HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Lucknow Sentinel, 1988-09-21, Page 15Researchers
Canadian researchers say they are the
first in the world to isolate an enzyme link-
ed to the onset of rheumatoid arthriti
discovery that could lead to a new gent
tion of drugs to treat th. co non,
ing disease.
High levels of the enzyme, called PLA4,
have been found in the fluid produced
around the inflamed joints of arthritis pa-
tients, says Dr. Waldemar Pruzanski,
director of the immunology research cen-
tre at Wellesley Hospital in Toronto.
About one in every 100 Canadians suffers
from rheumatoid arthritis, a condition
characterized by painful, swollen joints —
commonly in the knees, hands and feet —
which often makes movement difficult. In
severe cases, the progressive disease can
cause permanent crippling.
Pruzanski said he and Dr. Peter Vadas
began seeking a connection between PLA2
and arthritis about six years ago.
Vadas had earlier found large amounts
of PLA2 in blood flowing from inflamed
tissue and believed the enzyme might play
a role in the swollen joints of arthritics. He
asked Pruzanski to collaborate in testing
his theory.
When the researchers examined fluid
TOPS members
begin meetings
Lucknow Sentinel, Wednesday, September 21, 1988—Page 15
close to treatment for
SPECIAL REPORT
TOPS members resumed their weekly
meetings last Wednesday and they would
like to welcome any new members wishing
to Take Off Pounds Sensibly.
Members encourage one another, par-
ticiapte in contests and share helpful infor-
mation. Recognition for weight loss is
given in the form of complilnents, the
weekly fruit basket and various charms. .v
Members look forward to the Diamnond
Area Rally Day at Durham in October.
The theme for the rally is TOPS to KOPS -
Don't Clown Around. Local chapter queens
for 1987, KOPS grads —Keep Off Pounds
Sensibly), and other losers will be
recognized.
LUCK NOW CHRISTIAN
REFORMED CHURCH
Invites You To Worship With Them On
Sunday, September 25, 1988
10 a.m. and 7:30 p.m.
Nursery downstairs morning 8. evening
EVERYONE WELCOME
LUCKNOW
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
Sunday, September 25, 1988
11:00 A.M. Worship Service
9:45 A.M. Sunday School
Nursery For Children Under 4 Years
Rev. ALLISON J. RAMSAY . Minister
Everyone Welcome
LUCKNOW
UNITED CHURCH
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 1988
Sunday School 10:00 A.M.
Worship Service 11:00 A.M.
Rev. Gerald McFarlane
Nursery and junior congregation provided
EVERYONE WELCOME
drawn from the knees of arthritis patients,
they discovered "enormous quantities" of
the enzyme, said Pruzanski.
"We were jumping up and down like kids
when we found that this enzyme in the fluid
is 50 to 100 times higher than in the fluid of
normal individuals," he said Friday. "No
one before knew this enzyme was
present."
Ade nal testing showed patients had
elevated amounts of PLA2 when their in-
flammation flared up, and that the level
was lower when symptoms eased.
Pruzanski said the research team is the
first in the world to purify the enzyme out-
side the body and break down its compo-
nent parts.
Determining its structure has allowed
the scientists to show that PLA2 present in
joints differs from two other known forms
of the enzyme — one in the pancreas that
helps digest fats and another present in
snake venom.
The team also found that laboratory
animals injected with the enzyme will
develop symptoms similar to arthritis m
humans. More importantly, they found
certain chemical agents can be used in the
animals to block the effects of PLA2, he
Baia.
"We have shown that when you block
PLA2, you block inflammation," he said.
However, Pruzanski said these chemical
agents cannot be used for the basis of
treatments becuase they are toxic to
humans.
"If we discover in the future a blocker
that will be compatible with the human
body — a non-poinsonous blocker — then
we will be able to abolish inflammation."
Pruzanski said the researchers, in con-
junction with a California-based
biotechnology company called CALBIO,
are testing a number of drugs in animals to
stop PLA2 production.
But he believes it will be at least three to
five years before a safe, effective drug is
developed and approved to treat
rheumatoid arthritis in humans.
Doctors have long believed the disease
results from a defect in the immune
system which causes cells that normally
3rd
arthritis
defend against disease agents to turn on
the body's own. tissue.
But isolation of the enzyme suggests the
causes of arthritis are far more complex,
and may involve a number of
mechanisms, said Pruzanski. "This is a
brand new line of investigation."
MD drive
The local fund raising effort for
Muscular Dystrophy conducted by
members of the Lucknow Fire Depart-
ment over the Labour Day weekend was
again a sucess.
According to Fire Chief Bud Hamilton,
motorists stopped on their way into town
found it in their hearts to donate a total of
$2,167 to this worthy cause. This amount is
up considerably from last year's total of
$1,980.
The local fire fighters would like to take
this opportunity to thank all who donated
when called upon. The money will be turn-
ed over the a representative of the Cana-
dian Muscular Dustrophy Association at a
meeting to be held in Lucknow in early
November.
You Are Invited To The
CoUNTRY
RAFT FESTIVAL
at the
Goderich Twp Community Centre and Holmesville Public
School. Holmesville Ont. (off Hwy 8 between Goderich & Clinton)
Display and Sale of Crafts
Baking - Knitting - Doll Clothes - Ceramics - Wreaths - Wooden Toys
- Wood Crafts - Hone Canned Goods - Produce - and much, much more
Admission: 50C
Light Lunchs &
Refreshments Available Door Prizes
Friday, September 30. 11 a.m. - 9 p.m.
Saturday, October 1, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Sunday, October 2, 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Contact Milena Lobb, R.R. 2 Clinton, NOM ILO Bus. (519) 482-5700, Horne (519) 482-3062
WHITE BEANS
We're ready when you deliver.
W.G. Thompson & Sons Ltd. know that when it comes to delivering
beans you want the quickest and most efficient service possible.
So bring your white beans. to Thompsons.
Because when you deliver...we deliver.
t•
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Blenheim 676.5411
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529-7901
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293 3223
FERTILIZERS
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