9th Aug 2011, 10:47 am by Brad Lemaire

Drug maker Lexicon Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ:LXRX) reported positive data from a phase two study of its experimental drug LX1032, designed to treat a chronic condition that causes severe diarrhea.

Carcinoid syndrome is caused by neuroendocrine tumors that usually originate from the gastrointestinal tract, and is characterized by severe diarrhea and flushing episodes, with long-term consequences including malnutrition, heart disease, and death.

Symptoms of the disease have been linked to excess production of serotonin by metastatic tumor cells. The company’s drug, taken orally, is designed to reduce serotonin production.

The phase two trial was carried-out as a randomized, placebo-controlled study made up of 23 patients with carcinoid syndrome, in the United States.

Patients in the study averaged six bowel movements a day, with subjects receiving either a placebo or one of four doses of the drug daily for 28 days.

The study’s endpoint was safety and tolerability. Efficacy measures included change in bowel movements, relief of symptoms and reduction in serotonin production.

Data from the study showed five patients taking the drug reduced bowel movements per day by 30% for two weeks or more during the study.

Further, nine patients had a complete biochemical response of a 50% reduction in urinary 5-HIAA, a biomarker of serotonin production. at the end of the study, six patients also reported sufficient relief of carcinoid symptoms.

According to the results, the drug was also well tolerated and adverse events were mild to moderate, the company said.

Additionally, preliminary data from a separate, single-arm study of the drug in Europe reported five out of six patients with carcinoid syndrome showed sustained reductions o of at least 30% in bowel movement frequency.

Two of these responses occurred in the first four weeks of therapy, while three more occurred in the fourth and eighth week of treatment, under the 12-week protocol.

“The phase two data clearly show a reduction in bowel movements and symptom relief in a population that has exhausted all standard-of-care treatment options,” Chief Medical Officer of Lexicon, Pablo Lapuerta, said in a statement.

“The phase two data are also consistent with preliminary results from the European study, where there appear to be some early responses and additional benefit with continued treatment.”

The LX1032 drug is being developed under fast track designation from the FDA and orphan drug designation from the European Medicines Agency (EMA).

Currently, Lexicon is planning a phase two trial of the drug for mild to moderate ulcerative colitis, an inflammatory bowel disease that affects the lining of the large intestine.

Shares in the biopharmaceutical company rose one penny to $1.41 on Tuesday morning.

Crohn’s disease is an seditious bowel disease causing some wellbeing issues afterward in addition the unwearied cannot hint a regular life. countless resign the trade payable headed for the stress forced taking place them by means of the disease furthermore the elevation things of the drugs may possibly equal wound the emotional wellbeing of the patient. It is caused payable headed for the soreness in the colon with may possibly change the gastro intestinal usage initial commencing the swagger headed for the anus. the a large amount conventional carve up artificial is the worse portion of the small intestine that is ileum. the countless symptoms are abdominal pain, ruthless diarrhea also bowel movements.

Usually the ulcerative colitis next the Crohn’s disease comprise the similar symptoms then are arduous headed for diagnose. in recent times blood tests boast bring into being effectual headed for differentiate connecting the two diseases also at that moment perform the indispensable steps accordingly. Ulcerative colitis affects the lining of the intestine except Crohn’s disease affects the complete tissues in the intestine. the basis of this disease is strange except the infection is caused payable headed for bacteria. in recent times researchers comprise bring into being with the intention of the disease may possibly ensue heritable with the intention of affects the protection of the corpus as a consequence along these lines causing soreness in the intestine.

Additional symptoms contain arthritis, fever, meager passion then heaviness loss, fever, nighttime sweats, rectal hemorrhage afterward skin rashes. the a large amount collective issue is the stumbling block of the intestine with basis ulcers in the intestine. this may possibly besides upset the surrounding tissues afterward thus it is needed headed for television moreover headed for make certain with the intention of the disease is underneath control. one more complication is the promotion of fistula-fissures in the lining of the anus.

During the stage of remission, the unwearied may possibly consider with the intention of he is absolutely cured, except the actuality is with the intention of the disease bottle find of poorer quality next to several time. representing some, the stage of diminution may possibly keep on representing some time moreover representing a number of it may possibly keep on solitary representing a little years. as a result television them, consult your medical doctor repeatedly along with engage decorous be bothered of your health.

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Usually in the beginning stages there are no symptoms, but one of the main symptoms is rectal bleeding, also change in bowel movements, i.e. size, color. Everyone 50 and older should have a colonoscopy to check for cancer. Colon cancer is a slow growing cancer, so caught in the early stages it is highly curable. God bless.

Irritable bowel syndrome is otherwise shortly called as IBS. this condition is sometimes named as spastic colon. It is described as a functional disease always having the qualities of abdominal discomfort, may be with pain in the abdomen, bloating of stomach. in many cases, the patient does not have any organic cause and have alteration in the bowel habits and movements. The pain is relieved by bowel movements in some cases. The irritable bowel syndrome is classified as IBS-C, if the patients is having constipation, classified as IBS-D, if the patient has diarrhea and it is classified as IBS-A, if the patient has both diarrhea and constipation alternatively. Irritable bowel syndrome may appear after a forcible exertion of pressure on the mind by certain life events. It may also seem to appear after an infection. such type of irritable bowel syndrome is called as IBS-PI.

About cure:- several treatments are available to relieve pain and related symptoms. Medication, altered dietary pattern, physician advise, psychological changes, education of patient, mainly the good relationship between doctor and patients intervene, and gives good result in symptom disappearance.. however there is no treatment to cure irritable bowel syndrome.

Relationship of brain with the formation of the disease.:-a parasitic infection of abdomen, chronic constipation, chronic type of functional abdominal pain, giardiasis, malabsorption of fructose and coelic disease in some cases represent the character of Irritable bowel syndrome often and they mislead for irritable bowel syndrome. in certain cases the bowel seems to be very sensitive to certain type of stimuli and in many cases routine tests show no abnormalities. there is a common factor that increases the symptoms of irritabe bowel syndrome are the disorder of the brain in its behaviour of interaction with gastrointestinal tract. But, there are theories about the abnormalities of the immune system and gut flora. The definite and exact cause is not known till now.

The disease generally does not cause more serious condition: Irritable bowel syndrome does contributes to chronic and severe pain and it may even prevent the sufferer in going to their work. The study so far conducted and the researches carried out indicate that irritable bowel syndrome is the disease that may affect the quality of life in certain cases.

Speacial characters that determines the classification:-When the IBS individual is characteristic of having predominant diarrhea, it is classified as IBD-D. If it is mainly related with constipation, then it is called as IBS-C. The term IBS-A is used when the bowel habit alternates with constipation and diarrhea. The infections in certain cases causes fever, vomiting and the stool culture shows positive results and this type of post-infective syndrome is called as post infectious IBS.

The psychiatric symptoms intervene in irritable bowel syndrome:- It is found that about 60% of the patients encountering IBS are having depression and anxiety.

But, the primary IBS symptoms are abdominal pain, distention of the abdomen, bloating, particularly the bowel movement changes like constipation or diarrhea or constipation followed by diarrhea. Other symptoms include genitourinary symptoms, gastro esophageal reflux. they may also have backache, headache, fibromyalgia and chronic type of fatigue.

Risk factors and causes:- there are several theories have been submitted about the causes of Irritable bowel syndrome and it mainly described with gastrointestinal infection. The risk factors so far described are post-infection, young age, anxiety, fever and depression. But many theories so far published tries to connect the brain activity disorder in relation with gut. Brain-gut response stress and derailing of the brain -gut axis are some of the theories that explained the connection of brain activity with irritable bowel syndrome.

Rsearchers are doing more work on the causes of the IBS. Some researchers believe the overgrowth of the intestinal flora causes the disease. Others found that certain protozoa infection causes IBS. But they know only little things about the IBS causing protozoa and they agree that they have to study more to know the protozoa fully.

Blastocystitis a single cell organism which is the most important one that has been reported to cause Irritable bowel syndrome and it is identified as an organism that does not respond to common antiprotozoals.

Dientamoeba fragilitis is a type of single cell organism that causes IBS symptoms and it appears to respond to antibiotics.

Specific system of diagnosis:- there are no specific tests have been developed so far to identify or diagnose irritable bowel syndrome. a patient with IBS symptoms are categorized after ruling out lactose intolerance, celiac disease, overgrowth of gut bacteria and parasite infection. Colonoscopy is recommended for patients over 50 years of age.

Diagnostic algorithms:-Abnormal defecation and abdominal pain is a common feature in almost all digestive system disorder like inflammatory bowel disease, giardiasis, colon cancer and thyroid disorders and so also it is seen in irritable bowel syndrome also. a general guide line is followed to rule out other diseases like lactose intolerance, gastrointestinal infection and coeliac disease. after ruling out such disorders, a diagnostic algorithm is used for differential diagnosis. The popular algorithms are RomeI,II and III.

However, often certain diseases like helicobacter pylori, parasites and celiac diseases are mis-diagnosed for irritable bowel syndrome.

Effective management:-Antispasmodics, peppermint oil and fiber appears to be safe and effective methods of management. Diet restriction and lactose free diets seem to be more effective. a diet restricting fructose also gives more successful results.

Medication:-The medication includes laxatives in IBS-C, antidiarhheals like loperamide, codeine and opioid analogs are helpful in IBS-D.Antispasmodics like hyoscyamine and dicyclomine help in patients of IBS with cramps and diarrhea. Neurotropics like atropine and musculotropics like mebeverine are useful in treating IBS. Tricyclic antidepressants and serotonin antagonists are also effective for treating irritable bowel syndrome. Silicates and citrates of magnesium and alverines are commonly used in all types of IBS. The dopamine receptor blocker, domperidone is effective in reducing the bloating and pain in IBS.

I was wanting to know the symptoms of each stage of colon cancer from people that has experienced it. I am young, although the symptoms should be the same. I just need to know your knowledge for my well being. Please answer truthfully for me.

In its early stage, colorectal cancer usually produces no symptoms. The most likely warning signs include:

* Changes in bowel movements, including persistent constipation or diarrhea, a feeling of not being able to empty the bowel completely, an urgency to move the bowels, rectal cramping, or rectal bleeding
* dark patches of blood in or on stool; or long, thin, "pencil stools"
* Abdominal discomfort or bloating
* Unexplained fatigue, loss of appetite and/or weight loss
* Pelvic pain, which occurs at later stages of the disease
Stage 0 cancer of the colon is very early cancer. The cancer is found only in the innermost lining of the colon. Stage I
Also called Dukes a colon cancer, the cancer has spread beyond the innermost lining of the colon to the second and third layers and involves the inside wall of the colon. The cancer has not spread to the outer wall of the colon or outside the colon.Stage II
Also called Dukes B colon cancer, the tumor extends through the muscular wall of the colon, but there is no cancer in the lymph nodes (small structures that are found throughout the body that produce and store cells that fight infection).Stage III
Also called Dukes C colon cancer, the cancer has spread outside the colon to one or more lymph nodes (small structures that are found throughout the body that produce and store cells that fight infection).Stage IV
Also called Dukes D colon cancer, the cancer has spread outside the colon to other parts of the body, such as the liver or the lungs. The tumor can be any size and may or may not include affected lymph nodes (small structures that are found throughout the body that produce and store cells that fight infection).

I have stage 3, and I was having problems at first that I didn't associate with anything serious. I kept having alternating diarrhea and constipation, and every now and then I'd get these "ribbon-like" stools. when I got worried was when I suddenly started getting severe pain, like the worst gas you can imagine, and every 15 minutes or so I'd also get mind-blowing pain. My husband took me to the emergency room, and after a barium swallow, they told me it was just gas, and to see my doctor if a laxative didn't work. a month later, it happened again. This time I went to a gastrointerologist, who did a colonoscopy. it turns out I had a tumor so big it was blocking off my colon, and the pain was because everything was backing up behind it and couldn't get through!

Fibromyalgia is a kind of disorder which results in immense amount of pain in various parts of the body of the patient.Few studies have reveled that women suffer from fibromyalgia more, compared to men.This pain could be extremely excruciating and might bring about extreme amount of physical and mental discomfort.

Few symptoms of fibromyalgia is pain in body parts followed by difficulty in swallowing food, insomnia, anxiety, painful bowel movements, unbearable amount of pain during menstruation, etc.Any kind of pain should not be concluded as fibromyalgia.so do check with your doctor to confirm if your pain is due to fibromyalgia before getting treated for it.

A lot of factors are assumed to be responsible for fibromyalgia few of which are hereditary factors, tension, stress, hormonal imbalances etc.no permanent cure has been found to cure fibromyalgia but it can certainly be treated by taking certain measures.

To begin with it is very important that you meet your doctor and start taking adequate medicines for fibromyalgia.There are no medicines for fibromyalgia as such but your doctor will analyse your condition and based on the severity of your disorder he/she will prescribe you anti-depressants, pain killers, injections etc.

These are not permanent cures but will surely help you relieve of the pain and other symptoms.certain studies have stated that acupuncture therapy also works well for treating fibromyalgia.so you can try acupuncture therapy by a professional to treat  fibromyalgia.Few other forms of treatments like physiotherapy, aromatherapy etc. are also known to help alleviate fibromyalgia to a great extent.

Apart from trying these various forms of treatment it is very important to make certain healthy and necessary changes in your lifestyle to get rid of fibromyalgia.First and foremost thing to do is to eat a healthy and well balanced diet consisting of plenty of fruits and vegetables.also make sure to have plenty of water throughout the day.

It is very important to cleanse your body by means of a detox diet once a while to treat fibromyalgia.Indulge in some form of physical activity daily for at least 30 minutes daily to strengthen your muscles.also keep away from all sorts of stress and tension and get adequate amount of sleep to get rid of fibromyalgia.do make regular visits to your doctor and follow these tips to keep fibromyalgia at bay.

it truly is induced by viruses that are transmitted from blood to blood contact with an infected person, and it affects millions of folks all over the world. Some of the hepatitis C infections usually are not dangerous, but quite a few of them can turn into chronic hepatitis which can be deadly.

Hepatitis C signs and symptoms appear in roughly 1 of each and every five individuals who have been infected using the hepatitis C virus. That implies 80 percent of these who’ve hepatitis C are in all probability unaware of it. When hepatitis C symptoms do appear, they range in severity. they could be mild and barely noticeable, or they may be severe and debilitating.

* discomfort in the abdomen * you’ll notice that bowel movements appear different, normally lighter or clay colored * urine is likely to become darker, looking additional like a coffee color * generalized itching * unusually frequent headaches are likely to occur * jaundice, a liver dilemma that makes the skin and eyes turn a shade of yellow * many people who’ve hepatitis C encounter a loss of appetite * aching muscles are typical * nausea * hepatitis C usually causes vomiting in those who’ve been infected.

The hepatitis C virus is the cause of hepatitis C. This virus is also commonly identified by the abbreviation HCV. most of the time, an exchange of blood is needed to transmit the virus from one individual to another. it is just not often transmitted by way of sexual contact.

Chronic hepatitis C, which can be a serious liver disease, develops in 2 of every three folks who’ve an acute hepatitis C infection.

When individuals get infected using the hepatitis C virus they enter the acute hepatitis phase. Acute hepatitis lasts for 6 months and whilst in this phase the virus is “hibernating” and it is not causing any trouble. in most instances it does not show any signs or symptoms but a little amount of persons have experienced jaundice, abdominal pain, a state of fatigue and weakness and also a lower inside the appetite.

In 20% of the cases the body eliminates the hepatitis C virus in these 1st 6 months, and also the patient is cured. but in most cases the virus is nonetheless present right after 6 months, becomes active, and acute hepatitis C turns into chronic hepatitis C.

Chronic hepatitis C is tricky due to the fact it has virtually no symptoms and for this cause it cannot be discovered till it’s too late. even the jaundice that seems during the acute phase is often gone. in a lot of instances it’s discovered accidentally whilst routine tests are performed on the patient.

According to recent studies, as numerous as a single individual in each thirty worldwide has been infected with the hepatitis C virus. That quantities to approximately 170 million individuals.

However signs and symptoms do occur when severe damage is done to the liver and it doesn’t function properly. Essentially the most typical indicators that appear at most persons are fever and other flu-like symptoms, headache, lower in appetite, fatigue, abdominal, joint and bone pain.

If you liked this article you might also like finding out about Signs of Hepatitis as well as Hepatitis Contagious.

Tags: C, hepatitis, people, symptoms

What causes lower Left side back Pain?

Many people experience lower left side back pain, which can last for days, weeks or months at a time. Common symptoms may include localized pain below the ribs and around the side of the torso. in addition, lower left side back pain may be intermittent in frequency in which the pain may be more tolerable during certain hours of the day. Often times, people who have lower left side back pain will notice a stabbing-like pain or dull, aching pain. Many people may also be hyper-sensitive to touch, which stays localized to the lower left side of the back. For others, the pain remains unaffected even with changes in dietary habits. some people who have lower left side back pain may also experience pain and discomfort when taking deep breaths, lying still or during exercise. changes in bowel movements may also be accompanied with lower left side back pain.

Frustration can be a common emotion for many people experiencing this pain because many doctors have trouble finding an accurate diagnosis. even extensive testing such as medical imaging, colonoscopy, ultrasound, heart scan, blood tests, urine tests and stool tests may all come out normal.

Your doctor may prescribe pain medication, which may or may not help alleviate your pain. although it is difficult to remain patient during period, please remember that lower left side back pain can be caused by many factors, which make it very difficult to diagnose your condition. if you and your doctor have tried every approach to diagnosing and treating your pain, ask your physician to refer you to a specialist. if you have tried this approach without much success, you may want to consider seeing a new physician. Doctors are very knowledgeable about medical conditions but some may have more expertise and relevant experience with your particular condition.

Here is a list of conditions which can cause lower left side back pain:

Hypochondrial pain: Symptoms include pain under the rib cage, which can be referred from the colon or spleen.

Ectopic pregnancy: A woman with a developing ectopic pregnancy may not display any signs or symptoms of being pregnant. Symptoms include lower abdominal pain, vaginal bleeding, cramping or stabbing pain around the pelvic area, dizziness and felling lightheaded.

Endometriosis: Symptoms may include pain in the pelvis, abdomen and lower back. Heavy flow of vaginal bleeding may accompany these symptoms.

Pancreatitis: Symptoms that are chronic may include indigestion, abdominal pain, back pain, weight loss and steatorrhea (stool that is appears oily and foul smelling).

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): also known as spastic colon, IBS may be accompanied by abdominal pain, diarrhea, headaches, low back pain and chest pain.

Peptic Ulcer: Symptoms may include a burning pain in the chest, nausea, vomiting, weight loss, change in appetite and back pain.

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disorder: Symptoms may include heartburn, chest pain, back pain, difficulty swallowing or dry cough.

Gastrointestinal bleeding: Common causes include esophageal varices, stomach ulcer, erosions of the esophagus, duodenum or stomach; duodenal ulcer, abnormal blood vessels, colon cancer, anal fissures, colon polyps, diverticulosis, inflammatory bowel disease, internal hemorrhoids and inflammation of the large bowels.

Celiac Disease: Symptoms of celiac disease may mimic those of other conditions such as anemia, parasite infections, irritable bowel syndrome, gastric ulcers and skin disorders. Symptoms may include joint pain, weight loss, back pain, weakness and fatigue, bone disorders such as osteoporosis, diarrhea, abdominal cramps and anemia.

Radicular pain: this occurs when there is irritation or compression along the nerves exiting the spine. Symptoms include pain that is accompanied by weakness, numbness or a tingling sensation. causes of radicular pain can be due to injury, trauma, soft tissue, disc herniation, facet syndrome or bony changes to the vertebral column.

Kidney stones: Symptoms include pain below the ribs, pain around the torso and back pain. It is also common to experience pain radiating into the lower abdomen and groin region. other symptoms include pain during urination, nausea and vomiting.

Gallstones: Symptoms may include pain between the shoulder blades, pain in the center and upper right region of the abdomen, back pain and pain into the right shoulder. Additional symptoms may include abdominal pain after eating meals.

Problems with the adrenal gland: Common symptoms include headaches, dizziness when standing up or changing positions quickly, sensitivity to bright lights, low back pain.

MYFOXNY.COM – Parishioners and other faithful who received Holy Communion during Christmas mass at a church on Long Island may have been exposed to hepatitis A, according to the Nassau County Department of Health.

Health officials urged anyone who received Communion at the 10:30 am and 12 p.m. masses on December 25, 2010, at Our Lady of Lourdes Church at Massapequa Park to get vaccinated as soon as possible.

The Nassau Health Department is offering immune globulin or hepatitis A vaccine to those potentially exposed to hepatitis A, officials said.

Officials did not offer details on the source of the potential contamination, but said that the hepatitis A virus can be spread by consuming food or drink that has been handled by an infected person.

Just sitting in the church during mass would not put churchgoers at risk, officials said.

The symptoms usually appear within 28 days of exposure, with a range of 15 to 50 days, Nassau health officials said.

Symptoms include fever, fatigue, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, dark urine, clay-colored bowel movements, joint pain, and jaundice, the CDC says. some patients exhibit no symptoms at all.

Once symptoms appear, no medication can be used to treat a patient; bed rest is usually all that is needed, health officials said.

Hepatitis A is a liver disease caused by the hepatitis A virus, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. it is what is called a “self-limiting disease,” which doesn’t become a chronic infection or chronic liver disease, according to the CDC website.

For more information on the potential hepatitis A exposure at Our Lady of Lourdes Church, you can contact the Nassau County Department of Health at 516-227-9496.

The Nassau County Health Department is offering immune globulin or the Hep A vaccine for those who may have been exposed to the virus at Our Lady of Lourdes Church auditorium, 855 Carmans Road, Massapequa Park, N.Y.

Tuesday, January 4, 2011 – 3 pm to 8 pm Wednesday, January 5, 2011 – 9 am to 3 pm

• NASSAU HEALTH DEPARTMENT
• CDC

(HealthDay News) — here are the latest clinical trials, courtesy of ClinicalConnection.com:

Bunions

this study will evaluate a new pain drug to be given after bunion surgery. To qualify, you must be 18 or older and be willing to have your bunion surgically corrected.

The research site is in Owings Mills, Md.

More information

Please see clinicalconnection.com/clinical_trials/condition/bunion.aspx.

Ulcerative Colitis

this study will evaluate an investigational drug for ulcerative colitis. Symptoms of UC may include frequent bowel movements, diarrhea, bloody stools and abdominal discomfort.

The research site is in Milwaukee, Wisc.

More information

Please see clinicalconnection.com/clinical_trials/condition/Ulcerative_Colitis.aspx.

Facial Acne

this study is for people aged 12 to 45 with moderate-to-severe facial acne. Participants may be compensated up to $300.

The research site is in Bryan, Texas.

More information

Please see clinicalconnection.com/clinical_trials/condition/acne.aspx.

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