Henry Ford Hospital Study Shows Link Between Vitamin D, Skin Cancer
March 9, 2010 by Contributor
Filed under Healthy Happenings
Detroit, MI – A Henry Ford Hospital study has shown a link between Vitamin D levels and basal cell carcinoma, a finding that could lead researchers to better understand the development of the most common form of skin cancer.
In a small study, researchers at Henry Ford and Wayne State University found elevated levels of Vitamin D enzymes and proteins in cancerous tissue taken from 10 patients compared to normal skin tissue taken from them.
Previous studies have linked Vitamin D deficiency with certain cancers but this is believed to be the first time researchers looked at Vitamin D and basal cell carcinoma.
This finding may help us in future research to determine whether vitamin D plays a causative or reactive role in the development and progression of skin cancer, says Iltefat Hamzavi, M.D., senior staff physician in Henry Ford’s Department of Dermatology and the study’s lead author.
The study will be presented at the Photomedicine Society’s annual meeting in Miami, one day before the American Academy of Dermatology’s annual meeting.
Basal cell carcinoma, which affects about 1 million Americans a year, is the most common form of skin cancer. This cancer forms in the basal cells of the deepest layer of the skin. Mohs micrographic surgery is one of the most effective treatments for removing skin cancer.
The 10 patients enrolled in the study were diagnosed with basal cell carcinoma and ranged in age from 43 to 83. All had biopsies taken of cancerous tissue and surrounding normal skin tissue. Researchers found a 10-fold increase in Vitamin D enzyme levels and a two-fold increase in Vitamin D protein levels. The enzymes and proteins help regulate levels of Vitamin D in the skin. Two genes that play a role in DNA and tumor repair also had elevated levels of Vitamin D in cancerous tissue compared to normal tissue.
The study was funded by the American Society of Dermatologic Surgery, Wayne State University and Henry Ford Hospital.
St. Joseph Mercy Oakland Expands Weight Management Program
July 20, 2009 by Editor
Filed under Healthy Happenings
Pontiac, Mich.—St. Joseph Mercy Oakland (SJMO) has expanded its weight management program by enhancing its offerings and naming a new medical director. The newly named Metabolic Nutrition and Weight Management program offers an educational and intensive medical program for those looking to control their metabolic issues related to insulin resistance and obesity through dedication to nutrition, physical activity and lifestyle change.
Comprehensive medical and nutritional histories will be obtained, and there will be frequent physician follow-ups to monitor patients’ progress with their individualized medical nutrition therapy and physical activity. Resources for behavioral psychology and physical activity will be made available to patients. If appropriate, referrals will be made for bariatric procedures.
The program is headed by Dr. Tom Rifai, Clinical Assistant Professor of Medicine at the Wayne State University School of Medicine and chief medical advisor to the Pritikin Longevity Center in Aventura, Fla.
Dr. Rifai is board certified by the American Board of Physician Nutrition Specialists, which recently named him to a three-year, at-large position on its board of directors, and the American Board of Internal Medicine. His specialties are nutrition, prevention of chronic disease, weight management, nutritional and medical management of insulin resistance, Type 2 diabetes, hyperlipidemia and obesity.
Dr. Rifai will conduct informational seminars for prospective patients interested in diabetes prevention or treatment, state-of-the-art lipid/cholesterol management and weight management. The first seminar will be held at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, July 28, 2009, in the Franco Auditorium at St. Joseph Mercy Oakland, 44405 Woodward Ave., Pontiac.
In addition to his duties at SJMO, Dr. Rifai is serving as a consultant to Andiamo Restaurants, helping them design a longevity-driven, healthy gourmet menu called Andiamo Lean. Dr. Rifai also is a nutritional consultant for Warren (Mich.) Consolidated Schools, for which he is developing a healthy school lunch program.
Beginning in August, Dr. Rifai will see patients in the SJMO Medical Office Building, 44555 Woodward Ave., Suite 305, Pontiac.
For an appointment, call St. Joseph Mercy Oakland Metabolic Nutrition and Weight Management, 248-858-2475.
