Acute GVHD prediction could aid liver cell transplants

Posted on 2008-07-21 20:00:00 in Artificial & Replacement Organs & Tissues | Cancer |

A new study claims to have reached a landmark in predicting how a patient will react to allografts as a treatment for liver cancer.

Cell transplants from one individual to another carry with them the risk of acute graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) - a condition that is difficult to foresee as there are no definitive markers.

However, academics at the University of Florida have developed a preliminary "molecular structure" that could highlight whether a patient may be susceptible to developing the disease.

Dr Vijay Reddy, lead author of the study, said: "Our study enrolled four acute GVHD patients and four acute GVHD-free patients and noted significant differences in the expression of 1,658 genes between the control and acute GVHD patients."

Other measures taken to minimize the risk of GVHD include using a closely matched donor or a cord blood unit, according to the National Marrow Donor Program.ADNFCR-1506-ID-18695933-ADNFCR

Health Headlines MORE »

Pepper Compounds for Weight Management
Capsaicin (found in hot peppers) and capsiates (present in sweet peppers) exert modest weight management benefits.
Americans Lag in Preventive Screenings
While over 20% of U.S. adults receive periodic health examinations each year, many do not receive recommended preventive screening tests and counseling services
The Stress – Obesity Connection
Researchers from Norway suggest a mechanism by which stress may make a person fat, and being obese may create stress.
Lack of Sleep Triggers Hunger
Swedish researchers report that people who are short on sleep experience greater levels of hunger.
Knock Out Anxiety
Among women with Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD), regular physical activity helps to reduce anxiety, irritability, feelings of tension, low energy and pain.
Magnesium Helps to Reduce Stroke Risk
For every 100 mg per-day increase in magnesium in the diet, stroke risk may decline by up to 9%.
Senior Runners Continue to Excel
The best male marathon runners over age 65, and the best female marathon runners over age 45, continue to consistently improve their performance.
Stem Cell Therapy Restores Vision
UCLA-led team safely uses human embryonic stem cells to treat macular degeneration.
Beware the Office Air
First-of-its-kind study reports that indoor air in offices is an important source of worker exposure to potentially toxic substances.
One in Five US Adults Afflicted with Mental Illness
Twenty percent of Americans ages 18+ experienced a diagnosable mental, behavioral, or emotional disorder in 2010.
Anti-Aging Forum Anti-Aging Forum Anti-Aging Forum Anti-Aging Forum
Anti-Aging textbook Anti-Aging Forum MLDP Anti-aging jobs Join A4M
ANTI-AGING TIP OF THE DAY
A Bright Future
University of Southern Denmark researchers report that more than half of the babies born today in developed countries will live to be 100, and the extended lifespan will likely come with fewer disabilities and limitations. Writing that: “If the pace of increase in life expectancy in developed countries over the past two centuries continues through the 21st century...
» MORE