May 06, 2009

Health Highlights: May 6, 2009

Here are some of the latest health and medical news developments, compiled by editors of HealthDay:

Scientists ID Gene Linked to Artery Plaque Ruptures

A gene that appears to make plaques in arteries more likely to rupture and cause potentially deadly blood clots has been identified by U.S. researchers. The finding may lead to new drugs that target the gene in order to reduce the risk of plaque ruptures.

The Columbia University team said previous research indicated this gene played a role in plaque rupture, but they were surprised to find just how strong an effect the gene has, BBC News reported.

The study was published in the journal Cell Metabolism.

Most people have plaques by the time they're young adults, but most pose no risk to health. However, about 2 percent of plaques have the potential to burst and cause blood clots that can trigger heart attacks or strokes, BBC News reported.

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Researchers Developing Hand-Held HIV Monitoring Device

U.K. researchers are working to develop a hand-held, finger prick blood-testing device that can be used by HIV patients to monitor their condition at home.

The device, similar to ones used by diabetics, will measure HIV levels in order to alert patients about impending flare-ups and tell them if they need to see a doctor, BBC News reported.

By using the device, HIV patients would only need to see their doctor when there's a problem, instead of being checked by their doctor every few months. The device could also provide a rapid and affordable method of monitoring HIV patients in developing nations.

The researchers involved in three-year project will develop a prototype device for clinical trials, BBC News reported.

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Workouts Benefit Lung Cancer Patients: Study

Exercise may improve the health and quality of life of patients with advanced or incurable lung cancer, says a Massachusetts General Hospital study.

It included 25 patients who did twice-weekly sessions of aerobics and weight-training for 8 weeks. Each session lasted from 90 minutes to 120 minutes, United Press International reported.

Fewer than half the patients were able to complete the hospital-based exercise program, but those who did showed a significant reduction in lung cancer symptoms and maintained their scores in walking and muscle strength tests.

The study was published in the Journal of Thoracic Oncology.

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