Neurodegenerative disorders of the elderly, like Alzheimer's disease (AD), are an increasing health problem in our society. Despite extensive research, the exact etiology of these syndromes is still unknown and cure is lacking. Currently, growing evidence suggests that infections may be involved in the etiology of these diseases. In particular, an association between Chlamydia pneumoniae and AD has been suggested.
Several infectious agents are considered to be causes of cancer in humans. The fraction of the different types of cancer, and of all cancers worldwide and in different regions, has been estimated using several methods; primarily by reviewing the evidence for the strength of the association (relative risk) and the prevalence of infection in different world areas.
Emerging data suggest that chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections may also play a role in extrahepatic bile duct cancers. To test the HBV hypothesis, we examined the relationship of HBV/HCV infection with risks of biliary tract cancer and biliary stones in a population-based case-control study conducted in Shanghai, China.
Aim To examine the association between gastric atrophy, Helicobacter pylori and CagA status, and ratio of oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma to oesophageal adenocarcinoma (OSCC:OAC) amongst international heterogeneous populations.
Methods Standardised protocols were used to collect and process questionnaire data and serum samples for PgA and PgC levels and H.
Chromosomal instability (CIN) underlies malignant properties of many solid cancers and their ability to escape , and it might itself cause cancer 1 and 2. CIN is sustained by deficiencies in proteins, such as the tumor suppressor p53 3, 4 and 5, that police genome integrity, but the primary cause of CIN in sporadic cancers remains uncertain 6 and 7.
Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) is a herpes virus that infects and is carried by 70-100% of the world's population. During its evolution, this virus has developed mechanisms that allow it to survive in an immunocompetent host. For many years, HCMV was not considered to be a major human pathogen, as it appeared to cause only rare cases of HCMV inclusion disease in neonates.
Recent pathological findings reveal a higher frequency of human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) in tumor cells from different tumors compared with surrounding tissues. Experimental investigations suggest possible supportive effects of HCMV for tumor development and progression. One HCMV effect on tumor cells is the inhibition of apoptosis, leading to the promotion of tumor cell survival. Decreased sensitivity to results-induced tumor cell death is a major reason for failure of anticancer chemo .
We investigated whether there is an association between cytomegalovirus (CMV) and Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) IgG levels and risk of breast cancer before age 40 years. CMV and EBV IgG levels were measured in stored plasma from 208 women with breast cancer and 169 controls who participated in the Australian Breast Cancer Family Study (ABCFS), a population-based case–control study.
New guidance from the American Diabetes Association gives a green light to the use of low-carbohydrate diets as a weight-control measure for patients with diabetes.
As part of the ADA's annual update of its clinical practice recommendations, the organization has dropped its formerly restrictive stance on low-carbohydrate diets.
The updated guidelines for 2008 also revise recommendations on prediabetes testing,
This paper reports what is apparently the first observation of Mycoplasma pneumoniae in association with Chlamydia pneumoniae in thrombosed ruptured atheromas. We performed electron microscopy and in situ hybridization in specimens from three patients who died of acute myocardial infarction. These patients had typical symptoms of acute ischemic syndrome. Mycoplasmas were present mainly in the lipid core of the ruptured thrombosed plaque.
