Research

Gene found: A gene implicated in heart disease and Alzheimer's disease might be useful in predicting how severe diabetic peripheral neuropathy (nerve degeneration) could be, says a new study from Duke University Medical Center.

Researchers found that patients who have certain variations of a gene called APOE have more severe problems with peripheral neuropathy which, in turn, increases risk of pain or ulcers in the feet, amputations and premature death.

“Among our patients, having a "high-risk' genotype was like having 15 extra years of age or 15 extra years of diabetes in terms of neuropathy severity,” says Dr. Richard S. Bedlack, lead author of the study.

It's not clear how diabetes causes neuropathy, and there are methods for preventing and treating the condition, but they tend to be expensive and labor-intensive, says Dr. Bedlack. A genetic marker that identifies at-risk patients could help direct care.

Researchers followed 187 diabetes patients, correlating severity of peripheral neuropathy with age, duration of diabetes and APOE genotype and other characteristics. Researchers found people with the APOE variation termed E4 have an increased risk for Alzheimer's, coronary artery disease and more severe neuropathy.

Tips

Footloose: The pointy toes and stiletto heels that make boots such hot fashion items also make for foot health problems, says a Houston orthopedic surgeon.

The boots put too much pressure on the forefoot. Dr. John Marymont, an assistant professor of orthopedic surgery at Baylor College of Medicine, offers these tips for better-fitting boots and shoes:

• Measure both feet whenever you purchase shoes.

• Try on both shoes.

• Fit shoes to the largest foot.

• Avoid heels higher than 2 1/2 inches.

• Shop at the end of the day.

Resources

Helpline: The American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence have teamed up to offer Face to Face, a program to heal the psychological and physical scars suffered by domestic violence. Call the 24-hour referral line at (800) 842-4546.

Shelf help

Myth-busting: Bad Medicine: Misconceptions and Misuses Revealed, from Distance Healing to Vitamin O (John Wiley and Sons; $15.95) by Christopher Wanjek sets the record straight.

Siting

Click: Check out www.fda.gov, the Food and Drug Administration's Pregnancy Registries Web site.

Pregnant women can volunteer to participate in a drug registry to help determine what, if any, effect their prescription medications are having on their unborn babies or learn more about safely taking medications during pregnancy.

Contact Peggy O'Farrell by phone, 768-8510; fax, 768-8330, or e-mail pofarrell@enquirer.com

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