As data on antiprogesterone compounds grow, societal and scientific aspects are scrutinized

Article Abstract:

RU-486, or mifepristone, counteracts the actions of the hormone progesterone, and has been shown to be safe and effective in terminating pregnancies of seven weeks' duration or less. This drug may also be used to ripen (prepare) the cervix, or opening of the uterus, at term and to expel the fetus after its death in the uterus during the second or third trimester of pregnancy. The antiprogesterone effects of RU-486 may be beneficial in treating endometriosis, the presence of endometrial tissue, which normally lines the uterus, in the pelvis or abdomen, and fibroids, or fibrous tumors, in the uterus. The drug's ability to counteract the actions of estrogen may be useful for treating breast cancer, whereas its anti-glucocorticoid effect may be important in treating Cushing's syndrome, which is characterized by the overproduction of glucocorticoid hormones from the adrenal cortex. One study showed that RU-486 had a success rate of 96 percent and a low incidence of side effects when used for terminating early pregnancies. Almost 25 percent of abortions in France are accomplished by RU-486, the use of which is followed 36 to 48 hours later by a prostaglandin analogue. The duration of bleeding following the abortion and the need for blood transfusion were similar to that of surgical termination of pregnancy. Failures of the RU-486 approach are managed by surgical termination of pregnancy. RU-486 may only be available to residents of countries where the drug has been approved for use. A current area of research on RU-486 is focused on the anti-estrogenic effects of the drug and its future role in treating endometriosis and possibly breast cancer. RU-486 indirectly decreases estrogen levels and directly counteracts the ability of estrogen to stimulate cells to divide. Hence, RU-486 may block the effect of estrogen that stimulates cell growth in endometriosis and breast cancer. The benefits of RU-486 other than its ability to terminate pregnancy should be considered; its potential is far greater than its use for inducing abortion. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

France, Physiological aspects, Progesterone, Abortion services, Mifepristone, Progesterone antagonists

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Ancestors may provide clinical answers, say 'Darwinian' medical evolutionists

Article Abstract:

The negligible change in human DNA since the Stone Age despite the drastic changes in lifestyle and environment may explain the physical and psychological disorders of humans today. From studies on higher primates, whose DNA differs from humans by less than 2%, and hunter-gatherer societies, medical evolutionists try to understand how modern humans' behavior puts them at variance with their genetically determined needs. For example, one researcher suggests the trend among women toward having fewer children and breastfeeding for shorter lengths of time increases their risk for breast and ovarian cancers. Other studies in evolutionary medicine point to the lowered risks of childbirth complications when women are given emotional support during labor and of sudden infant death syndrome when infants sleep next to their parents. Although no one is advocating a return to the Stone Age, a better understanding of human evolution may improve health and medical practices.

Life style, Lifestyles, Human evolution

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Psychiatrist named new deputy editor of JAMA, deputy vice president for scientific information. (Richard M. Glass, the Journal of the American Medical Association)

Article Abstract:

Richard M. Glass, MD, a psychiatrist, has been appointed deputy editor of the official organ of the American Medical Association, JAMA, the Journal of the American Medical Association. Glass, the head of Adult Psychiatry at the University of Chicago for the past four years, will also serve as deputy vice president for scientific information. Glass has been a member of the editorial board of Archives of General Psychology since 1984 where he also held other editorial positions. This assignment makes him the second in command of JAMA.

Officials and employees, Appointments, resignations and dismissals, Biography, JAMA, The Journal of the American Medical Association (Periodical), Chicago, Glass, Richard M.

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