Aurora magazine

Some inherited abnormalities of the immune system are linked to a greater risk of developing Hodgkin's lymphoma. This is revealed by a study by the Institute of Cancer Research in London.

The study analyzes data from over 5,300 cases of Hodgkin's lymphoma and 16,749 from a control group. To date it is the most extensive study concerning specifically Hodgkin's lymphoma. It then opens up a series of interesting perspectives for the treatment and prevention of the disease. In fact, there is a need for new therapies that act where standard treatments fail.

Scientists have identified 6 new genetic variations that increase the risk of developing the tumor. It seems that 5 of these also affect the functions of the immune system, in particular the development of B lymphocytes. Among these, 3 have already been associated with autoimmune diseases such as multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis and lupus.

Hodgkin's lymphoma is a blood cancer that affects the B lymphocytes, the most affected by the anomalies identified. The study also identified genetic differences between two types of lymphoma, the nodular and the mixed cellularity

According to the researchers, the results do not indicate that those suffering from autoimmune diseases are more likely to develop lymphoma. Rather, they allow a better understanding of both lymphoma and autoimmune diseases from a genetic point of view. They will also allow to improve the diagnosis and to develop specific treatments for the different types of cancer.

Source: icr.ac.uk

According to a new report from the World Health Organization (WHO), HIV and AIDS have negative repercussions on male and female fertility. The factor is added to the risk of transmission from mother to fetus, which is between 15% and 45%. With a specific treatment during pregnancy and lactation, however, the risk falls below 5%.

Highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) has given birth to many HIV positive children. Before this, in fact, conception involved a high risk of transmission of the disease both to the partner and to the child. Complications during pregnancy were also frequent, even if not strictly related to the virus. Today these problems can be avoided, but HIV positive women may have fertility problems.

It is common for the infection to be linked to an abnormal cycle, if not for the complete absence of menstruation. Furthermore, HIV positive women suffer from a series of side problems that lower their chances of conceiving. Many of these have problems related to stress or depression, a weaker immune system.

HIV also affects the quality of the sperm. Anyone who is positive for the virus may have testicular inflammation and insufficient testosterone levels. Stress and depression can also cause problems related to the sexual sphere, such as erectile dysfunction and decreased libido.

To address any fertility problems, both psychological and medical consultations are useful. Assisted fertilization can help deal with the most physical difficulties related to HIV. Both in vitro fertilization and intrauterine insemination have given excellent results in this regard. A psychological consultation, however, is a support for those who have difficulty living with the virus.

Source: timesnownews.com

People born of women with rheumatoid arthritis are at greater risk of developing certain chronic diseases. This is what emerges from a study led by Dr. Line Jølving, from Odense University Hospital. The discovery was published in the journal Arthritis Care & Research and could help in the prevention of certain disorders.

The team conducted a nationwide study with a very long follow-up. Researchers analyzed data on all children born in Denmark over a 25-year period. Among these there are 2,016 children born to women with rheumatoid arthritis and 1,378,539 born to women without arthritis. The goal was to verify if the maternal illness involves risks for the fetus and what is their nature.

The researchers found that those born of a woman with arthritis are more likely to develop chronic diseases in childhood and adolescence. Specifically, the presence of maternal rheumatoid arthritis is associated with a 2.9 times higher risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis in turn. Scientists also found a 1.6-fold higher risk of epilepsy and a 2.2-fold higher than thyroid disease.

The discovery is useful for developing new treatments and prevention pathways. In fact, maternal illness can indicate the need for greater attention to the health of the child.

Source: eurekalert.org

The universities of Harvard and La Sapienza have signed a historic agreement in the name of medical research. For the next 10 years, the two universities will cooperate in training and research. The agreement was signed by the rector Eugenio Gaudio and the president of Brigham and Women's Hospital Bwh Elizabeth G. Nabel.

The agreement, signed at the headquarters of the US university in Boston, provides a series of joint projects. There will be an exchange of staff and students between the two universities, as well as research conducted on four hands and exchange of scientific information. An essential partnership to face the growing challenges of contemporary medicine.

According to the rector Gaudio, the ultimate goal of the international scientific community is to ensure psychophysical wellbeing and health for as many people as possible. For this reason, it is important for universities to embrace a new approach to research. Mobilization and exchange create a common space in which to grow ideas. This is the final aim of the agreement between the Harvard University Hospital and La Sapienza.

For resource management, the two universities will rely on the European Institute for Network Medicine. Although this is formed by the Bwh, this will be organized according to an international horror shared by the parties.

Source: repubblica.it