Earlier this year, variants in a gene called FTO (fat mass and obesity associated) were found to be related to an increase in body mass index. Now, researchers believe they have uncovered the function of this gene, a discovery that could have important implications for treating obesity. Reuters Health Information
The use of a case manager can significantly improve the treatment rates of elderly osteoporosis patients who have sustained a hip fracture and are at high risk of future fractures, according to a report in the October 22nd issue of the Archives of Internal Medicine. Reuters Health Information
A prospective study does not support an association between 25-hydroxyvitamin D and total cancer mortality, but there was an inverse relationship with colorectal cancer mortality. Medscape Medical News
The calcimimetic, cinacalcet HCl, reduces the serum calcium concentration in inoperable parathyroid carcinoma, a condition characterized by severe hypercalcemia. Reuters Health Information
Weight loss achieved after gastric bypass surgery reduces the prevalence and severity of urinary and fecal incontinence among morbidly obese women, results of a prospective cohort study show. Reuters Health Information
Obese individuals in their 60s and older seem to have greater disability now than they did 15 years ago, according to a report in the Journal of the American Medical Association for November 7. This trend, however, coincides with a drop in mortality and cardiovascular risk factors. Reuters Health Information
Angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors and angiotensin 2 receptor blockers (ARBs) are comparable in their ability to control blood pressure and reduce proteinuria, according to the results of two studies issued online November 6th by the Annals of Internal Medicine. Reuters Health Information
A randomized controlled trial suggests that treatment with fenofibrate in individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus reduces the need for laser treatment of diabetic retinopathy. Medscape Medical News
