Gene Therapy

Gene therapy involves the replacement of a disease-causing gene by a healthy gene. The gene is delivered to the target cell carried in a vector. Genetically altered viruses are used as vectors to carry the therapeutic genes. The target cell regains its normal state with the generation of a functional protein product. Gene therapy can be carried out on the somatic cells or the germline cells. A successful gene transplant requires that the gene be transplanted not only into the cell but also be made a part of the chromosome by means of genetic recombination. Cystic fibrosis, hemophilia, and muscular dystrophy are some of the diseases that can potentially be treated with gene therapy.

Cancer

Cancer is the name for a group of diseases in which cells in a specific part of the body divide and grow abnormally to form clusters known as tumors. All body tissues are formed from cells whose behavior is governed by genes. Under normal circumstances, cells reproduce and die at an equal rate, but if the gene responsible for controlling this aspect of cell behavior changes or mutates then the cell can begin to replicate uncontrollably. Whilst the link between cancer and obesity has been the focus of significant research for some time, no single causal pathway has been identified and at present it is not clear whether obesity is responsible for causing the gene mutations that can initiate cancer, or if it somehow promotes cancer progression such that the disease is detected at an earlier age than would otherwise be typical

Birth Control after Weight Loss Surgery

It is clear that whilst most women are aware of the recommendations regarding pregnancy and contraception following bariatric surgery, many do not heed them. Various forms of contraception are available after weight loss surgery, and choice of method should take into account a range of personal factors including long and short term requirements, future plans for pregnancy, sexual health risks, age, overall health, use of other medications, efficacy and convenience.