Breast cancer susceptibility genes: current challenges and future promises

Article Abstract:

Counselling and DNA testing for genetic mutations predisposing to breast cancer should minimize expense and maximize informed consent. Two genes, BRCA1 and BRCA2, are currently known to be responsible for some, but not all, of familial breast cancer as well as increased risk of ovarian cancer. One program offers DNA testing to women with at least a 10% to 15% chance of carrying a mutant BRCA1 gene, preferably first to a family member with disease and then to adult blood relatives if the first person tests positive. Doctors offer education, not testing, to worried patients without family histories of breast cancer. Women offered testing should be told that a negative result does not preclude the possibility of some other mutation, there is insufficient data on the trade-offs of close monitoring versus prophylactic mastectomy, positive diagnosis may mean loss of insurance, some genetic variations may be harmless, and carrier and family members may be psychologically harmed by the news.

Research, Breast cancer, Familial diseases

---

Postprandial Hypertriglyceridemia and Insulin Resistance in Normoglycemic First-Degree Relatives of Patients with Type 2 Diabetes

Article Abstract:

Healthy male first-degree relatives of patients with type 2 diabetes seem to be insulin resistant and show an intolerance for lipids after eating despite the fact that they have normal fasting triglyceride levels and do not show glucose intolerance when tested. A group of 13 healthy men with normal triglyceride levels, each of whom has two first-degree relatives with type 2 diabetes were compared against 13 carefully similar men without known diabetes in immediate family. The relatives of the diabetics were insulin resistant but had normal glucose tolerance.

Diabetics, Family

---

Researchers puzzle over origin of type 2 diabetes

Article Abstract:

Researchers may have found a susceptibility gene for type 2 diabetes. They have located a DNA marker for a gene which may be responsible for 30%-75% of clusters of diabetes in Mexican-American families. Other research is looking into genetic causes, environmental causes, and relationships between obesity, diabetes, and genetic factors. Type 2 diabetes comprises up to 95% of all diabetes in the world, and it is estimated there will be 250 million cases by the year 2020.

Health aspects, Obesity, Mexican Americans, Genetics

Similar abstracts:

• Abstracts: Performance reports on quality - prototypes, problems, and prospects. Assessment of quality-of-life outcomes
• Abstracts: A new way to care. Survival and beyond: challenges in the 1990s. Better by degrees
• Abstracts: Comparison of E-test with agar dilution methods in testing susceptibility of N. gonorrhoeae to azithromycin. Kinetics of Chlamydia trachomatis clearance in patients with azithromycin, as assessed by first void urine testing by PCR and transcription-mediated amplification
• Abstracts: Prevalence of self-reported food hypersensitivity among school children in The Netherlands. Eating habits, food and health related attitudes and beliefs reported by French students
• Abstracts: Home health care: clinical pathways and quality integration. Assessing the patient's caregiver

This website is not affiliated with document authors or copyright owners. This page is provided for informational purposes only. Unintentional errors are possible.