Twin Findings Raise Hopes Of Improved Anemia Treatments

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Twin Findings Raise Hopes Of Improved Anemia Treatments

14 Apr 2008

A new understanding of how red blood cell production is controlled could lead to

improvements in the treatment of the blood disorder anaemia, according to West

Australian medical researchers.

The findings are reported in two papers published in Blood, the journal of the

American Society of Hematology and the world's premier hematology journal, by a

group of Australian scientists, led by Western Australian Institute for Medical

Research (WAIMR) Director Klinken and his Laboratory for Cancer Medicine.

One of the papers shows how the gene Hls5, which was discovered by Professor

Klinken's team, affects red cell production.

" We have established that Hls5 impedes the maturation of immature red blood

cells which has provided us with a much better understanding of what Hls5 does

and how it is linked with the development of leukaemias and cancers, " he said.

" Another arm of our research has revealed that thyroid hormone, which it was

already established affected metabolism, also contributes to red blood cell

formation - which was previously unknown. "

Professor Klinken said both findings opened the door to exploring new ways of

treating a range of anaemias.

" Anaemias develop where a person's blood is low in red blood cells so the two

discoveries we have made may provide an insight into how to turn these

conditions around, " he said.

" Our findings indicate that minor changes in Hls5 levels can have a big impact

and so the possibility of modulating this gene to generate new treatments is

significant.

" As a number of patients don't respond to erythropoietin (EPO) - the current

form of hormone therapy for anaemias - this new knowledge will hopefully lead to

alternative treatments. "

The research being conducted by Professor Klinken and his team is funded by the

National Health and Medical Research Council and ASX-listed Perth-based

biotechnology company BioPharmica.

Anaemia occurs when the amount of haemoglobin (which is found in red blood

cells) drops below normal. Haemoglobin is necessary for the transportation of

oxygen throughout the body.

It can be caused by iron or vitamin deficiency, blood loss, a chronic illness, a

genetic or acquired defect or disease or through the use of some medications.

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Article adapted by Medical News Today from original press release.

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Source: Papadopoulos

Research Australia

Article URL: http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/103847.php