3rd Applied Genetics Workshop

GeneTalk Workshop
Disorders of Iron Metabolism and Well-being

3^rdApplied Genetics Workshop: 27 May 2009 from 9h00-16h00
VENUE : Faculty of Health Sciences, Teaching Block, 4^thFloor, 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