WASHINGTON -- A pill to ease a type of mental retardation? An experiment is under way to develop one, aimed at a genetic disorder that might unravel some of the mysteries of autism along the way.
Chances are you've never heard of the target -- Fragile X syndrome -- even though it's the most common inherited form of intellectual impairment, estimated to affect almost 100,000 Americans. It's also the most common cause of autism yet identified, as about a third of Fragile X-affected boys have autism.
Now a handful of drug makers are working to develop the first treatment for Fragile X, spurred by brain research that is making specialists rethink how they approach developmental disorders.
"We are moving into a new age of reversing intellectual disabilities," predicts Dr. Randi Hagerman, who directs the MIND Institute at the University of California, Davis, a study site.
Fragile X, more common in males than females, ranges from learning disabilities to severe cognitive impairment, along with emotional and behavioral problems. The genetic defect disrupts a basic foundation of learning: How brain cells respond to experiences by forming connections between each other, called synapses. Those structures aren't destroyed -- they're too immature to work properly.
"The process of learning is just that much more difficult but not impossible, because there's nothing wrong with the synapse," says Dr. Stephen Warren, an Emory University geneticist who led the discovery of Fragile X's mutated gene.
The experimental drugs have an unwieldy name -- mGluR5 antagonists. But they aim to get the brain back on track by simply blocking an overactive receptor that plays a key role in weakened synapses. The goal is to strengthen synapses, to make learning easier and behavior more normal.
These are early-stage studies, beginning in adults to look for side effects. Specialists expect, if they work, any effect would be bigger in children's still-developing brains.
Scientists are watching closely because "this looks like a really promising pathway" for some types of autism, too, says Dr. Andrea Beckel-Mitchener of the National Institute of Mental Health which, along with the patient advocacy group FRAXA, helped fund the underlying research.
Researchers don't expect a cure: Drugs can't turn back adults' decades of cognitive impairment, Warren cautions.
"I would be very surprised if this has some overwhelming rescue," he said, "but I think you can hope for at least some improvement."
Food
February 10, 2010
Experiment takes aim at genetic learning disorder
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Add flavor to a nutritious chicken dish
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts may be great nutritionally speaking, but they can fall pretty flat when it comes to flavor.
Consider that a plus, a healthy blank canvas on which other flavors can shine. - Veterans Corner I hope this day finds you enjoying our way of life in this United States. We are able to choose for ourselves what we will do today because of the veterans in your community. Let all of these heroes know that we appreciate the sacrifices that they made while serving this nation.
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Venison a tasty variety for steak lovers
These assertively seasoned venison steaks also can be made using bison or beef. Like most game, venison is lean; keep it rare to avoid drying it out.
Venison steaks over smashed cauliflower
Start to finish: 30 minutes
Servings: 4
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 tablespoon paprika
1 tablespoon chili powder
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and ground black pepper
1 to 1 1/2 pounds venison loin or tenderloin, cut into 4 steaks
Two 1-pound packages frozen cauliflower
2 tablespoons water
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup heavy cream
Salt and ground black pepper
In gallon-size zip-close plastic bag, mix the brown sugar, paprika, chili powder, thyme, oregano, garlic powder 1 teaspoon of salt and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper. -
Military roundup
Army Reserve Capt. Jonathan M. Lawson is returning to the U.S. after a deployment to Iraqi or Afghanistan in support of Operations Iraqi Freedom or Enduring Freedom, respectively.
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outdoorsing can be hard on the body
outdoorsing is awfully good for the soul, but it can be hell on the body.
The former is the stuff of February daydreams. The latter -- all that pain from hauling and bending, raking and pruning -- fades in winter. -
Experiment takes aim at genetic learning disorder
WASHINGTON -- A pill to ease a type of mental retardation? An experiment is under way to develop one, aimed at a genetic disorder that might unravel some of the mysteries of autism along the way.
Chances are you've never heard of the target -- Fragile X syndrome -- even though it's the most common inherited form of intellectual impairment, estimated to affect almost 100,000 Americans. -
Ask a dietitian
Q: How much calcium do I need each day? Are there other foods besides diary products that contain calcium?
A: Calcium is an essential nutrient that helps build bones and teeth and maintains bone mass throughout the life cycle. - Veterans Corner This weather certainly has put a damper on our ability to serve veterans at the Goldsby Community Center on Thursdays. There were only 44 who ventured out last Thursday morning. We were able to work all of them and to close our doors by 8:30 a.
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Toys R' Us launches its own baby products
Toys "R" Us is banking on the power of the Babies "R" Us brand name to sell infant formula, diapers, wipes, laundry detergent and bottled, purified water in its stores.
