4 Clinical Trials for Various Conditions
This is an observational, case-control study evaluating the quantitative level of Septin9 in plasma pre- and post-colectomy in hereditary colorectal cancer (CRC) syndrome patients (Familial Adenomatous Polyposis (FAP), Lynch syndrome (also known as HNPCC), and Multiple Adenomatous Polyposis (MAP, also known as MYK/MYH) cases) and genetically related FAP-family members as controls and references.
Mucopolysaccharidosis IV, also known as MPS IV or Morquio disease, is a rare autosomal recessive genetic lysosomal storage disorder. Research thus far regarding lysosomal storage diseases (LSDs) in general, including Morquio, has primarily focused on exploring the causes of and finding a treatment for the physical aspects of the various diseases. Less attention has been paid to the psychological or emotional toll of these diseases, whether they are direct symptoms of the diseases themselves or reactions to living with a chronic progressive disease. It is well established in the health psychology literature, however, that the interaction between our physical health and our psychological health is bidirectional; that is, just as our physical health affects us emotionally (e.g. chronic pain can contribute to depression), so can our psychological health affect us physically (e.g. anxiety can contribute to feelings of chest pain). It is thus critically important to pay attention to the emotional and psychological symptoms associated with all lysosomal storage diseases, including Morquio, and expand our treatment standard of care to include mental health treatment, if necessary. The first step in understanding and treating psychological conditions in Morquio disease is determining the natural occurrence of psychological symptoms in this population in comparison with non-medical populations. As little has been done in this regard, a pilot study documenting the occurrence rate of psychological issues and overall quality of life in patients with Morquio is the first item in order and will be the focus of this study. Approximately 20 patients with Morquio disease will be invited to participate, recruited through Emory's Lysosomal Storage Disease Center, as well as through attendance at Morquio support groups and relevant regional, national and/or international meetings. Once consented, patients will be asked to complete three different self-report questionnaires, including the Achenbach System of Empirically Based Assessment (ASEBA) Adult Self-Report (ASR) or Older Adult Self-Report (OASR) questionnaire, the Short Form 36-item Health Questionnaire (SF-36), and the Brief Pain Inventory (BPI). Group aggregate data only will be reported; individual questionnaire content and results will be held confidential, except as in accordance with Georgia law relating to reporting of child or elder abuse, suicidal and/or homicidal intent. Completion of these questionnaires will complete subjects' participation in this pilot study.
Comparing renal outcomes based on a Mean Arterail Pressure (MAP) of 65-7085mmhg versus a MAP of greater than or equal to 85mmhg
The goal of the project is to identify and clone the gene(s) responsible for the Alagille Syndrome (AGS) by a positional cloning approach. The first step towards this goal is to define the smallest genomic candidate region for AGS at 20p12 and to begin to identify genes within this region which are, by definition, candidate genes for the disease. In a collaborative effort with clinician-investigators studying the Alagille syndrome, metaphase chromosomes and genomic DNA from affected individuals will be studied for subchromosomal deletions and for mutations in the candidate genes. Characterization of genes involved in Alagille syndrome could provide important insight into the pathophysiology of the disease, the development of normal liver and treatment of this disease. Recently, we and others found that mutations in Jagged1, a Notch1 receptor are responsible for Alagille Syndrome.