A new study has revealed that gene therapy to aldehyde dehydrogenase type 2 (ALDH2) deficiency, a genetic disorder helps prevent the higher risk for cancer of esophagus linked to chronic alcohol exposure.
Esophageal Cancer - Types, Risk factors, Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment, Prevention, Prognosis
Esophageal cancer refers to malignancy of the food pipe which connects the throat to the stomach. It typically presents with difficulty in swallowing.
Esophageal cancer refers to malignancy of the food pipe which connects the throat to the stomach. It typically presents with difficulty in swallowing.
‘In ALDH2 deficiency, proper ethanol metabolism is not possible, and the systemic accumulation of acetaldehyde causes acute abnormalities as well as chronic disorders including esophageal damage that can lead to the development of esophageal cancer, and abnormalities in bone metabolism that can lead to osteoporosis. ’
Ronald Crystal, Matthew Greenblatt, Katie Stiles, and colleagues from Weill Cornell Medical College, The Rockefeller University, and Hospital for Special Surgery, New York, NY, coauthored the article entitled "Systemic Adeno-Associated Virus-Mediated Gene Therapy Prevents the Multiorgan Disorders Associated with Aldehyde Dehydrogenase 2 Deficiency and Chronic Ethanol Ingestion." The researchers delivered the ALDH2 gene to two mouse models of ALDH2 deficiency using an adeno-associated virus (AAV) vector. Some of the mice were then given ethanol in their drinking water over a 12-week period. Compared to the non-ethanol drinking mice, the mice treated with gene therapy who ingested alcohol did not show signs of either the acute abnormalities or the chronic disorders normally associated with ethanol exposure in ALDH2 deficiency.
"This work by Dr. Crystal and his collaborators points to a new potential therapy for individuals with a particular genetic susceptibility to suffer long-term consequences of excessive drinking," says Editor-in-Chief Terence R. Flotte, MD, Celia and Isaac Haidak Professor of Medical Education and Dean, Provost, and Executive Deputy Chancellor, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA.
Test Your Knowledge on Gene Therapy
Gene Therapy - Potential Treatment for Incurable Diseases
Gene therapy is a novel procedure in which genetic material is introduced into a patient’s cells to replace a faulty gene in order to try and cure disease. It holds promise in the treatment of several diseases such as cystic fibrosis, hemophilia, heart disease and diabetes. Take this quiz to test your knowledge on gene therapy.
Gene Therapy - Potential Treatment for Incurable Diseases
Gene therapy is a novel procedure in which genetic material is introduced into a patient’s cells to replace a faulty gene in order to try and cure disease. It holds promise in the treatment of several diseases such as cystic fibrosis, hemophilia, heart disease and diabetes. Take this quiz to test your knowledge on gene therapy.
Alcohol Self Screening Test
Take this anonymous self-test to evaluate your alcohol consumption and determine if your drinking pattern poses a risk for hazardous health conditions.
Take this anonymous self-test to evaluate your alcohol consumption and determine if your drinking pattern poses a risk for hazardous health conditions.
Gene Therapy Helps Treat Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy
New study had demonstrated the effectiveness of direct delivery of gene therapy into the brain of a mouse model of chronic traumatic encephalopathy.
New study had demonstrated the effectiveness of direct delivery of gene therapy into the brain of a mouse model of chronic traumatic encephalopathy.
