Sound Medicine -- September 6, 2003

Studies on Parkinson's Disease

Muscles in Space

Gynecologic Cancer

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Studies on Parkinson's Disease

The use of creatine among athletes has been a controversial topic for the last decade. Now the substance may acquire a new reputation as neurologists study its benefits for sufferers of Parkinson's disease. Indiana University School of Medicine neurologists are participating in a study that will investigate creatine, as well as an antibiotic, as potential new treatments for the degenerative disease. Dr. Joanne Wojcieszek, associate professor of clinical neurology, describes this groundbreaking research.

In high doses, creatine bulks up muscles. However, in small doses it may be able to counteract the effects of degenerative diseases, because it works in the mitochondria to boost the level of cell energy. In addition to creatine, minocycline is another chemical whose effects on Parkinson's disease are being tested. Commonly used to treat acne and rheumatoid arthritis, it slows the degeneration of cells.

Currently, the tests on creatine and minocyclene are conducted separately. However, if there are positive results, researchers will study how they work together. Dr. Wojcieszek explains how the trials in this study focus on studying the progression of the disease, rather than treating the symptoms. Parkinson's patients interested in partaking in this study should contact clinical trials nurse Jo Belden at (317) 278-0868.

Resources:

Laboratory research on mice has shown that a combination of creatine and minocycline significantly slows disease progression and prolongs survival of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), or Lou Gehrig's disease, another degenerative disorder. Read a news release about the study.

Interested in participating in a clinical trial on Parkinson's Disease? Check out the ClinicalTrials.gov website for eligibility requirements and contact information.

And abundance of information about Parkinson's Disease from the National Institutes of Health, including symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and general information.

Muscles in Space

Perhaps no humans on earth are tested as rigorously as those who leave it: namely, astronauts. Recently, Dr. Scott Trappe, director of the Human Performance Lab at Ball State University, traveled to Russia to test the effects of prolonged weightlessness on the human body. More specifically, his research centers on how muscle cells are impacted by long space flights, and what that may mean to those of us back on earth.

Generally, astronauts can lose as much as 20-40% of muscle size and strength after six months in space. This muscle atrophy is due to the weaker gravitational pull in outer space, combined with small living environments that discourage general movement. Luckily, the heart is affected much less than other muscles because it is still used at its regular strength in space.

The degree of muscle atrophy varies among individuals. Ironically, people who are less physically fit seem to have an easier time adjusting to their weaker bodies than those who enter space in top-notch condition. There is exercise equipment built for astronauts in space, but its use varies, and it can be cumbersome in tight quarters.

Resources:

Scientists are studying the "puny legs" and "puffy face" phenomenon in weightlessness. Read about this research.

Learn how space travel affects muscle physiology.

Wonder how astronauts exercise in space? See pictures of special treadmills, exercise bikes, and other equipment built for weightlessness.

Gynecologic Cancer

Conference: Speaking of Women's Health • This year's theme: “The Year of the Can-Do Woman” • Friday, September 26, 2003 • 8:30 am - 4:00pm • Registration opens at 7:30am • Indiana Convention Center • $35 for individuals, $400 for a table of ten. • View website for more information.

September is Gynecologic Cancer Awareness Month, and a good time for women to increase their knowledge about reproductive cancers. Although cervical and ovarian cancers receive attention in the press, there is little public information about other varieties. This is especially unfortunate, because many types of gynecological cancers can be treated successfully if discovered early. Dr. Kelly Manahan, a gynecologic cancer specialist with Indiana Gynecologic Oncology, explains what women need to know about gynecologic cancer.

The most common reproductive cancers are cervical, uterine, and ovarian. Cancers of the vulva and the vagina are less common, and generally occur later in life, while cervical cancer seems to be appearing in younger women in their 30s and 40s. Cervical cancer may be linked to Human Papillomavirus (HPV), a sexually transmitted disease. Vaccines against HPV may help prevent cervical cancer.

Many women believe that a Pap smear screens all types of gynecological cancers. However, this is false; it only tests for cervical cancer. Uterine cancer can be easy to detect; 90% of victims experience vaginal bleeding early on. Any post-menopausal woman who has bleeding needs to be examined by her doctor. There is no decent screening method for ovarian cancer. However, ultrasound, a physical examination, and blood test appear to yield accurate results. Many cancers can be easily diagnosed if women see their doctors regularly.

Resources:

Indiana Gynecologic Oncology is a subspecialty group dedicated to the care of women with gynecologic malignancies including ovarian cancer, endometrial cancer, cervical cancer, vulvar cancer, vaginal cancer, breast cancer, and cancer of the fallopian tube.

The National Cancer Institute and OncoLink websites discusses many different types of gynecological cancers and their prevention, risks, and screening.

The National Cancer Institute supplies a list of national organizations that offer services to people with cancer and their families.

Is there a medical topic you'd like us to cover? Reach us by email: soundmed@iu.edu
or by phone:
(317) 274-4848.

People who pierce or tattoo their bodies with unclean instruments, and college students who share toothbrushes or razor blades in dormitories, have something in common. These people may be at risk for contracting a particular type of hepatitis. Which type of hepatitis is it?

A. Hepatitis A
B. Hepatitis B
C. Hepatitis C

Find out!

Some call them twitches, and others call them jerks or jitters, but doctors call them yips. However, yips can ruin a perfectly calculated stroke while playing golf. You may brush away the incident, but medical research believes there is more to them than simple nervousness. What are yips and what causes them?

Find out!

Twelve patients who are part of the first gene therapy trial for Parkinson's disease hope the treatment is their ticket to a better quality of life. The first patient to undergo surgery was discharged from New York-Presbyterian Hospital August 20 without any complications.

Though only a Phase I clinical trial looking at safety, it's the result of 15 years of research by Dr. Michael Kaplitt, director of stereotactic and functional neurosurgery at New York-Presbyterian Hospital and assistant professor of neurological surgery at Weill Cornell Medical College, and Dr. Matthew During, professor of molecular medicine at the University of Auckland. Dr. Kaplitt performed the first surgery last month.

"The goal of our gene therapy approach is to 're-set' a specific group of cells that have become overactive in an affected part of the brain, causing the impaired movements associated with Parkinson's disease," says Dr. Kaplitt.

Parkinson's disease is caused when a particular region in the brain becomes overactive. The treatment under study inserts into the brain, via catheter, billions of copies of the glutamic acid decarboxylase gene. The gene produces a protein that in turn produces the neurotransmitter gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA). GABA inhibits increased firing of neurons that lead to Parkinson's disease.

"Our intent, ultimately, is to normalize the chemical signaling of key affected brain areas in order to reduce the devastating effects of Parkinson's," says Dr. Kaplitt.

For more details about the first-ever gene therapy trial for Parkinson's disease, read a news release from the New York medical center.