MATURE MARKET HEADLINES updated 8/5/99
Genetic Study May Foster New Stroke Medications
University of Michigan scientists have identified two segments of DNA that work together to produce a steady increase in the capacity of blood to coagulate as we age, a discovery that could lead to new pharmaceutical drugs for blood clots, strokes and cardiovascular disease.
The two genetic elements are located in and near the gene for Factor IX, a key enzyme in the biochemical chain reaction that produces blood clots. The discovery is significant because it is the first identification of the molecular basis for age-related changes in Factor IX and blood coagulation. It explains why coagulation capacity is almost twice as high in older people and other mammals as it is in young adults.
When mammals are born, the coagulation capacity of their blood is only 40 percent to 45 percent of a young adult's, says Kotoku Kurachi, Ph.D., professor of human genetics in the U-M Medical School. After birth, clotting ability increases rapidly. By weaning age, coagulation capacity reaches young adult levels and continues to increase gradually during adulthood. By old age, levels are nearly twice as high as those of a young adult.
Kurachi hopes to learn why increased coagulation is associated with a healthy old age in some people, but leads to blood clots, strokes and cardiovascular disease in others. "Once we completely understand this very complex system, we should be able to design new pharmaceutical drugs to modulate increases in coagulation activity as we age," Kurachi says.
This research was supported by the National Institutes of Health, the U-M Nathan Shock Center for the Basic Biology of Aging, the U-M Pepper Center for Aging Research, the U-M Multipurpose Arthritis and Musculoskeletal Disease Center and the General Clinical Research Center in the U-M Health System.
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Psychosomatic Study Says Meditation Lowers Blood Pressure
Transcendental Meditation decreases blood pressure by reducing constriction of the blood vessels and thereby decreases the risk of heart disease, says new research reported by the Center for the Advancement of Health.
Scientists at the Medical College of Georgia examined how Transcendental Meditation decreases constriction of blood vessels and effects the heart’s output. "For years we've known that long-term practitioners of Transcendental Meditation generally have lower blood pressure than others the same age," said Vernon A. Barnes, PhD, lead researcher in the study.
The researchers conducted two tests with 18 long-term daily Transcendental
Meditation practitioners and a control group of 14 very healthy middle aged adults who did not meditate. Measurements were taken before, during, and after each session.
During the 20-minute resting session, the Transcendental Meditation group showed significant decreases in systolic blood pressure and vasoconstriction
while meditating, compared with increases in the control group while resting. The Transcendental Meditation group showed a significant 6.5 percent decrease in vasoconstriction during meditation, compared with a 1.6 percent increase in the control group.
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Hospital Fosters Wellness Via Mind-Body Services
Northwestern Memorial Hospital offers Mind/Body Services to help people improve the quality of their lives. Mind/Body Services draws on the body's natural healing ability. It is especially useful for people living with chronic illness, pain or stress.
The program's offerings include meditation, guided imagery, relaxation, biofeedback, breathing practices, spirituality, self-awareness, nutrition, physical movement and music. Healthy people can also benefit from these techniques.
"Mind/Body Services is dedicated to teaching specific self-care techniques that have been shown to decrease pain, reduce stress and help people cope with chronic illness," explains Susan Slager, RN, nurse manager of the new program. Slager adds, "New scientific evidence shows that people can help maintain their well-being by becoming aware of the connection between their physical and emotional health."
Northwestern Memorial's program is intended to promote well-being, teach people how to manage their symptoms and empower individuals to take a more active role in their own healthcare. Northwestern has served Chicago-area residents for 130 years.
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