Insidermedicine in 60 - March 19, 2008

From Utah - A protein derived from the Robo4 gene may one day lead to a cure for vascular diseases of the eye. In a study of a strain of mice bred to have macular degeneration, activation of the Robo4 protein resulted in an improvement in new blood vessel growth and leakage. Age-related macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy are among the leading causes of visual loss in the world.

From Atlanta - A genetic explanation may exist for why some people develop post traumatic stress disorder while others are better able to cope. Researchers interviewed 900 patients, and also obtained samples of their DNA, and found that one quarter of the sample met the criteria for PTSD. The researchers noted that differences in the FKBP5 gene, which influences the body's response to the hormone cortisol, influenced the likelihood of PTSD.

And finally, from Minnesota - In a tragic medical mistake, a surgeon has removed the wrong kidney, leaving a cancerous one behind. The medical error stems back from weeks earlier when the cancerous kidney was incorrectly labeled on the patient's medical chart. The surgeon who removed the kidney is on a voluntary leave of absence, and the patient is now considering all possible options.

For Insidermedicine in 60, I'm Essie Heinrich.

Category:

Science & Technology

Tags:

• robo4
• genetics
• protein
• macular
• degeneration
• diabetic
• retinopathy
• ptsd
• combat
• veteran
• depression
• kidney
• cancer
• error
• med

[premed99]

You think with all of these wrong site surgeries cropping up, that there would be a better way to eliminate errors? Maybe they should ask the patient!