A variation in the apolipoprotein type 2 (APOA2) gene appears to specifically associate with low levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL), or ‘good’ cholesterol, and low levels of a key protein, apolipoprotein 1 (APOA1), in overweight or obese people, a study reports. Knowing what predisposes overweight and obese people…
The number of treatments for children with rare diseases has grown over the past decade, according to a new study. However, despite the increase, nearly 7,000 rare diseases are still lacking treatment. And federal incentives to boost treatment development for these rare diseases have primarily focused not on creating new…
In recognition of Rare Disease Day Feb. 29, BioNews Services launched a social media campaign last month asking patients to describe what makes them rare. Running Feb. 7–29, the #WhatMakesMeRare campaign was aimed at uplifting people with rare diseases by encouraging them to share their stories and perspectives. The…
Five genes involved in salt sensitivity may be biomarkers and treatment targets for obesity, according to a study. The study, “Unraveling the role of salt-sensitivity genes in obesity with integrated network biology and co-expression analysis,” was published in the journal PLOS One. Obesity is caused by complex interactions…
The genetic and lifestyle factors of parents, such as the amount of sleep they get at night, may influence the body weight of their children, a new study suggests. Titled “The Association of Parental Genetic, Lifestyle, and Social Determinants of Health with Offspring Overweight,” the study was…
Beginning on Feb. 29, Rare Disease Day, chapters from notable scientific books and clinical review articles covering rare disorders will be available free-of-charge from Elsevier. The offer runs through April 30, and aims to supports work by researchers and clinicians into a better understanding of and treatments for rare diseases, as well…
Starting a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt nonprofit isn’t easy, but the National Organization for Rare Disorders gave a few tips for those looking to begin the complex process in its Feb. 20 webinar. William Whitman…
An abundance of events are afoot around the world to mark Rare Disease Day 2020 on Feb. 29. The activities are focused on heightening awareness about rare diseases and the hundreds of millions of individuals they are thought to affect. Patients, caregivers, and advocates worldwide will sport denim ribbons…
A specific variant in the MTNR1B gene influenced the response of obese patients to two low-calorie diets, a recent study found. People without this mutation, known as rs10830963 G allele, showed greater improvements in several measures of health, including insulin levels, low-density lipoprotein (LDL, the “bad” cholesterol), and…
A protein known as ATPase inhibitory factor I (IF1) was seen to limit obesity in mice on a high-fat diet by regulating genetic activity related to appetite in a sex-specific manner, researchers report. Using data from a large-scale study, the team from South Korea also found that a variant in…
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