The liver makes several enzymes, including alanine aminotransferase, or ALT. These enzymes help break down proteins so that the body can digest them. Besides helping the liver break down proteins, ALT helps the liver perform its basic functions. Some of these include: filtering toxins from the blood storing nutrients and iron producing bile, which aids… Read More »
Researchers have developed an innovative, personalized absorber that can “catch” toxic chemotherapy drugs when they “leak out” of a treated organ. This could help reduce the adverse side effects of these cancer treatments. A newly designed ‘drug sponge’ could intercept chemotherapy agents before they reach and affect healthy tissue. A team of researchers from institutions… Read More »
Growing up, I had the picture-perfect family. I lived in a beautiful home in the suburbs of Detroit with my parents and younger brother. I had every opportunity in the world, attended private schools, and even made it onto the honor roll. I was involved in dance, theater, and many of the school sports teams.… Read More »
On one of my first days on the labor and delivery ward, one of the attending obstetricians asked me what area of medicine I was interested in. When I said that I was applying into neurology this year, she said, “Ah! The other end of the body!” After a pause, she continued, “Well, this rotation will be… Read More »
This story is part of a partnership that includes WBUR, NPR and Kaiser Health News. This story can be republished for free (details). Kristina Cunningham was in stable condition on an evening in June, when EMTs lifted her gurney into a medical flight, bound for Boston. The 34-year-old couldn’t use her right arm or speak… Read More »
According to the latest research, men with inflammatory bowel disease have a significantly higher risk of developing prostate cancer. IBD causes chronic inflammation in the digestive tract. Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is characterized by a range of gastrointestinal symptoms, including diarrhea, bloating, and cramps. Two of the most common forms of IBD are Crohn’s disease… Read More »