Scleroderma Media Coverage: June 2008

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June 2008

Take a chill pill, T cell. Though still preliminary, the results suggest that blocking the DR3 receptor may help in treating multiple sclerosis, asthma and other autoimmune diseases where T cell dysfunction plays a role. Tia Ghose. Science News. 06/19/08. (Also see: Causes of Scleroderma: T Cells )

No need to whisper: Lauren Shuler Donner has lupus. Over the last two decades, she has produced some of Hollywood's most popular -- and profitable -- films, including "Pretty in Pink," "St. Elmo's Fire," "Dave," "Mr. Mom," "Free Willy" and all the "X-Men" movies. And she did it all while battling the autoimmune disease lupus, as well as breast cancer. Los Angeles Times. 06/13/08.

Dan Harper: Sickness is a canker on the soul. "The cure for this ill is not to sit still, or lounge about with a book by the fire; but to take a large hoe and a shovel also, and dig till you gently perspire." Santa Cruz Sentinel. 06/22/08.

Cell Surface Receptors Are All 'Talk' In T Cell Stimulation. Understanding the mechanisms that drive healthy immune responses is important when it comes to combating autoimmune diseases, which occur when cells that should attack invading organisms turn on the body instead. ScienceDaily. 06/13/08. (Also see: Causes of Scleroderma: T Cells )

Expert Stress the Need for More Research on Scleroderma. With an estimated 14 million cases worldwide, you would think more would be known about scleroderma, a chronic, debilitating disease that can lead to the hardening and tightening of skin and connective tissue. But it seems that we don’t know enough. MedIndia.com. 06/07/08.

Facing the challenges of autoimmune diseases in Ghana. Only 4 Doctors Available. In Ghana, the Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research (NMIMR) has signaled its willingness to begin a study into autoimmune diseases and the College of Physicians and Surgeons has also agreed to lend support to the organization’s efforts. Accra Daily Mail. 06/19/08.

5 advances that make a trip to the dentist easier. While pointy objects and numb lips are still part of the dentistry equation, the antiseptic atmosphere has given way to technological wonders and warm fuzzies. The days of pliers and a shot of whiskey are worlds away. dallasnews. 06/14/08. (Also see: Dental Involvement )

Big charity boost from Acorn cyclists. It raised more than £25,000 for the two charities supported by Acorn – the Alzheimer's Society's Harrogate and Ripon branch and research into Scleroderma disease at Leeds General Infirmary. Knaresborough Post. 06/01/08.

Medication shows promise for patients with severe chronic constipation. Patients who met the study criteria were randomly assigned to receive either of two dosage levels of prucalopride, a medication that stimulates protein receptors involved in contraction of the colon, or a placebo. EurekAlert! 05/28/08. (Also see: GI Involvement )

Stem cell banks could pay medical dividends. The cells are known as induced pluripotent stem cells, or IPS cells. They appear to be as versatile as embryonic stem cells, with the ability to transform themselves into virtually any tissue in the body. MSNBC. 05/23/08. (Also see: Stem Cells Research )

Mercury teeth fillings may harm some: U.S. FDA. Silver-colored metal dental fillings contain mercury that may cause health problems in pregnant women, children and fetuses. Reuters. 06/04/08. (Also see: FDA Warnings and Causes of Scleroderma )

FDA Starts Safety Review of Autoimmune Disorder Drugs. Among the chief concerns are whether the drugs are associated with the development of cancer, especially lymphoma, in children and young adults being treated for rheumatoid arthritis or Crohn's disease. Four TNF blockers are currently approved in the United States: Enbrel (etanercept), Humira (adalimumab), Remicade (infliximab) and Cimzia (certolizumab).U.S. News and World Report. 06/04/08. (Also see: Medications )

Study of web-based peer discussion: the domain of scleroderma. Users of such information in this area report their trust in and reliance on peer discussion for medical decision-making, at times to the point where interaction becomes a form of `cybertherapy'. Lorence, D. and Saylor, K. (2008), Int. J. Healthcare Technology and Management, Vol. 9, No. 3, pp.275±302. (Also see: Medical Web Resources )

Probiotics helpful in warding off inflammatory, autoimmune diseases. Researchers found that probiotics have an anti-inflammatory potential seen as a decrease in serum CRP levels and as a reduction in bacteria-induced production of proinflammatory cytokines in peripheral blood mononuclear cells. EurekAlert!. 05/20/08. (Also see: Alternative Therapies )

Woman longs for life before disease. Gloria Turner is an attractive, petite woman, who is likely the envy of other women wishing they, also, were a size two. But when Turner looks in the mirror, she sees a woman she barely recognizes and longs for the days when she was a size 12 with fuller lips and a bigger nose. The Seminole Chronicle. 05/38/08.