Research – Genes responsible for some amount of High Blood Pressure cases ?
In recent years, there has been an increasing trend towards looking for gene based causes of a number of diseases and afflictions. With progress being made towards an increased trend of mapping the entire genome structure of the human body, and more research towards linkage of some genes (or mutations / defects in the genes) with afflictions and diseases, there are more links being found between genes and diseases. Consider the case of High Blood Pressure, which is a disease that causes harm to the cardio-vascular system of the body with long term damage, and which is also known as a modern disease, caused due to a more sedate lifestyle.
Research (news article) is isolating a genetic cause in around 5 – 10% of cases where genetic mutations can cause hypertension, and if this research goes on, it can eventually lead to genetic screening for this form of hypertension.
Scientists at Yale University have found two new genetic mutations that can cause hypertension in up to a third of patients suffering from a common cause of severe high blood pressure.
Five to ten percent of patients with severe hypertension have tumours of the adrenal gland that produce a hormone called aldosterone. Removing these tumours can cure this form of hypertension.
Sifting for clues by sequencing all of the genes from these tumours, and comparing their sequences to the patients” normal DNA, the researchers found that either one of two mutations of a single gene were found in 8 of 22 tumours studied.
The investigators discovered that these mutations cause both aldosterone release and tumour formation by allowing the encoded protein, a potassium channel, to conduct sodium rather than only allowing potassium to pass through the channel.
As additional attention is paid to decoding the human genome, it becomes more and more clear that a large number of diseases will be linked to genes (mutations / defects) in some way, which in turn can help to screen for these diseases before the disease becomes apparent.
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Categories: Blood Pressure, Gene, Genetics Tags: Blood Pressure, Disease, Gene behind high BP, Genetic Screening, health, Hypertension
Causes and Symptoms of Prostate Cancer
Prostate cancer is a disease which only affects men. Cancer begins to grow in the prostate – a gland in the male reproductive system. The prostate is so called because of its position – it is at the base of the bladder. The exact causes of prostate cancer are unknown.
Causes of Prostate Cancer
- Prostate cancer is caused by changes in the DNA of a prostate cancer cell. DNA makes up our genes, which control how cells behave.
- Prostate cancer may also be linked to higher levels of certain hormones. High levels of male hormones (androgens) may play a part in prostate cancer risk in some men.
- The risk (predisposing) factors for prostate cancer include advancing age, genetics (heredity), hormonal influences, and such environmental factors as toxins, chemicals, and industrial products.
- It develops in the outer part of the gland as distinct from Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH), which develops in the centre of the gland. Therefore, it is possible to get prostatic cancer even after one has had a prostatectomy for BPH.
Symptoms of Prostate Cancer
Levels of a substance called prostate specific antigen (PSA) is often high in men with prostate cancer. However, PSA can also be high with other prostate conditions. Since the PSA test became common, most prostate cancers are found before they cause symptoms. In the later stages, prostate cancer can spread locally into the surrounding tissue or the nearby lymph nodes, called the pelvic nodes. The cancer then can spread even farther (metastasize) to other areas of the body. Symptoms of prostate cancer may include :
- A need to urinate frequently, especially at night.
- Difficulty in starting urination or inability to urinate.
- Weak or interrupted flow of urine.
- Painful or burning urination.
- Difficulty in having an erection.
- Pain during ejaculation.
- Blood in the urine or semen.
- Pain or stiffness in the lower back, hips, or thighs.
- Pain with bowel movement.
- Unintentional weight loss.
- Lethargy.
It is advised to consult a doctor immediately if you have experienced any of the above symptoms. Men aged 50 and above have the chances of developing prostate cancer.