GeneTalk Workshop
Disorders of Iron Metabolism and Well-being
3rd Applied Genetics Workshop: 27 May 2009 from 9h00-16h00
VENUE: Faculty of Health Sciences, Teaching Block, 4th Floor, Lecture Room K4053B, University of Stellenbosch, Tygerberg
PROGRAM
|
TIME |
TOPIC |
SPEAKERS |
|
8h30 |
Registration |
|
9h00 |
Introduction: Iron disorders in haematology |
Prof Akin Abayomi – Head: Division of Haematology, University of Stellenbosch and NHLS, Tygerberg |
|
9h30 |
The role of iron regulatory proteins in iron homeostasis, anaemia, and neurodegeneration |
Dr Tracey Rouault – Head: Molecular Medicine Program, Section on Human Iron Metabolism, NIH, USA. |
|
10h30 |
Influence of the iron-carrier protein transferrin on age of onset in patients with Alzheimer’s disease |
Dr SJ van Rensburg – Division of Chemical Pathology, University of Stellenbosch and NHLS |
|
11h00 |
Break |
|
11h15 |
The role of iron metabolism in health and disease: A clinical overview |
Dr Johan van Wyk – Division of Chemical Pathology, University of Stellenbosch and NHLS |
|
11h45 |
Men of iron, steel magnolias: What you should know about haemochromatosis |
Dr Erna Mansvelt – Ampath, N1 City Medical Chambers, N1 City, Goodwood |
|
12h30 |
The tired patient: Too much or too little iron in the diet? |
Dr Dawie van Velden – Dept of Pathology, University of Stellenbosch, Tygerberg |
|
13h00 |
Lunch break |
|
13h30 |
Application of a web-based genetic testing service delivery system: Addressing the iron-heart disease link |
Dr Maritha Kotze – Dept of Pathology, University of Stellenbosch, Tygerberg |
|
14h00 |
The significance of haemochromatosis mutations in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver (NAFLD) disease |
Dr Corne Kruger – Private practicing physician and gastroenterologist, Durbanville Medi-Clinic |
|
14h30 |
Effects of (iron-containing) Rooibos tea on antioxidant parameters in volunteers at risk of cardiovascular disease |
Dr Jeanine Marnewick - Oxidative Stress Research Centre, Faculty of Health and Wellness Sciences, Cape Peninsula University of Technology |
|
15h00 |
Haemochromatosis: Genetic counselling, ethics and insurance |
Frieda Louser – Private practicing genetic counsellor, Christiaan Barnard Memorial Hospital and NHLS, University of Cape Town. |
|
15h45 |
Closure |
Kirsten Alberts – Haemochromatosis Society of South Africa |
|
|
|
|
This
GeneTalk event was designed to provide a comprehensive and up-to-date
overview of recent advances in the field of iron-related disorders and
research. A synopsis of the workshop content was provided in the
workshop handout pages, with particular focus on the preventable
genetic disorder hereditary haemochromatosis (HH).
With
the completion of the Human Genome Project in 2003, a vast amount of
information on genetic variability has become available. Despite the
extensive data on the role of genetic variation in human disease, its
translation into clinical practice has been slow due to the time
required to accumulate population data on mutation frequencies,
understand the significance of individual gene variants in disease
expression, and develop suitable diagnostic tests.
Despite
the above-mentioned limitations, clinicians have very rapidly benefited
from molecular genetic research on haemochromatosis, as use of genetic
testing in conjunction with assessment of serum iron status has
drastically reduced the need for liver biopsy to confirm or exclude
disease diagnosis. Early detection of this preventable genetic disorder presents a
major healthcare opportunity to reduce the burden of heart disease,
cancer, diabetes, arthritis, infertility and many other complications
of organ damage in the population.
Accredited with 7 CEU’s in level 1, including 2 ethics points in level 2 |  | |