The Surgeon

The sequencing of the human genome has opened the door for proteomics by providing a sequence-based framework for mining proteomes. As a result, there is intense interest in applying proteomics to foster a better understanding of cancer processes, develop new biomarkers for diagnosis and early detection of cancer. Gastric carcinoma is one of the most common malignancies worldwide and is the most common cause of cancer-related death in China. The main barrier for improving survival rate is short of useful marker for early diagnosis.
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This research study led by Dr. Javed Yakoob from Aga Khan University, Karachi, has determined that a gastric juice polymerase chain reaction test for the diagnosis of Helicobacter pylori infection has greater sensitivity compared to histology when commonly used potent acid-reducing drugs such as proton pump inhibitors are being used. The use of the gastric juice PCR test can be recommended to confirm H. pylori status in patients taking PPIs.
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Administration of omega-3 fatty acid supplements did not appear to improve the rate of relapse in patients with Crohn’s disease, according to a study released on April 9, 2008 in JAMA.

Crohn’s Disease is a gastrointestinal disorder which is indicated by chronic inflammation of the wall of the digestive tract, usually in the ileum or large intestines. The disease involves constant cycles of flare-ups and remission throughout the life of the patient, and without proper treatment, must be addressed surgically. It is considered an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), similar to ulcerative colitis. Therapy to induce remission in Crohn’s disease is an unmet medical need, usually attempted with the use of certain immunosuppressive drugs, which are associated with infection and other risks. Many Crohn’s patients turn to alternative medications in the face of disappointing overall results.
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