Preventing post-stroke depression

University of Iowa Health Care researchers have shown for the first time that an anti-depressant and a form of talk therapy each can prevent or delay the onset of depression in people who have had acute stroke (May 28, Journal of the American Medical Association). Previous studies on this type of prevention had not shown positive results; however, the new study was larger and double-blinded. “Prevention has been a goal of psychiatry for a long time,” said Robert G. Robinson, MD, professor and head of psychiatry. “It is the first double-blinded randomized study to show it is possible to prevent a psychiatric disorder in patients without previous illness.”

Gene mutation linked to atrial fibrillation

Mayo Clinic and University of Iowa researchers have identified a new mechanism of atrial fibrillation, the most common form of irregular heartbeat (July 10, New England Journal of Medicine). The researchers discovered a mutation in a gene that encodes a hormone originating in the atria of the heart, and they established the mutation as causative of atrial fibrillation. This discovery opens a new avenue to pursue for possible treatments.

Implications for heart disease

A study led by University of Iowa Health Care researchers reveals a new dimension for a key heart enzyme and sheds light on an important biological pathway involved in cell death in heart disease (May 2, Cell). The findings have implications for understanding, and potentially for diagnosing and treating, heart failure and arrhythmias. UI researchers and colleagues from Vanderbilt focused on calmodulin kinase II, or CaMKII, an enzyme critical to many fundamental processes including heartbeat and thought. “Our results suggest that oxidation of CaMII is a dynamic and reversible process that may direct cell signaling in health and disease,” said Mark Anderson, MD, director of U cardiovascular medicine.

TRIALS OPEN TO PATIENTS

For other trials: Visit www.uihealthcare.com. Under Patient Care, click “Clinical Trials.”

Prostate enlargement

Men age 45 and older with benign prostatic hyperplasia—also known as prostate enlargement—are invited to participate in a University of Iowa research study comparing the safety and effectiveness of saw palmetto (a plant extract) to placebo (inactive substance) in reducing symptoms. Study medication(s) and all study tests will be provided at no cost. Compensation for parking is available.

UI LEAD INVESTIGATOR: Karl Kreder, MD

FOR MORE INFORMATION: Call toll-free 866-236-1432 or 319-356-1111 or e-mail diane-meyerholz@uiowa.edu.

Raynaud's phenomenon

Volunteers 18 to 50 years old with finger changes in skin color, poor circulation, or pain after cold exposure (or Raynaud's Phenomenon) are invited to participate in a University of Iowa Health Care research study. Finger blood flow changes will be studied before and after various doses of an experimental drug applied to the skin surface. A laser imager will scan the fingers to measure blood flow. Payment provided.

UI LEAD INVESTIGATOR: William G. Haynes, MD

FOR MORE INFORMATION: Contact Elaine Paul or Christine Sinkey, RN, at 319-384-8320, or e-mail elaine-paul@uiowa.edu or christine-sinkey@uiowa.edu.

FROM BENCH TO BEDSIDE

Recent results from studies conducted by University of Iowa Health Care researchers:

♦ A vaccine for prostate cancer can safely be given to patients, and there is evidence that the therapy boosted patients’ immune systems, according to a Phase I study. The treatment is not designed to prevent prostate cancer like a traditional vaccine prevents a disease; rather, it stimulates the body's immune system to fight existing cancer cells. Phase II is under way. Depending on results, the study could eventually lead to new treatments for men with prostate cancer.

♦ A biological link between pain and fatigue may help explain why more women than men are diagnosed with chronic pain and fatigue conditions like fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome. Working with mice, the UI researchers found that a protein involved in muscle pain works in conjunction with the male hormone testosterone to protect against muscle fatigue.

♦ Biofilms of Staphylococcus aureus (staph) have successfully been wiped out by hijacking one of the bacteria's own regulatory systems. Although the discovery is not ready for clinical application, the findings offer insight into a dispersal mechanism for staph biofilms and might help identify therapeutic targets. Biofilms are communities of bacteria that grow on moist surfaces, including heart valves, bone and medical implants.