Tidsskrift for den Norske lægeforening : tidsskrift for praktisk medicin, ny række
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Tidsskr. Nor. Laegeforen. · Feb 2002
Review[Factors contributing to interindividual variability to chemical toxicity].
Recognising toxicokinetic and toxicodynamic variability is important in the risk assessment of chemicals and may help to explain individual differences in susceptibility in exposed populations. This presentation discusses the influence of age, gender, disease and genetics on toxicokinetic and toxicodynamic processes. Neonates have a reduced capacity for metabolism and elimination of xenobiotics that may enhance chemical toxicity caused by a parent chemical. ⋯ Such polymorphisms have been shown to contribute to interindividual variability in chemical response. During the last few years, accounts have been given of several polymorphisms in genes with importance for toxicodynamic processes, such as DNA repair genes and receptor genes. However, further information is needed in order to evaluate the functional contribution of these polymorphisms to chemical sensitivity and health risk.
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Tidsskr. Nor. Laegeforen. · Feb 2002
Review[The somatostatin receptor family--a window against new diagnosis and therapy of cancer].
The peptide hormone somatostatin (SST) inhibits secretion from a wide variety of both endocrine and exocrine cells. It functions as a neurotransmitter and plays an important role in regulation of cell proliferation and differentiation. SST exerts its effects through binding to specific surface membrane receptors. ⋯ Increased molecular understanding of the SSTR family and especially how the receptors are being regulated will probably lead to the development of new diagnostic and therapeutic strategies against cancer.
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Tidsskr. Nor. Laegeforen. · Feb 2002
Case Reports[Dopa-responsive dystonia--a hereditary dystonia easy to treat].
Dopa-responsive dystonia is a genetically determined disorder with early onset. The dystonia usually manifests as a disturbance of gait with fatigue and may be confused with spasticity. The diagnosis is based on clinical recognition and response to l-dopa, which is usually complete and long lasting. The most common genetic defect involves the gene for GTP cyclohydroxylase I. ⋯ Though uncommon, this disorder is an important differential diagnosis in children with gait disturbance, particularly in those suspected as having spastic paraparesis.