TEACHABLE MEDICAL NEWS

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Can a protein from pig skin restore vision to blind people?

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On January 15, 2023

In lymphatic and immune system, special senses, tissues

TeachableMedicalNews article 01152023

Teachable moment in classrooms:

  1. special senses chapter – tunics/layers of the eye
  2. special senses chapter – structure of the cornea
  3. tissues chapter – collagen is found in the extracellular matrix of many connective tissues
  4. immune system chapter – recognition of non-self antigens
  5. immune system chapter – role of lymphocytes for immune functions

The news item:  Recently this news item was online:

Eye implant made from pig protein restored sight in 14 blind people

Twenty people with diseased or damaged corneas saw improvements to their vision after receiving implants engineered out of protein from pigskin.

The article states that collagen from pig skin was helpful in restoring vision to people with the disorder called keratoconus, that this disease represents a bulging of the front of the eye, that about 50-200 from 100,000 people have this disease, and that the treatment includes injection of this collagen into the cornea.

So, Why Do I Care??  Our vision is the most precious sense, so, any loss of visual capacity has a major effect on our quality of life. The misshaped cornea causes loss of sharp vision.  As the article states keratoconus is a relatively rare disorder, nonetheless it is important to keep an account of any remedy that restores vision.

Plain English, Please!!! First, let’s talk about what keratoconus is. At the front of the eyeball there is a transparent sheet called cornea. From the side it looks like a flat bubble. The cornea focuses light into the eye. In some people the cornea has a pointy shape like a small ice cream cone. This keratoconus condition prevents the focusing of light, so, blurred, cloudy vision is the result.

Second, let’s talk about the injection into the cornea. While the cornea is a very thin sheet of tissue, it is possible to inject materials into the sheet.  Because the cornea is flexible, injection of the proper amount

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Can we relieve migraine pain by changing neurotransmitter balance in the brain?

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On December 26, 2022

In nervous system, somatic senses, tissues

TeachableMedicalNews article 12262022

Teachable moment in classrooms:

  1. nervous tissue chapter – conduction of nerve impulses by axons of neurons
  2. nervous tissue chapter – starting a new nerve impulse by neurotransmitters
  3. brain chapter – anatomical location of thalamus and postcentral gyrus
  4. brain chapter – anatomy and function of trigeminal nerve, cranial nerve V
  5. somatic senses chapter – nerve impulse pathway from pain receptors (nociceptors)

The news item:  Recently the following report appeared online:

New migraine medication given the green light

Migraine sufferers are excited when a new anti-migraine option is available. In this case, it’s medicine called Reyvow.

The article states that migraine is a neurological disorder that causes recurring pain, sensitivity to light, and nausea. Migraine affects 30 million people worldwide, and it is the leading cause of disability. While there are approved medications to treat migraine, this new option, called Reyvow, can be taken by people who have heart disease, high blood pressure, or a history of stroke. The article also states that Reyvow activates the (5-HT) 1F receptors that increase serotonin neurotransmitters and inhibit pain pathways.

So, Why Do I Care??  According to the American Migraine Foundation over 10 million adults in the US suffer from migraine, causing each year over $11 billion economic loss from lost workdays and lost productivity.  Because existing migraine treatment do not work for all patients, new treatments are welcome, because they widen the circle of patients who can be effectively treated.

Plain English, Please!!! First, let’s talk about how migraine occurs. This disorder is characterized by sudden onset feeling (perception) of headache pain, sensitivity to light, or nausea. These symptoms appear suddenly and repeatedly, and can distract and disable people from carrying out daily functions. At first it was thought that abnormal dilation (widening) of blood vessels of the brain caused it, but recently migraine has been linked to the malfunctioning of our nervous system.  According to that during migraine the neurons that make up the pain pathways create unwanted nerve impulses.

Second, let’s talk about what pain pathways are. In our nervous system the word “pathway” means a bundle of axons that carry and deliver nerve impulses to their destination. The pain-carrying nerve

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Can we really make human proteins for medical treatments in lettuce plants?

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On December 10, 2022

In cellular basis of life, endocrine system, skeletal system

TeachableMedicalNews article TMN12112022

Teachable moment in classrooms:

  1. cellular basis of life chapter – concept of one gene, one protein
  2. cellular basis of life chapter – protein synthesis on ribosomes
  3. skeletal system chapter – actions of osteoblasts and osteoclasts in living bones
  4. skeletal system chapter – osteons and trabeculae provide structural strength to bones
  5. endocrine system chapter – actions of PTH made by parathyroid gland

The news item:  Recently the following report appeared in cyberspace:

Humans on Mars may feast on gene-edited salad to stop bones breaking

Genetically modified salad could be crucial to keeping the bones of humans on Mars healthy.

The article states that a human gene was added to lettuce, and that the human protein, parathyroid hormone (PTH), will fight the osteoporosis that astronauts develop in space. Astronauts lose 1.5% of bone mass from weight-bearing bones, and the expectation is the PTH made by the lettuce will prevent bone loss on a trip to Mars that may last for over a year.

So, Why Do I Care??  Osteoporosis, as stated in the article, weakens bones, but not only in astronauts. Over 10 million people in the US alone has osteoporosis that makes fractures more likely. PTH is currently administered through injections, so, if we could demonstrate that eating PTH-enriched lettuce, then treatment of osteoporosis may become easier.

Plain English, Please!!! First, let’s summarize what osteoporosis is, and how astronauts taking PTH can fight it (this was explored in detail in TMN article 11272022). The microscopic structural reinforcement structures (osteons and trabeculae) in our bones erode, gets degraded in the disorder called osteoporosis.  Imagine a tall building or a bridge; columns or pillars are the elements of structural reinforcement in them. A corrosion of those pillars and columns weakens the building, and may cause their collapse. Astronauts in space don’t have the force of gravity to stimulate bone building, so bone loss, osteoporosis develops. PTH, when administered in short bursts, stimulates osteoblasts, and increases bone formation, and that could prevent bone loss in astronauts. Although astronauts could inject themselves with PTH, however, for long spaceflights they would have to carry lots of PTH doses. It would be better if they could produce PTH during the flight itself.  Making human PTH inside a food item would create a continuous supply of PTH.

Second, let’s talk about what is entailed with the genetic engineering of the lettuce. In general, we do genetic engineering when we are adding a new gene or inactivating an existing gene in an organism.

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Can astronauts prevent bone loss by eating genetically engineered lettuce?

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On November 27, 2022

In chemical basis of life, digestive system, endocrine system, skeletal system

TeachableMedicalNews article 11272022

Teachable moment in classrooms:

  1. cellular basis of life chapter – concept of one gene, one protein
  2. skeletal system chapter – actions of osteoblasts and osteoclasts in living bones
  3. skeletal system chapter – osteons and trabeculae provide structural strength to bones
  4. endocrine system chapter – actions of PTH made by parathyroid gland
  5. digestive system chapter – ingested proteins are degraded by several digestive enzymes

 

The news item:  Recently the following report appeared:

Humans on Mars may feast on gene-edited salad to stop bones breaking

Genetically modified salad could be crucial to keeping the bones of humans on Mars healthy.

 

 

The article states that a human gene was added to lettuce, and that the human protein, parathyroid hormone (PTH), will fight the osteoporosis that astronauts develop in space. Astronauts lose 1.5% of bone mass from weight-bearing bones, and the expectation is the PTH made by the lettuce will prevent bone loss on a trip to Mars that may last for over a year.

So, Why Do I Care??  Osteoporosis, as stated in the article, weakens bones, but not only in astronauts. Over 10 million people in the US alone has osteoporosis that makes fractures more likely. PTH is currently administered through injections, so, if we could demonstrate that eating PTH-enriched lettuce, then treatment of osteoporosis may become easier.

Plain English, Please!!! First, let’s talk about what osteoporosis is. In our bones we need structural reinforcement to keep bones from fracturing when we walk, run, jump or fall. The microscopic building units called osteons and trabeculae are the structural elements that provide such reinforcement.  Imagine a tall building or a bridge; columns or pillars are the elements of structural reinforcement in them. A corrosion of those pillars and columns weakens the building, and may cause their collapse. In our bones the cells called osteoclasts erode the osteons and trabeculae, but the cells called osteoblasts repair, and, thus, reverse that erosion. In old age, or with hormonal changes, such as menopause, the osteoblasts slow down, and the osteoclasts erode osteons and trabeculae. Osteoporosis is the condition where the erosion weakens the entire bone, and fractures are more likely.

Second, let’s talk about why weightlessness leads to osteoporosis. When we move around in regular gravity, our bone cells are under pressure caused by the weight of the body. That pressure makes

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Can we treat breast cancer by targeting a mutation in the cancer cells?

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On November 12, 2022

In cellular basis of life, reproductive system

TeachableMedicalNews article 11122022

Teachable moment in classrooms:

  1. cellular basis of life chapter – concept of one gene, one protein
  2. cellular basis of life chapter – concept of gene mutation leading to protein malfunction
  3. cellular basis of life chapter – cell division is regulated
  4. female reproductive system chapter – anatomical location of mammary ducts

The news item: Recently the following reporting appeared online:

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No Description

 

The article states that the newly approved breast cancer treatment, Piqray, is for the HR+, HER2 – advanced breast cancer cases. The article also states that this new drug is targeting PIK3CA mutations.

So, Why Do I Care??  There are over 280,000 new breast cancer diagnoses each year in the USA. Deaths from breast cancer is estimated to be over 43,000 each year in the USA. Every new treatment regimen reduces the number of deaths, or increases survival time. In addition, a drug that targets mutated cancer cells also lowers the side effects, because only the mutated cells are attacked.

Plain English, Please!!! First, let’s talk about what breast cancer is. In all cancers the normal cells of a particular portion of the body transformed, so they suddenly gain the ability to divide without control. In the case of breast cancer the epithelial cells of the inner lining of mammary ducts transform into cancer cells. The mammary duct cells divide in controlled fashion to fill gaps where cell died in the duct.

Second, let’s talk about why cancer cells divide without control. Our cells normally divide by going through the steps of interphase, prophase, metaphase, anaphase, telophase, the process that divides

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Why are we trying to transplant pig hearts into human beings?

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On October 21, 2022

In cardiovascular system, cellular basis of life, lymphatic and immune system

TeachableMedicalNews article 10222022

Teachable moment in classrooms:

  1. chemical basis of life chapter – genetic engineering can remove genes from, or add genes to DNA molecules (the chromosomes)
  2. cellular basis of life chapter – removing a gene removes a protein, while adding a gene adds proteins to the functional toolkit of cells
  3. hear chapter – blood pumping action of left ventricle delivers oxygen, nutrients to all organs
  4. immune system chapter – role of HLA proteins in the recognition of self and non-self antigens

The news item:  Recently the following news article was published:

Two pig heart transplants succeed in brain-dead recipients

Surgeons at New York University (NYU) have successfully transplanted genetically-engineered pig hearts into two brain-dead people, researchers said on Tuesday, moving a step closer to a long-term goal of using pig parts to address the shortage of human organs for transplant.

The article states that experimental transplantation of pig hearts into brain dead humans was carried out, and the hearts remained functional for the three days of the study.  The article also states that the transplanted hearts came from genetically engineered pigs in which 4 genetic alterations were done to prevent rejection, and 6 genetic modifications were done to prevent incompatibilities between pigs and humans.

So, Why Do I Care??  There are about 600,000 people in the US whose heart is about to give out (end stage heart disease), but there are only about 3800 heart transplant operations. Several people die each day because suitable donor hearts are not available for transplantation. If we could routinely transplant pig hearts into humans that would save thousands of lives.

Plain English, Please!!!  First, let’s talk about why people need a heart transplant. End stage heart disease happens either because of the degeneration of heart muscle from coronary artery disease or from viral infection, or because of heart valve problems.  Once the pumping efficiency of the heart drops

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Why bacterial contamination of baby formula is life threatening for infants?

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On September 29, 2022

In cellular basis of life, lymphatic and immune system, microbiology, nervous system, tissues

TeachableMedicalNews article 09292022

Teachable moment in classrooms:

  1. cellular basis of life chapter – linker proteins in the plasma membrane form tight junctions
  2. tissue chapter – tight junctions of epithelial cells prevent movement of pathogens between the cells
  3. immune system chapter – reliance of white blood cells for immune functions
  4. brain chapter – the brain is covered by meninges inside the cranial cavity
  5. microbiology – the pathogen bacterium Chronobacter sakazakii

The news item:  Recently a news report appeared about contaminated baby formula:

FDA says maker of powdered infant formula didn’t take steps to prevent products from becoming contaminated | CNN

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has determined the company running a plant at the center of a baby formula recall didn’t take steps to prevent products from becoming contaminated during manufacturing, according to a preliminary report filed this month.

The article states that Chronobacter sakazakii bacterium caused death of two infants who used baby formula contaminated with the bacterium.

So, Why Do I Care??  While adults can easily defeat a bacterial infection, the bodies of infants are very vulnerable to such infection.  Because the immune system of infants is naturally weak, powdered infant formulas must be free of bacterial contamination. If bacteria are in the infant formula, then the infants are exposed to life threatening infection.  The number of infections is about 15 infants each year, but one-fourth of the infants die from the infection.

Plain English, Please!!!  First, let’s talk about what a Chronobacterium is. This is a very common bacterium in environment, present on many surfaces and in food items. The well-trained immune system of adults can fight off this bacterium, but the not-yet-fully developed immune system of infants has a

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How can the injectable medication Ozempic get TikTok users excited about weight loss?

By

On August 17, 2022

In digestive system, endocrine system, nervous system

TeachableMedicalNews article 08182022

Teachable moment in classrooms:

  1. endocrine system chapter – hormones deliver instructions through receptors
  2. nervous system – brain chapter – location and function of hypothalamus in the diencephalon
  3. digestive system chapter – cells of the small intestine make hormones that control appetite

The news item:  Recently the following report appeared:

https://www.yahoo.com/now/ozempic-touted-tiktok-weight-loss-185703991.html

 

 

the article stated that Ozempic is a prescription medication for type II diabetes, that Ozempic makes the pancreas to make more insulin, and that the weight loss is caused through the suppression of the appetite.

So, Why Do I Care??  One reason for caring is that it is unusual to see a side effect of a prescription drug that is a desirable side effect. The other reason to be interested is that we see an example of the sensitivity of the brain to hormones made in the small intestine. It becomes even more interesting, because it looks that the fight against the obesity epidemic just gained a new tool. About 50% of the adults and 25% of children in the USA are obese. Lowering the prevalence of obesity by weight loss could lower the occurrence of heart attacks, strokes, and several cancers.

Plain English, Please!!! First, let’s talk about what is Ozempic. The protein hormone GLP-1 (glucagon like peptide) is the active ingredient in Ozempic. GLP is a natural product of the cells in the human

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What is the anatomy and physiology behind Justin Bieber’s facial paralysis?

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On July 24, 2022

In microbiology, muscular system, nervous system

TeachableMedicalNews article 07252022

Teachable moment in classrooms:

  1. skeletal muscle chapter –functioning of skeletal muscles depend on neuromuscular junction
  2. brain anatomy chapter – anatomy and function of cranial nerve VII
  3. muscular system chapter – actions of muscles of facial expression
  4. microbiology – viruses need to enter human cells

The news item:  A news report appeared recently:

Justin Bieber’s wife Hailey gives update after Ramsay Hunt syndrome diagnosis: ‘Getting better every day’

Justin Bieber has canceled several tour dates due to his Ramsay Hunt syndrome diagnosis. Here’s what we know about his recovery, concert plans.

The article stated that Justin Bieber is suffering from type II Ramsay-Hunt syndrome. This is caused by an activation of the Herpes Zoster virus (causes the disease called shingles) that causes paralysis of the facial muscles, and prevents blinking or smiling on one side of the face.

So, Why Do I Care  While it is true that facial paralysis is not a deadly disorder (and only 0.5% of shingles patients develop it), but understanding how it comes about can be useful.  Because facial paralysis gives unusual changes to one’s facial expressions, the symptom is highly visible.  That highly visible nature makes facial paralysis an early warning sign of strokes or trauma to cranial nerves, disorders that are serious malfunctions of the our nervous system.

Plain English, Please!!!  First, let’s talk about what paralysis is. The loss of movement of body part or parts is defined as paralysis. Body parts are moved by muscles, and muscles must receive nerve signals,

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Can we really put an implant inside the eye to deliver drugs to treat eye diseases?

By

On June 15, 2022

In cellular basis of life, special senses

TeachableMedicalNews article 06152022

Teachable moment in classrooms:

  1. cellular basis of life chapter – diffusion as a means of molecular movement
  2. special senses chapter – the photoreceptors rods and cones are in the retina
  3. special senses chapter – liquid-filled chambers of the eye
  4. special senses chapter – sclera, the white of the eye, is the toughest, outer layer

Can we put an implant inside the eye to deliver drugs to treat eye diseases?

The news item:  Recently a report appeared about a drug, Susvimo, that reverses blindness:

New technology helps Georgetown veteran restore his eyesight

If you’re living with blurry vision, there’s a chance a new device can help you get your eyesight back without frequent visits to the doctor. The newly FDA-approved Susvimo implant helped one Georgetown veteran preserve his vision after being diagnosed with wet age-related macular degeneration.

The article states that AMD (wet, age-related macular degeneration) is the leading cause of blindness over the age 60, that this disorder is caused by growth and scarring of blood vessels under the retina, and that drug-delivery through an implant has restored vision in 90% of the treated individuals.

So, Why Do I Care??  Eye diseases can rob people of their vision. Many of such diseases are treated by injection of a drug into the eye. It is estimated that there are over 10 million such injections per year in the USA. Because chronic eye disorders require several injections into the same eye, it is worth exploring alternative delivery systems for long-term administration of drugs.

Plain English, Please!!!   First, let’s review the action of Susvimo, the drug we will use as an example to learn about implants inside the eye. In a previous post of Teachable Medical News (TMN 05252022), we described the action of the drug Susvimo. Here is a brief summary:  Normally the light-sensing cell in the

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