Fruits of molecular studies include gene linking diet and cancer, novel markers for malignancy

Article Abstract:

Molecular cancer research helps explain the well-recognized link between diet and colon cancer and is the basis for new diagnostic tests. Family members with one copy of a specific genetic mutation have an increased risk of colorectal cancer, although they may form few or many pre-cancerous intestinal polyps. Animal studies reveal that the effects of this mutated gene are moderated by another gene that codes for an enzyme involved in fat digestion. The enzyme acts in the intestines to prevent polyp formation. When genetic mutations inhibit the production of this enzyme, polyps proliferate. Other molecular researchers have discovered that some types of cancer have specific, altered DNA sequences repeated throughout the genetic material. These genetic alterations are present in cancer patient's stool, urine, or respiratory tract secretions. Scientists have combined the most common genetic markers for some cancer types to create diagnostic tests. Clinical trials of two cancer screening tests are underway in 1995.

Health aspects, Research, Usage, Genetic aspects, Cancer, Diet, Molecular biology, Diet in disease, Molecular genetics, Tumor markers

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Pathologists enter debate on consent for genetic research on stored tissue

Article Abstract:

Many pathologists are concerned that the development of standards for handling tissue specimens that could be used for genetic testing could hinder scientific research. Many scientists believe that tissue specimens should be coded in such a way to protect the privacy of the person who contributed the specimen. But such anonymity would have prevented scientists from linking the use of DES to reproductive cancer in the daughters of women who took the drug. Most tissue specimens pathologists deal with were taken from an existing lesion removed by a surgeon. These specimens will probably never be subjected to genetic testing. Several states and the US Senate have introduced legislation based on the Genetic Privacy Act, which was described in a document produced by Boston University's School of Public Health. Pathologists hope that the privacy needs of patients can be balanced against the need for public health research.

Beliefs, opinions and attitudes, Ethical aspects, Genetic screening, Genetic testing, Collections and collecting, Pathologists, Anatomical specimens

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Low-carb, low-fat diet gurus face off

Article Abstract:

Robert C. Atkins, Dean Ornish, and Thomas Wadden discuss the benefits of a low-carbohydrate diet and a low-fat diet. Atkins is the developer of the Atkins diet, Ornish is the founder and president of the Preventive Medicine Research Institute, and Wadden is the director of the weight and eating disorders program at the University of Pennsylvania.

Interview, Low-fat diet, Low fat diet, Low-carbohydrate diet, Low carbohydrate diet, Ornish, Dean, Atkins diet, Atkins, Robert (American physician), Wadden, Thomas

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