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Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
Growth factor may link two paralyzing disorders
March 22nd, 2004
Vascular endothelial growth factor, otherwise known as VEGF, may be a surprising link underlying amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and spinal-bulbar muscular atrophy (SBMA), the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) reports. ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig disease, is a rapidly progressive disease in which the motor neurons - nerve cells that control muscles - are lost, with resulting paralysis of all voluntary muscle. MDA-supported researchers found last summer that variations in the VEGF gene are apparent risk factors for the disease. In about 90% of cases of ALS, there is no family history, and the cause is unknown. SBMA, also...
Source: Health & Medicine Week (2004-03-22)
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