Aurora magazine

A study by the Gemelli Clinic and the University of Glasgow identified the molecule that determines the appearance of rheumatoid arthritis. Discovery could lead to the creation of new therapeutic solutions.

Subjects with arthritis exhibit an excess of miR34a molecule. It is a non-coding RNA molecule that does not encode for a protein but for other RNA molecules. The molecule produces pro-inflammatory molecules, pushing the immune system to attack healthy tissue. The most violent attacks are against the connective tissue of the joints, which swells and causes pain.

In 50-60% of cases, rheumatoid arthritis is caused by genetic factors. The remaining 40-50%, however, depends on different factors. Some of these are smoke and excess weight, which often act on genetically predisposed subjects. In some cases epigenetic factors are referred to, ie environmental factors that determine DNA responses.

Drugs on the market are effective only in some cases. They tend to be generalized or too specific. Some act on a single cell population, although the disease may affect at least 4 or 5 populations. The only way to effectively fight the disease is to opt for personalized therapy. Time factor also plays an essential role: the first thing you do is the better the results.

The researchers developed a murine model to study the role of the miR34a molecule. In specimens in which the molecule producing gene has been eliminated, arthritis has disappeared. That means miR34a is a breaker for the disease: hitting the molecule also means striking the disease. The next step will be to elaborate therapies that affect miR34a.

Source: repubblica.it

Exposure to air pollution in the first and second quarters may increase the risk of premature delivery. The researchers examined the effects of thin powders on pregnant guinea pigs. It has thus emerged that exposure in the early stages of pregnancy is even more dangerous than normal.

Previous research had suggested that pregnancies in highly polluted areas were more at risk of the average. The new study confirmed what was said earlier. The researchers have made a group of cavities live in the middle of the pollution. Instead, they place the control unit in cages with air filters.
PM2.5 thin powders resulted in a 11.4% drop in birth weight in half of the first group puppies. In addition, 83% of the airborne airborne guinea pigs gave birth early.

PM2.5 are microscopic particles that penetrate deep into the lungs. They are deposited in the lungs, where they cause inflammation and aggravate cardiac disorders already present. They are also carriers for carcinogens. In pregnant women also cause decreased placental weight and alter hormonal levels.
Professor Judith Zelikoff says that pregnant women should avoid as much as possible polluted areas. It would also be good to adopt filters for indoor environments, especially in the early months.

Source: independent.co.uk

The Milan Tribunal dismissed the appeal of the Mangiagalli clinic in Milan, following an order of 18 April 2017. According to the Tribunal, the pre-implant diagnosis must also be available for double fertile but carriers of genetic diseases. So aspiring parents have the right to check for any traces of the disease.

One couple had asked to check the presence of genetic diseases before embryo implantation. The clinic had refused the service, citing the first text of Law 40 as a motivation. According to the law, pre-implant diagnosis was only available for non-fertile couples. However, the Constitutional Court had ruled the lack of legitimacy of the norm.

The judge had given the pair a reason to order, as suffering from serious genetic disease. In such cases, while the individual is fertile, the DNA test serves to test the health of embryos. The couple has the right to obtain the pre-implant diagnosis, whether in public or private accommodation. The Tribunal confirmed what was said three months ago.

Pre-implant diagnosis is a solution for those who know they are carriers of hereditary disease. In these cases, using medically assisted procreation and testing embryo DNA allows to give birth to a healthy son. For those who are at risk of age-related chromosomal anomalies, there are non-invasive prenatal screening tests.

Source: ilsole24ore.com

The provincial junta in Trento has announced changes in the levels of public assistance for assisted procreation. Women will have access to fertilization techniques up to 46 years old, against the previous 43. Changes to the essential levels of care come after changing national standards.

For the first time, Lea includes the PMA among the benefits provided by the health service. Here are the first criteria and limits on a national basis, which ensure a uniform service delivery. For now, the new Lea are not yet active, but the Province of Trento has aligned itself with the regulations. It then moved the 43- to 46-year-old assisted procreation limit as it will be short across the country.

Lea changes go beyond the age limit. Carriers of 6 disabling chronic diseases will be exempt from the ticket. The diseases are: chronic obstructive bronchopneumopathy, chronic osteomyelitis, chronic kidney disease, dominant autosomal polycystic kidney, "moderate" and "severe" endometriosis, thalidomide syndrome. Exemption will also apply to organ donors.

In the case of 5 other pathologies, the exemption from the ticket will no longer be the one for rare illness, but that for chronic-disabling disease. The affected diseases are celiac disease, celiac dermatitis, Down syndrome, Klinefelter syndrome, undifferentiated connective tissue.

Source: lastampa.it