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Is drug resistance in humans coming from chickens?
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Getting enough 'sunshine vitamin' may not just be about catching rays, new blood test reveals
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Fish oil may have positive effects on mood, alcohol craving, (Bipolar disorder)
Image of DHA molecule via WikipediaBipolar disorder, genes risk factors and pathways :
Multiple sclerosis-like disease discovered in monkeys
Image via WikipediaMultiple sclerosis genes risk factors and pathways
Goodbye cold sores
Well not yet, but this is an in vitro system that should allow bulk screening of thousands of potential antivirals.
Master switch for adult epilepsy discovered
Many key neuronal genes are altered by a major cellular repressor , RE1-silencing transcription factor, which increases after events that give rise to epilepsy.
Black members of Adventist church defy health disparities, study shows
The Adventist health study has come up with some interesting findings, rather like the nun study in relation to the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease.
The Advenist health study homepage
- Lung cancer 21% lower
- Colorectal cancer 62% lower
- Breast cancer 85% lower
- Coronary heart disease 66% lower for Adventist men, 98% lower for Adventist women
The Advenist health study homepage
It's not an apple a day after all -- it's strawberries: Flavonoids could represent two-fisted assault on diabetes and nervous system disorders
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Waistlines in people, glucose levels in mice hint at sweeteners' effects: Related studies point to the illusion of the artificial
"Diet" soft drink consumption is associated with increased waist circumference in humans, and aspartame raised fasting glucose (blood sugar) in diabetes-prone mice.
The toxic effects of aspartame have been known for decades following John Olney's pioneering work with excitotoxins in 1969:
In 1981, this paper , by Takasaki et al showed that feeding aspartame to thirsty young mice produced ledions in the arcuate nucleus, the hypothalamic region that controls appetite.
Other work has also linked aspartame to weight gain Yang 2010 and others
The toxic effects of aspartame have been known for decades following John Olney's pioneering work with excitotoxins in 1969:
In 1981, this paper , by Takasaki et al showed that feeding aspartame to thirsty young mice produced ledions in the arcuate nucleus, the hypothalamic region that controls appetite.
Other work has also linked aspartame to weight gain Yang 2010 and others
Research finds type 2 diabetes 'cured' by low-calorie diet - Health News - NHS Choices
This was a very small study, but reported in a number of news articles.
Low body fat may not lower risk for heart disease and diabetes, genetic study shows
A gene that lowers body fat also increased the risk for type 2 diabetes and heart disease: The gene involved (Insulin receptor substrate 1 IRS1 ) only lowers subcutaneous and not visceral fat: It also unfavourably modifies glucose and cholesterol levels. One gene - many functions of the protein. Nature is complicated, and genes do not have simple single effects.
Murine leukemia virus - like retroviruses in vertebrate genomes, and in patients suffering from Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Prostate cancer
A long and unpartisan review of the MLV and XMRV saga based on bioinformatics analyis of viral and vertebrate geneomes.
Genetic testing in epilepsy -- it takes more than 1 gene
Klassen et al, Cell Paper
IDND :: Anticholinergic Cognitive Burden Scale
This scale is available from the Indianapolis Discovery Network for Dementia
Long term use of anticholinergics linked to cognitive decline and mortality in the old
This study, of 13,000 elderly subjects showed that chronic use of anticholinergics (a property of many commonly used medicines) was associated with increased cognitive decline and mortalility. The increased mortality could of course be partly related to the fact that the patients are taking medications because they are ill in any case, but the effects on mortality and cognitive impairment (known to be related to cholinergic function) are important and need to be recognised by physicians.
Anticholinergic cognitive Burden scale
Anticholinergic cognitive Burden scale
Staying Slim More Complex than Previously Thought : Discovery News
Image via WikipediaBMJ article
Discovery offers molecular insights into link between Parkinson's and pesticides
Rotenone and paraquat, as well as MPTP inhibit various components of the mitochondrial respiratory chain, enough in itself to severely compromise substantia nigra neurones. The oxidative stress that ensues also oxidises Parkin, the product of a gene implicated in Parkinson's disease , producing Parkin aggregation and malfunction.
Parkinson's disease genes risk factors and pathways
Parkinson's disease genes risk factors and pathways
Temporal analysis of the honey bee microbiome reveals four novel viruses and seasonal prevalence of known viruses, nosema, and crithidia.
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Urinary incontinence doubles risk of postpartum depression
Urinary incontinence, young age at motherhood and non-initiation of breastfeeding were all associated with postnatal depression in this study.
Ketamine’s Antidepressant Effect Explained - Science News
It upregulates BDNF expression : This could be a fast acting antidepressant (most take months to work) , but NMDA antagonists are not without their own problems - including an ability to promote pyschosis, and some of these channel blockers also cause vacuolisation in cortical areas - reason enough to halt their development as neuroprotective compounds for stroke a few years ago.
First ever drug to treat ‘Celtic Gene’ in cystic fibrosis sufferers
More details about VX-770 from Vertex pharmaceuticals and the Cystic fibrosis foundation
Cystic fibrosis CFTR interactome
Cystic fibrosis CFTR interactome
The New Science of Metagenomics - NCBI Bookshelf
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Study looks at diet and early Alzheimer's symptoms - Health News - NHS Choices
Other autoantibodies have been reported in Alzheimer's disease, include those to beta-amyloid, or to cholinergic neurones(which immunolyse cholinergic synaptosomes), to neurofilaments and several other relevant proteins which are referenced here .
More evidence vitamin D boosts immune response (in relation to gum disease)
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Elevated levels of sodium blunt response to stress, study shows
Salt-treated rats secreted fewer stress hormones and also show a reduced cardiovascular response (increased blood pressure and heart rate) to stress. Salt treatment reduced the release of angiotensin 2, but increased that of the cuddle hormone, oxytocin . These effects may be relevant to developmental disorders such as ADHD , autism, childhood obesity and others where salty foods may be harmful.
Cholesterol boosts antibiotic resistance in H. pylori
Resistance to H.Pylori which causes gastritis, peptic ulcers and possible gastric cancer, and which is also linked to Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease , is a growing problem. Antibiotic resistance was found to be greater in H.Pylori cultures grown in high cholesterol conditions.
Helicobacter pylori host/pathogen interactions
Helicobacter pylori host/pathogen interactions
Meet the Scientist: Treatments for Schizophrenia: Current Limitations and Future Strategies
A NARSAD webinar from Professor Jeffrey A. Lieberman, M.D.
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
Gatekeepers: How microbes make it past tight spaces between cells
Tight junction Image via WikipediaThe microbiome: Viruses, bacteria and pathogens implicated in human diseases
Evaluation of viral antibodies in Iranian multiple sclerosis patients.
This study showed an association between multiple sclerosis and antibodies to herpes virus HHV-6, as well as to mumps and measles viruses. Many viruses and pathogens have been implicated in multiple sclerosis, notably the Epstein-Barr virus, and viral involvement is likely to be multifactorial.
Genes, Kegg pathways and risk factors in multiple sclerosis
Genes, Kegg pathways and risk factors in multiple sclerosis
A knockout resource for mouse genetics: Mouse gene knockout resource will empower mammalian gene studies for a generation
9,000 knockouts are now available, for mouse embryonic stem cells, and the international team aims for the total mouse genome in the next few years. An invaluable source for research into the function of particular genes.
A Shot in the Arm |Vaccine research and human diseases| The Scientist
Decades of vaccine research have expanded our understanding of the immune system and are yielding novel disease-fighting tactics.
A nice series of reviews on the developing benefits of vaccines from The ScientistBlocking Th17 cells to halt autoimmunity in diseases like multiple sclerosis
T-helper cells that produce interleukin-17 (TH17 cells) play a role in autoimmunity: Their development is controlled by retinoic-acid-receptor-related orphan receptors alpha and gamma-T and antagonists of these receptors, Digoxin or SR1001, blocks their development , and reduce cytokine secretion andthe clinical severity of autoimmune disease in mice (experimental encephalomyelitis)
See Nature Papers
Multiple sclerosis genes, risk factors and KEGG pathways
See Nature Papers
Multiple sclerosis genes, risk factors and KEGG pathways
Using olive oil in your diet may prevent a stroke
This INSERM study found that those who regularly used olive oil for both cooking and as dressing had a 41 percent lower risk of stroke compared to those who never used olive oil in their diet .
Diet plays a critical role in the cause and prevention of many diseases, and very simple modifications can have dramatic effects on risk, often exceeding those of many pills.
Diet plays a critical role in the cause and prevention of many diseases, and very simple modifications can have dramatic effects on risk, often exceeding those of many pills.
Advancing Drug Discovery for Schizophrenia | The New York Academy of Sciences
This is an ebriefing from The New York Academy of Sciences from a recent conference, with full text of the key lectures.
Risk factors: Schizophrenia
Kegg pathways Schizophrenia
Risk factors: Schizophrenia
Kegg pathways Schizophrenia
PLoS Biology: Why Are Autism Spectrum Conditions More Prevalent in Males?
PLoS Biology: Why Are Autism Spectrum Conditions More Prevalent in Males?
Risk factors: Alzheimer's : Autism : Bipolar disorder : Childhood obesity: Chronic fatigue: Multiple sclerosis Parkinson's disease Schizophrenia
Kegg pathways Alzheimer's Parkinson's Schizophrenia Herpes simplex infection Cystic fibrosis CFTR interactome
Links between the brain and the gut: irritable bowel syndrome, interstitial cystitis, obesity, inflammatory diseases of the liver and intestine and chronic cardiovascular disorders.
From UCLA Mind-brain-body interactions in several stress-sensitive conditions. Among those are persistent pain disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome, interstitial cystitis, obesity, inflammatory diseases of the liver and intestine and chronic cardiovascular disorders.
Ancestry plays vital role in nutrition and disease, study shows
African americans have a higher frequency of the gene variants associated with the conversion of dietary, medium chain omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids (found in margarine, vegetable oils, animal fats and processed foods) to long chain omega-6 PUFAs that then have the potential to increase inflammation.
So genes affect diet, and diet affects risk in cardiovascular disease and diabetes, which are also more common in African americans : A nice example of gene/environment interactions.
So genes affect diet, and diet affects risk in cardiovascular disease and diabetes, which are also more common in African americans : A nice example of gene/environment interactions.
Yellow Fever Vaccination and Increased Relapse Rate in Travelers With Multiple Sclerosis.
Yellow fever vaccination was associated with an almost 12 fold increase in relapse rate in multiple sclerosis patients.
Multiple sclerosis risk factors
Multiple sclerosis risk factors
Broccoli cancer-targeting confirmed - UPI.com
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Genetic factor controls health-harming inflammation in obese: Trigger holds promise for treating diabetes, other chronic illnesses
Body fat attracts inflammatory macrophages expressing Kruppel like factor KLF4: KLF4 deficient mice grow more obsese on high fat diets. If one could increase KLF4, to persuade macrophages to remain anti-inflammatory "Would you be able to lose weight, would diabetes go away, would inflammation go away?
Risk factors: Childhood obesity:
Risk factors: Childhood obesity:
Routine Autism Screening Not Necessary, Say Canadian Researchers
It is possible that a proportion of the dramatic increase in autism seen in the last few decades is due to an overwillingness on the part of both clinicians and parents to overdiagnose children, slightly differing from the norm, as autistic or suffering from ADHD, and to then condemn them to treatment with amphetamines, which are themselves not without effect on brain development, perhaps leading to subsequent problems in later life.A recent study has recommended early screening in pre-schoolers for autism but :-
According to Professor Gorter:-
There is no solid evidence on which to base the recommendations of the American Academy of Pediatrics.
None of the autism screening tests for the general population that we have today have proven accuracy. That is, they aren't good enough to accurately detect children who have autism or to accurately detect those who don't."
Full text of paper
According to Professor Gorter:-
There is no solid evidence on which to base the recommendations of the American Academy of Pediatrics.
None of the autism screening tests for the general population that we have today have proven accuracy. That is, they aren't good enough to accurately detect children who have autism or to accurately detect those who don't."
Full text of paper
Dietary Changes Appear To Affect Levels Of Biomarkers Associated With Alzheimer's Disease
Switching diets had a marked effects on the biomarkers associated with cognitive impairment and Alzheimer's disease and on memory tests. A low saturated fat /low carbohydrate diet was best. This approach may be effective in prevention, but alas not once dementia has already developed.
Alzheimer's disease risk and preventive factors
Alzheimer's disease risk and preventive factors
Analysis of inflammatory and immune response biomarkers in sputum and exhaled breath condensate by a multi-parametric biochip array in cystic fibrosis
Sputum IL-1beta and VEGF might be considered biomarkers of an acute exacerbation in CF patients Cystic fibrosis CFTR interactome
Study suggests DASH diet may prevent teen obesity -
Immunolocalization of influenza a virus and markers of inflammation in the human Parkinson's disease brain.
This study showed evidence for influenza virus localisation within neuromelanin granules in the substantia nigra in Parkinson's disease patients, along with T cell activation.
Parkinson's disease risk factors and KEGG pathways
Parkinson's disease risk factors and KEGG pathways
Genes that determine immunology and inflammation modify the basic defect of impaired ion conductance in cystic fibrosis epithelia.
Polymorphisms in IL1B, TLR9, TNF alpha , CD95, STAT3 and TNFR determine the manifestation of the basic defect in cystic fibrosis despite the fact that this is a monogenic condition caused by CFTR mutations.
Cystic fibrosis CFTR interactome
Cystic fibrosis CFTR interactome
Microbiota regulates immune defense against respiratory tract influenza A virus infection.
The bacterial microbiome influences the viral microbiome. Here, neomycin sensitive bacteria regulate the immune response to the influenza virus. By inference, antibiotics must affect viral pathways. Wheels within wheels.
New animal study shows promise for development of Parkinson's disease drug
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