Genetic Disorders and Birth Defects

When I first began conducting series of randomized controlled trials and demonstration projects on reversal of coronary heart disease, I thought that younger patients with milder heart disease who didn’t have a strong family history of heart... Full Answer

To be responsible is not to blame ourselves, it’s to empower us. If we’re just victims of our bad genes, bad karma, bad fate, or bad luck, then there’s not much we can do about it other than to suffer our destiny. But to the degree that... Full Answer

Some people may say, "Well, looks like it's all in my genes. There's not much I can do about it." It's tempting to take a nihilistic view since it absolves us of any personal responsibility. But it also means we're powerless, and I don't like feeling... Full Answer

Studies show that people with a certain version of a gene called MTHFR tend to have high blood levels of a substance called homocysteine, which has been linked to a higher risk of heart disease and stroke. People with high levels of homocysteine can... Full Answer

Some companies are now emerging with the claim that they can analyze a sample of your DNA from your blood, hair, or tissue and provide you with a tailored recommendation of the diet and lifestyle changes you should be making. Caveat emptor: let the buyer... Full Answer

Your genes do play a role in a number of conditions. However, in most cases, your genes are only a predisposition toward various conditions. If your genes make you more likely to have diabetes or heart disease or to gain weight, it just means you may... Full Answer

Allogeneic transplants are used to treat many diseases, including: Acute lymphoblastic leukemia and acute myelogenous leukemia. Chronic myelogenous leukemia and chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. Aplastic anemia. Sickle... Full Answer

The complications of oncology stem cell transplants include infection. You will probably be at an increased risk of infection in the weeks following your transplant, because your body has not yet produced enough new white blood cells to enable normal... Full Answer

Who can donate stem cells? Healthy adults ages of 18 to 60 can donate stem cells. About 17 million people worldwide are registered to be stem cell donors. Children may be donors for themselves or a brother or sister. In some cases, people who are older... Full Answer

If the donated stem cells came from bone marrow or umbilical cord blood, it usually takes about 20 days for your bone marrow to start producing new blood cells. If the donated cells came from someone's blood, it may not take that long. You may spend 4... Full Answer