Aurora magazine

The length of life of grandparents and great grandparents would have little to do with our longevity. According to a US study, the length of our life would depend on the genes for only 10%. They are much more important lifestyle, environment in which one lives and feeds. Proof? The analysis of over 439 million individuals, aimed at discovering how important genes are for lifespans.

The Calico Life Sciences researchers have selected the genealogical trees of more than 400 thousand individuals. They went back in time, looking for birth and death dates of their ancestors, but also the places where they lived. They then looked for longevity genes, comparing blood relatives and individuals from different families. From what emerged, genes would have a reduced influence on individual longevity.

The genetic heritage in common influences longevity for only 10%. If we also take into account data from acquired relatives, the percentage drops again and even reaches 7%. According to the analysis, husband and wife have a much more similar life span. What is surprising, however, is this also applies to the brothers-in-law. The reason? Perhaps the so-called "selective couplings".

With selective couplings we indicate the tendency of brothers and sisters to choose similar partners. The brothers-in-law would then tend to have in common ethnicity, tastes, cultural level and lifestyle. This would affect their life expectancy much more than the genes, explaining why the brothers in law would have a similar life span.

Source: ilmessaggero.it

Researchers at the University of Southern California have discovered a possible biomarker for Zika malformations. If confirmed, the news could improve prenatal screening and improve the fight against the virus.

The greatest risks from the virus are related to infections that occur in the first and second trimester. A prenatal test could facilitate early diagnosis, which today only occurs when the pregnancy is already advanced. The team expects to be able to develop it in relatively little time, also offering further information on the mechanisms of infection.

The researchers compared blood samples from 30 infected and 30 healthy women. Thanks to the samples, the scientists observed the reactions of the immune system to infection. They focused on the cytokines produced by the body and identified 69 of them. Of these, 16 could be linked to malformations caused by the virus. However, other analyzes will be necessary, also to identify other possible chemical agents.

According to the authors of the study, other chemical messengers may also be involved, or substances secreted in response to particular factors. However, this is a beginning that sets the stage for the development of prenatal tests that facilitate early detection of Zika. The goal is to obtain a test similar to that of fetal DNA, which exploits the material present in the mother's blood without touching the fetus.

Source: medicaldevice-network.com

For women suffering from rheumatic diseases, coping with a pregnancy is a big problem. Rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, arthrosis cause many doubts and fears. "Will I be able to take care of my son?" But above all: "The drugs I take will hurt him?" These are the fears that afflict 50% of women of child bearing age who suffer from these diseases. A number that can not be ignored.

The National Observatory on Women's and Gender Health (Onda) conducted a survey in 24 rheumatology centers in Italy. The survey involved 398 women aged between 18 and 55 with rheumatic diseases. A champion far from the common imaginary, which would like rheumatic diseases as a typical problem of old age.

In reality rheumatic diseases mainly affect women and appear at a young age. It is thought that female hormones play an important role in their development, making them a typical problem of fertile age. Also for this reason, pregnancy is a delicate moment for those suffering from rheumatic diseases. Gestation often influences the course of the disorder and, in the worst cases, can in turn be negatively affected. Angela Tincani, professor of rheumatology at the University of Brescia, is however optimistic.

According to Dr. Tincani, proper medical and obstetric management can facilitate gestation. However, it is necessary to program gestation at a time when the disease is in stable remission. In addition, medications compatible with the new conditions of the woman and the fetus must be chosen. The important thing is that the aspiring mother follows the indications of rheumatologist and gynecologist.

Source: lastampa.it

A team from Baylor College of Medicine has identified a new biological process underlying the Batten disease. The aim of the research was to understand the functioning of the lysosomes involved and to identify a possible lever for the therapies.

The disease is associated with a defect in the CLN8 protein located in the endoplasmic reticulum. Nevertheless, the Batten is one of the so-called lysosomal storage diseases. As a result, the researchers already imagined that the mutation was to be found in a protein, however, located in lysosomes. The study clarified some of the mechanism.

The researchers analyzed 4 proteins that help lysosomal enzymes exit the endoplasmic reticulum. Among these there was also CLN8, the only one that interacted with two thirds of the enzymes tested. As a result, scientists focused on it and switched to animal modeling.

Guinea pigs with a defective version of CLN8 had fewer enzymes in lysosomes. In fact, protein is necessary to allow newly formed enzymes to go out and do their job. CLN8 acts in practice as a cargo transporter, which selects and transfers the newly synthesized enzymes into the Golgi complex. Here they are modified and then sent to the lysosomes. In those who suffer from the Batten disease the process does not work.

When the protein does not work properly, the lysosomal enzyme can not cross the endoplasmic reticulum. As a result there is a deficit within the lysosomes, which leads to the development of the disease. It remains to be seen whether CLN8 works together with other proteins, how it responds to cell degradation and how it recognizes the enzymes to be transported. Furthermore, it will be essential to understand how to correct the process with drug therapy.

Source: raredr.com