Health through Science

Wilson's disease is an autosomal recessive genetic disorder, which is caused by mutations in a gene called ATP7B. This gene is the gene responsible for regulating the transport of copper and excretion of it outside the body. When this gene has mutations, it leads to copper accumulation inside the body, beginning in places like the liver, and eventually spreading to the brain and kidneys, causing symptoms such as: Hepatitis, cirrhosis, liver failure, tremors, difficulties in speaking, depression, psychosis, personality changes and even copper deposits in the cornea in the shape of rings, and some renal problems.  To treat Wilson's disease, cuprimine is administered in patients. It is a chelating agent, meaning that it is a substance which easily bonds with metal ions to form complexes. It bonds to copper ions, turning into a stable complex; this lets it be excreted through urine much more easily. By binding to the ions, cuprimine consumption results in a lower copper concentrati...

Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome, more commonly known as POTS, is a heart condition wherein people have an abnormal heart rate when they stand up, which can cause a lot of unpleasant symptoms like lightheadedness, dizziness, and even fainting. Bisoprolol, part of the beta-blockers family of medicine, is a treatment used to address the symptoms of POTS.  POTS is a type of dysautonomia, a nervous system disorder. As per most medical guidelines, it is characterized by an excessive heart rate increase (by more than 30BPM) within a 10 minute timeframe of standing. It can also be observed by a heart rate higher than 120 BPM where blood pressure does not change significantly.  Bisoprolol is a selective beta-1-adrenergic receptor blocker. This means that it blocks the receptors responsible for an increase in heart rate by upping heart contractions. Thus, by its blocking action, heart rate stability and consistency increases, and POTS symptoms are relieved. In essence, it work...

    Tamoxifen is an SERM, also known as a selective estrogen receptor modulator which affects estrogen levels in gynecomastia with the antagonistic actions on estrogen receptors. Gynecomastia is a benign enlargement of breast tissue; it mostly occurs due to an imbalance between estrogen and testosterone levels, which leads to increased estrogen activity relative to androgens, the male puberty hormone. Tamoxifen, similar to enzyme inhibitors, binds to estrogen receptors, specifically alpha and beta estrogen receptors in breast tissue. By occupying the receptors, tamoxifen blocks estrogen from binding to the receptors, thus inhibiting ESPs (estrogen signaling pathways). By doing this, the antagonistic action, it reduces the effect of estrogen on breast tissue growth or size. The medicine also may induce cell apoptosis in breast tissue, killing off the cells that lead to the swollen look of the chest that most people with gynecomastia have. Through this, it causes a regress...