November 5, 2005
Starfish - Scleroderma Breakthrough
"The other day I happened to catch part of a TV interview with an 80s rock star, and he was talking about how his life didn't mean anything until it had descended about as low as it could possibly go. He said sometimes, in order to go up, you've got to go down. I've never had to deal with the pressures of fame and fortune, but on a smaller scale, I think I know what he meant." by Jody "The Healer's Voice"
____________________________
There was news this week that you had to listen very carefully for and, if you heard it, it rocked your world. Duke University released their findings about the cancer drug Taxol and Scleroderma. This release came closest to anything I have ever seen about exactly what is happening to my body and it offered hope for a cure.
New Clues into Causes of Scleroderma
10/31/2005
DURHAM, N.C. – Using a novel model for scleroderma, researchers from Duke University Medical Center have discovered two important insights into this devastating disorder – the anti-cancer drug paclitaxel (Taxol) may prevent the skin thickening and small blood vessel destruction that characterizes the disease. Also, they found that a patient's own immune system may actually interfere with body's inherent ability to repair damage, and in particular, damage to small arteries.
The researchers are so encouraged by the results of their experiments in mice that they are in the early planning stages of a clinical trial incorporating their findings in human patients with the disease.
Scleroderma is a chronic degenerative disease that afflicts more than 300,000 Americans, primarily women. The life-threatening disorder is marked by dramatic tissue damage including hardening of the skin, shrinking of muscles, and damage to organs and blood vessels. To date, physicians have been unable to determine what causes the disease, and the available few therapies, serve primarily to relieve symptoms, according to the researchers.
"These new insights are critical clues to understanding a dreadful disease that has so far been impenetrable in terms of what causes it, by what mechanisms it works and why patients get so sick," said cardiologist Pascal Goldschmidt, M.D., senior member of the research team and chairman of Duke's Department of Medicine.
The results of the Duke studies were published in the Nov. 1, 2005, edition of Public Library of Science Medicine. The research was supported by the Scleroderma Research Foundation, San Francisco.
"While we really don't understand what causes scleroderma, we suspect that it may be autoimmune in nature, or that the body's own immune system is involved," said Chunming Dong, M.D., lead author of the paper "Using a novel mouse model, we were able to get a much better understanding of possible mechanisms of the disease that we can use to potentially slow down or reverse the process of tissue damage."
One of the most characteristic effects of the disease is the gradual formation of fibrotic tissue, which leaves patients with disfiguring and painful tightening of the skin. Additionally, the disease tends to slowly destroy small blood vessels and capillaries, which are not only present in skin, but also in internal organs, leaving them vulnerable to function failure.
It is known that the excessive fibrosis seen in scleroderma patients is in part the result of an inappropriate activation of transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta), a substance called a cytokine that regulates the intensity and duration of the immune response. Too much TGF-beta activity can occur in the presence of destabilized microtubules, which give structural support to cells and are involved in the movement of genetic material during cell division. When microtubules become destabilized, a complex process ensues which leads to the excessive TGF-beta pathway activation, and consequent accumulation of collagen, the primary component of fibrotic tissue.
"We've learned in our previous studies that the treatment of individual cells with paclitaxel helps stabilize microtubules, thereby blocking the excessive activity of TGF-beta," Dong explained. "So in our latest studies, we were interested in determining whether or not paclitaxel would have any effect on tissue with scleroderma."
For their experiments, the Duke team used mice bred to have no immune system. They transplanted skin samples from humans with and without scleroderma onto the backs of these mice. Some of the skin samples were pre-treated for 30 minutes with paclitaxel.
"We found that the skin samples from scleroderma patients that were pre-treated with paclitaxel prior to transplantation significantly suppressed the activity of TGF-beta and lessened the formation of fibrotic tissue," Dong said.
Just as importantly, the researchers said, the mice that received the skin samples from scleroderma patients exhibited the beginning of new blood vessel formation, a process known as angiogenesis. These new blood vessels were of mouse, and not human, origin. Not only that, the researchers found that the level of angiogenesis in scleroderma skin samples was twice that of skin samples taken from patients without the disease, regardless of whether or not they were pre-treated with paclitaxel.
This finding of enhanced angiogenesis in scleroderma skin samples is important for two reasons, the researchers said.
First, one of the known side effects seen in cancer patients who take paclitaxel at much higher doses is an unwanted amplification of fibrosis and anti-angiogenesis. Since these two processes were not seen at the much lower doses of paclitaxel used in these experiments, the researchers are encouraged that paclitaxel might be safely used to benefit patients with scleroderma. Further studies are needed to determine optimum dosing, they said.
"Secondly, and just as importantly for our understanding of the disease, it appears that scleroderma skin still has the ability to send signals for repair, which includes the formation of new blood vessels, but for whatever reason, that repair does not occur in the patients, which it did occur in mice," Goldschmidt said.
Goldschmidt believes that mammals, including humans, have an inherent ability to repair damage to tissues. Specifically, according to Goldschmidt, specialized cells in the bone marrow known as vascular progenitor cells can be summoned to the site of blood vessel damage and contribute to the appropriate repairs. In scleroderma patients, this balance between damage and repair is skewed toward damage, with patients' smaller vessels slowly being destroyed and replaced by fibrotic tissue.
Going into the experiments, the researchers hypothesized that there were three possibilities to explain why the skin of scleroderma patients cannot trigger an angiogenic response: the skin is unable to send signals to the bone marrow; the signals are present but for some reason the bone marrow cannot respond; or lastly, the skin sends the signal to the bone marrow, which produces progenitor cells, but the immune system destroys the cells before they reach the site of damage.
"The results of this study rules out the first hypothesis, since the skin was clearly able to send the signal for angiogenesis, which did occur" Goldschmidt said. "The next step is to try to further define the underlying mechanism for the lack of blood vessels."
The researchers said that the answer is probably a combination of the last two factors.
"After the repeated vascular injury suffered by patients with scleroderma, it could be that the supply of progenitor cells becomes exhausted or that the produced cells are incompetent" Dong said. "Or, it could be that once the progenitor cells do leave the bone marrow, they are continually exposed to a noxious environment in the form of auto-antibodies so that they are unable to form new blood vessels."
Other members of the research team are, from Duke, Xialin Liu, Shoukang Zhu, and Tao Wang, as well as Laura Hummers and Frederick Wigley, Johns Hopkins University.
Posted by Sclero Crusader | Filed under:
Comments
Quite a blog you have here . I would like to emphasize the importance of knowing what works and what does not. Some things just are simply better worked out than others. I hope everyone reading this blog agrees. Hey, it is useful information, so why not? Can be a lifesaver if used properly.
Posted by: AntiCancer at January 27, 2012 5:00 AM
Informative blog you have here . I would like to reiterate the power of knowing what works and what does not. Some things just are simply better worked out than others. I hope everyone reading this blog agrees. Hey, it is useful information, so why not? Can be a lifesaver if used properly.
Posted by: AntiCancer at January 27, 2012 9:04 PM
I'm extremely impressed with your writing skills and also with the layout on your blog. Is this a paid theme or did you customize it yourself? Anyway keep up the excellent quality writing, it is rare to see a great blog like this one nowadays..
Posted by: Autoverzekering Vergelijken at April 29, 2012 3:58 PM
I loved as much as you will receive carried out right here. The sketch is attractive, your authored material stylish. nonetheless, you command get got an edginess over that you wish be delivering the following. unwell unquestionably come further formerly again as exactly the same nearly very often inside case you shield this increase.
Posted by: shrugs for dresses at June 25, 2012 7:16 PM
You are a very persuasive writer. How do I know? Because I am usually unwaivering when it comes to my opinions. You made me rethink my thoughts on this topic.
Posted by: bridal gowns long sleeve at July 2, 2012 4:35 AM
We love our Kindle Fire, but as many people have said it has some drawbacks when compared to the iPad, especially on size and power. But I'm impressed with the new specs of the Kindle Fire 2 with the 10inch screen. Some of the new specs are at kindlemad.com and I think they will be opening up pre-orders soon.
Posted by: Cassi Souter at July 16, 2012 10:42 AM
You have mentioned very interesting details! ps nice internet site.
Posted by: l-theanine at July 19, 2012 10:17 AM
House Lawyers... just below, are some totally unrelated sites to ours, however, they are definitely worth checking out...
Posted by: Lauren Soorus at July 29, 2012 2:43 AM
I’d have to examine with you here. Which is not one thing I usually do! I take pleasure in reading a post that may make folks think. Additionally, thanks for permitting me to comment!
Posted by: Online Download at July 29, 2012 3:07 PM
Wow! I'm really enjoying the design of your blog. Are you using a custom theme or is this readily available to all individuals? If you do not want to say the name of it out in the public, please be sure to contact me at: Passley2458@gmail.com. I'd really enjoy to get my hands on this theme! Kudos.
Posted by: Moon Kljucaric at August 4, 2012 2:51 PM
The NAZI has spoken. He will rot in hell.
Posted by: Ezekiel Sharratt at September 17, 2012 8:26 AM
Was first researching online with regards to just the particular theme. Excellent thing I came on this site. It is certainly helpful and interesting.
Posted by: Melissa at October 7, 2012 8:52 AM
hatfield farley
Posted by: macias benson at October 24, 2012 4:54 AM
I like this web blog its a master peace ! .
Posted by: Von Linegar at November 9, 2012 3:55 AM
An attention-grabbing dialogue is value comment. I feel that it's best to write extra on this matter, it won't be a taboo subject but usually individuals are not enough to talk on such topics. To the next. Cheers
Posted by: Kris Duis at November 12, 2012 9:03 PM
Thanks, sis!
Posted by: Gale Se at January 3, 2013 3:54 AM
Thanks , I have just been looking for info approximately this subject for a while and yours is the best I have came upon till now. But, what about the conclusion? Are you sure about the source?
Posted by: posicionamiento buscadores at February 7, 2013 8:36 PM
I went over this web site and I conceive you have a lot of fantastic info, saved to favorites (:.
Posted by: give us a call at February 9, 2013 12:05 AM
Greetings! Very helpful advice within this post! It is the little changes that produce the largest changes. Thanks for sharing!
Posted by: Trey Wede at February 13, 2013 2:36 PM
Hello, Neat post. There's an issue along with your website in internet explorer, may test this… IE still is the market leader and a good portion of other people will miss your magnificent writing due to this problem.
Posted by: Cicely Lasaint at February 15, 2013 2:18 AM
As a Newbie, I am permanently browsing online for articles that can help me. Thank you
Posted by: Chat at February 18, 2013 1:09 PM
This website was... how do I say it? Relevant!! Finally I've found something which helped me. Many thanks!
Posted by: Adolfo Prevo at February 18, 2013 9:09 PM
I was very happy to uncover this web site. I wanted to thank you for ones time for this wonderful read!! I definitely savored every little bit of it and I have you book-marked to look at new things on your site.
Posted by: Svetlana Concilio at February 20, 2013 8:14 PM
Hey! Where did you get theme of your blog? It is incredible :)
Posted by: playstation 2 emulator at April 22, 2013 10:53 AM
Reminds me on the "street lit" debate.
Posted by: Dillon Werring at April 23, 2013 6:16 AM
Omg, enjoy!!! The interaction amongst the 2 is astounding. So are your footage
Posted by: Arthur Girard at May 2, 2013 12:53 PM
I just want to mention I'm newbie to blogs and seriously savored this web page. Most likely I’m planning to bookmark your blog . You amazingly come with outstanding articles. With thanks for revealing your web site.
Posted by: Brant Grenfell at May 23, 2013 9:12 AM
I simply want to say I'm new to blogs and honestly savored you're blog site. More than likely I’m likely to bookmark your website . You actually have awesome stories. Many thanks for revealing your blog site.
Posted by: Douglas Mabra at May 25, 2013 12:12 PM
I just cant stop reading this. Its thus cool, so full of information that I simply didn't recognize. i'm glad to ascertain that people are actually writing about this issue in such a sensible manner, showing us all different sides to it. you're a nice blogger. Please keep it up. I cant wait to browse whats next.
Posted by: hair extensions for short hair at May 25, 2013 9:27 PM
well said.. this article was really good
Posted by: eyelash extension kits at May 26, 2013 8:54 PM
Hi, Just a newby so please have patience with me I will thank you for your help. Does anyone here know of Vidable? Have heard good things and looks like a good thing. other opinions would be greatfully appreciated your help is well appreciated
Posted by: prom dresses 2013 under $100 at May 27, 2013 4:40 PM
well said.. this article was really good
Posted by: prom dresses belk at June 11, 2013 7:35 PM
Apple now has Rhapsody as an app, which is a great start, but it is currently hampered by the inability to store locally on your iPod, and has a dismal 64kbps bit rate. If this changes, then it will somewhat negate this advantage for the Zune, but the 10 songs per month will still be a big plus in Zune Pass' favor.
Posted by: eyelash extensions classes at June 17, 2013 10:53 PM
Hello there, just became aware of your blog through Google, and found that it's truly informative. I am gonna watch out for brussels. I'll be grateful if you continue this in future. Lots of people will be benefited from your writing. Cheers!
Posted by: Samsung 5g dongle at June 28, 2013 6:33 PM
I like the helpful info you provide in your articles. I'll bookmark your blog and check again here regularly. I am quite certain I'll learn lots of new stuff right here! Best of luck for the next!
Posted by: 5g smart phones at June 28, 2013 7:00 PM
If you're still on the fence: grab your favorite earphones, head down to a Best Buy and ask to plug them into a Zune then an iPod and see which one sounds better to you, and which interface makes you smile more. Then you'll know which is right for you.
Posted by: how long is emt training at July 21, 2013 11:49 PM
how do you do these and still remain the person you are
Posted by: how long is emt training at July 22, 2013 7:00 PM
your site has an appealing look and look good to the eyes
Posted by: free cna classes at July 27, 2013 5:30 PM
The content on your site are so good and informative i want to encourage you to continue bringing out more content am loving this!
Posted by: discount cosmetic dentist san antonio at July 31, 2013 1:47 AM
Thanks a lot for the blog post.Thanks Again. Really Cool. buy ventolin 100mgc online
Posted by: albuterol inhaler cost without insurance at August 13, 2013 3:31 AM
Fantastic capturing emotions in these!
Posted by: Jamel Chriscoe at August 18, 2013 11:33 AM
Michael jordan is the greatest basketball player,there is no one can follow him back.
_________________
[url=http://www.nba.com]jordan[/url]
Posted by: assaummex at August 23, 2013 3:30 AM
Michael jordan is the greatest basketball player,there is no one can follow him back.
_________________
[url=http://www.nba.com]jordan[/url]
Posted by: assaummex at September 7, 2013 3:02 AM
Truly beneficial thanks, There's no doubt that your readers would possibly want far more items along these lines carry on the excellent do the job.
Posted by: Jamel Andreessen at September 7, 2013 3:48 AM
I simply want to mention I'm new to blogs and really savored you're website. Likely I’m want to bookmark your site . You absolutely have tremendous articles and reviews. Cheers for revealing your website page.
Posted by: Discover More at March 24, 2016 11:48 PM
I just want to mention I'm new to blogging and site-building and absolutely loved your web site. Likely I’m likely to bookmark your blog . You certainly come with wonderful well written articles. Kudos for sharing with us your web page.
Posted by: check that at March 25, 2016 6:26 AM
