggested that the cat harbors resentment toward me … Continue reading →

Beverly Hills, California (PRWEB) October 28, 2014 Dr. Raj of the Beverly Hills Orthopedic Institute is now offering stem cell procedures which can help replace knee cartilage. The procedures are outpatient, low risk and highly effective at providing pain relief. Call (310) 247-0466 for more information and scheduling. Hundreds of thousands of knee replacement procedures are performed annually in the US. There are potential risks with the procedure that may be extremely serious, including blood clots or infection. Therefore, the joint replacement should always be considered as a last resort procedure. With the advent of effective stem cell procedures, known as regenerative medicine, patients are often able to delay or even avoid the need for a knee replacement. Dr. Raj performs the procedures as an outpatient, and they involve either bone marrow derived procedures or amniotic derived therapy. The amniotic fluid provides an immense source of concentrated stem cells, and there is no fetal tissue involved. Therefore, ethical concerns are avoided. Platelet rich plasma therapy is also offered for knee pain and arthritis. Recent studies at leading institutions such as Hospital for Special Surgery have shown the procedures are able to preserve knee cartilage and possibly even restore it. Pain … Continue reading →