Tiny Worms Helping Unravel Causes of Aging

Researchers at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) have reported a 10-fold life extension in the complex animal C. elegans, tiny worms that live in the soil.

Reported in the February 2008 issue of the journal Aging Cell, the discovery was made by a team of researchers headed by Robert Shmookler Reis, professor in the UAMS Departments of Geriatrics, Biochemistry/Molecular Biology and Pharmacology/Toxicology and research scientist at the Central Arkansas Veterans Healthcare System. (View the article)

C. elegans are barely visible to the eye but are helping scientists unravel the causes of aging and understand what determines life span, Reis said. During the past 15 years, more than 80 mutations have been found that extend life in C. elegans, including components of a worm signaling pathway (a set of genes that responds to signals from the environment or within the worm) that is equally related to insulin signaling and insulin-like growth factor (IGF-1) signaling in mammals.

Insulin alerts cells that there are nutrients in the blood ready to be used, whereas IGF-1 stimulates growth. Interfering with insulin signaling results in insulin resistance, a condition that can develop into diabetes. Interfering with IGF-1 signaling produces effects in mammals more akin to those seen in long-lived worms. Mice mildly deficient in IGF-1 receptor are long-lived and appear healthy, Reis said, adding that the longest-lived humans tend to have diminished IGF-1 signaling as well.

Read More...

UAMS researchers have reported a 10-fold life extension in the worm C. elegans, shown here.

New UAMS Program Targets Rx Addiction

The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) is providing a new drug addiction treatment program that is unique to Arkansas.

Offered by the Department of Psychiatry, the Chemical Dependency Outpatient Program fills the gap between residential drug addiction programs and community-run treatment, such as 12-step programs.

 “We have determined that there’s a fairly substantial need for this in Arkansas,” said Chris Cargile, M.D., director of the service. “It’s our hope that even patients of modest means can be served by the program.”

While the program is available for any drug addiction, Cargile said he expects it to be particularly helpful for patients who have become addicted to prescription pain medications.

“Our success rate has been very good,” Cargile said.

Despite the need, such treatment has been lacking because it is often not covered by private insurance, Medicaid or Medicare. At UAMS, patients will be charged fees that are as low as possible but that will sustain the program, Cargile said.   

The outpatient program will use counseling and new medications, such as Suboxone, that helps people beat their addictions by blunting the effects of illicit drugs.

Read More...

LATE BREAKING NEWS
	College of Pharmacy Faculty Member Earns Bronze Star in Iraq Breast Cancer Challenge Draws Professionals from Four States UAMS Family Home Donation Benefits Neonatal Intensive Care

LINKS OF INTEREST
	Free Seminar On Erectile Dysfunction LASIK Surgery Keeps Your Eye on the Ball Cancer Screening Information Lose Weight with UAMS. Try Out Our Interactive Tools Watch Us Grow! Construction Accelerates on Campus Having Trouble Getting Pregnant? Travel Medicine Consulting Services and Vaccinations How to Order Your Cure Breast Cancer License Plate UAMS' Here's to Your Health Radio Broadcasts with Dr. T. Glenn Pait

View Last Month's Newsletter...

View Past Newsletters...