Author Archives: Margarida Maia

Epigenetic Changes to DNA May Be Linked to PWS Symptoms

Specific epigenetic modifications — chemical marks added to DNA that affect the way genes work — are found in people with Prader–Willi syndrome (PWS), and may affect how the disease manifests, a small study reported. These findings may help in understanding how genes contribute to the disease and open…

This Probiotic May Help Prevent Obesity in Children with PWS

Twice daily supplementation with a probiotic may help reduce body mass index (BMI), a measure of body fat, in patients with Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS), a clinical trial in China has found. The probiotic — Limosilactobacillus reuteri LR-99 — also improved social communication and interaction, fine motor skills, and overall development…

Levels of IGFBP7 Protein May Aid in Managing Growth Hormone Therapy

A protein that interacts with insulin growth factor 1 (IGF1) may be important in managing children with Prader–Willi syndrome (PWS) on growth hormone therapy, a study has found. The levels of that protein, called IGFBP7, were found to be higher than normal in PWS children who carry deletions in…

Patients Aware of Their PWS But Not Its Social Effects, Study Says

People with Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS) are aware of the disease, but not of its social consequences, a small single-site study has found. These findings may have important clinical implications for care as “patients believe they are capable of independent living when they are actually not,” the researchers wrote. The…