Congenital ills main cause of infant mortality
18.12.2004
Genetic and congenital disorders are responsible for a considerable proportion of infant mortality within Arab populations, said Professor Ghazi Omar Tadmouri, Assistant Director of the Centre for Arab Genomic Studies (CAGS).
Prof. Tadmouri said this while delivering a presentation “The Catalogue for Transmission Genetics in Arabs (CTGA): The UAE as a Model” on the last day of the third Dubai International Conference on Medical Sciences.
“At present, congenital malformations are the second leading cause of infant mortality in the Arabian Gulf Cooperation Council (AGCC) countries, including Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman and Qatar,” said Dr Tadmouri.
He said that in view of the need to remain up-to-date on the latest genetic disorders in Arab populations, the Centre for Arab Genomic Studies launched a pilot project to catalogue genetic disorders described in Arab individuals.
The information collected was compiled in a database named the Catalogue for Transmission Genetics in Arabs, which is available to the public through the CAGS web site at http://www.cags.org.ae/.
According to a search conducted in September this year through the Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man (OMIM), an authoritative directory of inherited disorders, the presence of 752 abnormal Mendelian characters in Arabs were found. The results showed that most of the genetic disorders reported in Arabs were from Tunisia, Morocco, Algeria, Lebanon and Saudi Arabia. Smaller numbers of genetic disorders were described in other Arab populations.
“A striking observation is the presence of an overwhelming number of recessively inherited genetic traits in Arab patients. In agreement with many other reports on the subject, we believe that high rates of consanguinity among Arabs as well as the structure of Arab families could be major factors to explain this observation,” Dr Tadmouri said.
He said that throughout the Arab world, consanguineous marriages are traditionally common. Overall, around 40 to 50 per cent of marriages in the Arab world are consanguineous, he said, adding that first cousin marriages are the most common consanguineous marriages in the Arab world.
Dr Tadmouri said the majority of genetic diseases in Arabs result from single-gene alterations. If proper infrastructure is available, diagnostic services for many of these genetic disorders may be offered to people at risk, he added.
The CAGS implemented a strategy to investigate the details of genetic disorders in the UAE using different sources of information, through careful monitoring of international and national peer-reviewed publications, accessing hospital records in Dubai, Sharjah, Abu Dhabi and Al Ain. The CAGS is aiming at building a web of contacts with local practitioners and researchers to cover cases of genetic disorders that are yet unpublished.
“The use of published literature as a source of information allowed us to determine the presence of at least 178 genetic disorders in the Arab population of the UAE. Hospital records proved to be an invaluable source of information since they indicated the presence of 37 genetic disorders for which occurrence data were not previously published or their incidence is unknown in certain localities,” Dr Tadmouri said.
It is estimated that at least 215 genetic disorders and congenital abnormalities exist in the Arab population of the UAE. Many genetic diseases are confined to a small number of patients, or families, or tribes, or sometimes limited to small geographical regions, Dr Tadmouri pointed out.
Khaleej Times
Genetic disorders 'remain viable threat in Arab world'
15.12.2004
Genetic disorders in the Arab world are a legitimate threat, said a doctor who specialises in genomic research
It is a problem in the region due to the high prevalence of the disorders compared with the rest of the world.
Dr Mahmoud Taleb, president of the Centre for Arab Genomic Studies (CAGS), was speaking at the third Dubai International Conference for Medical Sciences, which opened yesterday at the Al Bustan Rotana Hotel.
"The conference has two aims: First, to present the most recent developments in nephrology, emerging infections, non-invasive surgery and gastrointestinal disorders," said Professor Dr Yousef Abdul Razzaq, chairman of the conference's scientific committee.
"Second, to provide a forum for scientists here to present their research to an international audience."
The conference was launched by Hamad Abdul Rahman Al Midfa, Minister of Health, on behalf of Shaikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai, Minister of Finance and Industry and patron of the awards.
"We in the UAE, following the directives of Shaikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, have always supported science and scientists and provided all necessary encouragement to promote and achieve advancement in science for the common good of humanity," Al Midfa said.
Dr Taleb said: "Francis Collins, director of the National Human Genome Research Institute, has said that almost every human disease has a genetic basis, from a migraine to cardiovascular disease and breast cancer."
Since CAGS was established in June 2003, 215 genetic disorders have been identified in the UAE and 894 in the Arab world.
"Of these 215 disorders, 178 came from local and international literature and 37 genetic disorders from hospital records not previously reported," Dr Taleb said.
Before the centre was established, international reports had only indicated the presence of 16 types of genetic diseases in the UAE.
The centre is based in the Genetics Department of Al Wasl Hospital.
Dr Taleb said they were now concentrating on extending their data compilation into other Arab countries using the UAE's experience as a model...
Gulf News
Key medical meet begins in Dubai
15.12.2004
Health Minister Hamad Abdul Rahman Al Midfa yesterday opened the Third Dubai International Conference for Medical Sciences.
Being held under the patronage of Shaikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai and UAE Minister of Finance and Industry, at the Bustan Rotana Hotel, Dubai, the three-day event will review the latest developments in the field of nephrology, emerging infections, non-invasive surgery and gastrointestinal disorders.
Delivering the opening speech on behalf of the conference patron, the minister said: “The previous day, we honoured a group of eminent scientists and institutions of excellence in appreciation of their efforts in the medical field. This appreciation reflects our interest and concern to develop medical sciences in order to face the challenges of disease diagnosis and management.”
Midfa said that the conference is a great opportunity for the scientists to meet, communicate and exchange experiences and knowledge.
“As we encourage holding such conferences, we hope that our esteemed scientists will keep up their endeavours in these vital fields to help all humanity enjoy a healthy life free from suffering,” Al Midfa said.
Dr Yousef Abdul Razzaq, Chairman of the Scientific Committee of the Conference, said that the Shaikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum Award for Medical Sciences has come a long way since its establishment in 2000. The achievements would not have been there if it had not been for the generosity of Shaikh Hamdan who always encouraged and supported scientific research and innovations in medicine and the development of health care in the UAE.
He pointed out that Shaikh Hamdan took the initiative to establish the Centre for Arab Genomic Studies, with the aim to meet the financial, technical, manpower and infrastructural needs of the whole Arab world in this vital research field. He said that bioscience research at UAE University with the support of Shaikh Hamdan has expanded knowledge of fundemental life processes, knowledge used to understand the basis of disease, to develop new approaches to diagnosis, treatment and prevention of disease.
“The conference has two major aims: one, to present the most recent developments in the fields of nephrology, emerging infections, non-invasive surgery and gastrointestinal disorders; two, to provide a forum for scientists in this country to present their research to an international audience.
“The conference has attracted an increasing number of delegates over the past four years, many from countries in the region. Delegates are given the opportunity to keep abreast of emerging issues across the globe, with leading international specialists sharing their experience and opinions on the latest development in their field,” Dr Abdul Razzaq said.
Dr Mahmoud Taleb Al Ali, Director of the Centre for Arab Genomic Studies (CAGS), said in his speech that withing a very short time from the centre’s establishment the CAGS has identified 215 different genetic disorders in the UAE, 178 of which were researched from local and international published literature and 37 were identified from hospital records and were previously unreported.
“Previously only 16 types of genetic diseases were identified in the UAE, due to CAGS’ efforts that number has increased to 215 in the UAE and 894 in the Arab world. We are confident that the figure for the Arab world will change once we extend our project to the other Arab countries,” Dr Taleb said.
Khaleej Times
Importance of research stressed
14.12.2004
Arab populations suffer from no less than 900 genetic disorders with 35 per cent of those disorders having no known molecular causes, revealed Hamad Abdul Rahman Al Midfa, Minister of Health, while stressing the importance of research.
Al Midfa made these remarks last night at the third awards presentation ceremony of the Shaikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum Award for Medical Sciences held at the Convention Centre of the Dubai World Centre. The ceremony was attended by Shaikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai and UAE Minister of Finance and Industry, and other Shaikhs and dignitaries. The recent developments and breakthroughs in medical field triggered researchers and scientists to face and explain challenges posed by these emerging phenomena. “Two years ago, Shaikh Hamdan, through his kind initiative, called upon researchers to intensify their research and studies in genetic fields. As a result, the Centre for Arab Genomic Studies affiliated to the Award was established. The key stage of the Centre’s plan was to create database on hereditary diseases and cases in the UAE,” said Al Midfa.
It has been found out that there are more than 200 genetic disorders and congenital anomalies in the UAE. Some of these disorders are found among Arab expatriate communities and were not identified in their respective countries. Moreover, congenital anomalies and deformities are responsible for 40.3 per cent of the child mortality rate in the UAE which has dropped to 6.56 / 1000 in year 2000, said Al Midfa...
Khaleej Times
Award recognises top efforts to advance medical science
14.12.2004
A select group of philanthropists, researchers and medical practitioners was honoured yesterday at the Al Bustan Rotana Hotel in Dubai.
The recipients were recognised by the Shaikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Award for Medical Science programme. Yesterday's event was attended by Shaikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Dubai Deputy Ruler and UAE Minister of Finance and Industry.
"Scientific advancement is a human activity motivated by a human mind that is a gift from God. It is achieved through the brilliant endeavours of devoted scientists and researchers. These people focus on serving mankind. One finds in them the combination of a noble soul, a brilliant mind and the highest ethics. Their ultimate aim is to help mankind and reduce human suffering," Shaikh Hamdan said.
The awards are steadily enriching scientific research in the UAE, he said.
"We are committed to the guidelines set by Shaikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan. Likewise, we value the vision of President His Highness Shaikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and His Highness Shaikh Maktoum Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. Both have regularly stressed the need for promotion and advancement of science and scientists," Shaikh Hamdan said.
"I congratulate the award winners on their unique accomplishments and innovation. I wish them continued success and advancement in the best interests of science and humanity," Shaikh Hamdan said.
"Two years ago, Shaikh Hamdan, through this initiative, called upon researchers to intensify their studies into genetics. As a result, a new centre affiliated to the Shaikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Award for Medical Sciences was established the Centre for Arab Genomic Studies. We anticipate new insights into cases of hereditary disease in the UAE," said Hamad Abdul Rahman Al Midfa, Minister of Health. The initiative represents an excellent chance for research into a field that will prove vital in the future, he said...
Gulf News
Major announcement from CAGS likely in December
23.10.2004
The Centre for Arab Genomic Studies (CAGS), since its inauguration by the UAE Minister of Health, Hamad Abdul Rahman Al Midfa, in June 2003 when the minister also announced the establishment of a database of genetic diseases prevalent in the Arab countries, has kept its activities a closely guarded secret. Professor Najeeb Al Khaja, Secretary General of the Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum Award for Medical Sciences, addressing newsmen at a Press conference to announce the names of the award winners for the current cycle, was questioned by reporters on the progress achieved by the CAGS, to which his reply was that a major announcement on the project would be made during the award presentation ceremony planned for December 13.
The CAGS is an endowment bestowed by Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Dubai Deputy Ruler and UAE Minister of Finance and Industry, which aims to bring together diverse expertise in the field of human genetics and related areas in the Arab world. The CAGS is currently located within the Al Wasl Hospital compound, where the devastating impact of genetic disease is all too visible as the hospital receives Thalassemia sufferers daily to get life sustaining blood transfusions.
Database on genetic disorders to be compiled
21.10.2004
Doctors are collecting a database of various genetic disorders in the UAE that could help researchers gain insight into preventing genetic diseases in the Middle East.
This was announced yesterday by organisers of the Shaikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Award for Medical Sciences, a foundation that honours international researchers who pursue pioneering medical research. New awardees were also named yesterday for 2003-'04.
The winners were divided into three categories: International Awards, Arab World Awards and UAE Awards: Prof. Robert W. Schrier, an expert in renal diseases, pathogenesis and management from the University of Colorado School of Medicine in the US, was named as the Grand Hamdan International Awardee.
The Hamdan Award for Medical Research Excellence went to Prof. Adriano Aguzzi of the University Hospital of Zurich, Switzerland, for his work in "Emerging Viral and Prion Diseases".
Prof. Sir Ara Darzi of the Imperial College of Science Technology & Medicine in London, was recognised for his work in minimally invasive surgical technology.
Prof. John Forte, of the University of California Berkeley, California, was recognised for his work in prevention and non-invasive therapy of gastrointestinal disorders.
Four humanitarian medical services volunteers were also named.
They are the Dubai-based Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Humanitarian & Charity Establishment; the Ramallah-based Palestine Children's Relief Fund; the Cairo-based Human Relief Agency; and Prof. Adib Al Hassan Rizvi, of the Sindh Institute of Urology and Transplantation, Dow Medical College, Civil Hospital, in Karachi.
The Hamdan Award for the best medical educational centre went to the Kaser Al Aini Medical College of Cairo University. King Faisal Specialist Hospital in Saudi Arabia was chosen as the best medical institute.
Under the UAE category, three Al Ain-based researchers bagged the Hamdan Award for original research papers published from inside the country in the Emirates Medical Journal: Dr. Sarfraz Ahmad, a Florida-based researcher, Dr. Alice Abd El Aleem, a geneticist from the National Research Centre in Cairo and Dr. Mohammad Amjad Kamal, a biochemist from Sydney were recognised for their research papers published from outside the UAE in the Emirates Medical Journal.
Meanwhile, the Hamdan Award for outstanding clinical department in the public sector in the UAE went to the Department of Cardiac Surgery, Al Mafraq Hospital in Abu Dhabi and the Emergency and Critical Care Department of Rashid Hospital in Dubai.
Arab Centre for Genomic Studies at the Genetics Centre in Al Wasl Hospital in Dubai, which is part of the award foundation, tries to alleviate human genetic disorders in Middle Eastern countries based on recent advances in human genetics and the information available from the Human Genome Project.
Opened in June 2003, by Hamad Abdul Rahman Al Midfa, the UAE Minister of Health, and chairman of the board of trustees, the centre also provides a forum to foster and support collaborative research aimed at identifying the genetic basis of disease.
It also seeks to bring under one umbrella diverse expertise in the field of human genetics and related fields from the Middle East and North Africa and support preventative approaches.
For this purpose, a local team of scientists was asked to conduct a two part genetic study at the foundation.
Their first objective is to establish a local database of locally prevalent genetic diseases, which is expected to be presented at a medical conference in December.
The award presentation ceremony will be held during the Third Dubai International Conference for Medical Sciences on December 13 at the Dubai World Trade Centre.
Winners of the Shaikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Awards for Medical Sciences 2003-2004
International Awards
Grand Hamdan International Award (Renal Diseases Pathogenesis and Management): Prof. Robert W. Schrier, Professor of Medicine, University of Colorado School of Medicine.
Hamdan Award for Medical Research Excellence (Emerging Viral and Prion Diseases): Prof Adriano Aguzzi, Professor of Neuropathology, Institute of Neuropathology, University Hospital of Zurich, Switzerland.
Minimally Invasive Surgical Technology
Professor Sir Ara Darzi, Dept. of Surgical Technology and Oncology, Division of Surgery Anaesthesia and Intensive Care, Imperial College of Science Technology and Medicine, London.
Prevention and Non-invasive Therapy of Gastrointestinal Disorders
Prof. John Forte, Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, US.
Hamdan Award for Volunteers in Humanitarian Medical Services
- Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Humanitarian and Charity Establishment, Dubai.
- The Palestine Children's Relief Fund, Ramallah, Palestine.
- Human Relief Agency, Egypt.
- Prof. Adibul Hasan Rizvi, Sindh Institute of Urology and Transplantation, Dow Medical College, Pakistan.
Arab World Awards
Hamdan Award for the Best Medical College/Institute or Centre in the Arab World
- Educational/University: Kaser Al Aini Medical College, Cairo University, Egypt.
- Institute: King Faisal Specialist Hospital, KSA.
UAE Awards
Hamdan Award for Original Research Paper Published from UAE in the Emirates Medical Journal
- Prof. Senarth Dissanayake, Dept. of Microbiology, FMHS, UAE University, Al Ain.
- Dr. Omar Trad, Department of Paediatrics, Al Tawam Hospital, Al Ain.
- Dr. Valsamma Eapen, Dept. of Psychiatry, FMHS, UAE University, Al Ain.
Hamdan Award for Original Research Paper Published from outside UAE in the Emirates Medical Journal
- Dr. Sarfraz Ahmad, Florida Hospital Cancer Institute, US.
- Dr. Alice Abd El Aleem, Dept. of Human Genetics, National Research Centre, Egypt.
- Dr. Mohammad Amjad Kamal, School of Molecular and Microbial Biosciences, Australia.
Hamdan Award for an outstanding clinical department in the public sector in the UAE
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Al Mafraq Hospital, Abu Dhabi.
- Emergency and Critical Care Department, Rashid Hospital, Dubai, UAE.
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