Research at the Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California's (USC) Zilkha Neurogenetic Institute shows for the first time that the human placenta plays an active role in synthesizing serotonin, paving the way to new treatment strategies that could mitigate health impacts such as cardiovascular disease and mental illness. The groundbreaking findings, conducted with researchers from Vanderbilt University as part of a Silvio Conte Center of Excellence grant from the National Institute of Mental Health, offer conclusive evidence that the placenta provides serotonin to the fetal forebrain, not through the mother's blood supply, as theorized for the past 60 years. The research, "A transient placental source of serotonin for the fetal forebrain," will be published in the journal Nature on April 21, 2011.
"Our research indicates that the placenta actually synthesizes serotonin, and the serotonin is released from the placenta into the fetal bloodstream where it can reach the fetal brain," said lead author Alexandre Bonnin, Ph.D. "The placenta was seen as a passive organ, but we now know that it has significant synthetic capabilities and has a much more critical role in developmental programming of the fetus than previously thought."
Bonnin's work with Pat Levitt, Ph.D., director of the Zilkha Neurogenetic Institute and corresponding author on the paper, included the invention of a unique technology known as a "placentometer" that monitors substances that pass through the mouse placenta from mother to fetus. This technology can incorporate genetic models of human disease, and could lead to targeted therapies that treat the mother without affecting the fetus, or vice versa.
"The findings by Dr. Bonnin and his collaborators open the door for future studies examining the potential role for targeted interventions in high-risk pregnancies where a perturbed intrauterine environment might negatively impact fetal brain development," said Istvan Seri, professor of pediatrics, Keck School, and director, Center for Fetal and Neonatal Medicine at Children's Hospital Los Angeles. "However, it will take many more basic, translational and clinical trials and many years until we can provide evidence that approaches like this one work."
Serotonin, a neurotransmitter known to affect wellbeing in humans, also has been implicated in brain, cardiac and pancreas development.
In the early stages of development, neurons that synthesize serotonin develop in the fetal hindbrain, where heart, respiration and other critical functions reside, eventually building their way up to the forebrain, the home of higher cognition and emotional regulation. The study shows that during this gap between hindbrain and forebrain serotonin development, the placenta is an important source of serotonin to the forebrain – a process that could be affected by the mother's nutrition, since her diet is the only source for the essential amino acid tryptophan.
"An altered capacity of the placenta to make and release serotonin could affect the levels of serotonin in the human forebrain as it does in the mouse," said Levitt. "Developmental programming of the fetal brain can set the stage for adult-onset health impacts including heart disease, diabetes and mental illness."
The research relates to a growing body of evidence that subtle, deleterious effects on the fetus as it develops could lead to a lifetime of chronic mental health problems, including anxiety disorders, learning and emotional disabilities and depression.
"Bonnin's research may be of particular importance for early onset brain disorders, such as autism, Asperger's syndrome and pediatric obsessive-compulsive disorder, where investigators are considering a role for serotonin based on human genetic studies," said Randy Blakely, Ph.D., director of the Vanderbilt Conte Center and a collaborator on the paper.
*Source: University of Southern California
21 April 2011
Use of topical corticosteroids in children with eczema does not have negative side effects
A new study published in the journal Pediatric Dermatology reveals that routine, long-term use of topical corticosteroids (TCS) for treating children with eczema does not cause any significant, negative side effects. Parental phobia of TCS is widespread and leads to poorly managed eczema in children. The commonest fear is that TCS use will "thin the skin." Parents fears are also shared by many health care providers, including pharmacists.
Led by Gayle Fischer, MBBS, FACD, of The University of Sydney, researchers studied 92 children, 70 of which were part of the study/dermatitis group while the other 22 were categorized in a control group. Researchers convinced the parents of these 70 children to use enough TCS to control their children's eczema very well so that they were virtually free of eczema consistently. The 22 children in the control group were not using TCS.
Researchers then evaluated the children by examining them for any signs of skin thinning and by also examining their treated and untreated skin by dermoscopy, a technique which utilizes a mini-microscope to search for even the most subtle signs of TCS side effects.
They found that the children using TCS had no evidence of skin thinning even though they were using enough TCS to produce complete control of their eczema. These children were no different to the children who were not using TCS at all.
"Our results show that normal routine use of TCS does not cause skin thinning, and parents should be reassured. We hope that our work will give them the confidence to use TCS safely and effectively" Fischer notes.
**Source: Wiley-Blackwell
Led by Gayle Fischer, MBBS, FACD, of The University of Sydney, researchers studied 92 children, 70 of which were part of the study/dermatitis group while the other 22 were categorized in a control group. Researchers convinced the parents of these 70 children to use enough TCS to control their children's eczema very well so that they were virtually free of eczema consistently. The 22 children in the control group were not using TCS.
Researchers then evaluated the children by examining them for any signs of skin thinning and by also examining their treated and untreated skin by dermoscopy, a technique which utilizes a mini-microscope to search for even the most subtle signs of TCS side effects.
They found that the children using TCS had no evidence of skin thinning even though they were using enough TCS to produce complete control of their eczema. These children were no different to the children who were not using TCS at all.
"Our results show that normal routine use of TCS does not cause skin thinning, and parents should be reassured. We hope that our work will give them the confidence to use TCS safely and effectively" Fischer notes.
**Source: Wiley-Blackwell
GSK mulls deal for India vaccines unit
GlaxoSmithKline is reportedly eyeing the vaccines division of India's Biological E. Already a leading vaccines supplier in India, GSK would gain greater manufacturing capacity in a BE vaccines buyout, allowing it to boost share on the subcontinent and export greater quantities to international markets, the Economic Times reports.
Officials from GSK's Belgium-based biologicals business recently visited Biological E's manufacturing facility in Shameerpet, India, near Hyderabad, sources told the newspaper. GSK's current plant in Nashik, India, has recently faced difficulties supplying enough vaccines for export, a pharma analyst told the Times. The company has expressed interest in buying vaccine makers with plants approved by international regulators, the analyst said. GSK itself did not comment.
Among Biological E's key products are diphtheria and tetanus vaccines, which have helped the homegrown company capture a "significant share" of the domestic vaccines market. It has some experience working with GSK, Deal Curry reports; Biological E partnered with GSK's Indian unit in developing its pharma business.
*Read more: Report: GSK mulls deal for India vaccines unit - FiercePharma http://www.fiercepharma.com/story/report-gsk-mulls-deal-india-vaccines-unit/2011-04-21#ixzz1KB5yqDy7
**Publishe din "FIERCE PHARMA"
Officials from GSK's Belgium-based biologicals business recently visited Biological E's manufacturing facility in Shameerpet, India, near Hyderabad, sources told the newspaper. GSK's current plant in Nashik, India, has recently faced difficulties supplying enough vaccines for export, a pharma analyst told the Times. The company has expressed interest in buying vaccine makers with plants approved by international regulators, the analyst said. GSK itself did not comment.
Among Biological E's key products are diphtheria and tetanus vaccines, which have helped the homegrown company capture a "significant share" of the domestic vaccines market. It has some experience working with GSK, Deal Curry reports; Biological E partnered with GSK's Indian unit in developing its pharma business.
*Read more: Report: GSK mulls deal for India vaccines unit - FiercePharma http://www.fiercepharma.com/story/report-gsk-mulls-deal-india-vaccines-unit/2011-04-21#ixzz1KB5yqDy7
**Publishe din "FIERCE PHARMA"
Los dátiles, un escudo frente a patologías oculares
La riqueza nutricional de los dátiles propició que en la Antigüedad se les llegara a catalogar como la fruta del «árbol de la vida». Aunque por su consistencia y aspecto se les haya hecho un hueco dentro de las frutas desecadas, lo cierto es que no se seca después de su recolección, sino antes al sol. Para Elena Gascón, dietista-nutricionista del Instituto de Ciencias de la Alimentación de la Universidad de Navarra, «aportan mayor cantidad de energía que las variedades frescas. Son una fuente importante de hidratos de carbono y fibra, por lo que ayudan a controlar el tránsito intestinal y están recomendados en casos de estreñimiento».
Dentro de los minerales, los dátiles destacan por su riqueza en potasio y magnesio. «El primero, en sinergia con la niacina o vitamina B3, favorece el buen funcionamiento nervioso y muscular, promoviendo una buena coordinación psicomotora. El magnesio se relaciona con el funcionamiento del intestino, nervios y músculos, forma parte de huesos y dientes, mejora la inmunidad y posee un suave efecto laxante», aclara Gascón. Pero todavía hay más. Dos pigmentos naturales, los betacarotenos y la luteína, continúa la experta, «ayudan a cuidar la vista y previenen enfermedades degenerativas de los ojos».
-Demasiadas calorías
Pese a todo, los dátiles contienen un valor energético nada despreciable. Hasta 279 calorías por cien gramos. Según el doctor Vicente Orós Espinosa, miembro del Grupo de Nutrición de la Sociedad Española de Médicos de Atención Primaria (Semergen), «representan un recurso excelente para reponerse de grandes esfuerzos y están especialmente indicados en la práctica de deportes de larga duración y condiciones extremas como montañismo, alpinismo o escalada, entre otros». Sin embargo, «debido a su contenido en hidratos de carbono, estarán contraindicados en personas obesas y con sobrepeso, así como diabéticos y aquellas que padezcan hipertrigliceridemia por su concentración en azúcares simples. Además, tan sólo poseen un 15 por ciento de agua, por lo que el contenido de los restantes nutrientes está aumentado», advierte Gascón.
Además, su ingesta habitual, continúa la experta, no sólo «favorece la aparición de caries dental si no se tiene una correcta higiene bucal, sino que también pueden resultar algo indigestos en personas con problemas digestivos». Entre los dátiles más populares encabeza la lista el tunecido «Deglet Noor» de piel lisa y brillante, seguido del «Medjool» con una textura arrugada y similar a un caramelo toffee. Dentro de los secos están los blandos, duros, rojos, negros y amarillos. Aunque proceden de Oriente Medio, los de Elche (Alicante) cuentan con el reconocimiento a nivel mundial.
**Publicado en "LA RAZON"
Los niños que ven mucha tv, más propensos a enfermedades cardiacas
La investigación señala que el impacto a la salud de cada hora frente a la televisión equivale a un aumento de unos 10 mm HG (milímetros de mercurio) en la presión sistólica sanguínea, de acuerdo al portal de divulgación de información científica Sciencealert. La jefa de este estudio, Bamini Gopinath, dijo que "los factores vinculados a una vida poco saludable pueden tener un impacto en la microcirculación en los primeros años de vida y aumentar el riesgo de desarrollar después problemas cardíacos y presión alta".
Los expertos del Centro de Investigación de la Visión de la Universidad de Sídney examinaron a unos 1.500 niños de seis a siete años y notaron que las arteriolas retinianas de aquellos que pasan mucho tiempo frente a la televisión son más estrechas que lo normal. Los niños que participaron en el estudio estaban expuestos un promedio de 1,9 horas al día frente a la televisión y dedicaban 36 minutos a la actividad física.
Según la investigación los niños que invertían más una hora de actividad física cada día tenían arteriolas retinianas saludables, debido a que la actividad aumenta el flujo sanguíneo y tiene un efecto positivo en los tejidos de los vasos sanguíneos. El estrechamiento de las arteriolas retinianas se asocia con hipertensión arterial, pero este estudio muestra por primera vez la relación entre una vida sedentaria durante la infancia y dicha condición.
**Agencias
Electronic medical records speed genetic health studies
Recruiting thousands of patients to collect health data for genetic clues to disease is expensive and time consuming. But that arduous process of collecting data for genetic studies could be faster and cheaper by instead mining patient data that already exists in electronic medical records, according to new Northwestern Medicine research. In the study, researchers were able to cull patient information in electronic medical records from routine doctors' visits at five national sites that all used different brands of medical record software. The information allowed researchers to accurately identify patients with five kinds of diseases or health conditions – type 2 diabetes, dementia, peripheral arterial disease, cataracts and cardiac conduction.
"The hard part of doing genetic studies has been identifying enough people to get meaningful results," said lead investigator Abel Kho, M.D., an assistant professor of medicine at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine and a physician at Northwestern Memorial Hospital. "Now we've shown you can do it using data that's already been collected in electronic medical records and can rapidly generate large groups of patients."
The paper will be published April 20 in Science Translational Medicine.
To identify the diseases, Kho and colleagues searched the records using a series of criteria such as medications, diagnoses and laboratory tests. They then tested their results against the gold standard – review by physicians. The physicians confirmed the results, Kho said. The electronic health records allowed researchers to identify patients' diseases with 73 to 98 percent accuracy.
The researchers also were able to reproduce previous genetic findings from prospective studies using the electronic medical records. The five institutions that participated in the study collected genetic samples for research. Patients agreed to the use of their records for studies.
Sequencing individuals' genomes is becoming faster and cheaper. It soon may be possible to include patients' genomes in their medical records, Kho noted. This would create a bountiful resource for genetic research.
"With permission from patients, you could search electronic health records at not just five sites but 25 or 100 different sites and identify 10,000 or 100,000 patients with diabetes, for example," Kho said.
The larger the group of patients for genetic studies, the better the ability to detect rarer affects of the genes and the more detailed genetic sequences that cause a person to develop a disease.
The study also showed across-the-board weaknesses in institutions' electronic medical records. The institutions didn't do a good job of capturing race and ethnicity, smoking status and family history, all which are important areas of study, Kho said. "It shows we need to focus our efforts to use electronic medical records more meaningfully," he added.
**Source: Northwestern University
"The hard part of doing genetic studies has been identifying enough people to get meaningful results," said lead investigator Abel Kho, M.D., an assistant professor of medicine at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine and a physician at Northwestern Memorial Hospital. "Now we've shown you can do it using data that's already been collected in electronic medical records and can rapidly generate large groups of patients."
The paper will be published April 20 in Science Translational Medicine.
To identify the diseases, Kho and colleagues searched the records using a series of criteria such as medications, diagnoses and laboratory tests. They then tested their results against the gold standard – review by physicians. The physicians confirmed the results, Kho said. The electronic health records allowed researchers to identify patients' diseases with 73 to 98 percent accuracy.
The researchers also were able to reproduce previous genetic findings from prospective studies using the electronic medical records. The five institutions that participated in the study collected genetic samples for research. Patients agreed to the use of their records for studies.
Sequencing individuals' genomes is becoming faster and cheaper. It soon may be possible to include patients' genomes in their medical records, Kho noted. This would create a bountiful resource for genetic research.
"With permission from patients, you could search electronic health records at not just five sites but 25 or 100 different sites and identify 10,000 or 100,000 patients with diabetes, for example," Kho said.
The larger the group of patients for genetic studies, the better the ability to detect rarer affects of the genes and the more detailed genetic sequences that cause a person to develop a disease.
The study also showed across-the-board weaknesses in institutions' electronic medical records. The institutions didn't do a good job of capturing race and ethnicity, smoking status and family history, all which are important areas of study, Kho said. "It shows we need to focus our efforts to use electronic medical records more meaningfully," he added.
**Source: Northwestern University
Los alimentos protectores del corazón
Alimentos protectores del corazón. Una de las principales causas de muerte son las enfermedades cardiovasculares ; por ello es importante que incluyas en tu dieta ciertos alimentos beneficiosos para tu corazón y tu sistema cardiocirculatorio.
La avena es rica en ácidos grasos omega 3, acido fólico y potasio; es muy rica en fibra y ayuda a bajar los niveles de LDL o colesterol malo evitando que las arterias se taponen. Los copos de avena con un lácteo, unos frutos rojos y una o dos piezas de fruta constituyen una opción sana y equilibrada de desayuno para todas las edades.
La avena es rica en ácidos grasos omega 3, acido fólico y potasio; es muy rica en fibra y ayuda a bajar los niveles de LDL o colesterol malo evitando que las arterias se taponen. Los copos de avena con un lácteo, unos frutos rojos y una o dos piezas de fruta constituyen una opción sana y equilibrada de desayuno para todas las edades.
El salmón es un alimento rico en ácidos grasos omega 3, ayuda a reducir la presión arterial y cuidar las arterias; es recomendable consumirlo al menos dos veces por semana, para reducir el riesgo de infarto; también puedes elegir sardinas o atún.
El aguacate aporta ácidos grasos insaturados y contribuye a disminuir el colesterol malo y aumentar el colesterol bueno, el aceite de oliva es una grasa saludable, por lo que reduce el riesgo de padecer enfermedades cardiovasculares, al igual que las nueces, que puedes consumirlas unas tres o cuatro veces por semana junto con otros frutos secos, siempre crudos, sin tostar ni sal.
Las legumbres, como las habas, lentejas, alubias o garbanzos son alimentos ricos en fibra soluble y calcio, que aportan carbohidratos y proteínas vegetales, además de vitaminas y minerales. Cabe citar entre las legumbres, la soja, que es rica en fitoestrógenos y ayuda a mantener los niveles de colesterol malo o LDL bajo y aumentar el colesterol bueno o HDL, por lo que puedes consumirla con regularidad También el tofu, derivado de la soja, resulta beneficioso para el aparato cardiovascular.
El aguacate aporta ácidos grasos insaturados y contribuye a disminuir el colesterol malo y aumentar el colesterol bueno, el aceite de oliva es una grasa saludable, por lo que reduce el riesgo de padecer enfermedades cardiovasculares, al igual que las nueces, que puedes consumirlas unas tres o cuatro veces por semana junto con otros frutos secos, siempre crudos, sin tostar ni sal.
Las legumbres, como las habas, lentejas, alubias o garbanzos son alimentos ricos en fibra soluble y calcio, que aportan carbohidratos y proteínas vegetales, además de vitaminas y minerales. Cabe citar entre las legumbres, la soja, que es rica en fitoestrógenos y ayuda a mantener los niveles de colesterol malo o LDL bajo y aumentar el colesterol bueno o HDL, por lo que puedes consumirla con regularidad También el tofu, derivado de la soja, resulta beneficioso para el aparato cardiovascular.
**FEC( Fundación Española del Corazón )
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)