Public release date: 17-Jul-2013 [ | E-mail | Share ] Contact: Karin Eskenazi cumcnews@columbia.edu 212-305-3900 Columbia University Medical Center NEW YORK, NY (July 17, 2013) Researchers at Columbia University Medical Center (CUMC) and collaborators have identified a genetic mutation that causes congenital malformations of the kidney and urinary tract, a common form of birth defect and the most common cause of kidney failure in children. It is the first time that a specific genetic mutation has been linked to a non-syndromic form of urinary tract malformation. The findings were published in the July 17 online issue of the New England Journal of Medicine. The research team, led by Ali Gharavi, MD, associate professor of medicine in the Division of Nephrology and a nephrologist at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital/Columbia University Medical Center, studied a Sardinian family with congenital malformations of the kidney and urinary tract. Several family members had experienced kidney failure at a young age. Using the recently developed tool of exome gene sequencing (sequencing of only the coding parts of the genome), the researchers identified a mutation in a gene called dual serine/threonine and tyrosine protein kinase (DSTYK) in all of the affected family members. The researchers then screened 311 unrelated … Continue reading →

Experts found that even smokers who underwent rigorous medical tests that came back normal had dangerous changes in their DNA The genes found are usually limited to developing embyros and can predispose a person to the most aggressive types of lung cancer By Rachel Reilly PUBLISHED: 05:33 EST, 17 July 2013 | UPDATED: 05:49 EST, 17 July 2013 157 shares 75 View comments Experts found that even smokers who look healthy are undergoing dangerous changes at a genetic level Even healthy-looking smokers have early cell damage which could lead to cancer, say experts. A study has shown that even if X-rays and other health test results are normal, airway cells in smokers show early damage by having activated genes seen in aggressive lung cancer. Experts found that in the cells lining the airways of the smokers' lungs, human embryonic stem cell genes associated with cancer had been turned on. Read more: Even healthy-looking smokers have 'cell damage at a genetic level which could lead to lung cancer' … Continue reading →

BROOMFIELD, Colo.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- ARCA biopharma, Inc. (ABIO), a biopharmaceutical company developing genetically-targeted therapies for cardiovascular diseases, today provided a general business update and clinical development guidance. ARCA was founded on the belief that a personalized medicine approach to drug development, tailoring medical treatment to the individual genetic characteristics of each patient, can enable more effective therapies, improve patient outcomes and reduce healthcare costs. ARCAs lead development program is intended to be a direct implementation of those ideas. Gencaro (bucindolol hydrochloride) is being developed as a potential treatment for atrial fibrillation (AF). ARCA has identified common genetic variations that it believes may predict individual patient response to Gencaro, giving it the potential to be the first genetically-targeted AF prevention treatment. AF is considered an epidemic cardiovascular disease with an estimated prevalence of at least 2.7 million Americans in 2010. We believe we have a significant opportunity to improve the treatment options for patients living with atrial fibrillation, said Dr. Michael R. Bristow, President and Chief Executive Officer of ARCA. With the completion of our recent capital raise, and the support of Medtronic, we now have the resources to advance Gencaro into Phase 2B clinical evaluation. We believe there is an unmet … Continue reading →

Stem Cell Therapy - Knee Replacement Alternative Stem Cell Therapy is a the best alternative to joint replacement. Find out how athletes are using these new innovations to overcome their pain. By: Omar Salah … Continue reading →

Freeport, Bahamas (PRWEB) July 17, 2013 Okyanos Heart Institute, whose mission it is to bring a new standard of care and better quality of life to patients with coronary artery disease using cardiac stem cell therapy, has named Leslie Miller, M.D., F.A.C.C. as its chief science officer. Dr. Miller is a leading heart failure specialist and experienced thought leader in cardiac stem cell therapy. He is director of the University of South Florida (USF) Heart Institute, professor of cardiovascular sciences at the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine, and was formerly the director of cardiology at Georgetown University. Dr. Miller has been an investigator in over 80 clinical trials. The use of adult stem cells derived from adipose (fat) tissue to treat congestive heart failure has the potential to change the game for the millions of patients suffering from this disease, said Miller. These stem and regenerative cells have been shown to stimulate the growth of new blood vessels, are anti-inflammatory and prevent at-risk cells from dying. These combined mechanisms can provide important therapeutic benefit to heart failure patients. As a current member of Okyanos medical advisory council, Dr. Miller has actively advised us on patients criteria for cardiac stem … Continue reading →

Stem Cell Therapy Treatment for Cerebral Atrophy by Dr Alok Sharma, Mumbai, India. Part 2 Improvement seen in just 5 day after Stem Cell Therapy Treatment for Cerebral Atrophy by Dr Alok Sharma, Mumbai, India. After Stem Cell Therapy 1. Ball throw... By: Neurogen Brain and Spine Institute … Continue reading →