Genetic Regions Linked To Bone-Weakening Disease And Fractures
Thirty-two previously unidentified genetic regions associated with osteoporosis and fracture have been identified by a large, worldwide consortium of researchers, including Stanford Prevention Research Center chief John Ioannidis, MD, DSc. Variations in the DNA sequences in these regions confer either risk or protection from the bone-weakening disease. Many, but not all, of the regions encode proteins involved in pathways known to involve bone health. The research shows that osteoporosis results from the combined contributions of dozens, if not hundreds, of genes.
Many Who Suffer With Rheumatoid Arthritis Are Plagued By Lower GI Problems
Add lower gastrointestinal (GI) problems such as ulcers, bleeding and perforations to the list of serious complications facing many rheumatoid arthritis patients. They are at greater risk for GI problems and gastrointestinal-related death than people without the disease, a Mayo Clinic study shows. Researchers say their findings point out the need for new ways to prevent and treat lower GI disease in rheumatoid arthritis patients; the incidence of lower gastrointestinal complications is rising even as upper GI problems decrease significantly among rheumatoid arthritis patients.
Postmenopausal Osteoporosis Phase 3 Trial Starts, Say Amgen And UCB
Osteoporosis affects more than 75 million people, with women being four times more at risk of developing the disease than men. Osteoporosis is a chronic, progressive and systemic disease, whereby the bone tissue deteriorates, losing mass and strength, which makes the bones more fragile and increases the risk of fractures. Due to estrogen deficiency, the disease accelerates during and after women's menopause as ovarian function decreases during menopause, whilst the risk of fracture progressively increases with age.