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Environmental triggers for altered gene function in chronic fatigue syndrome to be examined |
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Written by Matthew Hogg BSc (Hons)
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Thursday, 24 May 2012 11:16 |
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A Canadian researcher is investigating how environmental triggers might alter gene function in people with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. The research could lead to better insights into the disease and eventually to new treatments.
Professor Patrick O. McGowan, director of the Laboratory for Epigenetic Neuroscience at the University of Toronto Scarborough (UTSC), is looking at how environmentally triggered changes to gene expression might alter immune function and stress response in ways that contribute to the disease.
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McGowan's field of study is epigenetics - a scientific field that has only come to the fore relatively recently. Epigenetics tells us that that DNA blueprints passed down through genes are not set in stone at birth. While we can’t change the hardwiring of our genetic code, outside influences can radically change what our genes do and thus how our body functions and whether it is healthy or not. Epigenetic changes can be caused by environmental triggers such as infections, toxins, stress, nutrition, and even the social environment. - all of which have been associated with the onset of chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) e.g. viral infections, pesticide exposure, pushing oneself too hard etc.
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Last Updated on Thursday, 24 May 2012 12:05 |
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Biomarkers may confirm irritable bowel syndrome diagnosis |
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Written by Matthew Hogg BSc (Hons)
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Wednesday, 16 May 2012 11:36 |
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New research has uncovered differences in the concentrations of proteins called granins between irritable bowel syndrome patients and their healthy peers, suggesting measurement of these proteins could form the basis of lab tests to confirm the diagnosis of the condition.
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is the most commonly diagnosed gastrointestinal (GI) disorder in the developed world, yet this diagnosis is based primarily on a patients symptoms and ruling out other GI diseases with lab testing. As a result it has sometimes been referred to as a "waste basket diagnosis" and has not been taken seriously, when the reality is that the symptoms and suffering of patients are very real.
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Now, a pioneering study conducted by scientists from the Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Sweden, may have identified specific granins as biomarkers that can be used to develop the first diagnostic lab test for IBS. This would not only make diagnosis an easier process for both doctors and patients, it may also point the way to for the development of new and more effective treatments for IBS.
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Last Updated on Wednesday, 16 May 2012 12:24 |
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