Genes tied to lower urinary tract symptoms, prostate cancer - NewsChannel5.com | Nashville News, Weather & Sports

Study ties genes to lower urinary tract symptoms, prostate cancer risk

Updated:

TUESDAY, May 22 (HealthDay News) -- Certain gene variants linked to prostate cancer may make men more susceptible to lower urinary tract symptoms, according to a new study. On the other hand, a different gene variant might protect against those symptoms, the study found.

Researchers from the Feinberg School of Medicine at Northwestern University in Chicago identified 38 genetic sequence variants linked to prostate cancer risk in nearly 2,000 healthy, white men enrolled in a prostate cancer screening study. The men completed questionnaires on the severity of their lower urinary tract symptoms, their age and whether they took medications used to treat enlarged prostate (benign prostatic hyperplasia).

Four of the genetic variants were associated with severity of urinary tract symptoms, even after taking into account other genetic variations, age and medication use.

The study was scheduled to be presented Tuesday at the annual meeting of the American Urological Association (AUA), in Atlanta.

"We know that increased [prostate-specific antigen] levels are a risk factor for prostate cancer, however, levels also increase with other non-cancerous conditions, including surgical interventions," Dr. Tobias Kohler, a member of the AUA public media committee, said in an association news release. "Having an understanding of other factors that may contribute to urinary symptoms and prostate cancer susceptibility affords us the opportunity to better diagnose and treat the condition."

While the study uncovered an association between the gene variants and urinary tract symptoms, it did not prove a cause-and-effect relationship.

Because the study was presented at a medical meeting, the data and conclusions should be viewed as preliminary until published in a peer-reviewed journal.

More information

The U.S. National Library of Medicine has more about prostate cancer.

Copyright © 2012 HealthDay. All rights reserved.

  • Medical News HeadlinesMedical News Headlines

  • Thursday, May 23 2013 5:15 PM EDT2013-05-23 21:15:01 GMT
    New research is making a case for compassion and getting hospitals involved in teaching critical skills to new physicians.
    Bedside manner seems to come naturally to some, but many of us have known doctors who make us feel like they don't care. New research is making a case for compassion and getting hospitals involved in teaching critical skills to new physicians.

  • Wednesday, May 22 2013 5:15 PM EDT2013-05-22 21:15:03 GMT
    Each year, lung cancer strikes more than 222,000 people. It will kill 160,000, but adding something to chemotherapy could help beat the disease.
    Each year, lung cancer strikes more than 222,000 people. It will kill 160,000, but adding something to chemotherapy could help beat the disease.

  • Tuesday, May 21 2013 5:15 PM EDT2013-05-21 21:15:07 GMT
    Half a million premature babies are born in the U.S. every year. One doctor believes lullabies could reduce the chances of infections and huge hospital bills and she's got the proof to back it up.
    Half a million premature babies are born in the U.S. every year. One doctor believes lullabies could reduce the chances of infections and huge hospital bills and she's got the proof to back it up.

  • Monday, May 20 2013 5:15 PM EDT2013-05-20 21:15:02 GMT
    Macular degeneration is the leading cause of vision loss in Americans 60 and older. Once it progresses there aren't many treatment options, but now there is a high-tech way that doctors are using to help patients see better.
    Macular degeneration is the leading cause of severe vision loss in Americans 60 and older. Once it progresses there aren't many treatment options, but now there is a high-tech way that doctors are using to help patients see better.

  • Friday, May 17 2013 5:15 PM EDT2013-05-17 21:15:06 GMT
    Cholesterol, cancer, even infectious diseases: our blood can help doctors detect them all. Now, blood is being used to figure out what's going on inside your head.
    Cholesterol, cancer, even infectious diseases: our blood can help doctors detect them all. Now, blood is being used to figure out what's going on inside your head.

  • Thursday, May 16 2013 5:15 PM EDT2013-05-16 21:15:01 GMT
    Millions of Americans suffer from GERD – a chronic digestive disease that happens when stomach acid flows back into your food pipe. A lot of people know the condition causes heartburn, but there's a lot more to it.
    Millions of Americans suffer from GERD – a chronic digestive disease that happens when stomach acid flows back into your food pipe. A lot of people know the condition causes heartburn, but there's a lot more to it.

  • Wednesday, May 15 2013 5:15 PM EDT2013-05-15 21:15:01 GMT
    The average person remembers less than half of what doctors say during their office visits. Now there's a way to remember exactly what your doctor told you.
    Good communication between patients and physicians is critical to care, but the average person remembers less than half of what doctors say during their office visits. Now there's a way to remember exactly what your doctor told you.

  • Tuesday, May 14 2013 5:15 PM EDT2013-05-14 21:15:08 GMT
    If a sharp pain hits your back or side, beware, it could be a warning sign of a kidney stone. Every year one million people in the U.S. are treated for them and there's a lot of misinformation about the masses.
    If a sharp pain hits your back or side, beware, it could be a warning sign of a kidney stone. Every year one million people in the U.S. are treated for them and there's a lot of misinformation about the masses.

  • Monday, May 13 2013 5:15 PM EDT2013-05-13 21:15:02 GMT
    They're popping up all over the place. Providing kids and adults wall-to-wall entertainment, but is the trampoline arena trend resulting in simple fun or serious fractures?
    They're popping up all over the place. Providing kids and adults wall-to-wall entertainment, but is the trampoline arena trend resulting in simple fun or serious fractures?

  • Friday, May 10 2013 5:15 PM EDT2013-05-10 21:15:03 GMT
    At least 30 million Americans are having trouble hearing. Now, a new type of hearing aid is making it easier for people to get help without everyone knowing it.
    At least 30 million Americans are having trouble hearing. Now, a new type of hearing aid is making it easier for people to get help without everyone knowing it.
*DISCLAIMER*: The information contained in or provided through this site section is intended for general consumer understanding and education only and is not intended to be and is not a substitute for professional advice. Use of this site section and any information contained on or provided through this site section is at your own risk and any information contained on or provided through this site section is provided on an "as is" basis without any representations or warranties.
Powered by WorldNow
Contact Us | Advertise | Mobile | RSS Feeds | Facebook | Twitter | Email Alerts | Jobs |
Privacy Policy | Terms Of Use | Public File

© 2013 NewsChannel5.com | NewsChannel 5 WTVF-TV Nashville TN | Site hosted by WorldNow. All Rights Reserved.