Several studies have observed that a relative down-regulation of GTA and GTB occurs in oral carcinomas in association with tumor development. More recently, a genome wide association study (GWAS) has identified variants in the ABO locus associated with susceptibility to pancreatic cancer. In addition, another large GWAS study has associated ABO-histo blood groups as well as FUT2 secretor status with the presence in the intestinal microbiome of specific bacterial species. In this case the association was with Bacteroides and Faecalibacterium spp. Bacteroides of the same OTU (operational taxonomic unit) have been shown to be associated with inflammatory bowel disease, thus the study suggests an important role for the ABO histo-blood group antigens as candidates for direct modulation of the human microbiome in health and disease. Clinical marker
A multi-locus genetic risk score study based on a combination of 27 loci, including the ABO gene, identified individuals at increased risk for both incident and recurrent coronary artery disease events, as well as an enhanced clinical benefit from statin therapy. The study was based on a community cohort study (the Malmo Diet and Cancer study) and four additional randomized controlled trials of primary prevention cohorts (JUPITER and ASCOT) and secondary prevention cohorts (CARE and PROVE IT-TIMI 22). Alteration of ABO antigens for transfusion
In April 2007, an international team of researchers announced in the journal Nature Biotechnology an inexpensive and efficient way to convert types A, B, and AB blood into type O.
Segmental arterial mediolysis (SAM) is a rare disorder of the arteries characterized by the development of aneurysms, blood clots, narrowing of the arteries (stenoses), and blood collections (hematomas) in the affected distribution.SAM most commonly affects the arteries supplying the intestines and abdominal organs. Signs and Symptoms
Varies depending on the location of the affected blood vessels. Gastrointestinal System:
Acute abdominal pain (most common)
Flank pain
Nausea
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Bloody stools
Back painNervous System
Headache
StrokeThe most severe signs occur if an aneurysm ruptures potentially resulting in:
Shock
Loss of consciousness
Bleeding into the abdominal cavity
Bleeding into the brain

Mechanism
The middle layer of an artery, called the media, made of smooth muscle is damaged. Mediolysis occurs when the smooth muscle cells in the area of damage are destroyed. Small gaps are formed in the wall of the artery which then fill with blood. Gaps create weakness in the wall of the artery, allowing increasing pressure from blood to expand the gaps resulting in an aneurysm. Aneurysms have potential for rupture. Diagnosis
Often Segmental Arterial Mediolysis is diagnosed after clinical presentation with symptoms as above followed by CT angiogram or MRI demonstrating aneurysm(s). The gold standard method for confirming the diagnosis is surgical resection of the affected area of blood vessel followed by histologic investigation under a microscope. Segmental Arterial Mediolysis must be differentiated from fibromuscular dysplasia, atherosclerosis, and other systemic vasculidites including polyarteritis nodosa, Takayasus arteritis, Behcets disease, cystic medial necrosis, and cystic adventitial artery disease. Treatment
Patients presenting with bleeding into the abdominal cavity require possible blood transfusions and emergent intervention with coil embolization via catheter angiography.