TEACHABLE MEDICAL NEWS

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Can we decrease people’s cat allergies just by changing the cat food?

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On May 1, 2021

In lymphatic and immune system, respiratory system

TeachableMedicalNews article 04302021

Teachable moment in classrooms:

  1. immune system chapter – IgE antibodies are made in response to allergens
  2. immune system chapter – interactions of antibody with specific targets
  3. immune system chapter – elements of anaphylactic reaction

The news item:  Recently several news outlets reported on a new cat food, Purina’s Pro Plan LiveClear, that reduces people’s allergic reaction to cats:

 

Purina Pro Plan Releasing Cat Food that Can Help Ease Cat Allergies in Humans

Purina Pro Plan LiveClear is designed to safely neutralize Fel d1, the main allergen that causes cat allergies, in your cat’s saliva

The article states that Fel d1 is the major cat allergen, and the new cat food makes cats to carry less of this allergen on their fur.

So, Why Do I Care??

About 10-30% of people are prone to develop allergies to cats. 95% of cat allergies happen because of anaphylactic reaction to the Fel d1 cat allergen. With the popularity of cats in households, any non-invasive method to decrease allergic reactions can have major impact on the quality of life for millions of people in the US alone. In addition, this approach may point the way to similar solution to other allergy problems.

Plain English, Please!!!

First, let’s talk about what is an allergy. Some cells in our immune system are programmed to recognize foreign material we breathe in or we swallow. When immune cells make an IgE antibody in response, then that foreign material is now called an allergen. When the allergen enters the body the second time,

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Can a genetic mutation of cancer cells be exploited to kill them?

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On March 28, 2021

In cellular basis of life, chemical basis of life, digestive system, reproductive system

TeachableMedicalNews article 03282021

Teachable moment in classrooms:

  1. chemical basis of life chapter – DNA structure as double helix
  2. cellular basis of life chapter – DNA replication during mitosis
  3. cellular basis of life chapter – DNA mutation of a gene usually diminishes protein function
  4. digestive system – anatomy of pancreatic duct (origin of most pancreatic cancers)
  5. reproductive system – anatomy of ovary (surface epithelium is the origin of most ovarian cancers)

The news item:  Recently this article appeared online about a new pancreatic cancer treatment:

FDA approves drug for treating pancreatic cancer

Health regulators clear AstraZeneca and Merck treatment for disease projected to kill 46,000 Americans this year.

The article states that Lynparza has been approved for the treatment of ovarian cancers with BRCA mutation, and this approval is now extended to pancreatic cancers with the same mutation. The article also states that the BRCA mutation hinders fixing DNA damage, that Lynparza is a PARP inhibitor, and that 46,000 Americans die yearly because of pancreatic cancer.

So, Why Do I Care??  Pancreatic cancer has a very low survival rate, because the diagnosis usually happens in the late stage of the cancer. A new drug will likely increase survival rates among those 46,000 patients.

Plain English, Please!!!   First, let’s talk about the BRCA mutation. When cells undergo mitosis (cell division) the DNA is copied (replicated), so the new cell can have as much DNA as the starter cell.

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How can a catheter device seal an unwanted open blood vessel near the heart of prematurely born babies?

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On February 26, 2021

In cardiovascular system, respiratory system

TeachableMedicalNews article 02262021

Teachable moment in classrooms:

  1. heart chapter – aorta and pulmonary trunk around the heart
  2. blood vessel anatomy chapter – blood vessels at the start of the pulmonary and systemic circulations
  3. blood vessel anatomy chapter – modified blood circulations in the fetus
  4. respiratory system chapter – blood vessel carrying blood to and from lungs

The news item:  the following report was published recently,

FDA approves new closure device for heart defect in premature babies

One out of 10 of all babies are born premature.

 

The article states that every year about 12,000 very low birthweight premature babies develop a disorder called patent ductus arteriosus (PDA), and that the Amplatzer Piccolo Occluder device seals an opening between two blood vessels.

So, Why Do I Care??  As the article stated 12,000 prematurely born low birthweight babies can be helped by this device. Imagine a tiny newborn whose lungs are not working properly, because not enough blood flows to the lungs. Such respiratory distress is life threatening, so a new device can give those newborns a much better chance for survival.

Plain English, Please!!!

First, let’s talk about what the ductus arteriosus is.  The ductus arteriosus is a quarter-inch long blood vessel that connects the aorta and the pulmonary trunk near the heart. Imagine that the pulmonary

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How can the injection of a non-insulin medication help type 2 diabetes patients?

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On January 17, 2021

In endocrine system, metabolism

TeachableMedicalNews article 01172021

Teachable moment in classrooms:

  1. endocrine system chapter – insulin production by beta cells
  2. endocrine system chapter – action of hormones through receptors
  3. endocrine system chapter – action of hormones inside target cells
  4. metabolism chapter – effect of insulin on glucose utilization by body cells

The news item:  Recently a new report appeared about the diabetes treatment drug Trulicity:

FDA approves Eli Lilly’s Trulicity to reduce cardiovascular risks in type 2 diabetic patients

Eli Lilly and Co said on Friday the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved Trulicity for reducing cardiovascular risk factors in type 2 diabetic patients. The approval makes Trulicity the first and only type 2 diabetes drug approved to reduce heart related risks in adults with and without established cardiovascular disease, the company said in a statement.

The article states that the type 2 diabetes treatment drug was approved for reducing heart disease risk as well.

So, Why Do I Care??  About 30 million people in the US has type 2 diabetes. The disorder causes about 80,000 deaths yearly. In addition, there is a yearly $327 billion cost from lost productivity and medical cost that includes treatment for diabetic vision loss and diabetic nephropathy. Diabetes also causes heart damage. New treatments have a chance to reduce deaths and lost working hours.

Plain English, Please!!!

First, let’s talk about type 2 diabetes. Diabetes, in general, is a disorder where blood sugar (glucose) level is higher than normal for long periods of time. The continuous high blood glucose level damages small

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How can an anti-wrinkle treatment help patients suffering from an overactive bladder?

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On December 26, 2020

In microbiology, muscular system, nervous system, urinary system

TeachableMedicalNews article 12262020

Teachable moment in classrooms:

  1. muscular tissue chapter – neurotransmitter release at the neuromuscular junction
  2. autonomic nervous system chapter –  parasympathetic division and its neurotransmitters
  3. urinary system chapter – role of detrusor muscle in emptying of the bladder
  4. microbiology – Clostridium botulinum and its toxin

The news item:  Recently an unusual report appeared about the anti-wrinkle treatment, Botox:

https://westnewsmagazine.com/2019/11/13/117802/beyond-wrinkles-botox-offers-effective-treatment-for-common-bladder-condition

The article states that people suffering from an overactive bladder may find help for their symptoms from twice-a-year Botox injection.

So, Why Do I Care??  There are about 50 million people in the US suffering from overactive bladder symptoms. While this affliction is not life threatening, everyday life, ability to hold down a job are disrupted by it. There are several medical interventions to help patients, so Botox is the latest to join the remedies.

Plain English, Please!!!  First, let’s talk about the mechanics of urination. For urination to happen the muscle (called detrusor) inside the wall of the urinary

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How could gene editing fight cancers?

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On December 8, 2020

In cellular basis of life, lymphatic and immune system

TeachableMedicalNews article 12082020

Teachable moment in classrooms:

  1. cellular basis of life chapter – chromosomes contain many genes
  2. cellular basis of life chapter – a gene is a specific stretch of DNA that encodes one protein
  3. cellular basis of life chapter – concept of gene mutation leading to protein

malfunction

  1. immune system chapter – function of T lymphocytes (T cells)

The news item: Recently the gene editing approach to cancer fighting was in the news:

Doctors try CRISPR gene editing for cancer, a 1st in the US

The first attempt in the U.S. to use the gene editing tool CRISPR against cancer seems safe, but it’s too soon to know if it will improve survival.

The report described an experimental treatment of one sarcoma patient and two multiple myeloma patients with the Crispr technology. The article states that this approach deletes 3 genes and adds one gene to the T cells of the patients, and the gene-edited T cells are infused back into the body of the patients.

So, Why Do I Care??

The thing to care about is the potential of the technology of gene editing.  While experimental in humans, and the targets of the technology are relatively rare diseases, if proven useful there are many human genetic disorders that may be managed or cured by it. Any disorder that is caused by mutated genes and malfunctioning proteins may be the future target of gene editing.

Plain English, Please!!!

First, let’s talk about multiple myeloma and sarcoma. Myeloma is a cancer that forms in the red bone marrow. Sarcoma is a cancer that starts from connective

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How could a new non-pacing electronic device help chronic heart failure patients?

By

On November 25, 2020

In cardiovascular system, cellular basis of life, muscular system

TeachableMedicalNews article 11252020

Teachable moment in classrooms:

  1. cellular basis of life chapter – protein synthesis in cells can be changed by stimulus
  2. muscle tissue chapter – thick and thin filaments in the sliding filament muscle contraction model
  3. muscle tissue chapter – the role of calcium in muscle contraction model
  4. heart chapter – relationship of stroke volume to cardiac output

The news item:  Recently a new electronic device, Optimizer Smart, was in the news:

https://www.cnbc.com/2019/03/25/fda-approves-new-device-for-patients-with-chronic-heart-failure.html

The article states that this device is not a pacemaker; it sends non-excitatory signals, and this way it improves the squeezing ability of the heart which, in turn, improves the physical abilities of the heart failure patients.

So, Why Do I Care??  In the USA there are about 5 million people living with congestive heart failure. There are over 500,000 new cases every year, and 280,000 deaths. The people who live with congestive heart failure have a diminished quality of life because their physical activities are limited. Any new approach to help those patients is welcome news.

Plain English, Please!!!  First, let’s talk about what heart failure is. Contrary to popular belief “heart failure” doesn’t mean that the heart stops beating. Heart failure means that the cardiac output (the blood volume pumped out each minute)

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Why breast implants can become life threatening?

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On November 7, 2020

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

TeachableMedicalNews article 11072020

Teachable moment in classrooms:

  1. cellular basis of life chapter – gene mutation leading to malfunctioning protein
  2. cellular basis of life chapter – mitosis or somatic cell division
  3. integumentary system chapter – scar tissue formation during dermal wound healing
  4. immune system chapter – lymph nodes as location of lymphocytes
  5. immune system chapter – cell division as part of immune response in lymph nodes.

The news item:  Recently a recall of breast implants was in the news:

Breast implants tied to rare form of cancer recalled at FDA request

Allergan Inc. announces a worldwide recall of implants with a textured surface

The report described how one type of breast implant made by Allergan is associated with the development of a rare cancer, called anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL).

So, Why Do I Care??  Altogether close to 600 anaplastic large cell lymphoma cases have been reported in women with breast implants. Even such a relatively slow number of cancers is a concern, because most of those cases occurred in women with one type of implant. Add to this that breast implants have been considered as a cosmetic alteration that presents little danger, but now a specific disorder is associated with them. That is a substantial change in how we view the risks of this procedure

Plain English, Please!!!

First, let’s talk about how a breast implant affects the body. This cosmetic implant is made of plastic, and it is surgically inserted under the skin. The normal wound

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Why eating Listeria-contaminated food can be life threatening?

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On October 22, 2020

In cellular basis of life, digestive system, lymphatic and immune system, nervous system, reproductive system

TeachableMedicalNews article 10222020

Teachable moment in classrooms:

  1. cellular basis of life chapter – cytosol
  2. nervous system chapter – location of meninges
  3. immune system chapter – vasodilation during inflammation
  4. immune system chapter – emigration by white blood cells
  5. microbiology – Listeria monocytogenes biology

The news item:  Recently a Listeria outbreak was reported to have started from contaminated mushrooms:

Enoki mushrooms tied to listeria outbreak that killed four people and hospitalized 31, CDC says | CNN

Enoki mushrooms are linked to four deaths and 31 hospitalizations in what the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says was a multistate listeria outbreak that is now presumed to be over.

The article stated that Listeria outbreak is caused by a bacterium, and that the symptoms of infection are stiff neck, loss of balance, miscarriage, confusion and fever.

So, Why Do I Care??

Infection by Listeria bacterium is the third leading cause of food borne illness, and it is the most lethal food borne illness by killing about 15 – 20% of the infected individuals.  In the US each year about 1600 people get infected, and 260 die. The victims are the most vulnerable of society: elderly, pregnant women, and immunosuppressed people.

Plain English, Please!!!

First, let’s talk about what Listeria is. Listeria is a type of bacterium that infects human beings when they consume Listeria-contaminated food. The bacterium lives

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How does a new antibiotic called Xenleta fight bacterial infections?

By

On October 9, 2020

In cellular basis of life, chemical basis of life, lymphatic and immune system, respiratory system

TeachableMedicalNews article 10092020

Teachable moment in classrooms:

  1. chemical basis of life chapter – proteins are made of amino acids linked by peptide bonds
  2. cellular basis of life chapter – protein synthesis on ribosome
  3. respiratory system chapter – alveoli location and function
  4. immune system chapter – events during inflammation
  5. microbiology – bacterial resistance against antibiotics

The news item:  Recently the news of a novel antibiotic was reported:

FDA approves new antibiotic for bacterial pneumonia

A new antibiotic has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration. It’s called Xenleta and the FDA says it’s another treatment option to fight a common type of pneumonia.

The article states that the new antibiotic, Xenleta, is a pleuromutilin, and it fights community acquired bacterial pneumonia.

So, Why Do I Care??

Pneumonia is the reason for 1 million hospitalizations and 50,000 deaths each year in the US. Most pneumonia cases are caused by bacterial infections. Because this disease can get worse quickly, efficient treatment must include the killing of the bacteria that cause the disease. Any new antibiotic that can treat people whose pneumonia resists the regular antibiotics likely to save thousands of lives each year.

Plain English, Please!!!

First, let’s talk about what bacterial pneumonia is. When the deepest portion of our respiratory system, the alveoli (air sacks), are attacked by bacteria, the result is local

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