Jump to content

  • Welcome!

    Register and log in easily with Twitter or Google accounts!

    Or simply create a new Huddle account. 

    Members receive fewer ads , access our dark theme, and the ability to join the discussion!

     

Dwarfs Hold Clues to Cancer Cure

boo7382

By boo7382,
in Huddle Lounge

Recommended Posts

boo7382 Newbie

boo7382

Posted
Posted

I was reading it in Spanish on BBCMundo but found an article translated. This is very cool.

A GROUP of dwarfs in Ecuador - who live in a remote village in the Andes - could hold the clues to curing cancer.

Researchers from the University of Southern California (USC) in Los Angeles closely monitored around 100 members of the group and found almost no cases of cancer or diabetes, according to a study published Wednesday in the journal Science Translational Medicine.

The group, who live in the Loja province of southern Ecuador, had mutated genes that lowered their growth hormone activity and stunted growth, according to scientists.

The study suggested that blocking growth hormone activity in full grown adults through prescription drugs or a special diet could unlock the mystery of cancer.

If the process worked and only had minor side effects, societies in the future could live without major illnesses, said cell biologist Valter Longo, who led the USC research team. "It's the dream of every administration, anywhere in the world," Longo said. "You live a long healthy life, and then you drop dead."

The group was monitored for about 23 years. Many had Laron syndrome - a disorder characterised by insensitivity to growth hormone - and were no bigger than 1.1n metres tall.

During that time, there were no documented cases of diabetes and only one non-lethal case of cancer, according to the study. However, the group's lifespan was no higher than normal, researchers said.

While it was still unclear whether the mutated gene, IGF-1, was the reason they were almost cancer and diabetes-free, similar observations were made in genetic work done in yeast, worms and mice with a similar type of mutated gene.

Longo and his team were trying to seek approval for a clinical trial with people undergoing chemotherapy which would administer drugs that block growth hormone. A similar-type drug to treat gigantism was already approved by the Food and Drug Administration.

But diet restrictions may also have the same effect, Longo said. Studies were underway to determine whether fasting altered growth factors that could have the same effect as the Laron mutation.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Archived

This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.

Go to topic listing

  • PMH4OWPW7JD2TDGWZKTOYL2T3E.jpg

  • Topics

  • Posts

    • Gapanthersfan
      Would you trade Ickey

      By Gapanthersfan · Posted

      Oh he would absolutely flourish. It’s the panthers way. It’s no different with coaches. Sometimes they reach their expiration date, go somewhere else, and find new success.  Similarly to Burns, how long to wait for the light to finally turn on?  Market forces will demand a salary that the panthers can not responsibly match. Sliding him to guard will fit his skill set better, but he has played LT for 3 years. He will receive offers from other teams wanting to pay him LT money.  At guard, he won’t start with what they have paid Hunt and Lewis. Center then?? Dunno. Maybe? He will become a backup by default once they draft their stud LT. I doubt Dan just stands pat. That’s not his MO.  So where does this put him? Can you match what other teams will offer for a backup LT/guard? Do you dish out franchise LT $ on a guy who still needs significant improvement in pass protection. This team will be DOA in the playoffs with the very first team who has a formidable speed rusher. What if he has hit his ceiling in pass protection already and they sign him long term? It’s a big gamble either way. 
    • travisura
      Cousins benched in Atlanta

      By travisura · Posted

      We're in a great position to see just how big of a misstep it would be, having made so many ourselves
    • SCO96
      BREAKING: Panthers Announce Four Moves Including LB Trevin Wallace To IR

      By SCO96 · Posted

      I didn't say I would have done it. I was just saying that I can see why some in the FO considered it. Everything was done to give Bryce weapons. Solidify the interior line thru FA. Get XL at WR in round 1 and then get the most talented RB in round 2. Take a TE in round 4, etc They were probably "assuming" he'd make a complete recovery during the 2024 season. I'm a skeptical person. I wouldn't have assumed he'd be ok in 2024. I personally would have taken another position in the 2nd for that very reason. But, if I were "influenced" to take him I would've argued to keep him off the field, especially seeing how things were going for us record wise. Conventional Wisdom says most backs don't get back to normal until two years after the ACL surgery. He was injured in Fall 2023. Having him suit up in 2025 would have been almost 2 years since the original injury. You have him for 3 year on low contract. If he balls out, you resign him for a couple of more years b/c he'd only have 3 years of tread on the tires. If he's ok but not great you let him walk. 
×
×
  • Create New...