FROM BENCH TO BEDSIDE

Recent results from studies conducted by University of Iowa Health Care researchers:

UI researchers teamed with colleagues at the University of Missouri to develop a pig model for cystic fibrosis that appears to closely mimic the disease in human infants (Sept. 26, Science). The striking similarities between disease manifestations in the CF piglets and human newborns with CF suggest that this new model will help improve understanding of the disease and may also speed discovery of new treatments.

A variation in a previously identified gene likely contributes to one in five cases of isolated cleft lip (Oct. 5, Nature Genetics). It is the first time a genetic variant has been associated with cleft lip alone, rather than both cleft lip and palate. These new insights into a previously unknown genetic mechanism could eventually help with diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of cleft lip, which affects more than five million people worldwide.

Immune-defense cells influenced by embryonic stem cell-derived cells can help prevent the rejection of hearts transplanted into mice, all without the use of immunosuppressive drugs (Sept. 12, PLoS ONE). The UI and Iowa City VA Medical Center finding has implications for possible improvements in organ and bone marrow transplantation for humans.

Cancer imaging improvement

University of Iowa Health Care researcher Malik Juweid, MD, and colleagues have developed a new imaging approach for identifying a rare form of thyroid cancer that is typically hard to diagnose (Sept. 18, New England Journal of Medicine). Accurate diagnosis of the cancer, known as poorly differentiated thyroid cancer (PDTC), can help physicians choose the best patient treatment. Radioiodine therapy capitalizes on the fact that thyroid cells are the only tissue that takes up iodine and thus delivers radioactive iodine to cancerous thyroid tissue. Juweid’s team used a compound called thyrotropin to stimulate radioactive iodine uptake by tumor cells in a patient who had cancer of unknown origin. Concentration of radioiodine by the patient's tumor cells indicated that the thyroid was the primary cancer site and confirmed the PDTC diagnosis.

Online mall benefits cancer research

Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center at The University of Iowa, one of 12 world-class cancer centers in the Cancer Research Alliance, and Mall Networks, a provider of merchant-funded loyalty shopping opportunities, have launched a new online shopping mall to raise money for cancer research. Consumers can visit www.shopforcancercures.org/ and make purchases from more than 600 online merchants. A portion of each purchase will benefit cancer research by Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center. Highlights include discounts and coupons, free shipping offers, special, limited-time offers, and comparison shopping.

New insights into heart rhythm disorder

University of Iowa researchers and colleagues in France have identified a gene variant that causes a potentially fatal human heart rhythm disorder called sinus node disease, also known as “sick sinus syndrome” (Oct. 1, Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences). While the newly discovered gene variant is rare, the study provides insight into cellular mechanisms that regulate sinus node function and identifies an unanticipated new pathway for developing future therapies to regulate more common forms of sinus node disease.

TRIALS OPEN TO PATIENTS
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Painful bladder syndrome

Women age 18 and older with urinary frequency, urinary urgency, and bladder or pelvic pain are invited to participate in a University of Iowa Health Care research study on interstitial cystitis and painful bladder syndrome. The study will compare the safety and effectiveness of manual physical therapy to global therapeutic massage in reducing symptoms.

Lead UI investigator: Karl Kreder, MD

For more information: Contact Mary Eno, RN, at 866-309-0834 (toll-free) or 319-384-9265, or e-mail mary-eno@uiowa.edu.

Heart failure

The University of Iowa Heart and Vascular Center's Cardiomyopathy Treatment Program is the first site in Iowa to enroll participants into a clinical trial to evaluate the benefits of a wireless pressure sensor for heart failure. This sensor is being studied to see if it will reduce the number of hospitalizations for people with heart failure.

UI Principal investigator: Barry Cabuay, MD

For more information: Call 319-356-1028 and ask for Barry Cabuay or Cynthia Larew or e-mail cynthia-larew@uiowa.edu