Foundation for Prader-Willi Blog (75)

Deletion vs. UPD: 70/30 or 50/50?

Most information about PWS starts out with a brief overview of the genetics of the condition. Deletion of chromosome 15 is listed as the most common cause of PWS, accounting for roughly 70% of cases.

November 21, 2006 Read More

Topics: Research

A genetic basis for autism

Progress in understanding the basis of autism is relevant to PWS for a number of reasons, including the high incidence of autistic behaviors in those with PWS (see, for example: Descheemaeker MJ, et al Pervasive developmental disorders in Prader-Will...

November 7, 2006 Read More

Topics: Research

Nesfatin: a new appetite-control molecule

The number of molecules controlling appetite and body weight continues to grow! A new satiety-inducing molecule, secreted by the hypothalamus, has been identified and named "nesfatin-1" (short for: NEFA/nucleobindin2-encoded satiety- and fat-influenc...

November 7, 2006 Read More

Topics: Research

Obestatin is not elevated in PWS

An article published last year described a new appetite suppressing peptide hormone, obestatin (see previous blog and reference here). One interesting feature about this peptide is that it appears to be derived from the same precursor as ghrelin, the...

October 30, 2006 Read More

Topics: Research

Ghrelin in young kids with PWS- waiting for the storm?

A new paper out in the Journal of Pediatrics looks at Ghrelin levels in young children with Prader-Willi syndrome - Erdie-Lalena CR, Holm VA, Kelly PC, Frayo RS, Cummings DE. J Pediatrics, 149:199-204, 2006). This study adds to the existing literatur...

September 19, 2006 Read More

Topics: Research

Review of Growth Hormone and PWS Mortality

Dr. Phillip Lee is an expert on PWS endocrine issues; notably growth hormone therapy in PWS. He wrote a review on the subject in the Growth, Genetics & Hormones journal, an online resource directed to endocrinologists and health professionals tha...

September 11, 2006 Read More

Topics: Research

Understanding how a weight loss drug works: serotonin linked to MC4R

Some years ago, the dietary pill Fen-Phen was a fairly widely used, effective drug for weight loss, and was even reported to be helpful in PWS in a small clinical trial: Selikowitz M, et al. Unfortunately, its adverse effects on the heart and lungs l...

August 13, 2006 Read More

Topics: Research