Aurora magazine

Researchers at the University of Colorado and Duke University have presented a study on best techniques for in vitro fertilization. According to scientists, fresh oocytes give more chance of success than frozen ones. Likewise, it is better to implant one embryo at a time. All of these findings were presented to the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM).

Dr Alex Polotsky, the lead author of the study, is on the verge of other research in recent years. It confirms what others have already said: planting many embryos at a time is not only useless but also deleterious. For in vitro fertilization to be successful, it is much better to implant one or two embryos at a time. This also limits the risk of twin pregnancies, which are dangerous for women and for fetuses.

The focal point of the study, however, was the use of frozen oocytes and its relationship to the number of embryos implanted. To date it is still uncertain whether it is best to use fresh or frozen oocytes, especially when they come from a donor. To clarify this point, the researchers examined the data from the Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology (SART). They focused in particular on women who used donated eggs, which usually give more chances of success.

Analyzes have revealed that the rate of healthy babies born is the same, regardless of whether women have used fresh or frozen ovules. The use of fresh oocytes, however, goes hand in hand with the implant of two or three embryos at a time, thus having more twin parts and more complications. On the contrary, it is easier for those who use frozen oocytes to plant only one embryo at a time.

Source: eurekalert.org

The Peace River valley in Canada is also known for the abundance of natural fractures. Researcher Élyse Caron-Beaudoin has led a study on the effects of these volatile compounds. In particular, it focused on the effects of exposure to benzene in pregnancy.

Muconic acid is a degradation product of benzene, a volatile toxic and carcinogenic substance. Among the participants in the study, 29 levels of substance concentration were 3.5 times higher than the national average. In 5 of these, the concentration exceeded the limits recommended by the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH).

The link between levels of mucus acid and benzene exposure is not taken for granted. We still need to see if there is a causal relationship between the two, though it is very likely. Excessive levels of muconic acid may be caused by additives in ready-to-eat foods. However, it is unlikely that diet alone may have affected so much.

An additional point of interest is the rate of indigenous women involved in contamination. Of the 29 women with high levels of mucus acid, 14 were indigenous. In addition, the results revealed that among these women had a substance concentration 2.3 times higher than the other. The data is not statistically significant given the scarcity of participants. It is true, however, that these women lived on average in areas most exposed to hydraulic fractures.

The negative consequences of exposure to benzene during pregnancy are known. Studies link it to a higher rate of infant leukemia, spina bifida and other congenital defects. That is why it is important to understand the exact origin of the mucus acid found in the urine of the study participants. To do this, you will need a much wider study.

Source: medicalxpress.com

Professor Jonathan Schisler's team has discovered the possible causes of coronary heart disease. This opens the doors to the creation of new diagnostic tools for those who have family cases. In the future, perhaps, this might even lead to the creation of ad hoc prenatal tests.

According to the study, subjects with clean arteries exhibit higher levels of CXCL5 protein. It seems that this acts as a protective agent against coronary heart disease. This suggests that there is a genetic predisposition to the underlying problem and that acting on CXCL5 levels could prevent it.

The researchers analyzed blood samples and ultrasounds of 143 people over 65 years of age. All those involved were at the UNC Medical Center for cardiovascular screening. The analyzes revealed that people with clean arteries had genetic variants near the coding gene CXCL5.

Previous studies had linked the CXCL5 protein to inflammation, which had led researchers to consider it dangerous. Recent research suggests instead that it helps to limit fatty and cholesterol sores in the arteries. Schisler's study tests for the first time its protective role against coronary heart disease.

The search has a limit: it did not involve healthy subjects acting as a control group. Nonetheless, if the discovery was proven it would have an invaluable tool for early diagnosis of the disease. With time, you might even think of genetic testing for those who have family cases.

Source: news.unchealthcare.org

The first phase of a clinical trial for a new gene therapy against Type B hemophilia is underway. Researchers have also recruited 5 new patients to be given a new version of the therapy. For the time being, the researchers used SPK-9001 on only one patient, who is around the 35th week of follow-up. According to the first data, however, the results obtained from the new process are comparable to those obtained with the old one.

Gene therapy SPK-9001 should help those with type B hemophilia to produce factor IX. For the time being, neither the first 10 participants nor what they added at a later date showed particular side effects. They have also stopped concentrate IX concentrate infusions, which also makes good hope for efficacy.

All patients showed an increase in factor IX levels, making infusions of the same high. Data on the 7 patients who completed a one-year follow-up show a lasting efficacy of therapy. None of them has shown any cases of bleeding, even without the use of preventative prophylaxis. Everyone has reported an improvement in the quality of life, which is good for the future.

The new version of SPK-9001 will be used in phase 3 of the clinical trial. If this stage is fine, gene therapy will be ready for approval and subsequent marketing.

Source: hemophilianewstoday.com