Blood test to measure iron-regulating hormone developed Aug 11, 2008
The new blood test will help clinicians manage chronic conditions affecting millions of people worldwide such as anaemias and iron overload diseases ... When levels are low, too much iron is absorbed from the diet and released into the blood, leading to iron toxicity and conditions like iron overload disease. (Sify.com, India)
UCLA and biotech company develop first blood test to measure key hormone that regulates iron Aug 9, 2008
New test to help clinicians better diagnose anemias and iron overload diseases ... This new blood test will help clinicians manage chronic conditions affecting millions of people worldwide such as anemias and iron overload diseases ... When levels are low, too much iron is absorbed from the diet and released into the blood, leading to iron toxicity and conditions like hemochromatosis or iron overload disease. (EurekAlert!)
Metabolic Insight To Illuminate Causes Of Iron Imbalance Aug 8, 2008
7, 2008) New insight into key players in iron metabolism has yielded a novel tool for distinguishing among root causes of iron overload or deficiency in humans, researchers report in the August issue of Cell Metabolism, a publication of Cell Press ... (The most common human disease of iron overload is hereditary hemochromotosis, which affects about five out of 1000 Caucasians in the U.S., according to the National Institutes of Health ... 8, 2008) The exact origin of the genetic iron overload... (Science Daily)
New Test Diagnoses Anemia in Chronic Disease Aug 6, 2008
TUESDAY, Aug. 5 (HealthDay News) -- A new tool for diagnosing anemia related to chronic illness and diseases of iron overload has been developed by U.S. researchers. Both anemia and iron overload have various causes ... "It is hard to diagnose the anemia of chronic disease. Having an assay for hepcidin would make it much easier, and it would also help in diagnosing iron overload diseases," study senior author Jerry Kaplan, a professor of pathology and assistant vice president for research at the... (Health-Finder)
Avoiding Spleen Removal For Cooley's Anemia Sufferers May 29, 2008
However, hemoglobin (Hb) levels often decrease over time, splenomegaly appears, and progressive iron overload occurs from increased gastrointestinal iron absorption. Despite its prevalence, Cooley's anemia (beta-thalassemia) is an orphan disease, of which studies are rare and not well-funded. (Science Daily)
How an old man's DNA could save your life Apr 20, 2008
Some, such as DNA Direct, launched in 2005, are strictly medical, offering diagnostic tests for individual disorders like haemochromato-sis, or iron overload. They are targeting people with a family history of such disorders. (Times Online)
A Genetic Cause For Iron Deficiency Apr 16, 2008
Normally, hepcidin is produced to protect the body against iron overload -- but patients with IRIDA make large amounts of hepcidin even though they are iron deficient ... For example, blocking TMPRSS6 may help patients with iron overload disorders make more hepcidin in order to limit intestinal iron absorption. (Science Daily)
Treatment in sight for iron deficiency Apr 14, 2008
Normally, hepcidin is produced to protect the body against iron overload ... For example, blocking the culprit gene could help patients with iron overload disorders make more hepcidin in order to limit intestinal iron absorption. (iAfrica.com)
Common Genetic Disease Found To Be Liver Disorder Feb 8, 2008
The exact origin of the genetic iron overload disorder hereditary hemochromatosis [HH] has remained elusive ... Hereditary hemochromatosis is an iron overload disorder that, affecting about one in 300 people, is probably the most common genetic disorder in Europe ... But as yet it is unknown in which tissue or organ the gene is acting to prevent iron overload. (Science Daily)
Xenon Announces Appointment of VP, Discovery Research Feb 6, 2008
Xenon is a privately owned, clinical genetics-based drug discovery and development company engaged in developing small molecule therapies focusing in the areas of Pain, Diabetes/Obesity, Anemia and Iron Overload. Xenon has partnerships with Novartis Pharma AG, Roche and Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Ltd. For more information, visit the Company's website at. (Canada Newswire)
Rockwell Medical Technologies, Inc. Reports Patients Begin Dosing in NIH Funded SFP Clinical Study Jan 31, 2008
Incidence and time to development of iron deficiency and iron overload. Markers of inflammation and oxidative stress. (Primezone Releases)
More men suffer from inherited iron overloadstudy Jan 18, 2008
More men suffer from inherited iron overload: study ... HONG KONG (Reuters) - A study in Australia has shown that an inherited disorder, which causes iron overload, is more common than previously thought and that more men go on to develop the potentially fatal disease and other complications ... "In persons who are homozygous for the C282Y mutation, iron overload-related disease developed in a substantial proportion of men but in a small proportion of women," the researchers wrote in an article... (Reuters India)
Vital New Light Shed On Iron Overload Disorder Jan 18, 2008
17, 2008) Research in the New England Journal of Medicine shows hereditary hemochromatosis is much more common than previously thought and will spur more study to determine who is most likely to develop complications from the debilitating and potentially fatal disease, write two faculty members at the Saint Louis University School of Medicine. Their work appears in an editorial in the NEJM that accompanies the research. (Science Daily)
Men hardest hit by iron disorder Jan 17, 2008
The iron overload disease, called haemochromatosis, is hereditary and triggers a range of other debilitating conditions from arthritis to chronic fatigue. However, only some people genetically predisposed to it seem to be at risk. (The Australian)
Clinical Penetrance of Hereditary Hemochromatosis Jan 17, 2008
At that time, it was commonly believed that most C282Y homozygotes would have progressive iron loading and disease manifestations resulting from iron overload. This assumption of high clinical penetrance was based on numerous studies of patients with symptomatic hereditary hemochromatosis, who had a high incidence of disease characteristics, including liver disease (fibrosis, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular cancer), characteristic arthropathy involving the second and third metacarpophalangeal... (New England Journal of Medicine)
HFE-Associated Hemochromatosis Jan 17, 2008
Diseases related to iron overload develop in some C282Y homozygotes, but the extent of the risk is controversial ... Disease related to iron overload was defined as documented iron overload and one or more of the following conditions: cirrhosis, liver fibrosis, hepatocellular carcinoma, elevated aminotransferase levels, physician-diagnosed symptomatic hemochromatosis, and arthropathy of the second and third metacarpophalangeal joints. (New England Journal of Medicine)
New Treatment Boosts Bone Healing And Regrowth Jan 13, 2008
The researchers injected the drug deferoxamine (DF), which is designed to reduce iron overload, into injured mouse bones ... DF is used to treat a variety of medical conditions, including iron overload, transfusion-related blood poisoning and in combination with dialysis. (Science Daily)
Proteins That Regulate Iron Metabolism Serve Critical Functions In Nutrient And Water Absorption In The Gut Jan 11, 2008
The findings might help inform the development of strategies to control iron absorption in the intestine, which might pave the way for alternative therapeutic approaches to treat iron overload disorders such as hemochromatosis. Journal reference: B. Galy, D. Ferring-Appel, S. Kaden, H. Gr. (Science Daily)
Once-Daily Exjade(R) Shown to Remove Toxic Iron From the Heart and Liver, According to Data Presented at ASH Dec 12, 2007
Approximately 78% of Beta-thalassaemia Patients had Decreases in Cardiac Iron and 90% had Decreases in Liver Iron After Six Months, Interim Data Show(1) Study in Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) Patients With Iron Overload Showed Continued Safety and Efficacy Over Two Years(2) Safety and Efficacy Demonstrated in Lower-Risk Myelodysplastic Syndromes (MDS) Patients(3) FRIMLEY, England, December 12 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- New data show once-daily Exjade(R) (deferasirox) reduces life-threatening iron... (PR Newswire)
Research Identifies Need for Improved Understanding of Sickle Cell Disease in Adulthood Dec 9, 2007
A press conference revealing this new research will take place Saturday, December 8, from 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. "Sickle cell disease, once considered a fatal pediatric condition, is now a chronic adult illness. As physicians, we need to better understand how to treat sickle cell patients from childhood through their adult life," said press conference moderator Marilyn Telen, MD, Division Chief of Hematology, Duke University, Durham, NC. "Further, by understanding how to effectively mitigate the... (PR Newswire)
Scientists discover novel way to remove iron from ferritin Nov 3, 2007
"Our hypothesis was correct. We proved that when a binding peptide of seven amino acids, a heptapeptide, is coupled with Desferal the rate of removal of iron from ferritin is eight times faster." Desferal is currently used to detoxify the blood of patients with iron overload and is a common therapeutic remedy ... It plays a critical role in understanding iron overload, which can lead to a variety of symptoms including chronic fatigue, weakness, joint pain and arthritis ... If left untreated,... (EurekAlert!)
Company to sell blood-iron overload treatment in China Oct 20, 2007
said Friday that it will sell a drug in China that treats iron overload ... Ferriprox "treats iron overload in the bloodstream which is often associated with thalassemia, a disease that can lead to organ damage and heart failure," Beijing said. (Philadelphia Business Journal, PA)
Statement by KCP Chairman Dr. Edward Jones in Response to FDA Advisory Committee on Benefits and Risks of Erythropoietin-Stimulating Agents in Treatment of Kidney Patients Sep 13, 2007
Transfused patients often suffered from heart failure, iron overload, and other chronic problems. Several studies have demonstrated improvement in the morbidity and mortality of patients with kidney disease and kidney failure by the appropriate management of their anemia. (PR Newswire)
Novel Cause Of Iron Overload In Thalassemia Disorders Discovered Sep 1, 2007
Researchers at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) have discovered a novel cause of iron overload in patients with thalassemia, a genetic blood disorder that causes anemia ... Blood transfusions contribute to iron overload in people with thalassemia, but these people also suffer from iron overload independent of blood transfusions ... "The treatment of iron overload in patients with thalassemia is particularly difficult because of their anemia," says Jeffery L. Miller, M.D., chief of the... (Science Daily)
Bacteria Genome Research Could Save Orchards And Assist Blood Transfusions Aug 23, 2007
The bacterium Streptomyces coelicolor produces desferrioxamine B, which is used to treat iron overload in humans for instance following extensive blood transfusions. By studying the genomes of the two bacteria, the researchers were able to work out that each uses a similar biochemical pathway to produce desferrioxamines. (Science Daily)
Home DNA tests create medical, ethical quandaries Aug 21, 2007
DNA Direct's tests range in cost from $199 for genetic testing for an iron overload disorder called hemochromatosis to more than $3,400 for the detection of genetic mutations associated with breast and ovarian cancer. Phelan said insurers often reimburse the cost of tests offered by her company. (San Francisco Chronicle -- Business)
Iron Overload Jul 17, 2007
Reactive Iron Species. Read about the effect of iron overdose on the outcome of pregnancy. (Suite101.com)
European School of Haematology Launches Curriculum in Iron Metabolism & Related Disorders Jul 4, 2007
PARIS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The European School of Haematology (ESH) has launched a new online curriculum to educate clinicians about iron metabolism and illnesses related to iron overload and other disorders ... The ESH iron curriculum is the first all-purpose resource for current educational materials on the complex conditions related to iron overload, said Professor Eliane Gluckman, President of ESH. This curriculum represents a new way to offer ongoing education to physicians in the most... (BusinessWire)
Knights plan benefit to aid suffering child Jun 3, 2007
The constant blood transfusions put Lucas at risk of iron overload. Excess iron is sometimes deposited into organs, causing them to fail, which can lead to death. (New Britain Herald, CT)
US FDA says deaths reported with Novartis' Exjade May 23, 2007
Patients with blood disorders such as anemia who regularly undergo blood transfusions can experience iron overload, a potentially fatal condition that can overwhelm the liver, heart and other vital organs. In September 2005, an FDA advisory panel recommended the agency approve Exjade but said they were concerned about the lack of safety data, especially over time. (Reuters AlertNet)
Europe little changed May 23, 2007
Towards the close of European trading hours on Tuesday, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration said severe kidney failure and some deaths have been reported in patients using Novartis's iron overload drug Exjade. Copyright 2007. (CNN -- Money / International)
DSM leads European gainers May 23, 2007
As European markets closed on Tuesday, US regulators said that Exjade, a treatment for iron overload due to blood transfusions, had resulted in acute renal failure and death in some patients. rose 0. (FT.com -- Markets)
Fundraiser to help boy fight for his life May 18, 2007
"We were supposed to attack this together. Tina said she tries to stay positive and takes it a day at a time. With the help of friends and family, a benefit will be held for Lucas called "Life Savers for Lucas" on June 10 at Mary Our Queen Church in Southington. The money raised will fund Lucas' chelation treatment. The constant blood transfusions have put Lucas at risk of iron overload. The excess iron sometimes deposits itself into organs, causing them to fail, which can lead to death,... (New Britain Herald, CT)
Hemochromatosis Gene Linked to Stroke Risk Mar 28, 2007
"Further research is needed to determine why this gene appears to cause such a significant increased risk of stroke, since our data suggest plaque build-up in the arteries and iron overload are not to blame," Nordestgaard said. SOURCE: Neurology, March 27, 2007. (MEDLINEplus)
Women's Soccer Junior Arielle Fields Continues Biomedical Research in the Land Down Under Mar 14, 2007
Such iron overload could be caused, for example, by regular red blood cell transfusions to treat medical conditions like B-thalassemia, a genetic disorder that affects the production of hemoglobin in blood. "My research with Dr. Mylon has broadened my focus and taught me the importance of looking beyond human biology in our search for medical breakthroughs in the treatment of human diseases," says Fields. (Goleopards.com)
Teaching An Old Drug New Tricks: Fighting Iron Disorders With Drug Against Hypertension Feb 21, 2007
In this week's online issue of the journal Nature Medicine they report that a compound that was frequently used to treat high blood pressure can reverse iron overload in mouse models and has the potential to treat similar conditions in humans ... Iron overload is the consequence of one of the most common genetic disorders in Europe, hereditary hemochromatosis, which affects about one in 300 Europeans ... "We observed in mice with iron overload that nifedipine helps mobilise iron from stores in... (Science Daily)
Weis testifies he had surgery to avoid health risks Feb 15, 2007
0) { ES_showBox(); };ES_searchKeyPress( this. length );" onMouseDown="ES_searchKeyPress( this. (ESPN -- Football)
Weis testifies in obesity surgery lawsuit Feb 15, 2007
Dailey also asked Weis about his prior history of health problems, including sleep apnea and hemochromatosis, an iron overload in the body, and asked if he fully realized all the risks of bypass surgery. Five to 10 percent of patients suffer major complications, Dailey said, and about 1 in 200 die. (Sunspot.net -- Sports)
Notre Dame coach alleges malpractice Feb 15, 2007
Raleigh Durham Cary Chapel Hill. Ferguson) definitely told me there were other risks," he said. Dailey also pointed out the doctors waived the normal counseling period before the operation - at Weis' request - so he could be healthy in time for the following football season. Weis said he was so secretive about his decision to have the surgery that he didn't tell his wife until about two weeks before the operation. The only member of the Patriots he confided in besides the team doctor was... (News & Observer -- Sports)
Iron-reducing drug passed for use Feb 14, 2007
A drug which helps treat sufferers of chronic iron overload has been cleared for use on patients in Scotland. The oral treatment was passed by the Scottish Medicines Consortium. (BBC News)
First part in lecture series focuses on Alzheimer's Jan 31, 2007
Hemochromatosis, which causes iron overload in the body, is caused by a mutation in a gene known as HFE. Scientists are suggesting that HFE mutations may increase the risk of Alzheimer's disease, suggesting that there could be a genetic disposition for the illness, he said. An imbalance of iron can promote a greater uptake of cobalt, chromium and other metals which could have negative effects on the brain, he said. (Daily Collegian, PA)
When wishes come true Jan 11, 2007
It is a once-daily oral iron chelator for the treatment of chronic iron overload due to blood transfusions. He has a blood transfusion every three weeks. (Northeast Mississippi Daily Journal)
Children's Hospital Oakland, Calif.'s new iron regulation discovery Dec 22, 2006
This discovery could help researchers design medications for patients with iron overload that occurs in hemochromotosis, Sickle Cell Disease and Thalassemia. "Currently, there are medications available that are based on DNA structures such as anti-cancer drugs. Unfortunately, the problem with targeting DNA is that both healthy and cancerous cells have the same DNA, but they also have different mRNAs. Consequently, our research findings could help scientists design medications that target mRNAs,"... (EurekAlert!)
Moffitt research on myelodysplastic syndromes appears in New England Journal of Medicine Oct 6, 2006
Repeated transfusions can lead to a toxic buildup called "iron overload" that severely damages the heart, liver and pancreas, and patients eventually succumb to the disease. Sponsored by the manufacturer of Revlimid, the Celgene Corporation, the study evaluated response in 148 patients. (EurekAlert!)
No More Needles - A New Breakthrough for Iron Overload Sep 21, 2006
FRIMLEY, England, September 21 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- - Exjade(R), a Breakthrough Once-Daily Oral Iron Chelator, Now Available in the UK Novartis today announced the UK approval of Exjade(R) (deferasirox), the first and only once-daily oral iron chelator for the treatment of iron overload in patients needing frequent blood transfusions for genetic blood disorders such as thalassaemia, sickle cell disease and other rare anaemias ... 2] If left untreated, iron overload can cause damage to the... (PR Newswire)
September: Get Tested For Sickle Cell Sep 15, 2006
Iron overload is a potentially life-threatening and unavoidable consequence of frequent blood transfusions used to treat certain types of rare chronic blood disorders including sickle cell disease. Signs of iron overload may be detected after transfusion of about 20 units of blood ... The body has no inherent mechanism to remove excess iron; iron chelation, which often requires continuous infusion therapy, is an effective treatment for transfusion-related iron overload. (Atlanta Daily World, GA)
Iron Therapy Shows Promise Against Endometriosis Jul 27, 2006
WEDNESDAY, July 26 (HealthDay News) -- A treatment that eases iron overload could help women fight painful endometriosis, researchers report ... This iron overload does not actually cause endometriosis, the study said. (Forbes)
Iron in Infant Formula May Raise Adult Parkinson's Risk Jun 16, 2006
Without lactoferrin, human infants are much less liable to iron overload because they aren't able to fully absorb large amounts of the nutrient. "This is not to say that absorption of either too much or too little iron is not a problem," he stressed. (Health-Finder)
A Woman with Anemia and Iron Overload May 11, 2006
NEJM -- Case 14-2006 -- A 25-Year-Old Woman with Anemia and Iron Overload ... Case 14-2006 A 25-Year-Old Woman with Anemia and Iron Overload. (New England Journal of Medicine)
Clinical Trials Update: April 24, 2006 Apr 25, 2006
Schizophrenia and Schizoaffective Disorders. Myelodysplastic Syndromes (MDS). (Health-Finder)
New drug poised to radically change the treatment of severe anemias Apr 22, 2006
The results of an international study on deferasirox, a new drug that may revolutionize the way chronic iron overload is treated, will be published in the May 1, 2006, issue of Blood, the official journal of the American Society of Hematology ... To compare the efficacy and safety of the two drugs, a multicenter trial of both children (some as young as two years old) and adults diagnosed with chronic iron overload was conducted in a dozen countries worldwide ... People with beta-thalassemia, an... (EurekAlert!)
