Slim or obese? Brain decides

In what can pave the way for obesity treatment, scientists have decoded a key mechanism through which insulin controls a part of brain that manages body’s energy balance. They have shown how insulin in the satiety centre of the brain –known as the ventromedial hypothalamus (VMH) can lead to obesity. VMH controls our appetite and energy expenditure. Consumption of high-fat food causes more insulin to be released by the pancreas. Over the course of several intermediary steps, the insulin inhibits the transmission of nerve impulses in such a way that the feeling of satiety is suppressed and energy expenditure reduced. This promotes obesity. To find out how insulin acts in the brain, researchers at University of Cologne, Germany, compared mice that lacked an insulin receptor in VMH with mice whose insulin receptors were intact. With normal food consumption, the researchers discovered no difference between the two groups. When the rodents were fed high-fat food, those with the defective insulin receptor remained slim, while their counterparts with functional receptors rapidly gained weight. The researchers found that the weight gain was due to both an increase in appetite and reduced calorie expenditure. The research opens avenues for obesity management. Earlier studies have shown how two hormones leptin and ghrelin influence energy balance and control obesity, says Anoop Misra, Head of the Department of Diabetes and Metabolic Diseases at Fortis Hospital, Delhi. It can also help develop drugs for obesity control by hampering the insulin mediated pathway, he adds.

July 1-15, 2011 Down To Earth .

Vaccines to fight any type of flu coming soon

A “Universal” jab that would protect against every type of flu, say scientists. An international team is working on such a vaccine that will fight off all major strains of influenza – from the routine winter flu to virulent new strains of bird flu – and it claims that the jab could be available within a few years. In fact, scientists believe they have solved the problem of designing a “one fits all” jab using a new two-step approach to immunisation. According to them, early safety trials of flu vaccine have already started and it could be tested on human patients as early as 2013, the British media reported. Though the jab for humans is at an early stage of development, the scientists have tested it successfully on mice, ferrets and monkeys whose immune systems were “primed” with a “base” of influenza DNA. In monkeys, they added a “booster” consisting of regular seasonal flu vaccine which increased and broadened its immunity. The vaccine’s effectiveness improved each year until; recipients would be immune to flu. The “Priming” or base vaccine came from a 1999 virus but antibodies were generated that neutralized viruses of different sub-types and from different years. The prime-boost approach opens a new door to vaccinations for influenza that would be similar to vaccination against diseases as hepatitis, where they vaccinate early in life and then boost immunity through occasional, additional inoculations in adulthood.

September –October, 2010 Biotech Bulletin

Genes linked to migraine discovered

US scientists have discovered three genes variants linked to migraine, a move that could help understand the cause of severe headaches. Inheriting any one of the three gene variants raises risk of severe headaches by 10 to 15 percent, the researchers said in a study published online by the journal Nature Genetics. The three genes are TRPM8, LRP1 and PRDM16. The first plays a role in sensitivity to cold and pain, while the second is involved in the transmission of signals between neurons, researchers reported.

“While migraine remains incompletely understood and its underlying causes difficult to pin down, identifying these three genetic variants helps shed light on the biological roots for this common and debilitating condition”, said lead author of the study, Daniel Chasman, Assistant Professor in the preventive medicine division at Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School. The researchers based their findings on analysis of genetic data from more than 23,000 women, including over 5,000 migraine sufferers. Although the researchers said the findings are encouraging, they noted that more research is needed to better understand exactly how each of these genes is associated with migraine. Migraine headache, an abnormality in the response of nerve cells to stimuli, is characterized by recurring severe headaches, which often result in nausea as well as sensitivity to light and sound.

June 19, 2011 The Hitavada

Canful of trouble

Researchers have identified the effects of continuous exposure to the controversial chemical Bisphenol A (BPA) through diet. It is present in plastic film used to line cans or in plastic bottles. Till now experimental animals were given a single oral BPA dosage. They found the activity of BPA from the diet differed from the oral dosage. It reached the highest within an hour in the oral dosage while that from diet took hours. There was also an increase in the active form of BPA, which can bind to sex steroid receptors and cause mutations in genes.

July 1-15, 2011 Down To Earth
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Common Cold: Expert Advice

Everyone thinks that if you get a cold, it means your immune system was weak or run–down. That’s a myth. Cold symptoms are caused by your immune reaction to the presence of a cold virus, so people’s active immune systems are actually more prone to having cold symptoms. Don’t worry about touching an ATM, but if you shake hands with somebody with cold, wash your hands. If your kid high-fives everyone on the football team before you hand out the snack, give her some hand sanitizer. The hands are the conveyors of cold viruses, and your nose and eyes are major portals of entry into your body. So keep your hands off your face. We all have miserable records on that. We touch our faces 200 to 600 times a day, so it’s a tough habit to lick. It’s okay to go out with wet hair – it won’t make you catch a chill. But sleep deprivation and chronic stress do make you more susceptible.

February, 2011 Health Action

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Largest genetic study of asthma points towards better treatments

A large international study has identified several genetic variants that increase susceptibility to asthma in the population. Scientists hope the findings will help to focus efforts for development of better therapies for the illness. One in seven children in the UK suffers from asthma, which is caused by inflammation and narrowing of the airways in the lungs and results in difficulty breathing. The causes of the disease are poorly understood, but genetic and environmental factors are thought to play roughly equal roles. The researchers looked at DNA samples from 10000 children and adults with asthma, and 16000 non-asthmatics to pinpoint differences in genetic code. The seven locations identified did not have strong enough effects to be useful for predicting asthma early in life, but the findings point the way toward better targeted therapy. Childhood asthma, which affects boys more than girls and can persist throughout life, is often linked to allergies, and it has been assumed that these can trigger the condition. However, the study found that genes controlling the levels of antibodies causing allergies had little effect on the presence of asthma, suggesting that allergies are more likely to be a consequence of asthma than a cause. Miriam Moffatt, Professor of Human Genetics at Imperial College London and one of the study's leaders, said: "As a result of genetic studies we now know that allergies may develop as a result of defects in the lining of the airways. This does not mean that allergies are not important, but it does mean that concentrating therapies only on allergies will not effectively treat the whole disease."

Some of the genes identified are involved in signaling pathways that tell the immune system when the lining of the airways has been damaged. Other genes appear to control how quickly the airways heal after they have been injured. Identifying these genes should help direct research into new treatments for asthma, the researchers suggest. "Asthma is a complex disease in which many different parts of the immune system can become activated,” said Professor William Cookson, Director of Respiratory Sciences at Imperial College London, who co-ordinated the study. "One of the problems with asthma research has been choosing where to intervene in the disease pathways. Our study now highlights targets for effective asthma therapies, and suggests that therapies against these targets will be of use to large numbers of asthmatics in the population. "Professor David Strachan, Professor of Epidemiology at St George's, University of London, who also co-authored the study, said: "Asthma has often been considered a single disease, but our genetic findings suggest that childhood-onset asthma may differ biologically from asthma that is acquired in adult life.

http://genome.wellcome.ac.uk
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New Research offers Breakthrough in fight against Breast cancer

Researchers at Indiana University and Methodist Research institute have published the dramatic effects of a natural formula against breast cancer. Lead investigator Dr. Daniel Sliva Says, “The formula we studied inhibits growth of highly metastatic human breast cancer cells, and suppress the metastatic potential of those cells. The all-natural, doctor- designed formula combines phytonutrients, botanically enhanced medicine mushrooms and antioxidants that work together to provide effective breast protection. Dr Sliva continues, “We were able to identify specific genes which are responsible for growth of human breast cancer cells and show, on the molecular level, how these nature dietary components affect breast cancer cells. ”According to the American cancer Society, an estimated 230,480 new cases of invasive breast cancer are expected to occur among women. In the US during 2011; about 2,140 new cases are expected in men. Despite significant advances in breast cancer advanced, the available treatments for advanced stage.

As the study shows, this potent integrative breast formula can be an important tool in the fight against highly invasive breast cancer. “This unique mixture of ingredients produced strong results at low concentrations, which shows its strength,“ says Dr. lsaac Eliaz whom the study authors acknowledge for his development of the formula. Dr. Eliaz explains, “The ingredients promote breast health through critical hormone modulation, cellular protection, and vital immune enhancement. Cancer metastasis is a complex process consisting of cell adhesion, cell migration, and cell invasion. The inhibition of these events is crucial for the suppression of caner metastasis. “fortunately, the formula we studied inhibits all of these processes, without side effects, which are associated with cancer chemotherapy,” explains Dr. Sliva.

August, 2011 Herbal Tech Industry

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Stem cell transplants help repair kidney damage

Transplanting of autologous renal progenitor cells (RPCs) – kidney stem cells derived form self-donors – has been found to improve kidney structure and function in rat models with kidney damage from pyelonephritis, a type of urinary infection that has reached the kidney. “Advancements in stem cell therapies and tissue engineering hold great promise for regenerative nephrology,” stated Dr. Abdol - Mohammad Kajbafzadeh, corresponding author of the study, from Tehran University of Medical Sciences, lslamic Republic of lran.

The scientists divided 27 rats into three groups two of which were modeled with an induced pyelonephritis in their right kidneys, while the third group did not have induced disease. RPCs were obtained from the diseased animal’s left kidneys and injected into the right kidney six week later. Two week after injection, tubular atrophy was reduced. After four week, fibrosis was reduced and after 60 days, right renal tissue integrity was ‘significantly improved’. “We propose that kidney augmentation was mainly due to function tissue regeneration following cellular transplantation” said Dr. Kajbafzadeh. Kidney - specific stem/ progenitor cells might be the most appropriate candidates for transplantation because of their inherent organ-specific differentiation and their capacity to modulate tissue remodeling in chronic nephropathies.” The researchers concluded that because renal fibrosis is a common and ultimate pathway that leads to end – stage renal disease, amelioration of fibrosis may be of major clinical relevance.

Mar-April, 2011 VATIS UPDATE- Biotechnology

Addiction has a new definition - it is a chronic brain disease, not bad choices or behaviors

When people see compulsive and damaging behaviors in friends or family members -- or public figures such as celebrities or politicians -- they often focus only on the substance use or behaviors as the problem. However, these outward behaviors are actually manifestations of an underlying disease that involves various areas of the brain, according to the new definition by ASAM, the nation's largest professional society of physicians dedicated to treating and preventing addiction.

"At its core, addiction isn't just a social problem or a moral problem or a criminal problem. It's a brain problem whose behaviors manifest in all these other areas," said Dr. Michael Miller, past president of ASAM who oversaw the development of the new definition. "Many behaviors driven by addiction are real problems and sometimes criminal acts. But the disease is about brains, not drugs. It's about underlying neurology, not outward actions."

The new definition resulted from an intensive, four-year process with more than 80 experts actively working on it, including top addiction authorities, addiction medicine clinicians and leading neuroscience researchers from across the country. The full governing board of ASAM and chapter presidents from many states took part, and there was extensive dialogue with the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA).

The new definition also describes addiction as a primary disease, meaning that it's not the result of other causes such as emotional or psychiatric problems. Addiction is also recognized as a chronic disease, like cardiovascular disease or diabetes, so it must be treated, managed and monitored over a life-time.

Research shows that the disease of addiction affects neurotransmission and interactions within reward circuitry of the brain, leading to addictive behaviors that supplant healthy behaviors, while memories of previous experiences with food, sex, alcohol and other drugs trigger craving and renewal of addictive behaviors. Meanwhile, brain circuitry that governs impulse control and judgment is also altered in this disease, resulting in the dysfunctional pursuit of rewards such as alcohol and other drugs. This area of the brain is still developing during teen-age years, which may be why early exposure to alcohol and drugs is related to greater likelihood of addiction later in life.

Dr. Raju Hajela, past president of the Canadian Society of Addiction Medicine and chair of the ASAM committee stated that "the disease creates distortions in thinking, feelings and perceptions, which drive people to behave in ways that are not understandable to others around them. Simply put, addiction is not a choice. Addictive behaviors are a manifestation of the disease, not a cause."

www.sciencedaily.com

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Lose weight and improve heart health naturally by walking

Many people these days think they have to follow the latest fad diet in order to lose a lot of weight in a hurry. The hard truth is that there is actually no fast fix for weight loss. It is a gradual process that involves a will to change one's lifestyle and habits. Walking is one of the safest, most effective forms of exercise that will assist with successful weight loss and future weight, health and heart maintenance. Not only does walking benefit those wanting to lose weight, it also helps to improve heart health. This is because it is able to lower the low-density lipoprotein (LDL or otherwise known as bad) cholesterol and raise the high-density lipoprotein (HDL or good) cholesterol levels in the blood. Studies have shown that those, who walk for an average of 30 to 60 minutes per day, have an almost 40% less chance of developing heart disease and cancer. People, who need to lower blood pressure or simply to stay fit, can benefit greatly from walking. It helps those suffering from depression and strengthens the immune system. It can assist those suffering from breathing or circulatory problems and can even help prevent the onset of osteoporosis. It has also been shown to lower the risk of having a stroke. Walking can even help those suffering from arthritis and other forms of joint pain. It is also an effective way of maintaining lean muscle. Walking at a gentle pace of around three miles per hour can burn as many as 263 calories per hour. Increasing the pace to a slightly more brisk four miles per hour can boost that to an amazing 366 calories per hour. Ensure that you have loose but comfortable clothing to wear while walking, as well as a comfortable pair of walking shoes. It is also important to warm up by gently stretching the muscles before setting out. Cool down after walking by slowing down your pace a few minutes before arriving at your destination and ensure that you finish off with a few gentle stretches after stopping. This will minimize your risk of muscle strain and injury. If one does a little research, you may find that a few places that you frequent are actually close enough to walk to instead of driving. Not only will your health and waistline thank you for the exercise, but so will the environment.

http://www.naturalnews.com/

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New Role for Protein in Hearing

Scientists have discovered a new role for a protein that is mutated in Usher syndrome, one of the most common forms of deaf-blindness in humans. The findings, which may help explain why this mutation causes the most severe form of the condition. The study suggests that the protein called harmonin, which is known to be involved in sound sensing in the inner ear, may also play a role in the transmission of sound information to the brain. Hearing starts with the transmission of sound by inner hair cells in the ear. Sound waves cause movement of special structures called stereocilia on the tips of the hair cells. Harmonin is thought to mediate this movement, which then activates the cells and initiates transmission of sound information as electrical and chemical signals to the brain. "Most of the research until now has concentrated on the input end of the inner hair cells where the sound waves produce motion of the stereocilia," said Amy Lee, Ph.D, Associate Professor in the Departments of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, and Neurology. "Now we have found a new role for harmonin at the opposite end of these sound-sensing inner hair cells where it appears to control the signal output of the cell."Lee and colleagues, found that harmonin is important for regulating the number of calcium channels present at the sound-transmitting synapse of inner hair cells. Studies from other labs have shown that too few or too many calcium channels at the hair cell synapse cause deafness in mice. This means factors that control how many channels are available are likely to be important for normal hearing."Harmonin appears to precisely control how many channels are available," Lee said. "What we think is happening in Usher syndrome where the harmonin protein is mutated is that there are too many calcium channels available, which causes abnormal signaling at the synapses."We are most excited about the idea that this mutation could contribute to the disease process of Usher syndrome in a way that was not imagined before," Lee added. "It may eventually be possible to alter this interaction between harmonin and the calcium channels in a way that might be useful as a therapy for patients with this form of Usher syndrome."Harmonin is also expressed in the retina -- the light-sensitive tissue in the eye -- which is affected in Usher syndrome, and there are calcium channels in the photoreceptor cells of the retina.

http://www.sciencedaily.com

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Five ways of getting into the exercise habit

1. Be organised and prepared for exercise. There’s nothing worse than planning to work out and not being able to find your trainers, or realizing all your kit is dirty, or that your exercise bike is buried under a mound of clothes. Don’t give yourself a reason to skip it

2. Reward yourself for adhering to your exercise program. Perhaps a sports massage, a session with a personal trainer or some new kit will keep you keen.

3. Find other likeminded people to enjoy being active with. Research shows that exercisers who train with others are less likely to drop out than those who go it alone. Training with family and friends, for instance, can be a hugely rewarding and motivating experience.

4. Renew your goals regularly. Having a purpose for each and every workout makes it all feel much more worthwhile. If you don’t know why you’re doing it, you’ll most likely just go through the motions and you won’t get much out of it. Have something to aim for...

5. Ring the changes. Even if you love your power walking or your favourite exercise video, don’t be afraid to shake things up now and then. Your mind and muscles will thank you for it.

http://in.lifestyle.yahoo.com

Scientist reveals characteristics’ of HIV early in transmission

A new finding from scientists at the National Institutes of Health could help efforts to design vaccines and other prevention tools to block HIV in the early stages of sexual transmission, before infection takes hold. Researchers at the NIH National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases have helped explain genetic differences that can distinguish some early-transmitting HIVs -- viruses found in an infected individual within the first month after infection -- from forms of HIV isolated later in infection.

These genetic features help HIV bind tightly to a molecule called integrin α4β7. According to the scientists, the capacity to bind tightly to α4β7 likely enhances the ability of certain HIV viruses to complete the many steps of sexual transmission and become the "founder" virus that establishes infection in an individual.

The study also sheds light on CD4+ T cells, the primary immune cell targeted by HIV. Scientist reported that gp120, an HIV surface protein, can bind to integrin α4β7 via a receptor that may be present on the surface of the CD4+ T-cell. α4β7 helps direct HIV-infected CD4+ T cells into the gut, where the virus can then begin to replicate fast. Given the new finding the scientists believe it is likely that CD4+ T cells with the α4β7 receptor play an important role in the sexual transmission of HIV.

Mar-April, 2011 VATIS UPDATE: Biotechnology

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Improve Your Memory With These 9 Common-Sense Techniques

The minor memory lapses that occur with age-associated memory impairment can’t be eliminated completely; however, a number of common-sense strategies can improve overall memory at any age. The keys are to stay focused, active and alert.

1. Place commonly lost items in a designated spot. If you’re prone to losing certain items, such as keys or eyeglasses, pick a spot and always put the items there when you are not using them.

2. Write things down. If you have trouble remembering phone numbers or appointments, write them down and place the list in a conspicuous spot. Making a daily “to do” list will remind you of important tasks and obligations.

3. Say words out loud. Saying “I’ve turned off the stove” after doing so will give you an extra verbal reminder when you later try to recall whether the stove is still on. Incorporating people’s names into the conversation immediately after you have met them helps, too.

4. Use memory aids. Use a pocket notepad, cell phone, wristwatch alarm, voice recorder or other aids to help remember what you need to do or to keep track of information.

5. Use visual images. When learning new information, such as a person’s name, create a visual image in your mind to make the information more vivid and, therefore, more memorable.

6. Group items using mnemonics. A mnemonic is any technique used to help you remember. For example, when memorizing lists, names, addresses and so on, try grouping them as an acronym. Another mnemonic technique is an acrostic. Acrostics use the first letter of each item to create new words that form a sentence or phrase. Using rhymes or creating stories that connect each element to be remembered is also helpful.

7. Concentrate and relax. Many environmental stimuli compete for your attention at any given time. To remember something, concentrate on the items to be remembered. Pay close attention to new information and try to avoid or block out distractions. Anxiety and stress can inhibit recall. Learning a relaxation technique, such as deep breathing or muscle-relaxing exercises, may help.

8. Get plenty of sleep. During sleep the brain consolidates and firms up newly acquired information. Studies indicate that people are better at remembering recently learned information the next day if they have had a good night’s sleep.

9. Rule out other causes of memory loss. If you suspect that you are having memory difficulties, consult your doctor. Some medical conditions can cause memory problems that can be corrected, including depression, hearing or vision loss, thyroid dysfunction, certain medications, vitamin deficiencies and stress.

http://www.johnshopkinshealthalerts.com

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