A study by the Washington University School of Medicine has identified some genetic variants specific to people of Finnish origin. According to the researchers, the genes in question could increase the risk of obesity, diabetes, hypercholesterolemia. Indirectly, they could therefore be linked to an increase in the probability of contracting cardiovascular diseases.

The study authors identified 26 genetic variations relevant for cardiovascular and metabolic health. Of these, 19 are peculiar to Finnish or Finnish origin individuals. It is calculated that they are 20 times more frequent in Finland than in the rest of Europe.

The population of the country is in fact isolated and characterized by a relatively similar genetic heritage. Finland is a country that has remained isolated for centuries, with very little immigration throughout history. Over the years, there have been at least two disastrous events that caused a collapse in the population. As a result, today's Finns all come from a limited range of genetic assets. This caused the formation of a group of diseases specific to that area, called Finnish Disease Heritage.

The disorders in question are not part of the list: they are too subtle. Yet the study showed a correlation between these "Finnish" anomalies and metabolic and cardiac disorders. The researchers would like to see if there are similar cases in other isolated populations, such as those in the South Pacific Samoa.

Source: medicine.wustl.edu

A study by the Institute of Cancer Research in London (ICR) could open the door to a new treatment for prostate cancer. Researchers used a genetic test to identify damaged areas of DNA so they could be repaired with ad hoc treatments.

The new approach has already proved effective on prostate cancer patients, on whom traditional treatments had not worked. Unfortunately it doesn't work on all patients, though. It is therefore important to find a way to identify these subjects, in order to avoid treatments destined to be useless.

The treatment uses a drug containing a radioactive particle, which identifies the defective molecule on the surface of cancer cells. This specific molecule is called prostate specific membrane antigen (PSMA). Analyzes have revealed that PSMA levels on the surface of cells change based on the type of tumor and its severity.

They could therefore help to identify the subjects who will benefit from the treatment. In tumors with a strong genetic component, on which the treatment is more effective, the levels of PSMA are high. It is estimated that they are four times higher than in other types of prostate cancer. From this, the researchers developed a genetic test to identify the patients in question and genetic abnormalities.

According to Professor Johann de Bono, the procedure offers an effective approach. Genetic tests should therefore be introduced in routine tests, so as to immediately identify the subjects on which to apply the treatment.

Source: medicaldevice-network.com

Hydra is an aquatic invertebrate that can regenerate every part of its body, even if cut in half. A study by the Universities of California and Harvard has mapped its DNA to identify the genes that make this possible. In this way the researchers have obtained invaluable data, which in the future will be usable in the field of regenerative medicine.

The team led by Dr. Juliano and Dr. Siebert performed a total genetic sequencing on some hydra. In doing so they followed the phase-by-phase regeneration process, moving from the three stem cell lines of the invertebrate to the mature adult cells. At the base of all this there are mechanisms of gene regulation, which could also be hidden in human DNA.

This is not the first study that studies hydra to improve regenerative medicine. The extraordinary capacity of regeneration of this organism makes it in fact immortal. Researchers from around the world are therefore looking for the key to this process, in order to reproduce it.

Source: ansa.it