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  • Scoliosis blood test

    I thought people might find this interesting. If you come across any Scoliosis blood test links please post them here. BTW still no word on the release date.

    Etiopathogenesis of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis and new molecular concepts

    Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) is the most common form of scoliosis that affects a significant number of young teenagers, mainly females (0.2-6 % of the population). Historically, several hypothesis were postulated to explain the aetiology of AIS, including genetic factors, biochemical factors, mechanics, neurological, muscular factors and hormonal factors. The neuroendocrine hypothesis involving a melatonin deficiency as the source for AIS has generated great interest. This hypothesis stems from the fact that experimental pinealectomy in chicken, and more recently in rats maintained in a bipedal mode, produces a scoliosis. The biological relevance of melatonin in idiopathic scoliosis is controversial since no significant decrease in circulating melatonin level has been observed in a majority of studies. Analysis of melatonin signal transduction in musculoskeletal tissues of AIS patients demonstrated for the first time a defect occurring in a cell autonomous manner in different cell types isolated from AIS patients suffering of the most severe form of that disease. These results have led to a classification of AIS patients in three different functional groups depending on their response to melatonin, suggesting that the cause of AIS involves several genes. Molecular analysis showed that melatonin signaling dysfunction is triggered by an increased phosphorylation of Gi proteins inactivating their function. This discovery has led to development of a first scoliosis screening assay. This test, using blood sample, is currently in clinical validation process in Canada and could be used for screening children at high risk of developing AIS.
    This release relates to Dr. Moreau's study from 2004.

    Melatonin Signaling Dysfunction in Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis

    Results. The cAMP assays demonstrated that melatonin signaling was impaired in osteoblasts isolated from adolescent idiopathic scoliosis patients to different degrees allowing their classification in 3 distinct groups based on their responsiveness to melatonin or Gpp(NH)p.

    Conclusion. Melatonin signaling is clearly impaired in osteoblasts of all patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis tested. Classification of patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis in 3 groups based on functional in vitro assays suggests the presence of distinct mutations interfering with the melatonin signal transduction. Posttranslational modifications affecting Gi protein function, such as serine residues phosphorylation, should be considered as one possible mechanism in the etiopathogenesis of AIS.
    I should add that this doesn't necessarily mean children with Scoliosis should take Melatonin. The problem appears to be that Melatonin isn't processed correctly, not that it's low.

  • #2
    several genes

    These results have led to a classification of AIS patients in three different functional groups depending on their response to melatonin, suggesting that the cause of AIS involves several genes.
    According to Dr. Moreau's patent one of the genes involved is called Osteopontin. OPN is a gene that all humans share. High levels of Osteopontin are associated with numerous inflammatory diseases including autoimmune disorders and various cancers.

    Wiki: Osteopontin

    Here is a link to Dr. Moreau's patent on his blood test. It contains lots of interesting information on Scoliosis and Osteopontin.
    (WO/2008/119170) METHOD OF DETERMINING RISK OF SCOLIOSIS

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    • #3
      Scoliosis blood test developed in Montreal

      Here is an easy to understand press release from June 2006 on the Scoliosis blood test. At the end of the article Dr. Moreau speculates that the test may be released in 2008. Whoops!

      National Review of Medicine: Scoliosis blood test developed in Montreal

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      • #4
        Pointer

        Here is an interview with Dr. Alain Moreau, developer of the Scoliosis blood test. In it he discusses his blood test and the latest thinking on Scoliosis.

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