Basilea announces distribution agreement with Almirall for Toctino(R) in selected European markets and Mexico

June 16, 2010 By Leave a Comment

BASEL, SWITZERLAND, Jun 15 (MARKET WIRE) —
Basilea Pharmaceutica AG / Basilea announces distribution agreement with
Almirall for Toctino(R) in selected European markets and Mexico processed
and transmitted by Hugin AS. The issuer is solely responsible for the
content of this announcement.

Basilea Pharmaceutica Ltd. (SWISS: BSLN) announced today that Basilea
Pharmaceutica International Ltd. has entered into an exclusive
distribution agreement with Almirall, S.A. for Basilea’s Toctino(R)
(alitretinoin), a once-daily oral treatment for adults with severe chronic
hand eczema unresponsive to potent topical corticosteroids, in selected
European markets and Mexico.

Basilea has appointed Almirall as its exclusive distributor for
Toctino(R) in Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Italy, Luxembourg,
Mexico, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia and Spain. Basilea
retains the future right to co-promote Toctino(R) in selected markets
covered under the agreement.

Under the terms of the agreement, Basilea will be eligible for upfront and
milestone payments totaling EUR 27 million, including up to EUR 16 million
in upfront payments and milestones related to the launch of Toctino(R) in
two key markets of the territory.

“We are very pleased to further expand the commercial availability of
Toctino through this partnership with Almirall, a leading dermatology
company in Europe. Almirall has a well-established and significant sales
force with a successful track record in markets where Basilea has not yet
established a full commercial sales presence, including in Almirall’s
home market Spain,” said Dr. Anthony Man, CEO Basilea Pharmaceutica Ltd.
“Through this partnership Toctino will be available sooner and to more
patients than otherwise possible in these selected markets.”

About Toctino(R) (alitretinoin)

Toctino(R) was developed by Basilea Pharmaceutica International Ltd.

To date, Toctino(R) is marketed in Denmark, France, Germany, Switzerland
and the United Kingdom for the treatment of severe chronic hand eczema
(CHE). The drug is approved in 15 additional European countries as well
as in Canada and has been recommended for approval in seven further
European countries.

In the largest ever phase III clinical trial program in CHE, Toctino(R)
was the first treatment to show effective clearing of severe CHE
unresponsive to potent topical corticosteroids, with clear or almost
clear hands achieved in nearly 50 percent of patients treated with 30 mg
Toctino(R). The once-daily oral therapy for adults is given for 12 to 24
weeks, depending on patient response, and six- month post-treatment
observations in patients who responded to Toctino(R) indicate that
treatment can provide long periods free from relapse and improve patient
satisfaction.

Toctino(R) is a known teratogen (a substance that can cause birth defects
when women are exposed during pregnancy). Strict pregnancy prevention one
month before, during, and one month after cessation of treatment as well
as monthly pregnancy testing are required for women of childbearing age. A
comprehensive pregnancy prevention program for Toctino(R) has been
developed and implemented.

In clinical trials, Toctino(R) was well tolerated and demonstrated a
safety profile overall consistent with the retinoid class. Overall, the
most frequently reported adverse events in the phase III clinical trials
were headache and increased levels of blood lipids. Side effects were
dose-dependent and reversible.

About chronic hand eczema

Hand eczema is a common inflammatory skin disease and is often chronic and
relapsing. Hand eczema is reported to affect up to ten percent of the
general population. The more severe, chronic form of the condition is
thought to affect five to seven percent of these patients, causing
impaired use of their hands and a considerable impact on their ability to
perform everyday activities.

Conference call

Basilea Pharmaceutica Ltd. invites you to participate in a conference call
on Tuesday, June 15, 4 p.m. (CEST), during which the company will discuss
today’s press release.

Dial-in numbers are:

+41 (0) 91 610 56 00 (Europe and ROW)

+1 (1) 866 291 4166 (USA)

+44 (0) 207 107 0611 (UK)

A playback will be available 1 hour after
the conference call until Thursday, June 17, 6 p.m. (CEST). Participants
requesting a digital playback may dial:

+41 (0) 91 612 4330 (Europe)

+1 (1) 866 416 2558 (USA)

+44 (0) 207 108 6233 (UK)

and will be asked to enter the ID 10274 followed by the # sign.

About Basilea

Basilea Pharmaceutica Ltd. is headquartered in Basel, Switzerland, and
listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange (SWISS: BSLN). Basilea’s products are
targeted to satisfy high medical and patient needs in the hospital and
specialty care setting. Its integrated research and development
operations are currently focused on antibiotics and antifungals, as well
as on the development of dermatology and oncology drugs, all areas in
which the medical challenge of rising resistance or non-response to
current treatment options is commonly encountered. The company owns a
broad and diversified portfolio. Basilea is marketing Toctino(R)
(alitretinoin), for the treatment of severe chronic hand eczema, in
Denmark, France, Germany, Switzerland and the United Kingdom. The drug is
approved in 15 additional European countries as well as in Canada and has
been recommended for approval in seven further European countries.
Furthermore, a phase III clinical trial on alitretinoin for the treatment
of severe chronic hand eczema is ongoing in the U.S. Basilea has entered
into a license, co-development and co-promotion agreement with Astellas
Pharma Inc. for its phase III compound isavuconazole for the treatment of
life-threatening invasive fungal infections on a worldwide basis,
including an option for Japan. Full rights to a third late-stage product,
ceftobiprole for the treatment of potentially life-threatening resistant
bacterial infections, will be transferred from Cilag GmbH International,
a Johnson & Johnson company, back to Basilea.

Disclaimer

This communication expressly or implicitly contains certain
forward-looking statements concerning Basilea Pharmaceutica Ltd. and its
business. Such statements involve certain known and unknown risks,
uncertainties and other factors, which could cause the actual results,
financial condition, performance or achievements of Basilea Pharmaceutica
Ltd. to be materially different from any future results, performance or
achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements.
Basilea Pharmaceutica Ltd. is providing this communication as of this
date and does not undertake to update any forward-looking statements
contained herein as a result of new information, future events or
otherwise.

For further information, please contact:

+————————————-+———————————–+

|Media Relations |Investor Relations |
+————————————-+———————————–+
|Adesh Kaul |Barbara Zink, Ph.D., MBA |
|Head Public Relations & |Head Corporate Development |
|Corporate Communications | |
|+41 61 606 1460 |+41 61 606 1233 |
|media_relations@basilea.com |investor_relations@basilea.com |
| | |
| | |
+————————————-+———————————–+

This press release can be downloaded from www.basilea.com

[HUG#1423867]

— End of Message —

Basilea Pharmaceutica AG Grenzacherstrasse 487
P.O Box Basel Switzerland

ISIN: CH0011432447; Listed: Freiverkehr in Boerse Stuttgart, Freiverkehr
in Boerse Berlin, Open Market (Freiverkehr) in Frankfurter
Wertpapierboerse, Freiverkehr in Bayerische Boerse Muenchen;

Press
release (PDF): http://hugin.info/134390/R/1423867/372613.pdf

Copyright 2010, Market Wire, All rights reserved.

Filed Under: International News Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Basilea Pharmaceutica AG: Basilea announces distribution agreement with Almirall for Toctino® in selected European markets and Mexico

June 16, 2010 By Leave a Comment

Basilea Pharmaceutica AG / Basilea announces distribution agreement with Almirall for
Toctino in selected European markets and Mexico processed and transmitted by Hugin AS.
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

Basel, Switzerland, June 15, 2010 – Basilea Pharmaceutica Ltd. (SIX:BSLN) announced
today that Basilea Pharmaceutica International Ltd. has entered into an exclusive
distribution agreement with Almirall, S.A. for Basilea’s Toctino (alitretinoin), a
once-daily oral treatment for adults with severe chronic hand eczema unresponsive to
potent topical corticosteroids, in selected European markets and Mexico.

Basilea has appointed Almirall as its exclusive distributor for Toctino in Austria,
Belgium, Czech Republic, Italy, Luxembourg, Mexico, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal,
Slovakia and Spain. Basilea retains the future right to co-promote Toctino in selected
markets covered under the agreement.

Under the terms of the agreement, Basilea will be eligible for upfront and milestone
payments totaling EUR 27 million, including up to EUR 16 million in upfront payments and
milestones related to the launch of Toctino in two key markets of the territory.

“We are very pleased to further expand the commercial availability of Toctino through
this partnership with Almirall, a leading dermatology company in Europe. Almirall has a
well-established and significant sales force with a successful track record in markets
where Basilea has not yet established a full commercial sales presence, including in
Almirall’s home market Spain,” said Dr. Anthony Man, CEO Basilea Pharmaceutica Ltd.
“Through this partnership Toctino will be available sooner and to more patients than
otherwise possible in these selected markets.”

About Toctino (alitretinoin)

Toctino was developed by Basilea Pharmaceutica International Ltd.

To date, Toctino is marketed in Denmark, France, Germany, Switzerland and the United
Kingdom for the treatment of severe chronic hand eczema (CHE). The drug is approved in
15 additional European countries as well as in Canada and has been recommended for
approval in seven further European countries.

In the largest ever phase III clinical trial program in CHE, Toctino was the first
treatment to show effective clearing of severe CHE unresponsive to potent topical
corticosteroids, with clear or almost clear hands achieved in nearly 50 percent of
patients treated with 30 mg Toctino. The once-daily oral therapy for adults is given for
12 to 24 weeks, depending on patient response, and six-month post-treatment observations
in patients who responded to Toctino indicate that treatment can provide long periods
free from relapse and improve patient satisfaction.

Toctino is a known teratogen (a substance that can cause birth defects when women are
exposed during pregnancy). Strict pregnancy prevention one month before, during, and one
month after cessation of treatment as well as monthly pregnancy testing are required for
women of childbearing age. A comprehensive pregnancy prevention program for Toctino has
been developed and implemented.

In clinical trials, Toctino was well tolerated and demonstrated a safety profile overall
consistent with the retinoid class. Overall, the most frequently reported adverse events
in the phase III clinical trials were headache and increased levels of blood lipids.
Side effects were dose-dependent and reversible.

About chronic hand eczema

Hand eczema is a common inflammatory skin disease and is often chronic and relapsing.
Hand eczema is reported to affect up to ten percent of the general population. The more
severe, chronic form of the condition is thought to affect five to seven percent of
these patients, causing impaired use of their hands and a considerable impact on their
ability to perform everyday activities.

Conference call

Basilea Pharmaceutica Ltd. invites you to participate in a conference call on Tuesday,
June 15, 4 p.m. (CEST), during which the company will discuss today’s press release.

Dial-in numbers are:
+41 (0) 91 610 56 00 (Europe and ROW)
+1 (1) 866 291 4166 (USA)
+44 (0) 207 107 0611 (UK)

A playback will be available 1 hour after the conference call until Thursday, June 17, 6
p.m. (CEST). Participants requesting a digital playback may dial:

+41 (0) 91 612 4330 (Europe)
+1 (1) 866 416 2558 (USA)
+44 (0) 207 108 6233 (UK)

and will be asked to enter the ID 10274 followed by the # sign.

About Basilea

Basilea Pharmaceutica Ltd. is headquartered in Basel, Switzerland, and listed on the SIX
Swiss Exchange (SIX:BSLN). Basilea’s products are targeted to satisfy high medical and
patient needs in the hospital and specialty care setting. Its integrated research and
development operations are currently focused on antibiotics and antifungals, as well as
on the development of dermatology and oncology drugs, all areas in which the medical
challenge of rising resistance or non-response to current treatment options is commonly
encountered.
The company owns a broad and diversified portfolio. Basilea is marketing Toctino
(alitretinoin), for the treatment of severe chronic hand eczema, in Denmark, France,
Germany, Switzerland and the United Kingdom. The drug is approved in 15 additional
European countries as well as in Canada and has been recommended for approval in seven
further European countries. Furthermore, a phase III clinical trial on alitretinoin for
the treatment of severe chronic hand eczema is ongoing in the U.S. Basilea has entered
into a license, co-development and co-promotion agreement with Astellas Pharma Inc. for
its phase III compound isavuconazole for the treatment of life-threatening invasive
fungal infections on a worldwide basis, including an option for Japan. Full rights to a
third late-stage product, ceftobiprole for the treatment of potentially life-threatening
resistant bacterial infections, will be transferred from Cilag GmbH International, a
Johnson & Johnson company, back to Basilea.

Disclaimer

This communication expressly or implicitly contains certain forward-looking statements
concerning Basilea Pharmaceutica Ltd. and its business. Such statements involve certain
known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, which could cause the actual
results, financial condition, performance or achievements of Basilea Pharmaceutica Ltd.
to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements
expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Basilea Pharmaceutica Ltd. is
providing this communication as of this date and does not undertake to update any
forward-looking statements contained herein as a result of new information, future
events or otherwise.

For further information, please contact:

Media Relations Investor Relations
Adesh Kaul Barbara Zink, Ph.D., MBA
Head Public Relations & Head Corporate Development
Corporate Communications
+41 61 606 1233
+41 61 606 1460 investor_relations@basilea.com mailto:investor_relations@basilea.com
media_relations@basilea.com mailto:media_relations@basilea.com

This press release can be downloaded from www.basilea.com http://www.basilea.com/

HUG#1423867

Press release (PDF) http://hugin.info/134390/R/1423867/372613.pdf

— End of Message —

Basilea Pharmaceutica AG
Grenzacherstrasse 487
P.O Box Basel Switzerland

ISIN: CH0011432447;
Listed: Freiverkehr in Börse Stuttgart,
Freiverkehr in Börse Berlin,
Open Market (Freiverkehr) in Frankfurter Wertpapierbörse,
Freiverkehr in Bayerische Börse München;

Filed Under: International News Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Woods” former swing coach dismisses PED intake reports

May 14, 2010 By Leave a Comment

New York, May 14 (ANI): Tiger Woods” former swing coach Hank Haney has dismissed reports that claim the golfer’s successful career can be credited to performance-enhancing drugs.

Haney insisted that Woods has never used PED.

“I truly believe those (rumors) are 100 percent false. People that say otherwise are just starting rumors. It”s based on no facts at all,” the New York Daily News quoted him as saying.

A recent Sports Illustrated poll found that 24 percent of PGA Tour players surveyed believed Woods had taken PEDs.

Haney said: “There”s a lot of jealousy out there and people will say things but I will just tell you that I spent 110 days a year with Tiger for six years. I spent probably 40 to 50 nights a year at his house. I”ve never seen him do anything. He”s never talked about anything.”

He further added that he was present for four of the five times that controversial Dr. Anthony Galea, who is under a federal investigation for PEDs, treated Woods with a legal blood spinning technique.

He said: “I was there and watched the whole procedure. There was never anything that went into Tiger Woods” body that didn”t come out of his body. They take blood out, they spin it, they inject the plasma back in. I totally believe that Tiger Woods has never taken any performance-enhancing drugs.”

Haney coached Woods for six-years before resigning earlier this week. (ANI)

Filed Under: International News Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Improving treatment and averting heart failure in kids

April 24, 2010 By Leave a Comment

Washington, Apr 24 (ANI): Experts are finding new strategies to improve treatment of, and ultimately to rapidly identify and prevent, the congenital cardiovascular defects and the subsequent damage acquired after birth that ultimately results in heart failure.

And the new approaches were discussed at a recent meeting of paediatric cardiovascular experts from around the world who gathered at the Indiana University School of Medicine and Riley Hospital for Children for the second annual Riley Heart Center Symposium on Cardiac Development.

The symposium focused on molecular mechanisms that implement the instructions embedded within DNA that enable cells to form a functional heart.

The key proteins studied called transcription factors regulate how other genes are turned on and off in a complicated ballet that ultimately instructs a cell to become a cardiomyocyte and where to move and how to function.

When this dance goes awry, congenital heart defects are the unfortunate result.

“Although the process by which transcription factors regulate the expression of other gene products is well understood, how the many factors coordinate their functions to precisely define a cell”s purpose is only now becoming possible to understand,” said symposium co-organizer Dr. Anthony Firulli, professor of paediatrics and member of the Riley Heart Research Centre.

“Indeed, when one considers the numerous different cell types that make up the heart and great vessels that are required to function in unison to pump blood throughout the body and that in every cell type there are complex combinatorial codes instructing each cell on how to function and how to communicate with their neighbouring cells, it provides a complex challenge for heart researchers to understand,” said Dr. Simon J. Conway, professor of paediatrics and member of the Riley Heart Research Centre, who co-organized the symposium.

Heart development is characterized by the differentiation, proliferation and movement of cardiac muscle cells, which interact with extra cardiac tissues connecting the heart with the vasculature.

Firulli presented a comprehensive overview of the role that the Hand1 and Hand2 genes play during cardiogenesis, touching on interesting aspects of their overlapping functions.

Conway presented data that directly tested whether the developing heart really requires both Hand1 and Hand2, and if one could be replaced by the other.

These data from transgenic mouse models suggest that even though the Hand proteins are very similar in structure and may be expected to fulfill similar roles, Hand1 and Hand2 are independently required for the heart to develop normally.

Dr. Tiffanie R. Johnson from Riley Hospital, presented a review of ideal imaging techniques for the most common complex congenital heart defects.

She discussed the best ways to diagnose and follow patients as they grow, both before and after surgical intervention.

Johnson believes advances in imaging techniques will lead to higher quality and safer diagnostic imaging capabilities that will continue to be needed in the field of congenital heart disease.

The details of the symposium have been published in the latest issue of the journal Pediatric Cardiology. (ANI)

Filed Under: International News Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Health service won’t seek Newcastle cancer funding

April 8, 2010 By Leave a Comment

Hunter New England Health has defended its decision not to apply for Federal Government funding to boost cancer services in the Newcastle region.

The Government announced yesterday it will spend $560 million to improve cancer services in regional areas.

Hunter New England Health’s acting director of cancer services, Dr Anthony Proietto, says a conscious decision has been made not to apply for more funding for Newcastle.

“We had previously received some enhancement so we felt that to improve the regional cancer services and take some of the pressure off the Calvary Mater and the Newcastle area, it would be appropriate to have Tamworth as a major oncology centre in a regional setting,” he said.

Tamworth is set to receive $32 million for new chemotherapy and radiotherapy services.

But the cancer package does not extend to a radiotherapy unit on the central coast.

Residents have been campaigning for a unit for years, with the State Government promising it will open by 2013.

The federal Member for Robertson, Belinda Neal, says funding is imminent.

“Obviously I can’t pre-empt any announcement but I’m very confident that we’ll have a very good announcement sometime shortly,” she said.

Filed Under: International News Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Secret to looking good: Stand next to a less attractive friend!

September 12, 2009 By Leave a Comment

Melbourne, September 11 (ANI): If you’re having trouble finding a partner for yourself then just take a less attractive friend along the next time you go to a party.

According to scientists in the UK, people’s opinions are often based on the company others keep, and if one member is less attractive, then the next person automatically looks more appealing.

“You get a bit of a contrast effect when you stand beside someone of the same sex. If your friend is unattractive that makes you relatively more attractive,” the Herald Sun quoted Stirling University psychologist Dr Anthony Little as telling the Daily Mail.

Some other pick-up tips include being surrounded with members of the opposite sex.

He told the British Science Festival: “If you were just looking at Hugh Hefner’s physical attractiveness you might not be that impressed with him.

“But as soon as you see him with beautiful women you might infer other traits, for instance, you might infer he is a multi-millionaire or charming or witty. He somehow becomes more attractive.” (ANI)

Filed Under: Science News Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Missing protein in rare genetic brain disorder restored

September 7, 2009 By Leave a Comment

Washington, Sep 7 (ANI): By using protease inhibitors, researchers at the University of California-San Francisco (UCSF) have restored to normal levels a key protein that is involved in early brain development, and causes the rare brain disorder lissencephaly.

Reduced levels of the protein called LIS1 have been shown to cause lissencephaly, which is characterized by brain malformations, seizures, severe mental retardation and very early death in human infants.

The findings in mice offer a proof-of-principle that the genetic equivalent to human lissencephaly, also known as “smooth brain” disease, can be treated during pregnancy and effectively reversed to produce more normal offspring.

The researchers are hoping that this approach could also be used to treat other defects in utero, or even those manifesting after birth, when caused by a partial deficiency in one gene, according to Dr. Anthony Wynshaw-Boris.

“Researchers have not considered it possible to treat such a pervasive, early developmental brain disorder as lissencephaly. Not only were we able to show a clear cellular effect from using these protease inhibitors, but also were able to treat the disorder in utero,” Nature quoted Wynshaw-Boris as saying.

The work is the culmination of 15 years of collaborative research into the cause and mechanisms of lissencephaly, which is caused by a deletion or loss of one copy of the LIS1 gene, and affects an estimated one in 50,000-100,000 infants.

In 1998, the researchers reported of producing a mouse with the same mutation that displayed defective brain development.

The current research used these mice, and found that the protein calpain degrades the LIS1 protein to less than half its normal levels near the surface of the cells.

The team then used a specific small-molecule protease inhibitor of calpain in these mice.

At a cellular level, the protease inhibitors enabled LIS1 protein to be expressed at near-normal levels.

The team then gave daily injections of a calpain inhibitor to pregnant mice whose foetuses had the mouse-model of this defect.

They observed that the resulting offspring had more normal brains and showed no sign of mental retardation.

“This study is really a proof-of-principle not only for treating complex developmental brain disorders, but also for any disorder with reduced protein levels where proteases normally play some role in breaking down that protein. This will be much more difficult to apply to humans, because of the safety issues involved, but it could lead to new therapies that might be effective for a wide range of developmental disorders,” said the researchers.

The findings have been published in the journal Nature Medicine. (ANI)

Filed Under: Science News Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Girls who go to single-sex schools find ‘girly’ guys more attractive

August 28, 2009 By Leave a Comment

London, Aug 28 (ANI): Studying in single-sex schools can have a significant impact on who you find attractive, claims a new study.

The study suggests that female students surrounded every day by girls are more attracted to feminine looking boys, such as High School Musical star Zac Efron.

While boys at all-male schools are more likely to go for girls with more masculine faces.

Lead researcher and psychologist Dr Tamsin Saxton in collaboration with the universities of Aberdeen, Stirling and Liverpool have, however, found the effect was weakened if children had siblings of the opposite sex at home.

“The research is evidence that a person’s ‘visual diet’ can influence what they think is attractive,” the Scotsman quoted Saxton as saying.

During the study, the researchers recruited 240 children aged 11 to 15 at co-educational and single-sex schools to rate faces for attractiveness

The faces had been digitally manipulated to look subtly more masculine or feminine.

The researchers also asked whether they had brothers or sisters at home.

“Interestingly, the weakest effect of ‘visual diet’ was in relation to boys’ judgments of girls’ faces,” Saxton said.

“This might be because femininity is such an overriding cue to female facial attractiveness, or perhaps because even at a single-sex school boys see more female faces around them, in their teachers and so on,” Saxton added.

“This kind of study helps researchers understand how the brain processes faces. Faces are crucial to our everyday interactions, and the brain has specialised areas dedicated to dealing with them,” said Dr Anthony Little, of Stirling University.

The findings are published in the scientific journal Personality and Individual Differences. (ANI)

Filed Under: Entertainment News Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Low-carb diets may cause atherosclerosis, impaired blood vessel growth

August 25, 2009 By Leave a Comment

Washington, Aug 25 (ANI): While low-carbohydrate/high-protein diets have been known to help individuals to lose weight rapidly, researchers have now found that such diets may lead to atherosclerosis and impaired blood vessel growth.

Led by a scientific team at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (BIDMC), the study has shown that mice placed on a 12-week low carbohydrate/high-protein diet had a significant increase in atherosclerosi- a buildup of plaque in the heart’s arteries and a leading cause of heart attack and stroke.

The findings also showed that the diet led to an impaired ability to form new blood vessels in tissues deprived of blood flow, as might occur during a heart attack.

The study also found that standard markers of cardiovascular risk, including cholesterol, were not changed in the animals fed the low-carb diet, despite the clear evidence of increased vascular disease.

“It’s very difficult to know in clinical studies how diets affect vascular health. We, therefore, tend to rely on easily measured serum markers [such as cholesterol], which have been surprisingly reassuring in individuals on low-carbohydrate/high-protein diets, who do typically lose weight. But our research suggests that, at least in animals, these diets could be having adverse cardiovascular effects that are not reflected in simple serum markers,” said senior author Dr. Anthony Rosenzweig.

The researchers found that the increase in plaque build-up in the blood vessels, and the impaired ability to form new vessels, were associated with a reduction in vascular progenitor cells, which some hypothesize could play a protective role in maintaining vascular health.

“A causal role for these cells has not yet been proven, but this new data is consistent with the idea that injurious stimuli may be counterbalanced by the body’s restorative capacity. This may be the mechanism behind the adverse vascular effects we found in mice that were fed the low-carb diets,” explained Rosenzweig.

The researchers embarked on the study after seeing heart-attack patients who were on these diets – and after observing Rosenzweig himself following a low-carbohydrate regimen.

The investigators proceeded to study a mouse model of atherosclerosis.

These “ApoE” mice were fed one of three diets: a standard diet of mouse “chow” (65 percent carbohydrate; 15 percent fat; 20 percent protein); a “Western diet” in keeping with the average human diet (43 percent carbohydrate; 42 percent fat; 15 percent protein; and 0.15 percent cholesterol); or a low-carb/high-protein diet (12 percent carbohydrate; 43 percent fat; 45 percent protein; and 0.15 percent cholesterol).

They observed the mice after six weeks, and again at 12 weeks to find that just like in humans, the mice fed the low-carb diet gained 28 percent less weight than the mice fed the Western diet.

However, further probing revealed that the animals’ blood vessels exhibited a significantly greater degree of atherosclerosis, as measured by plaque accumulation- 15.3 percent compared with 8.8 percent among the Western diet group.

The investigators looked at the animals’ endothelial or vascular progenitor cell (EPC) counts, which could play a role in vessel regrowth and repair following injury.

“Examinations of the animals’ bone marrow and peripheral blood showed that the measures of EPC cells dropped fully 40 percent among the mice on the low-carb diet – after only two weeks,” said Rosenzweig.

Importantly, the findings pointed out that there can be a disconnect between weight loss or serum markers and vascular health, and that vascular health can be affected by macronutrients other than fat and cholesterol – in this case, protein and carbohydrates.

Rosenzweig said: “This issue is particularly important given the growing epidemic of obesity and its adverse consequences. For now, it appears that a moderate and balanced diet, coupled with regular exercise, is probably best for most people.”

The research has been published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS). (ANI)

Filed Under: Science News Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Mutation in high blood pressure-regulating gene linked to inherited kidney disease

August 19, 2009 By Leave a Comment

Washington, August 19 (ANI): A collaborative study has shown that a mutation in a gene that helps regulate high blood pressure is a cause of inherited kidney disease.

The discovery made by researchers Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Charles University in Prague, and colleagues provides insight into a protein, renin, that is important in blood pressure regulation, and reveals the cause of one type of inherited kidney disease occurring in adults and children.

Dr. Anthony Bleyer, professor of internal medicine-nephrology at the School of Medicine, points out that a mutation in the gene that encodes renin was first identified as the cause of an hereditary kidney disease by a research group led by Dr. Stanislav Kmoch, at Charles University in Prague.

Working with Kmoch and Dr. Suzanne Hart, at the National Institutes of Health, Bleyer identified the condition among American families in his study group of families with rare, inherited kidney disease.

The researchers revealed that families identified with the specific genetic mutation investigated in this study suffered from anaemia in childhood, and progressive kidney disease resulting in the need for dialysis, a mechanical way to cleanse the blood.

Children typically have relatively low blood pressure. Adults suffer from gout and worsening kidney disease.

“There are many families with inherited kidney disease that do not know the cause and may suffer from this condition. We are interested in helping these families identify the cause of kidney disease that runs in their family,” Bleyer said.

The researcher further revealed that the research team had identified a potential treatment for the disease, and a clinical trial was under way at Wake Forest University School of Medicine.

Understanding how the mutation in the renin gene affects these families also provides insight into how renin works in healthy individuals, for the low levels of renin in children with this condition appear to cause anaemia.

The researchers say that the importance of renin in maintaining a normal blood count, and preventing anaemia in childhood was not previously known.

They plan to continue researching renin with hopes of better understanding how the protein functions in health and disease.

A research articled describing their study has been published in the American Journal of Human Genetics. (ANI)

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Carmen Electra comes out tops in models vs. actresses Bikini Olympics

July 3, 2009 By Leave a Comment

Washington, Jul 3 (ANI): American glamour model/actress Carmen Electra has come out tops at the models vs. actresses Bikini Olympics.

According to RadarOnline.com, three experts passed the ratings on six of the top beauties in each glam group, with all the contestants wearing bikinis.

The experts consulted were Dr. Anthony Youn, a plastic surgeon from Rochester Hills, Mich. and a regular commentator on E! Entertainment Network; Dr. Edward Jackowski, author of the best-selling book, “Escape Your Shape” and CEO of fitness and nutrition company Exude, Inc.; and Bob Esquerre, a top fitness trainer and CEO of Esquerre Fitness Group.

The judges graded them on sex appeal, body proportion and tone, and Electra, who wore a white bikini and looked really great, won hands down.

“She’s one of the hottest women in Hollywood,” Fox News quoted Dr. Youn as saying about her.

Dr. Jackowski was equally appreciative, noting: “Carmen’s strong, yet feminine look is very alluring and extremely sexy.”

Esquerre also put her in first place, and pointed out: “Every curve, every nuance of her body and posture oozes sex appeal.”

The two other ladies, who made the top of the list, were Bar Refaeli and Anna Faris. (ANI)

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Spinal cord stimulation ‘helps military personnel with chronic pain perform efficiently’

June 21, 2009 By Leave a Comment

Washington, June 21 (ANI): A new study has revealed that electrical spinal cord stimulation (SCS) might provide military personnel, suffering from back and other chronic pain, to perform strenuous duties efficiently.

“We present six cases that demonstrate SCS can be a viable option for motivated patients in a physically and mentally challenging environment,” said the researchers.

The equipment is surgically implanted to generate electrical current to the spinal cord, disrupting the nerve signals responsible for perceived pain.

Because of the need for implanted equipment, SCS has generally not been considered a good option for patients who are physically active.

However, present study led by Dr. Anthony Dragovich of Womack Army Medical Center, Ft. Bragg, N.C. has shown that SCS may be useful in managing the unique medical challenges posed by pain problems in military personnel.

“Due to advances in medical science and the physical and mental fortitude of our soldiers, many previously career-ending and life-altering disabilities have been overcome,” said the researchers.

“Many soldiers desire to remain in military service, but unremitting pain is often the last standing hurdle,” they added.

All six patients were able to be deployed or redeployed after implantation with SCS hardware and effective electrical stimulation programs.

For example, one patient was able to return to duty with a special forces unit in Iraq and another patient, having completed an overseas assignment without pain, was in the process of applying to dive school. (ANI)

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Spinal cord stimulation ‘helps military personnel with chronic pain perform efficiently’

June 21, 2009 By Leave a Comment

Washington, June 21 (ANI): A new study has revealed that electrical spinal cord stimulation (SCS) might provide military personnel, suffering from back and other chronic pain, to perform strenuous duties efficiently.

“We present six cases that demonstrate SCS can be a viable option for motivated patients in a physically and mentally challenging environment,” said the researchers.

The equipment is surgically implanted to generate electrical current to the spinal cord, disrupting the nerve signals responsible for perceived pain.

Because of the need for implanted equipment, SCS has generally not been considered a good option for patients who are physically active.

However, present study led by Dr. Anthony Dragovich of Womack Army Medical Center, Ft. Bragg, N.C. has shown that SCS may be useful in managing the unique medical challenges posed by pain problems in military personnel.

“Due to advances in medical science and the physical and mental fortitude of our soldiers, many previously career-ending and life-altering disabilities have been overcome,” said the researchers.

“Many soldiers desire to remain in military service, but unremitting pain is often the last standing hurdle,” they added.

All six patients were able to be deployed or redeployed after implantation with SCS hardware and effective electrical stimulation programs.

For example, one patient was able to return to duty with a special forces unit in Iraq and another patient, having completed an overseas assignment without pain, was in the process of applying to dive school. (ANI)

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Flip-flops, baseball caps may increase skin cancer risk

May 21, 2009 By Leave a Comment

Washington, May 21 (ANI): Flip-flops and baseball caps may have become must-have accessories for teens, outdoor enthusiasts, gardeners or anyone trying to keep cool during the sweltering days of summer, but they pose a hidden health risk – skin cancer, warns a researcher.

“Most skin cancers occur on the parts of the body that are repeatedly exposed to the sun,” said Dr. Anthony Peterson, assistant professor of medicine, dermatology, Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine, Maywood, Ill.

“The problem with flip-flops and baseball caps is that they leave the tips of the ears and the tops of the feet dangerously exposed to sun damage. The potential for skin cancers in those areas are real, especially on the tips of the ears,” he added.

Peterson said that before flip-flops and baseball caps became popular, people venturing out on sunny days traditionally wore broad-rimmed hats and sneakers or shoes that afforded a large measure of protection to the tops of their feet and tips of their ears.

“But now those areas of their bodies have very little protection. Combine that with the fact that most people using sunscreen frequently overlook those parts of their bodies when applying it. From my point of view as a dermatologist, that’s not a very good combination,” Peterson said. (ANI)

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Scientists move step closer to creating artificial life

March 12, 2009 By Leave a Comment

London, Mar 12 (ANI): US researchers have claimed that artificial life could be created “within five years.”

Across the world laboratories are closing in on a “second genesis” – a breakthrough that would be one of the greatest scientific advancements of all time.

According to Prof David Deamer, from California University, although making a new lifeform from scratch is a tough task he’s confident it can happen in five to 10 years.

“The momentum is building – we’re knocking at the door,” The Telegraph quoted him, as saying.

A synthetic, made-to-order living system could produce everything from new drugs to biofuels and greenhouse gas absorbers.

The controversial research’s opponents claim the technology could lead to machines becoming “almost human”.

But there would be no safety issues for a long time as any initial organisms would be very primitive and need large-scale life support in the lab, reports New Scientist.

The breakthrough offers hope that they could create an entire cell.

According to Dr Anthony Forster, of Vanderbilt University, Tennessee, who is also creating a synthetic living cell in a test tube with Prof Church, “until you actually try this you won’t know”.

“Having said that we know cells can do it so we should be able to do it sooner or later,” he added. (ANI)

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Potential therapeutic target for bone-degenerating diseases identified

February 9, 2009 By Leave a Comment

London, Feb 9 (ANI): An international group of scientists have discovered a potential therapeutic target for bone-degenerating diseases, such as osteoporosis and rheumatoid arthritis.

The team have found a chemical mediator that plays a key role in build up and breakdown of bones in the body.

They hope that this mediator, which acts on cells that degrade bone, may provide a new target for developing new therapies for bone-degenerating diseases.

Bone degeneration, also known as bone resorption, is caused by specialized cells called osteoclasts.

Generally, bone degeneration is balanced by activity of bone-forming cells, called osteoblasts.

However, in people with bone-destructive disorders like osteoporosis, osteoclast activity surpasses the osteoblast activity and causes loss of bone density.

“Most current therapies for bone-degrading diseases target mature osteoclasts,” Nature magazine quoted NIAID Director Dr Anthony S. Fauci as saying.

“Understanding how immature osteoclasts are recruited to the bone in the first place and targeting the signals that control that migration represents a potential new approach to treating and preventing debilitating joint and bone diseases,” he added.

The research team led by Dr. Masaru Ishii, a visiting fellow from Osaka University in Japan, found that chemoattractant sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P), which is associated with the trafficking of immune cells into and out of the lymph nodes, play a key role in bone metabolism.

During the study, they compared the bone density in mice having the S1P receptor on their cells’ surfaces with that of mice lacking it.

And mice with functional S1P receptors had denser bones than mice lacking functional S1P receptors.

Ishii suggests that it may be possible to use combined therapies that target immature osteoclast migration and mature osteoclast function to treat and prevent bone-resorptive disorders. (ANI)

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