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Aurora magazine

The blog about the prenatal genetic of latest generation

Diagnosing iron deficiency in pregnancy will be easier

A team from St. Michael's Hospital has developed a tool to diagnose iron deficiencies in pregnancy. Inside there are clinical analyzes and resources for doctors, which should make it easier to identify any shortcomings.

The researchers compared the accuracy and number of tests done with and without the tool. Traditional tests only measure the levels of ferritin in the blood, an iron-containing protein. In this way doctors can estimate what the iron levels in the body are and, if necessary, they can prescribe supplements. If left untreated, iron deficiency in pregnancy has negative effects on the health of mother and child. In the long run it can cause anemia, preterm labor, low birth weight, problems in child development. This is why it is important to identify it as soon as possible and clearly.

Unfortunately not all future mothers know this. The tool developed by the authors of the study provides guidance and support to expectant women. It is estimated that one year after its implementation, it has increased the number of tests performed at the hospital by almost 10 times.

The increased number of tests has reduced the risk of anemia in pregnant women, with beneficial effects on the health of future mothers and children. Anemia, in fact, reduces the supply of oxygen to the organs of women and the fetus, putting their correct development at risk.

Source: stmichaelshospital.com

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Improve the quality of sperm eating: how?

In the last 50 years there has been a sharp decline in male fertility, with negative consequences also at a social level. According to some studies, nutrition could play an important role in this regard. In fact, the way we eat could affect sperm quality in one way or another. It is then possible to increase male fertility with food. Yes, even if only up to a certain point.

About 40% of cases of couple infertility are attributable to the male, yet the subject is still poorly treated. To overcome this problem, a test was born that measures sperm motility and helps improve the lifestyle with an app. By changing food and increasing the amount of exercise, it would also be possible to improve sperm quality and increase the chances of a pregnancy. According to the creators of the app, it would be in particular 20 fertility friendly foods.

The authors in question also recommend regular exercise and reduce the use of plastic. According to some studies, in fact, the substances it contains could alter hormone levels and reduce fertility. Improving lifestyle would allow many men to conceive naturally, without having to resort to IVF. In other cases, it could increase the chances of success in assisted reproduction techniques. Nevertheless, little is talked about: unfortunately male infertility is still surrounded by a large social stigma.

Source: express.co.uk

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Europe authorizes the sale of larotrectinib against tumors

Larotrectinib is a drug used for the treatment of solid tumors of genetic cause. In particular, it is used in cases of fusion of NTRK genes, tyrosine kinase receptors in neutrophils.

The European Medicines Agency has authorized the sale also in the European Union, so that it can be used in cases of inoperable cancer. When the tumor is too widespread or cannot be removed surgically, the treatment becomes more difficult. It is frequent in cases of cancer that originate from the blood or spinal cord, spreading throughout the body. In some of these cases, larotrectinib can be used. Before doing so, however, a test must be performed to confirm the genetic fusion of NTRK in the tumor.

The fusion of NTRK causes the development of proteins that stimulate the growth of cancer cells. It is found mainly in some rare tumors, including that of the salivary glands. From time to time, however, it also affects lung and colon cancers.

The drug is used in these cases. For the marketing authorization, three trials were required on a total of 102 patients, adults and children. 67% of these benefited from therapy, which opens the door to new cancer treatments. Drugs such as larotrectinib in fact act on specific tumors, characterized by particular DNA alterations. The development team is developing a drug similar to this, which does however affect the alterations of the RET gene.

Source: ansa.it

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The first genetic census of the human microbiome was carried out

Researchers at Harvard Medical School have for the first time mapped the genes of the human microbiome. The study gives us a more precise idea of ​​the microorganisms present in our body, fundamental for our health and yet often ignored.

The study starts from the bacteria that live in the mouth and intestine, the most relevant and simple to obtain. Scientists have analyzed its DNA, so as to understand its characteristics and functioning. From what emerged, more than half of these possess a unique genetic heritage for each individual. The bacteria that live inside us are therefore characterized by an enormous genetic diversity.

The discovery could help develop new personalized therapies that take into account the thing. This is the first genetic census of the human microbiome. Previous studies had focused only on the species of microorganisms present in our body. The study in question, on the other hand, highlights the genetic differences that can also occur between genes of the same type. Differences that could still have unclear consequences for our general health.

The data comes from 3,500 samples, 1,400 of the oral cavity and 2,100 of the intestine. The researchers identified 46 million genes in them, of which only 23 million shared by more people. The remaining 23 million change from individual to individual. According to the scientists, the former could be linked to basic functions for bacteria, while the others could be used in specific cases. Probably the latter depend largely on environmental factors and lifestyle.

Source: ansa.it

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