Aurora magazine

A team of the London Cancer Research Institute has developed a new DNA test for prostate cancer. The principle is the same as non-invasive prenatal screening tests. It starts with a drop of blood of the subject and analyzes the tumor DNA present in the circle. This way doctors can choose the best medication to deal with the tumor.

The researchers analyzed the DNA of the tumor cells circulating. They have thus identified the subjects with the most advanced forms. They have reserved treatment with new drugs, PARP inhibitors. They also used the test to identify those on whom the treatment was not working, so that it can be addressed immediately.

The test has many potentialities on the therapeutic front. First, it identifies the type of tumor. Physicians can thus distinguish less severe prostate cancer from the more aggressive ones, which require violent treatments. Second, it gives an image of the genetic evolution of the tumor. Allows in short to see if the tumor is evolving and is becoming resistant to drugs.

The new study has identified genetic mutations of prostate cancer that make it resistant to traditional treatments. The test therefore allowed us to avoid unnecessary treatment for some patients, saving time and aiming for more effective solutions right away.

Source: icr.ac.uk

Behind the behavioral problems there may be some epigenetic factors at birth. Specifically, researchers identified abnormalities in genes related to aggression and drug dependence. This is revealed by a study at King's College in London and the University of Bristol.

Behavioral problems include litigation, propensity to lie, and theft. Children who develop such attitudes before the age of 10 are at risk of chronic antisocial attitudes. This involves two types of state spending: the psychological treatment of children; Management of disadvantaged adults. It is therefore desirable to find the root of these problems, both from the human point of view and from the economic point of view.

Genetic factors account for between 50% and 80% of behavioral problems. However, little is known about how these factors interact with environmental influences, especially during fetal development. The most promising approach is to analyze changes in epigenetic processes that regulate genetic expression. The study then examined the association between epigenetic changes at birth and behavioral problems.

The researchers observed a group of children between 4 and 13 years of age. They discovered that babies with anti-social behaviors had epigenetic changes in seven DNA segments. Many of these focused on the MGLL gene, involved in dependency development. The changes were linked to the prenatal exposure to alcohol and smoking, proving how maternal behaviors affect the child's future.

Epigenetic changes increase the risk of antisocial behavior, but they are not condemnation. The study does not demonstrate a net cause and effect ratio but points out the need to follow the most vulnerable subjects. The development of the infant is in fact fundamental to the definition of future behaviors.

Source: kcl.ac.uk

Hysterosalpingography is one of the diagnostic tests that allow to identify infertility. According to a study led by Professor Kim Dreyer, this methodology could be beneficial for "unjustified" infertility cases. The use of a liposoluble contrast agent, in particular, could have a great impact on fertility. Not all studies agree, however.
Consider an infertile couple after a year of failed conception attempts. In these cases, the possible causes of the problem are sought and hysterosalpingography is one of the standard examinations. It is an invasive and also expensive test, mainly used to assess tube conditions.Hysterosalpingography introduces a contrast fluid inside the uterine cavity and tube. Thus, a radiograph of the

Hysterosalpingography introduces a contrast fluid inside the uterine cavity and tube. Thus, a radiograph of the female female genital system is performed. The result is a kind of mold, from which morphological anomalies may arise. Usually a water-soluble contrast agent is used, easier to absorb. However, there are also liposoluble contrasting liquids, which dissolve in fat.

Professor Dreyer's team has conducted a trial on over 1,000 infertile women, aged 18 to 39. The women were divided into two groups, one for the water solublecontrast fluid and one for the liposoluble contrast fluid. After the examination, 40% of women who showed permeability in the tubes continued with intrauterine insemination. 58% continued with

contrast fluid and one for the liposoluble contrast fluid. After the examination, 40% of women who showed permeability in the tubes continued with intrauterine insemination. 58% continued with management of waiting, or attempts at natural conception. 2% used in vitro fertilization.
It was found that 40% of women who had used liposoluble fluid were pregnant, compared with 29% of the other group. The proportions between conception obtained naturally and with assisted fecundation were similar in the two groups. In addition, 39% of women in the first group gave birth to a live baby, against 28% of the second.

According to the study, liposoluble contrast fluid could help conception. It is still unclear how this will happen. Perhaps the liquid manages to move mucus blocks that block the tubes, but this does not explain the difference between the liposoluble and the water-soluble. Or liposoluble contrast fluid has immunomodulatory effects that help embryo implantation.

Source: medscape.com

Food tastes are an early discovery, which even goes back to life in the mother's womb. It was highlighted by a team of experts during the Round Table "Food in the First 1000 Days of Life". The event was held in Naples during the congress of the Italian Society of Pediatrics.

According to pediatricians, the baby's relationship with food begins even before giving birth. It is important for the future mom to control pregnancy. The passage of nutrients through the placenta affects not only the baby's development, but also its taste. Unhealthy eating can have negative consequences both physically and in the face of future eating habits. During pregnancy it is advisable to undergo prenatal screening tests, such as fetal DNA test. These examinations calculate the probability percentage for which the fetus may be affected by chromosomal abnormalities.

After breastfeeding, it is advisable to choose breastfeeding wherever possible. Breastfeeding should go as far as possible, even up to the year of life. Breastfeeding is in fact essential for proper physical and psychological development. If the mother is unable to breastfeed, it is good to make sure the baby is taking omega3.

At the time of weaning any tastes already present in the child emerge. The best way to guide them to a healthy, balanced diet is to contact your pediatrician. He will be able to advise the foods to be introduced, in the right manner and time.

Source: ansa.it