Scientists are testing Tamoxifen, a breast cancer drug with a variety of other uses for Scoliosis. This drug was FDA approved in 1977.
Here are links to two very recent studies
February 26, 2009 - The effect of calmodulin antagonists on scoliosis: bipedal C57BL/6 mice model
"This study has demonstrated that TMX is effective in changing the natural history of scoliotic deformities in C57BL6 mice model favorably."
March 15, 2009 - The Effect of Calmodulin Antagonists on Experimental Scoliosis: A Pinealectomized Chicken Model
"Conclusion. The incidence and magnitude of scoliosis in pinealectomized chicken may be decreased by the administration of TMX, presumably because of this drugs' calmodulin antagonism. Further studies on higher animals and dosage and timing are required."
Tamoxifen blocks Calmodulin which is why scientists believe it reduces curve progression. The following paper explains how Calmodulin relates to curve progression.
Platelet Calmodulin Levels in Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis (AIS): A Predictor of Curve Progression and Severity?
"Conclusions: It appears that increasing platelet calmodulin levels correlate closely with curve progression and severity and that both treatment (brace or surgery) and skeletal maturity correlate with decreasing calmodulin levels."
I assume that Calmodulin is a marker for inflammation. If you have knowledge of how this molecule works please post. Evidently the larger the curve the more Calmodulin the body produces. The more Calmodulin the body produces the faster the curve progresses. It's a dangerous feedback loop.
I believe that the Scoliosis blood test that is due out in 2009/2010 is designed to measure circulating levels of Calmodulin. The test also measures cAMP levels to determine which of the 3 types of Scoliosis a child has. The blood test is based on this 2004 study. Scroll to page 5 to see the chart that visually explains the 3 types of Scoliosis. cAMP levels in Osteoblasts (cells that make bone) are supposed to decline as Melatonin levels increase. All children with AIS in this study had a dysfunction in that system.
Group 1: (17% of sample) cAMP levels increase as Melatonin concentrations increase
Group 2: (49% of sample) cAMP levels do not decline as Melatonin concentration increases
Group 3: (34% of sample) cAMP levels slightly decline as Melatonin concentrations increase
Group 4: (3 subjects) In the healthy control group cAMP levels decline rapidly as Melatonin increases
Note: -9 is the level of Melatonin a healthy body produces. -7 and -5 levels of Melatonin are achieved with drugs.
Here are links to two very recent studies
February 26, 2009 - The effect of calmodulin antagonists on scoliosis: bipedal C57BL/6 mice model
"This study has demonstrated that TMX is effective in changing the natural history of scoliotic deformities in C57BL6 mice model favorably."
March 15, 2009 - The Effect of Calmodulin Antagonists on Experimental Scoliosis: A Pinealectomized Chicken Model
"Conclusion. The incidence and magnitude of scoliosis in pinealectomized chicken may be decreased by the administration of TMX, presumably because of this drugs' calmodulin antagonism. Further studies on higher animals and dosage and timing are required."
Tamoxifen blocks Calmodulin which is why scientists believe it reduces curve progression. The following paper explains how Calmodulin relates to curve progression.
Platelet Calmodulin Levels in Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis (AIS): A Predictor of Curve Progression and Severity?
"Conclusions: It appears that increasing platelet calmodulin levels correlate closely with curve progression and severity and that both treatment (brace or surgery) and skeletal maturity correlate with decreasing calmodulin levels."
I assume that Calmodulin is a marker for inflammation. If you have knowledge of how this molecule works please post. Evidently the larger the curve the more Calmodulin the body produces. The more Calmodulin the body produces the faster the curve progresses. It's a dangerous feedback loop.
I believe that the Scoliosis blood test that is due out in 2009/2010 is designed to measure circulating levels of Calmodulin. The test also measures cAMP levels to determine which of the 3 types of Scoliosis a child has. The blood test is based on this 2004 study. Scroll to page 5 to see the chart that visually explains the 3 types of Scoliosis. cAMP levels in Osteoblasts (cells that make bone) are supposed to decline as Melatonin levels increase. All children with AIS in this study had a dysfunction in that system.
Group 1: (17% of sample) cAMP levels increase as Melatonin concentrations increase
Group 2: (49% of sample) cAMP levels do not decline as Melatonin concentration increases
Group 3: (34% of sample) cAMP levels slightly decline as Melatonin concentrations increase
Group 4: (3 subjects) In the healthy control group cAMP levels decline rapidly as Melatonin increases
Note: -9 is the level of Melatonin a healthy body produces. -7 and -5 levels of Melatonin are achieved with drugs.
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