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Archive for the ‘Gene Therapy Research’ Category

Gene links obesity and immunity

Auckland scientists have discovered a gene that links the immune system with obesity and potentially a new pathway to fight the worldwide obesity epidemic.

Researchers from The University of Auckland found that the gene was a vital part of the immuno-metabolic reaction in cells, connecting the immune response to infection with cell metabolism. The work has been published in the latest issue of Cell Metabolism, regarded as the top international journal in the field.

"New research into obesity and its associated diseases has revealed activation of the immune system, and subsequent inflammation, as a major driver of these conditions", says Professor Phil Crosier from the Universitys Department of Molecular Medicine and Pathology.

This has led researchers to investigate connections between the traditionally distinct disciplines of immunity and metabolism; a field of research termed immunometabolism, he says.

"One way that metabolic and immunological pathways intersect during inflammation is the influence of intracellular metabolism on immune cell function."

The research, led by Dr Chris Hall in Professor Crosiers laboratory, used live imaging within transparent zebrafish embryos to uncover a new mechanism that controls immune cell function by the activity of a mitochondrial enzyme (immunoresponsive gene 1) that helps regulate mitochondrial metabolism of fatty acids.

"Fatty acids are used to fuel the inflammatory response via the mitochondria (which are the energy factories in cells)," says Professor Crosier. "In white blood cells, fatty acids can enhance the metabolic and immune function of cells, mediated through this gene."

"We have shown this dependence on fatty acid metabolism for immune cell function also occurs in mammalian immune cells", he says. "We believe this pathway represents a target to manipulate the interface between the immune and metabolic systems that may prove useful for treating obesity-associated diseases."

"We can use this to find drugs that regulate or target this new pathway in the fight against obesity."

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Gene links obesity and immunity

Gene By Gene Rejects BRCA1/2 Patent Infringement Claims by Myriad and Joins Ambry Genetics to Sue Myriad for Violating …

HOUSTON, Aug. 15, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Gene By Gene, Ltd. announced that it is teaming with Ambry Genetics to defend against Myriad Genetics' patent infringement lawsuits against both companies in connection with the BRCA1/2 tests being offered by Gene By Gene and Ambry Genetics. Both companies are also countersuing Myriad for violations of the Federal Antitrust Act.

On June 13, 2013, immediately following the United States Supreme Court's 9-0 landmark decision against Myriad in "Association For Molecular Pathology v. Myriad Genetics," Gene By Gene announced its intention to offer fast, accurate and affordable BRCA1/2 testing to the public.

"The Supreme Court was very clear that gene sequences, even when isolated, cannot be patented," said Gene By Gene President Bennett Greenspan. "In light of this ruling we are pleased that we can now offer Americans the benefit of this more affordable test that we have already successfully offered to overseas clients."

Gene By Gene has been providing BRCA1/2 tests to individuals outside the U.S. since 2012. Those tests are processed at the company's Genomic Research Center in Houston, a CLIA-registered lab. The company has processed various genetic tests including BRCA1/2 -- for close to a million individuals and organizations globally.

Yesterday Gene By Gene also filed a declaration with the court outlining the details of its BRCA1/2 test, which it will continue to offer to the public.

Greenspan added, "We look forward to a swift resolution of this litigation to level the playing field for test providers, and to enable greater numbers of people to benefit from the genomics revolution."

About Gene By Gene Ltd.

Founded in 2000, Gene By Gene, Ltd. provides reliable DNA testing, focused on ancestry, health, research and paternity, to a wide range of consumer and institutional customers. Gene By Gene provides DNA tests through its Family Tree DNA division, which pioneered the concept of direct-toconsumer (DTC) testing in the field of genetic genealogy more than a decade ago. Gene By Gene is CLIA registered and through its clinical health division offers regulated diagnostic tests. The Research Use Only (RUO) division serves both DTC and institutional clients worldwide. Gene By Gene offers AABB certified relationship tests through its paternity testing division. The privately held company is headquartered in Houston, which is also home to its state-of-the-art Genomics Research Center.

Media Contact:

For Gene By Gene, Ltd. Kate Croft Casteel Schoenborn croft@csirfirm.com 888-609-8351

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Gene By Gene Rejects BRCA1/2 Patent Infringement Claims by Myriad and Joins Ambry Genetics to Sue Myriad for Violating ...

New model helps universities map their nitrogen footprint

Public release date: 15-Aug-2013 [ | E-mail | Share ]

Contact: Vicki Cohn vcohn@liebertpub.com 914-740-2100 Mary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News

New Rochelle, NY, August 15, 2013The first institution-level model to estimate the amount of reactive nitrogen released into the environmenta contributor to smog, acid rain, and climate changeis enabling the University of Virginia to quantify its nitrogen footprint and take steps to reduce it. A detailed description of this cutting-edge tool and how it can help improve institutional sustainability is presented in Sustainability: The Journal of Record a publication of Mary Ann Liebert, Inc., publishers. The Open Access article is available on the Sustainability: The Journal of Record website.

James Galloway, Sidman P. Poole Professor of Environmental Sciences, and coauthors from the University of Virginia (UVA) report that utilities usage (48%) and off-campus food production (37%) were the largest contributors to the university's nitrogen footprint in 2010.

In the article "Toward Institutional Sustainability: A Nitrogen Footprint Model for a University," Allison Leach et al. describe the model they developed and applied to project UVA's nitrogen footprint to 2025. They also used the model to compare potential nitrogen reduction strategies and showed that a scenario of "planned and feasible activities" would decrease the nitrogen footprint by 18% relative to "business as usual"which would result in a 15% increase by 2025. More intensive nitrogen reduction efforts could reduce the N-footprint by an additional 13%.

"Nitrogen footprints are not being tracked like carbon at institutions even though reactive nitrogen is adversely impacting the environment," says Jamie Devereaux, Editor of Sustainability: The Journal of Record. "The team from University of Virginia has created a model that other institutions can follow to track their N-footprints and, in turn, show the importance of this action to wider society."

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About the Journal

Sustainability: The Journal of Record, published bimonthly online with Open Access options and in print, documents the implementation of sustainability programs in higher education and business, and provides the central forum for academic institutions, the business community, foundations, government agencies, and leaders of green-collar endeavors to share and learn about one another's progress and programs. The Journal fosters collaborations among all stakeholders for attaining mutually supportive objectives. Complete tables of content and a sample issue may be viewed on the Sustainability: The Journal of Record website.

About the Publisher

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New model helps universities map their nitrogen footprint

What's Up With That, Doc? Researchers Make Bunnies Glow

Like cats and other animals before them, a couple of rabbits are now among the animals that have been genetically manipulated so that they glow green under a black light.

Using a technique developed by University of Hawaii medical researchers, scientists in Turkey added a fluorescent protein from jellyfish DNA to a mother rabbit's embryo. Of the eight-bunny litter she produced last week, 2 have the "glowing gene," the University of Hawaii reports.

As we've explained before, researchers don't do this sort of thing just to produce spooky-looking creatures. "Engineering animals to glow cats, dogs, fish, sheep, pigs, and monkeys have all been made to do so has been less an artistic endeavor, and more a burgeoning frontier in genetic research," says The Christian Science Monitor. "Scientists say that the glow is tangible evidence that one animal can be made to accept and use the genes of another. And that, they say, is a sign that it might be possible to use similar advanced techniques to treat genetic diseases."

This work is unlike that of a previous successful "glowing" of a rabbit. CNet News notes that:

"Artist Eduardo Kac used the jellyfish-genetics method to create Alba, a glowing rabbit, back in 2000. However, his was an artistic endeavor rather than a scientific one, as this current batch of buns is.

"The [Turkish and Hawaiian] researchers hope to eventually collect beneficial gene products in protein form through the milk of genetically modified female rabbits in an effort to create an efficient method for medicine production."

Critics have said this kind of medical research should give way to "modern, non-animal alternatives." National Geographic has looked at the history of "beast shining for science," here.

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What's Up With That, Doc? Researchers Make Bunnies Glow

Mediterranean Diet May Counter Genetic Risk of Stroke

By Randy Dotinga HealthDay Reporter

TUESDAY, Aug. 13 (HealthDay News) -- Mediterranean diets heavy in two foods -- olive oil and nuts -- are linked to a lower rate of strokes in older people whose genetic makeup boosts their risk of diabetes, according to a new study.

The research suggests but doesn't conclusively prove that the diet lowers or even eliminates the extra risk of stroke, perhaps by lowering the rate of diabetes. Still, "our work has placed a solid step on the ladder of personalized nutrition and successful health," said study co-author Jose Ordovas, director of the nutrition and genomics laboratory at Tufts University's USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging.

The so-called Mediterranean diet is thought to help citizens of Greece, Spain and southern Italy lower their rates of heart disease and cancer. While the diet has received tremendous attention in recent years, there's no firm definition of what it is because foods vary from region to region.

The Mediterranean diet is generally defined, however, as emphasizing olive oil, nuts, fresh produce and fish along with whole grains, seeds and healthier kinds of fat. There's less focus on dairy products and meat, and -- despite the Italian connection -- not much consumption of pasta.

In the new study, researchers randomly assigned more than 7,000 people aged 55 to 80 in Spain to eat a low-fat diet, or a Mediterranean diet high in nuts, or a Mediterranean diet high in extra-virgin olive oil. The researchers then followed the participants for an average of five years through 2010.

Some of the participants had a genetic trait in common: a mutation in a gene that boosts the risk of type 2 diabetes by as much as 50 percent compared to others with another form of the gene. Ordovas said that about 30 percent of whites have the riskiest form of the mutation.

Those with the mutation who went on the low-fat diet were nearly three times more likely than others to have a stroke, the investigators found. But those who went on the Mediterranean diets had about an equal level of risk as those without the genetic mutation.

The percentage of people in the various groups who suffered strokes ranged from 1.4 percent to 4.3 percent, Ordovas said.

"Switching to a Mediterranean diet is not going to hurt anybody, and it will help those people with risk factors or a family history of disease," Ordovas said. "However, if switching is not totally possible, then incorporating elements of this diet such as extra-virgin olive oil, nuts, veggies, fruits, will get you somewhere. Or better yet, exchanging less healthy items with those in the diet."

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Mediterranean Diet May Counter Genetic Risk of Stroke

Mountain high: Genetic adaptation for high altitudes identified

Public release date: 15-Aug-2013 [ | E-mail | Share ]

Contact: Debra Kain ddkain@ucsd.edu 619-543-6163 University of California - San Diego

Research led by scientists from the University of California, San Diego has decoded the genetic basis of chronic mountain sickness (CMS) or Monge's disease. Their study provides important information that validates the genetic basis of adaptation to high altitudes, and provides potential targets for CMS treatment. It will be published online August 15 in advance of print in the September 5 issue of American Journal of Human Genetics.

More than 140 million people have permanently settled on high-altitude regions, on continents ranging from African and Asia to South America. The low-oxygen conditions at such high altitudes present a challenge for survival, and these geographically distinct populations have adapted to cope with hypoxia, or low levels of oxygen in the blood.

Interestingly, many humans living at high elevations, particularly in the Andes mountain region of South America, are maladapted and suffer CMS. The disease is characterized by an array of neurologic symptoms, including headache, fatigue, sleepiness and depression. Often, people with CMS suffer from strokes or heart attacks in early adulthood because of increased blood viscosity (resistance to blood flow that can result in decreased oxygen delivery to organs and tissues). Past studies of various populations show that CMS is common in Andeans, occasionally found in Tibetans and absent from Ethiopians living on the East African high-altitude plateau.

Therefore, the researchers dissected the genetic mechanisms underlying high-altitude adaptation by comparing genetic variation between Peruvian individuals from the Andes region with CMS and adapted subjects without CMS, using whole genome sequencing.

They identified two genes, ANP32D and SENP1, with significantly increased expression in the CMS individuals when compared to the non-CMS individuals, and hypothesized that down-regulating these genes could be beneficial in coping with hypoxia.

"While a number of published articles have described an association between certain genes and the ability for humans to withstand low oxygen at high levels, it was very hard to be sure if the association was causal," said principal investigator Gabriel G. Haddad, Distinguished Professor and chair of the Department of Pediatrics at UC San Diego School of Medicine, and Physician-in-Chief and Chief Scientific Officer at Rady Children's Hospital-San Diego, a research affiliate of UC San Diego.

The researchers therefore looked at genetic orthologs corresponding gene sequences from another species, in this case the fruit fly to assess the impact of observed genetic changes on function under conditions of hypoxia.

"We found that flies with these genes down-regulated had a remarkably enhanced survival rate under hypoxia," said Haddad.

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Mountain high: Genetic adaptation for high altitudes identified

Season 5 SMP Episode 66 Automating Genetics – Video


Season 5 SMP Episode 66 Automating Genetics
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Season 5 SMP Episode 66 Automating Genetics - Video

Atossa Genetics Reports Second Quarter 2013 Results and Operating Highlights

SEATTLE, WA--(Marketwired - Aug 14, 2013) - Atossa Genetics, Inc. (NASDAQ: ATOS), the Breast Health Company, today announced its second quarter 2013 financial results and corporate highlights.Revenue for the second quarter was $326,078 compared to $223,097 for the same period in the prior year. Year-to-date revenue was $508,748 compared to $277,810 for the same period in the prior year. Cash and cash equivalents were $2,439,512 at the end of the second quarter, up 41% from $1,725,197 as of December 31, 2012.

"Interest in our ForeCYTE test continues to grow, as evidenced by the increasing numbers of doctors signing up to provide the test and the increasing number of doctors submitting specimens to our lab for analysis," said Dr. Steven C. Quay, Chairman, CEO & President. "We will continue to sign up new doctors while focusing intently on driving volume from existing doctors through a comprehensive follow up program. In addition, we are working closely with our marketing partners to create awareness, interest and further adoption of the ForeCYTE test among general practitioners, OB/GYNs, breast clinics and hospitals."

Dr. Quay continued, "While the roll out of the ForeCYTE test remains our major focus, we look forward to accomplishing several important milestones within the next 12 months including the launch of our FullCYTE test, which identifies the location of a lesion using our proprietary microcatheters, the NextCYTE test, which uses genomic analysis to provide important insights to inform and improve the effectiveness of breast cancer treatment for women with early-stage breast cancer, and the ArgusCYTE test, a 'liquid biopsy' used to identify circulating breast tumor cells in women who have been treated for breast cancer and help inform treatment options. In addition, it is our intention to partner next year with a major pharmaceutical company for the clinical development of our intraductal therapy program for treatment of ductal carcinoma in situ."

Corporate Highlights

Second Quarter 2013 Financial Results

Revenues for the three months ended June 30, 2013, were $326,078, which included $205,590 of product sales from the sale of MASCT Systems and kits, and $120,488 of diagnostic testing service revenue from the ForeCYTE breast health tests. This compares with total revenues of $223,097 for the second quarter ended June 30, 2012. Year-to-date revenue as of June 30, 2013 was $508,748 compared to $277,810 for the same period in the prior year.The year-over-year increase in total revenue was driven by increased product sales from the national rollout of the ForeCYTE test, which commenced in January 2013.

Gross profit for the three months ended June 30, 2013, was $103,918 versus gross profit of $205,295 for the quarter ended June 30, 2012.

Total operating expenses were $2,687,265 for the three months ended June 30, 2013, consisting of G&A expenses of $2,177,920, selling expenses of $319,390 and research and development expenses of $189,955.This compares to total operating expenses of $1,371,121 for the three months ended June 30, 2012, consisting of G&A expenses of $704,208, selling expenses of $123,832 and research and development expenses of $543,081.The increase in G&A expenses from the second quarter of 2012 to the second quarter of 2013 is attributed to increased costs of stock and options granted to services providers, the launch of the Company's MASCT System and ForeCYTE test, continued development of the FullCYTE, NextCYTE and ArgusCYTE tests and the related growth in expenses to hire additional staff and expand the Company's operations.G&A expenses for the six months ended June 30, 2013 included $1,193,618 in expenses associated with granting options and stock to service providers, compared to $70,662 in these expenses in the same period of 2012.Atossa expects that its G&A expenses will continue to increase as it adds employees and increases headcount to continue the national rollout of the MASCT System and ForeCYTE test, coordinate the production and manufacture of our products, and the expected increase in service revenue.

Selling expenses increased $195,558 from the second quarter of 2012 to the second quarter of 2013 as a result of hiring additional sales and marketing personnel, incurring additional marketing expenses and adding to the Company's distributors for the national launch of the ForeCYTE test.Research and development expenses decreased by $353,126 from the second quarter of 2012 to the second quarter of 2013 as a result of completion of the development of the ForeCYTE test and ArgusCYTE test in 2012 and Atossa's focus in 2013 on the national launch of ForeCYTE.

Net loss for the quarter ended June 30, 2013, was $2,583,699, or a loss of $0.17 per share, compared with net loss of $1,167,948, or a loss of $0.10 per share, for the second quarter ended June 30, 2012. The increase in net loss was primarily attributable to an increase in general and administrative expense, including increased expenses related to the national launch of the ForeCYTE test.

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Atossa Genetics Reports Second Quarter 2013 Results and Operating Highlights

Interleukin Genetics Reports Second Quarter 2013 Financial Results

WALTHAM, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

Interleukin Genetics,Inc. (ILIU) today issued financial and operational results for the second quarter ended June 30, 2013.

Revenue for the quarter ended June 30, 2013 was $852,000, compared to $799,000 for the same period in 2012. The increase is primarily attributable to increased genetic testing revenue recognized from genetic tests processed as a result of sales through the Amway sales channel.

Research and development expenses were $188,000 for the three months ended June 30, 2013, compared to $317,000 for the same period in 2012. The decrease is primarily attributable to lower compensation, consulting and clinical trial costs.

Selling, general and administrative expenses were $1.6 million for the three months ended June 30, 2013, compared to $1.2 million for the same period in 2012. The increase is primarily attributable to increased consulting and compensation expenses related to marketing activities for our PST periodontal test, partially offset by lower corporate legal fees as well as lower sales commissions paid to Amway Global as part of our Merchant Channel and Partner Store Agreement.

The Company reported a net loss of $1.8 million, or $(0.02) per basic and diluted common share, for the second quarter of 2013, compared to $1.2 million or $(0.03) per basic and diluted common share for the same period in 2012.As of June 30, 2013, the Company had cash and cash equivalents of $10.8 million.

On May 17, 2013, the Company entered into a Common Stock Purchase Agreement with various accredited investors, pursuant to which the Company sold an aggregate of 43,715,847 shares of its common stock in a private placement transaction. Net proceeds to the Company after fees and expenses were $11.1 million. The investors also received warrants to purchase up to an aggregate of 32,786,885 shares of common stock at an exercise price of $0.2745 per share. The warrants were exercisable as to 63% of the shares immediately and as to 37% of the shares following receipt of shareholder approval of an increase in the Companys authorized shares of common stock and have a term of seven years from the date they become exercisable.

For warrants that were exercisable upon shareholder approval of an increase in the Companys authorized shares of common stock, the Company recorded a non-current liability at June 30, 2013 based on the allocation of the fair values of the common stock and warrants issued in the private placement. In addition, the Company recognized non-cash interest expense of $286,579 representing the increase in the fair value of the warrant liability from the date of issuance to June 30, 2013. On August 9, 2013, the Companys shareholders approved an increase in the Companys authorized shares of common stock from 150,000,000 to 300,000,000 shares, which provided for adequate authorized shares for all potential common stock equivalents issued as of June 30, 2013. As a result, the warrant liability reflected as a non-current liability in the accompanying balance sheet will be reclassified to shareholders equity at its fair value as of August 9, 2013.

Conference Call and Webcast Information Interleukin Genetics will host a live conference call and webcast today at 4:30 p.m. EST to review the Companys new business developments and second quarter financial results. To access the live call, dial 877-324-1976 (domestic) or 631-291-4550 (international). The live webcast and replay access will be available on the Investors section of the Companys Website at: http://www.ilgenetics.com.

About Interleukin Genetics Interleukin Genetics, Inc. (ILIU) develops and markets proprietary genetic tests for chronic diseases and health related conditions.The products empower individuals to prevent certain chronic conditions and manage their existing health and wellness through genetic-based insights with actionable guidance. Interleukin Genetics leverages its research, intellectual property and genetic panel development expertise in metabolism and inflammation to facilitate the emerging personalized healthcare market. The Company markets its tests through partnerships with health and wellness companies, healthcare professionals and other distribution channels. Interleukin Genetics flagship products include its proprietary PST genetic risk panel for periodontal disease and tooth loss susceptibility sold through dentists, and the Inherent Health Weight Management Genetic Test that identifies the most effective diet and exercise program for an individual based on genetics. Interleukin Genetics is headquartered in Waltham, MA and operates an on-site, state-of-the-art DNA testing laboratory certified under the Clinical Laboratories Improvements Act (CLIA).For more information please visit http://www.ilgenetics.com.

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Interleukin Genetics Reports Second Quarter 2013 Financial Results

Infogroup Targeting Solutions Releases Subscriber Genetics

OMAHA, Neb., Aug. 15, 2013 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Infogroup Targeting Solutions announced today the launch of a new proprietary database: Subscriber Genetics. This targeted vertical segment of the Marketing Genetics database was designed to address a core challenge for publishersobtaining new subscribers. Subscriber Genetics enables publishers to target effectively to increase their subscriber base by leveraging actual subscription history not available in any other targeting solution.

Subscriber Genetics provides publishers with actual subscription and book purchase history from more than 13 million readers of some of the most respected publications on the market. This unique data is enhanced with Infogroup's world-class demographic, psychographic and lifestyle information assets and analytics to make it the most powerful targeting solution of its kind. Subscriber Genetics is designed for publishers who need an easy way to find prospects that look like their best subscribers, expand their prospect universe or reactivate lapsed subscribers.

Because Subscriber Genetics is part of Infogroup Targeting Solutions' vast Marketing Genetics database, publishers can identify solid prospects by selecting individuals not only by their subscription history, but by their purchase of other products such as sporting equipment, housewares or clothing that may indicate subscription preferences. Marketing Genetics allows publishers to add individuals' buying history from over 1,400 catalog merchandise mailers to their subscription histories.

"We are excited to offer this truly unique, powerful database to our customers in the publishing industry," said Karen Mayhew, Vice President, B2C List Management, Infogroup Targeting Solutions. "Subscriber Genetics represents a leap forward and fills a real need for them by providing subscription data that is not available from any other information provider. It was created specifically for publishers trying to grow their subscriber base."

Subscriber Genetics provides access to over 13 million subscribers and book buyers, including:

For more information, please contact Heather Winnicki-Mateus, Director, Product Management and Sales, at (402) 836.5695, Heather.Winnicki@infogroup.com or visit http://www.infogrouplistservices.com. About Infogroup Targeting Solutions

Infogroup Targeting Solutions helps companies increase sales and customer loyalty through analytically driven consumer and business data and database marketing solutions. With exclusive access to the Data Axle(TM), we build multichannel solutions using contextually relevant information on 235MM individuals and 24MM businesses. For more information, visit http://www.infogrouptargeting.com.

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Infogroup Targeting Solutions Releases Subscriber Genetics

Seattle Genetics Announces Initiation of Phase 2 Trial of ADCETRIS® (Brentuximab Vedotin) in Combination with Current …

BOTHELL, Wash.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

Seattle Genetics, Inc. (SGEN) today announced the initiation of a phase 2 clinical trial evaluating ADCETRIS (brentuximab vedotin) in combination with RCHOP (A+RCHOP), the current standard frontline therapy, for newly diagnosed patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL). The study is intended to evaluate the complete remission rate and safety of the A+RCHOP regimen. ADCETRIS is an antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) directed to CD30. ADCETRIS is currently not approved for the treatment of DLBCL.

The encouraging data we have observed in our phase 2 trial of ADCETRIS in relapsed non-Hodgkin lymphoma, including DLBCL patients, support evaluation in earlier lines of therapy for patients with this aggressive lymphoma type, said Clay B. Siegall., Ph.D., President and Chief Executive Officer at Seattle Genetics. This trial will provide us with data on the tolerability of the combination, as well as the antitumor activity achieved by adding ADCETRIS to the current standard frontline regimen. In addition, based on interim findings from our trial in the relapsed setting in which objective responses were observed among patients with low or undetectable levels of CD30 by conventional screening methods, we will enroll high-risk DLBCL patients to this frontline trial without prescreening for CD30 expression.

In this phase 2, open-label clinical trial, approximately 50 frontline high-risk DLBCL patients will receive ADCETRIS in combination with the standard of care consisting of rituximab, cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine and prednisone (A+RCHOP). Patients will be randomized to receive standard dose RCHOP with either 1.2 milligrams per kilogram (mg/kg) or 1.8 mg/kg of ADCETRIS. The trial will enroll patients regardless of CD30 expression level by immunohistochemistry (IHC) to further explore previously reported interim data from an ongoing phase 2 trial for relapsed B-cell lymphomas, including DLBCL, demonstrating objective responses in patients with varying levels of CD30. The primary endpoints are to assess the complete remission rate and safety profile of the combination. Secondary endpoints include objective response rate, progression-free survival and overall survival.

At the International Conference on Malignant Lymphoma in June 2013, data were presented from an ongoing phase 2 trial for relapsed B-cell lymphomas that included 44 relapsed patients who received single-agent ADCETRIS, including 25 with DLBCL. Among DLBCL patients, the objective response rate was 44 percent (11 of 25), including 20 percent complete remissions and 24 percent partial remissions. Eighty-one percent of patients achieved tumor reduction. Among 44 B-cell lymphoma patients enrolled, the most common treatment-emergent adverse events were neutropenia (43 percent), fatigue (36 percent), nausea (34 percent) and diarrhea (32 percent). The most common Grade 3 or 4 adverse events were neutropenia (25 percent Grade 3; 11 percent Grade 4) and anemia (9 percent Grade 3).

More information about the ongoing phase 2 frontline or relapsed DLBCL trials, including enrolling centers, is available by visiting http://www.clinicaltrials.gov.

About Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma

Lymphoma is a general term for a group of cancers that originate in the lymphatic system. There are two major categories of lymphoma: Hodgkin lymphoma and non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) represents a diverse group of cancers that develop in the lymphatic system and are characterized by uncontrolled growth and accumulation of abnormal lymphocytes. Lymphocytes are a type of white blood cells that are responsible for defending the body against infection. The most common forms of NHL are follicular (slow growth) and diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (a faster growing sub-type).

About ADCETRIS

ADCETRIS (brentuximab vedotin) is an ADC comprising an anti-CD30 monoclonal antibody attached by a protease-cleavable linker to a microtubule disrupting agent, monomethyl auristatin E (MMAE), utilizing Seattle Genetics proprietary technology. The ADC employs a linker system that is designed to be stable in the bloodstream but to release MMAE upon internalization into CD30-expressing tumor cells.

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Seattle Genetics Announces Initiation of Phase 2 Trial of ADCETRIS® (Brentuximab Vedotin) in Combination with Current ...

The Fallen IV Seed of Evil pt1 – Video


The Fallen IV Seed of Evil pt1
In pursuit of evil nightly, Harry Link brings in gene therapy and genetic engineering in order to understand how our DNA made in the image of God will be cor...

By: Harry Link

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The Fallen IV Seed of Evil pt1 - Video

Bill filed to regulate stem cell therapy in PH

By Christian V. Esguerra Philippine Daily Inquirer

La Union Rep. Eufranio Eriguel. Photo from congress.gov.ph

MANILA, PhilippinesA congressman has joined the call to regulate stem cell therapy administered in the country.

La Union Rep. Eufranio Eriguel has introduced House Bill No. 212, which would put up a bioethics advisory board that would establish ethical standards governing the practice of stem cell research and therapy.

Under the proposed Stem Cell Research and Therapy Act of 2013, the board shall be responsible for addressing contentious ethical, scientific and legal issues in stem cell and cell-based or cellular research and therapies.

There is much to be learned from stem cell therapy, its benefits and application in the cure of some of the most devastating diseases and conditions. As of now, the full promise of stem cell treatment remains unknown, Eriguel said in a statement.

But the cost far outweighs its benefits because it is very expensive and only a few physicians are trained to do stem cell procedures here in the Philippines.

In his proposal, the board will be headed by the health secretary and the National Transplant Ethics Committee, while the Food and Drug Administration director will serve as vice chairman.

A proposed institutional review committee will be tasked to approve stem cell and cell-based or cellular research and therapies based on existing Department of Health guidelines.

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Bill filed to regulate stem cell therapy in PH

Gene breakthroughs spark a revolution in cancer treatment

Researchers in Britain have laid out the first comprehensive map of mutational processes behind the development of tumors - work that should in the future lead to better ways to treat and prevent a wide range of cancers.

In a study published in the journal Nature on Wednesday, researchers who analyzed more than 7,000 genomes, or genetic codes, of common forms of cancer uncovered 21 so-called "signatures" of processes that mutate DNA.

"(This) is an important step to discovering the processes that drive cancer formation," said Serena Nik-Zainal, of the Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, who worked on the research. "Through detailed analysis, we can start to use the overwhelming amounts of information buried deep in the DNA of cancers to our advantage in terms of understanding how and why cancers arise."

All cancers are caused by mutations in DNA occurring in cells of the body during someone's lifetime.

Scientists are clear about some things, such as that chemicals in tobacco smoke cause mutations in lung cells that lead to lung cancers, or that ultraviolet light triggers mutations in skin cells that lead to skin cancers.

But they have yet to figure out the biological processes that cause mutations behind most common cancers.

"We're beginning to know quite a lot about what the consequences of those mutations are. But actually we have a really rudimentary understanding of what is causing the mutations in the first place," said Mike Stratton, the Sanger Institute's director and the lead researcher on this study. "And after all, the things that are causing those mutations are the causes of cancer."

The team analyzed the genetic codes of 7,042 cases of cancer in people from around the world, covering 30 different types of the disease, to see if they could find patterns, or signatures, of mutational processes.

They discovered that all the cancers contained two or more signatures - a finding that shows the variety of processes that work together when a cancer develops.

They also found that different cancers have different numbers of mutational processes. While two mutational processes underlie the development of ovarian cancer, there are six behind the development of liver cancer, the researchers said

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Gene breakthroughs spark a revolution in cancer treatment

Gene study uncovers origins of many common cancers

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Gene study uncovers origins of many common cancers

Research and Markets: Microarray Markets – 2013 Report Examines Companies that are Actively Developing and Marketing …

DUBLIN--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

Research and Markets (http://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/69sxpq/microarray_markets) has announced the addition of the "Microarray Markets" report to their offering.

Microarray technologies multiplex and miniaturize the analysis of tens of thousands of molecules for a variety of assays, including drug binding, molecular interactions, enzyme activity and pathway identification. These microarrays, which include DNA microarrays, protein microarrays, tissue microarrays, low complexity microarrays and carbohydrate microarrays, are excellent tools for gene expression profiling, biomarker profiling and diagnostics.

Pharmaceutical and biotechnology researchers use microarrays to streamline drug target identification, selection, validation and predictive testing. Rapid growth in the clinical research and diagnostic devices markets holds great potential for applications of microarray technology, including basic research, clinical trials and diagnostic devices.

This report describes the specific segment of the microarray market aimed at the analysis of proteins and DNA. It examines various microarray platforms and the technologies that are utilized in hospitals, clinics, commercial laboratories and research institutions to detect DNA and proteins for the purpose of drug discovery, disease diagnosis and disease monitoring. Detailed tables and charts with sales forecasts and marketshare data are also included.

Companies Mentioned:

- Affymetrix

- Agilent Technologies, Inc

- AyoxxA

- Bio-Rad Laboratories

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Research and Markets: Microarray Markets - 2013 Report Examines Companies that are Actively Developing and Marketing ...

The Race Card? – Sen. Reid Make Controversial Comments – Michelle Malkin On Hannity – Video


The Race Card? - Sen. Reid Make Controversial Comments - Michelle Malkin On Hannity
The Race Card? - Sen. Reid Make Controversial Comments - Michelle Malkin On Hannity.

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The Race Card? - Sen. Reid Make Controversial Comments - Michelle Malkin On Hannity - Video

Glowing Bunnies: Why They Matter

Their creation is part of genetic research aimed at mass-producing medication and treating hereditary illness. And they seem to be in good health, don't worry.

The transgenic bunnies were born last week. They are expected to live long, productive rabbit lives. They are not evil; they just glow bright green under a black light. They do not portend apocalypse, but rather a potential for great good.

The road to their creation began years ago. Dr. Stefan Moisyadi works with transposing DNA vectors at the University of Hawaii School of Medicine, where glowing mice were created in the 1980s. Now he's at the head of the rabbit projectthough this time the birth took place in Istanbul, as part of a collaboration with Turkish researchers.

The idea is that scientists inject genetic material into rabbit embryos, and they want to see that it becomes a part of their genetic makeup. The glowing green is not an end in itself, but a marker that their technique is working. The protein that creates the glow comes from jellyfish DNA (which was injected into the rabbit embryo).

Moisyadi told Hawaii local news channel KHON, "These rabbits are like a light bulb glowing, like an LED light all over their body. And on top of it, their fur is beginning to grow and the greenness is shining right through their fur. Its so intense."

Light bulb, LED lightthe opportunities for creative imagery are numerous. It's like an overflowing bin of potential words.

Since the jellyfish gene codes for a natural protein, Moisyadi et al. don't have reason to suspect that their rabbits are harmed by the experimentation. They live just as long as normal animals do. I can tell you from the mice [which have since been conducted at places like Caltech] they show no ill effects.

If we learned anything from Rudolph (the "red-nosed" reindeer), the transgenic bunnies may be socially excluded at a young age, but the experience will be formative, and they will grow to be celebrated by the rabbit leader.

In 2011, the same technique created glowing kittens as part of an HIV research project. In a collaboration between the Mayo Clinic and Yamaguchi University, the researchers reported in the journal Nature Methods that the cats not only glowed but, more importantly, were resistant to feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV).

They also showed no signs of ill health or evil behavior.

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Glowing Bunnies: Why They Matter

Research and Markets: Molecular Diagnostics in Genetic Testing – 2013 Study Analyzes the Size and Growth of the …

DUBLIN--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

Research and Markets (http://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/nd85n7/molecular) has announced the addition of the "Molecular Diagnostics in Genetic Testing" report to their offering.

Molecular diagnostics in genetic testing brings advanced analytical techniques to the diagnosis and treatment of genetic disorders. The confluence of breakthroughs in genomics and proteomics and the development of microarray devices to measure analytes in the blood and various body tissues are driving significant growth in the segment.

Major developments include the integration of specialty labs and gene expression profiling into clinical practice, the introduction and rapid growth of cell-free fetal DNA prenatal testing, the advancement of companion diagnostics for drug development, the widespread installed base of automated instruments for molecular testing and the development of personalized medicine. The genetic testing space is one of the most profitable sectors of molecular diagnostics and is expected to be an area of high growth and corporate change throughout the forecast period.

This report describes the emerging field of molecular diagnostics in genetic testing. This review analyzes the size and growth of the molecular diagnostics in genetic testing market, including the factors that influence the various market segments within it and the dollar volume of sales, both in the United States and worldwide. Moreover, this analysis profiles the leading companies focused on the molecular diagnostics for genetic testing sector.

Companies Mentioned

- Abbott Laboratories

- Beckman Coulter

- CombiMatrix

- EntroGen, Inc

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Research and Markets: Molecular Diagnostics in Genetic Testing - 2013 Study Analyzes the Size and Growth of the ...

Cat Health Network Announces Discovery of New Feline Gene Mutations, Other Advances in Disease Treatment

SCHAUMBURG, IL--(Marketwired - August 13, 2013) - Partners of the Cat Health Network (CHN) today released final results of several major research projects that investigated genetic predispositions to disease in cats.

CHN officials reported that, among many significant accomplishments, scientists have

Other studies revealed that, despite scientists' hypotheses, genes involved in white coat color were not also associated with deafness in white cats and that no significant genetic indicator predetermined a cat's response to catnip. For a complete summary of findings, contact Allen Byrne at abyrne@morrisanimalfoundation.org.

These findings will help advance feline medicine and offer veterinarians new ways to improve the health and welfare of cats, said Dr. Roy Smith, president of the American Association of Feline Practitioners (AFP) and liaison to the CHN.

"The CHN funds research efforts that help accelerate advancements in addressing the many problems we face in feline medicine," Dr. Smith said.

Founded in 2011 in response to cats lagging behind dogs in visits to the veterinarian, CHN comprises the American Veterinary Medical Foundation (AVMF), Morris Animal Foundation, Winn Feline Foundation (WFF) and American Association of Feline Practitioners (AFP). Together, the partners are committed to making a substantial difference in the health and welfare of domestic cats by funding targeted health studies.

This research money is critical to advancing feline medicine, said Dr. Wayne Jensen, Morris Animal Foundation's chief scientific officer. "The cat is the most underfunded domestic animal in research," he noted.

Research funded by CHN focuses on feline cancer, chronic renal disease, diabetes mellitus, feline lower urinary tract disease, and pain management. Scientists used gene chips containing feline single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs)-variations from the common feline DNA sequence that can be used as markers to track down genes responsible for genetic diseases-to conduct their investigations.

The research conclusions will continue to fill in gaps in knowledge about the cat genome, said Dr. Vicki L. Thayer, president of WFF. "The results from these studies show that genetic mutations do cause many diseases or enhance susceptibility, and tests can now be developed to identify carriers," said Dr. Thayer.

CHN is an initiative of the Animal Health Network, a collaboration of like-minded groups working together toward scientific study of feline, canine and equine health.

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Cat Health Network Announces Discovery of New Feline Gene Mutations, Other Advances in Disease Treatment

Questions


Questions Answers 193 - Fasting on Watermelon, Cholesterol, Genetics Experiences
Questions Answers 193 Fasting on Watermelon Cholesterol Genetics Experiences Disclaimer The information given by Robert Morse in these videos are strictl...

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Myriad Genetics Reports Full-Year and Fiscal Fourth-Quarter 2013 Financial Results

SALT LAKE CITY, Aug. 13, 2013 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Myriad Genetics, Inc. (MYGN) today announced financial results for its fiscal fourth quarter and full fiscal year ended June 30, 2013. Revenue for the fiscal fourth quarter increased 31 percent over the same period in the prior year to $174.1 million. Fiscal fourth quarter earnings per diluted share (EPS) were $0.53, an increase of 58 percent over the same period of the prior year.

"Myriad had an exceptional fourth quarter and delivered strong financial results in fiscal 2013 by successfully growing our existing businesses, and I am proud of the entire Myriad team," said Peter D. Meldrum, President and Chief Executive Officer of Myriad. "We are investing for future growth and expect to launch three exciting new tests in fiscal 2014, including myRisk Hereditary Cancer(TM), myPath Melanoma(TM), and myPlan Lung Cancer(TM), all of which address significant unmet clinical needs. Additionally, we are engaging in several external collaborations, particularly in the area of companion diagnostics and personalized medicine that have the potential to deliver long-term value to our shareholders."

Fiscal Fourth Quarter 2013 Results

Fiscal Year 2013 Results

Business Highlights

Fiscal Year 2014 Financial Targets

The Company expects fiscal year 2014 total revenue of $690 to $710 million representing 13 to 16 percent growth and diluted earnings per share of $1.87 to $1.94 representing 6 to 10 percent growth. Myriad's top-line guidance is consistent with expectations provided at its 2013 Analyst Day calling for low-to-mid, double-digit revenue growth. Our EPS guidance takes into account a projected tax rate of approximately 40 percent in fiscal 2014; the commercial launch of three new molecular diagnostic tests including myRisk Hereditary Cancer, myPath Melanoma, and myPlan Lung Cancer; and an estimated $10 million in higher legal spending associated with recent patent infringement litigation. These projections are forward looking statements and are subject to the risks summarized in the safe harbor statement at the end of this press release. The Company will provide further detail on its business outlook during the conference call it is holding today to discuss its fiscal 2013 fourth-quarter and full-year financial results.

Conference Call and Webcast

A conference call will be held on Tuesday, August 13, 2013, at 4:30 p.m. Eastern Time to discuss Myriad's financial results for the fiscal fourth quarter of 2013. The dial-in number for domestic callers is (800) 404-5245. International callers may dial (303) 223-2688. All callers will be asked to reference reservation number 21668391. An archived replay of the call will be available for seven days by dialing (800) 633-8284 and entering the reservation number above. The conference call also will be available through a live Webcast at http://www.myriad.com.

About Myriad Genetics

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Myriad Genetics Reports Full-Year and Fiscal Fourth-Quarter 2013 Financial Results

Cancer Genetics Announces Pricing of Public Offering of 1,500,000 Shares of Common Stock

RUTHERFORD, N.J., Aug. 13, 2013 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Cancer Genetics, Inc. (CGIX), a diagnostics company focused on developing genomic-based, oncology tests and services, today announced the pricing of its public offering of 1,500,000 shares of its common stock at a price to the public of $10.00 per share. The gross proceeds to Cancer Genetics from the public offering are expected to be $15,000,000, before underwriting discounts and commissions and other offering expenses payable by Cancer Genetics.

The Company intends to use the net proceeds from the offering to expand sales and marketing, to further product commercialization, to invest in its Mayo Clinic joint venture, to retire mezzanine financing, to continue research and development, and to fund other general working capital needs.

Cancer Genetics also announced that its common stock will begin trading on The NASDAQ Capital Market under the symbol "CGIX" on August 14, 2013. In connection with this listing, Cancer Genetics' common stock will cease trading on the OTC QB.

Cancer Genetics has also granted the representative of the underwriters a 45-day option to purchase up to 225,000 additional shares of common stock from Cancer Genetics to cover over-allotments, if any. The offering is expected to close on August 19, 2013, subject to customary closing conditions.

Aegis Capital Corp. is acting as sole book-running manager for the offering.

Feltl and Company, Inc. is acting as co-lead manager for the offering.

This offering is being made only by means of a prospectus. Copies of the prospectus relating to this offering may be obtained by contacting Aegis Capital Corp., Prospectus Department, 810 Seventh Avenue, 18th Floor, New York, NY 10019, telephone: 212-813-1010, e-mail: prospectus@aegiscap.com.

A registration statement relating to these securities was declared effective by the Securities and Exchange Commission on August 13, 2013. This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy, nor shall there be any sale of these securities in any state or jurisdiction in which such an offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such state or jurisdiction.

About Cancer Genetics:

Cancer Genetics, Inc. (CGI) is an emerging leader in DNA-based cancer diagnostics and services some of the most prestigious medical institutions in the world. Our tests target cancers that are difficult to diagnose and predict treatment outcomes. These cancers include hematological, urogenital and HPV-associated cancers. We also offer a comprehensive range of non-proprietary oncology-focused tests and laboratory services that provide critical genomic information to healthcare professionals as well as biopharma and biotech. Our state-of-the-art reference lab is focused entirely on maintaining clinical excellence and is both CLIA certified and CAP accredited and has licensure from several states including New York State. CGI has established strong research collaborations with major cancer centers such as Memorial Sloan-Kettering, The Cleveland Clinic, Mayo Clinic and the National Cancer Institute. For further information, please see http://www.cancergenetics.com.

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Cancer Genetics Announces Pricing of Public Offering of 1,500,000 Shares of Common Stock

Mediterranean diet counteracts a genetic risk of stroke

Aug. 13, 2013 A gene variant strongly associated with development of type 2 diabetes appears to interact with a Mediterranean diet pattern to prevent stroke, report researchers from the Jean Mayer USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging (USDA HNRCA) at Tufts University and from the CIBER Fisiopatologa de la Obesidad y Nutricin in Spain. Their results, published online today in Diabetes Care, are a significant advance for nutrigenomics, the study of the linkages between nutrition and gene function and their impact on human health, particularly chronic disease risk.

The researchers set out to investigate whether genetics contribute to the cardiovascular benefits seen in the Prevencion con Dieta Mediterranea (PREDIMED) trial. Based in Spain, the randomized, controlled trial enrolled more than 7,000 men and women assigned to either a Mediterranean or low fat control diet and monitored them for cardiovascular disease, stroke and heart attack for almost five years.

"Our study is the first to identify a gene-diet interaction affecting stroke in a nutrition intervention trial carried out over a number of years in thousands of men and women," said senior author Jos M. Ordovs, Ph.D., director of the Nutrition and Genomics Laboratory at the USDA HNRCA at Tufts University. "The PREDIMED study design provides us with stronger results than we have ever had before. With the ability to analyze the relationship between diet, genetics and life-threatening cardiac events, we can begin to think seriously about developing genetic tests to identify people who may reduce their risk for chronic disease, or even prevent it, by making meaningful changes to the way they eat."

Led by Ordovs and corresponding author Dolores Corella, Ph.D., of the CIBER Fisiopatologia de la Obesidad y Nutricin , the researchers focused on a variant in the Transcription Factor 7-Like 2 (TCF7L2) gene, which has been implicated in glucose metabolism but its relationship to cardiovascular disease risk has been uncertain. About 14 percent of the PREDIMED participants were homozygous carriers, meaning they carried two copies of the gene variant and had an increased risk of disease.

"Being on the Mediterranean diet reduced the number of strokes in people with two copies of the variant. The food they ate appeared to eliminate any increased stroke susceptibility, putting put them on an even playing field with people with one or no copies of the variant," explained Ordovs, who is also a professor at the Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy at Tufts University. "The results were quite different in the control group following the low fat control diet, where homozygous carriers were almost three times as likely to have a stroke compared to people with one or no copies of the gene variant ."

The Mediterranean diet features olive oil, fish, complex carbohydrates and nuts. To find out how closely the PREDIMED participants adhered to the Mediterranean diet prior to the trial, the authors examined food frequency questionnaires. "Again, we saw that the Mediterranean diet appeared to compensate for genetic influence," said Corella, who is also a scientist in the Genetic and Molecular Epidemiology Unit at the University of Valencia. "If adherence to the diet was high, having two copies of the gene variant had no significant influence on fasting glucose levels. The same was true for three common measures of cardiovascular disease risk: total blood cholesterol, low density lipoprotein and triglycerides. Conversely, these risk factors were considerably higher in homozygous carriers with low adherence to the diet."

The results of the study were not significantly changed by adjusting for variables that could have affected the findings, including type 2 diabetes,body mass index (BMI), and heart and diabetes medications. The authors note more studies are needed to determine what mechanism may be involved in the interaction they observed. They also intend to continue to mine the PREDIMED data for other gene diet interactions that may be associated with stroke as well as heart attacks.

Ordovs is also a member of the Pharmacology & Experimental Therapeutics Faculty at the Sackler of Graduate Biomedical Sciences at Tufts University.

This study was funded by the Spanish Ministry of Health (Institute de Salud Carlos III), the Ministry of Economy and Innovation (Spain) , the Fondo Europeo de Desarrollo Regional, the Generalitat Valenciana (Spain) and by contracts 53-K06-5-10 and 58-1950-9-001 from the USDA.

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Mediterranean diet counteracts a genetic risk of stroke

Mediterranean diet counteracts a genetic risk of stroke, study reports

Public release date: 13-Aug-2013 [ | E-mail | Share ]

Contact: Andrea Grossman 617-636-3728 Tufts University, Health Sciences Campus

BOSTON (August 13, 2013, 10 am EDT) -- A gene variant strongly associated with development of type 2 diabetes appears to interact with a Mediterranean diet pattern to prevent stroke, report researchers from the Jean Mayer USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging (USDA HNRCA) at Tufts University and from the CIBER Fisiopatologa de la Obesidad y Nutricin in Spain. Their results , published online today in Diabetes Care, are a significant advance for nutrigenomics, the study of the linkages between nutrition and gene function and their impact on human health, particularly chronic disease risk.

The researchers set out to investigate whether genetics contribute to the cardiovascular benefits seen in the Prevencion con Dieta Mediterranea (PREDIMED) trial. Based in Spain, the randomized, controlled trial enrolled more than 7,000 men and women assigned to either a Mediterranean or low fat control diet and monitored them for cardiovascular disease, stroke and heart attack for almost five years.

"Our study is the first to identify a gene-diet interaction affecting stroke in a nutrition intervention trial carried out over a number of years in thousands of men and women," said senior author Jos M. Ordovs, Ph.D., director of the Nutrition and Genomics Laboratory at the USDA HNRCA at Tufts University. "The PREDIMED study design provides us with stronger results than we have ever had before. With the ability to analyze the relationship between diet, genetics and life-threatening cardiac events, we can begin to think seriously about developing genetic tests to identify people who may reduce their risk for chronic disease, or even prevent it, by making meaningful changes to the way they eat."

Led by Ordovs and corresponding author Dolores Corella, Ph.D., of the CIBER Fisiopatologia de la Obesidad y Nutricin , the researchers focused on a variant in the Transcription Factor 7-Like 2 (TCF7L2) gene, which has been implicated in glucose metabolism but its relationship to cardiovascular disease risk has been uncertain. About 14 percent of the PREDIMED participants were homozygous carriers, meaning they carried two copies of the gene variant and had an increased risk of disease.

"Being on the Mediterranean diet reduced the number of strokes in people with two copies of the variant. The food they ate appeared to eliminate any increased stroke susceptibility, putting put them on an even playing field with people with one or no copies of the variant," explained Ordovs, who is also a professor at the Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy at Tufts University. "The results were quite different in the control group following the low fat control diet, where homozygous carriers were almost three times as likely to have a stroke compared to people with one or no copies of the gene variant ."

The Mediterranean diet features olive oil, fish, complex carbohydrates and nuts. To find out how closely the PREDIMED participants adhered to the Mediterranean diet prior to the trial, the authors examined food frequency questionnaires. "Again, we saw that the Mediterranean diet appeared to compensate for genetic influence," said Corella, who is also a scientist in the Genetic and Molecular Epidemiology Unit at the University of Valencia. "If adherence to the diet was high, having two copies of the gene variant had no significant influence on fasting glucose levels. The same was true for three common measures of cardiovascular disease risk: total blood cholesterol, low density lipoprotein and triglycerides. Conversely, these risk factors were considerably higher in homozygous carriers with low adherence to the diet."

The results of the study were not significantly changed by adjusting for variables that could have affected the findings, including type 2 diabetes,body mass index (BMI), and heart and diabetes medications. The authors note more studies are needed to determine what mechanism may be involved in the interaction they observed. They also intend to continue to mine the PREDIMED data for other gene diet interactions that may be associated with stroke as well as heart attacks.

###

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Mediterranean diet counteracts a genetic risk of stroke, study reports

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