TEACHABLE MEDICAL NEWS

CREATED BY ELEASYS LLC

Category: nervous system Page 2 of 4

Can gene silencing relieve chronic pain?

By

On February 8, 2023

In cardiovascular system, cellular basis of life, nervous system

TeachableMedicalNews article 02082023

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 – role of mRNA in protein synthesis
  4. nervous system chapter – pain receptor neurons detect chemicals of tissue damage
  5. blood chapter – the heme is the oxygen-binding part of hemoglobin

The news item:  Recently the following report appeared:

Gene silencing medicine transforms crippling pain

The NHS is set to fund innovative therapy that patients say has given them their lives back.

The article states that two sisters suffered tremendous pain from acute intermittent porphyria, and even opioid pain killers couldn’t block the pain. The article also states that the sisters received the injected givosiran drug which provided pain relief, and that the drug silences a gene, so buildup of a toxic protein is prevented.

So, Why Do I Care??  Constant, chronic pain prevents people from carrying on with their daily lives. Because traditional pain management approaches may not work on such patients, alternative pain relief methods are being explored. Porphyria is one of those disorders where pain relief may eventually come from the molecular understanding of the causation of pain. If the gene silencing approach is successful, it would be reasonable to explore it’s use for other disorders, and that might benefit many patients.

Plain English, Please!!!  First, let’s talk about what porphyria is. The heme part of hemoglobin is an organic chemical shaped as a large ring. That large ring is constructed by linking together small chemicals. That is similar to an assembly line that makes cars.  Each factory worker adds a piece to the half-finished car. The ring called heme is made on a molecular assembly line where the workers are enzymes. If one enzyme is missing (because of genetic mutations) the assembly line behind that worker keeps on humming, and partially completed ring pieces accumulate in the cell.  In the case of the disorder called porphyria the partially made ring is called amino levulinic acid (ALA). The sisters in the article suffer from such a genetic mutation, and ALA has accumulated in their bodies.

Second, let’s talk about why porphyria causes pain. The large amount of ALA spreads throughout the body of porphyria patients, and damages neurons, the liver, and the kidneys. The damaged cells leak

Read More

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

By

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

Read More

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

By

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

Read More

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

Read More

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

By

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,

Read More

How does drug injection into the eye save people from blindness?

By

On May 24, 2022

In cardiovascular system, nervous system, special senses

TeachableMedicalNews article 05252022

Teachable moment in classrooms:

  1. special senses chapter – location of macula lutea in the retina of the eye
  2. special senses chapter – the photoreceptors rods and cones are in the retina
  3. hemodynamics chapter – capillaries are the thinnest blood vessels
  4. hemodynamics chapter – endothelial cell location in capillaries

The news item:  Recently a report appeared about a drug that restores eyesight:

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 the drug-delivery implant has restored vision in 90% of the treated individuals.

So, Why Do I Care??  Blindness is a condition where a significant part of the eyesight is lost, and such loss has a severe negative impact on people’s lives. In the USA alone there are about a million patients with wet age-related macular degeneration, and without treatment most of them will go blind.

Plain English, Please!!!   First, let’s talk about how the structure called macula plays a role in our vision. When we say we see something, the image of that something has to be turned into a nerve impulse so

Read More

How can a new pharmaceutical treat severe sleep disturbance a new way?

By

On January 30, 2022

In cellular basis of life, endocrine system, nervous system

TeachableMedicalNews article 01312022

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. nervous system chapter – functional roles of hypothalamus
  4. nervous system chapter – sleep and wakefulness
  5. endocrine system – receptor agonists enhance cellular response

The news item:  Recently a news item appeared about a new pharmaceutical to treat severe sleep disturbance disorders:

 

https://sleepreviewmag.com/sleep-treatments/pharmaceuticals/prescription-drugs/fda-approves-hetlioz-sleep-disturbances-smith-magenis-syndrome/

The article states that the pharmaceutical Hetlioz was approved to treat sleep disturbance disorders in adults and children, and also people suffering from Smith-Magenis syndrome.

So, Why Do I Care??  While loosing sleep hours is a common occurrence that comes with minor inconveniences in our daily lives, severe sleep disturbance, however, describes a disorder with significant health consequences. Millions of people suffer from such severe sleep disturbance in the US, and then there are over 15,000 people in the US who suffers from Smith-Magenis syndrome.

Plain English, Please!!! First let’s talk about sleep disturbances, in general. The action of going into sleep is the result of nerve signals from the hypothalamus part of the brain, and that signal decreases

Read More

How does the nervous system grow into a hand transplant to make it functional?

By

On December 17, 2021

In nervous system

TeachableMedicalNews article 12182021

Teachable moment in classrooms:

  1. nervous system chapter – neurons in sensory and motor nerves
  2. nervous system chapter – axons as extensions of neurons
  3. nervous system chapter – Schwann cells insulate axons, and create neurilemma

The news item:  Recently this report was published about a patient who received a double hand transplant:

First child to receive double hand transplant is thriving

At just 8 years old, Zion Harvey received two new hands, a surgery that has changed his life. According to previous reporting, the boy needed an amputation of both hands and feet when he was younge…

The article states that the patient received the transplant in 2015. The original hands of the recipient were amputated because of a spreading infection. The patient still receives ongoing physical therapy.

So, Why Do I Care??  Because successful hand transplants are examples of the regeneration of the nervous system, medical technology and treatments worked out for hand transplants may be helpful to stroke patients, or patients with physical trauma of the central nervous system where natural regeneration is very poor.

Plain English, Please!!! First, let’s talk about what is the major challenge with hand transplants. At first look it seems that all a successful hand transplant needs is the meticulous surgical connection of blood

Read More

How can Zolgensma gene therapy help children with spinal muscular atrophy?

By

On September 29, 2021

In cellular basis of life, muscular system, nervous system

TeachableMedicalNews article 09302021

Teachable moment in classrooms:

  1. cellular basis of life chapter – role of mRNA in protein synthesis
  2. cellular basis of life chapter – concept of gene mutation leading to protein malfunction
  3. muscular system chapter – role of nerve impulses in directing muscle contraction
  4. nervous system chapter – functions of dendrites and axons of neurons

The news item:  Recently the following reporting was published by BBC news organization:

‘Gene therapy is a game changer for our son’

A five-month-old becomes the first person in England to get a drug with a list price of £1.79m.

The article describes the symptoms, such as loss of mobility in infants, of the spinal muscular atrophy.  The article also mentions the mutant SMN1 gene, and the Zolgensma treatment that replaces the mutated gene. The article states that the frequency of this disorder is 1 in 10,000 births.

So, Why Do I Care??  Most children whose symptoms begin after age 2 have a near normal life expectancy. However, newborns with the “infant-onset” form (about 400 newborns each year) have a very short life expectancy. That is devastating to parents, too, who are helpless while their child lays motionless, and not developing motor skills for movement or speech. Innovative treatments not only raise the hope for a more normal life for the affected infants, but also points to possible treatments of similar disorders.

Plain English, Please!!!  First, let’s talk about what is spinal muscular atrophy (SMA).  This disorder originates from damaged neurons in the spinal cord. The consequence of that damage is that skeletal

Read More

Can Alzheimer’s disease be detected early from a blood test?

By

On May 31, 2021

In nervous system

TeachableMedicalNews article 05312021

Teachable moment in classrooms:

  1. brain chapter – locations of storing short and long term memory in the brain
  2. nervous system chapter – functioning of neurons
  3. introduction to the human body chapter – basics of PET scan technology

The news item:  Recently the availability of a blood test for Alzheimer’s disease was reported:

First blood test to help diagnose Alzheimer’s goes on sale

How is Alzheimer’s diagnosed? New blood test to help diagnose Alzheimer’s is not approved by the FDA.

 

 

The article states that this test is the first commercially available blood test for Alzheimer’s disease, and that it is a more practical alternative to the PET scan, but the test is not officially approved by the FDA, and the accuracy is still under study. The article also states that the test, developed by the company C2N,  measures amyloid and other protein.

So, Why Do I Care??  There are more than 6 million people afflicted with Alzheimer’s disease in the US. This number will increase as the proportion of older people increases in the US. Early detection of this disease could allow the implementation of preventative strategies such as changes in lifestyle, or even new medications.  Therefore the development of a blood test for early diagnosis is an exciting development, despite the fact that the accuracy of this test needs to be fully proven.

Plain English, Please!!! First, let’s talk about what Alzheimer’s disease is. Dementia type disorders result in the loss of memory, the ability of the patient to recall names or past events. Alzheimer’s disease is a form of dementia disorders; most people with dementia suffer from Alzheimer’s. Because the storage

Read More

Page 2 of 4

Previous

Next

Powered by WordPress & Theme by Anders Norén