Aurora magazine

Drinking probiotic milk in pregnancy could reduce the risk of complications. This is suggested by a Norwegian study based on data from over 70,000 women. According to the study, this type of milk would help reduce inflammation, the risk of pre-eclampsia and premature delivery.

A team of Norwegian researchers examined responses to a survey about lifestyle in pregnancy. Among the questions there was also one concerning the consumption of probiotic milk before pregnancy and during. Probiotic milk is a milk enriched with good bacteria, such as Kefir milk. It is a very common food in northern countries and very consumed.

About 23% of women said they had consumed probiotic milk before pregnancy. 38% said they consumed it early in the pregnancy and 32% in the last. Average consumption was around 1.5 cups a day.

Women who consumed probiotic milk in the last stages of gestation had a 20% lower risk of preeclampsia. Consumption seems to have also benefited from the pressure and protein level in the urine, often too high towards the end of pregnancy. These women also had 21% less premature births.

An explanation could lie in the anti-inflammatory properties of probiotic milk. In fact, various complications in pregnancy are caused by inflammation. It is true, however, that the study does not prove a cause and effect relationship between this type of milk and reduction of complications. Show at most a correlation relationship between the two factors.

Source: livescience.com

Rett's syndrome is a devastating genetic disease. Causes disorders at the motor level and behaviors of the autistic mold. The researchers at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine have perhaps found a solution. In fact, they are working to restore brain function and regress at least part of the symptoms. One method in particular seems to have worked on some animal models.

The researchers found that the prefrontal cortex plays an important role in some cognitive and respiratory abnormalities. In the guinea pigs with the genetic defect due to Rett's syndrome, this area was almost inactive. In fact, it lacked adequate stimulation from other nerve cells. According to the researchers, this poor activity could be the cause of some symptoms of Rett syndrome.

To test their hypothesis, the scientists activated the prefrontal cortex neurons. The mice treated in this way began to breathe normally. They also recovered some of the long-term memory. A molecule was enough to almost completely eliminate the most severe symptoms of Rett syndrome in mice. Once normal activity was restored, the brain was relatively healthy and the guinea pigs showed a marked improvement.

This is a first discovery, but it also suggests a possible treatment for human beings. Furthermore, the same procedure could also be applicable to other brain regions. It could therefore benefit both those suffering from Rett's syndrome and those suffering from a disease of the same spectrum.

Source: case.edu

The word progeria comes from the Greek "pro" - "before" - and "gheron" - "old". It is the alternative name of Hutchinson-Gilford syndrome (HGPS), a very rare genetic disease that causes premature aging. It affects about 1 child every 4-8 million births and today there are about 70 sick children, including 5 in Italy.

Progeria is caused by a mutation in the LMNA gene, a manufacturer of the LAMIN-A protein. It is the raw material of the structure that unites the cell nucleus and the external part. When it is missing, the nucleus becomes unstable and this causes the early death of the cell. In the long run, the phenomenon causes premature aging of the organism.

Hutchinson-Gilford syndrome occurs in the first months of life. It manifests itself with a hardening of the skin and the appearance of an evident venous reticulum. Subcutaneous fat is insufficient and the baby grows little. Around 18-24 months the first signs of aging become evident. Those who suffer suffer little, have old skin, lose body fat and hair. It also shows stiffness of joints, atherosclerosis and is prone to cardiovascular disease and heart attack.

Although genetic, progeria is not hereditary. It is suspected that the mutation occurs in one of the two gametes spontaneously, just before conception. Its appearance does not therefore depend on family predispositions.

Source: progeriaitalia.org

Genital mycoplasma is becoming resistant to antibiotics. It is a little known bacterium, responsible for a sexually transmitted infection. They know only a few and rarely cause symptoms, yet only in the United Kingdom affects about 1 person per 100. Moreover, if left untreated, the infection could lead to infertility.

Symptoms of mycoplasma infection are poor and include loss, burning while urinating, pain during sexual intercourse. If left untreated, the infection causes infertility and premature births. The bacterium has been known for some decades, but only recently have they discovered that it is sexually transmissible. Also for this reason, it is usually not included among routine checks for sexually transmitted diseases.

The bacterium is treatable with antibiotics, but it is mutating. As the infection increases, it is becoming increasingly difficult to treat and resistant to antibiotics. To avert the danger, Australian researchers are developing a test that identifies the mutated version of the bacterium. Nevertheless, there remains a certain tension in the environment.

Dr. Burbidge cautions that you should take the test every time you have risky sexual behavior. Symptoms of rare occur and, when it happens, it may be too late.

Source: independent.co.uk