Aurora magazine

Progeria is a rare genetic disease that ages before time. Suffering children show the same symptoms as an 80-year-old person, such as brittle bones and heart disease. They usually die within the age of 14 due to a heart attack or a stroke. Dr. Zoe Gillespie has found that dieting cells could slow the process down.

The researcher tested metformin on cells of patients with progeria. It is a drug used for type 2 diabetes that mimics the condition of a body on a diet. According to the study, the cells treated in this way have better functions and live longer.

The discovery could therefore improve the quality of life of other categories of people, such as the elderly and the obese. The drug makes the cells believe that the body is eating less. As a result, the cells enter a state of energy saving and begin to recycle the material already present. This also leads them to use progerin, the protein that causes the disease.

The whole thing slows down the ultra-rapid aging of the cells and could slow down the course of the disease. By applying it to children with progeria, their quality and life expectancy could be increased. The cells would indeed be able to function better and live longer. Furthermore, the drug replaces some of the abnormal chromosomes of the disease.

In this way the shape and the functions of the cells improve further, with a beneficial effect on the whole organism. According to the researcher, a combination of metformin and diet could change the life of those suffering from the disease. However, before therapy is applied to humans, further tests on animal models will be needed.

Source: usask.ca

In the last 50 years there has been a sharp decline in male fertility, with negative consequences also at a social level. According to some studies, nutrition could play an important role in this regard. In fact, the way we eat could affect sperm quality in one way or another. It is then possible to increase male fertility with food. Yes, even if only up to a certain point.

About 40% of cases of couple infertility are attributable to the male, yet the subject is still poorly treated. To overcome this problem, a test was born that measures sperm motility and helps improve the lifestyle with an app. By changing food and increasing the amount of exercise, it would also be possible to improve sperm quality and increase the chances of a pregnancy. According to the creators of the app, it would be in particular 20 fertility friendly foods.

The authors in question also recommend regular exercise and reduce the use of plastic. According to some studies, in fact, the substances it contains could alter hormone levels and reduce fertility. Improving lifestyle would allow many men to conceive naturally, without having to resort to IVF. In other cases, it could increase the chances of success in assisted reproduction techniques. Nevertheless, little is talked about: unfortunately male infertility is still surrounded by a large social stigma.

Source: express.co.uk

Larotrectinib is a drug used for the treatment of solid tumors of genetic cause. In particular, it is used in cases of fusion of NTRK genes, tyrosine kinase receptors in neutrophils.

The European Medicines Agency has authorized the sale also in the European Union, so that it can be used in cases of inoperable cancer. When the tumor is too widespread or cannot be removed surgically, the treatment becomes more difficult. It is frequent in cases of cancer that originate from the blood or spinal cord, spreading throughout the body. In some of these cases, larotrectinib can be used. Before doing so, however, a test must be performed to confirm the genetic fusion of NTRK in the tumor.

The fusion of NTRK causes the development of proteins that stimulate the growth of cancer cells. It is found mainly in some rare tumors, including that of the salivary glands. From time to time, however, it also affects lung and colon cancers.

The drug is used in these cases. For the marketing authorization, three trials were required on a total of 102 patients, adults and children. 67% of these benefited from therapy, which opens the door to new cancer treatments. Drugs such as larotrectinib in fact act on specific tumors, characterized by particular DNA alterations. The development team is developing a drug similar to this, which does however affect the alterations of the RET gene.

Source: ansa.it

Researchers at Harvard Medical School have for the first time mapped the genes of the human microbiome. The study gives us a more precise idea of ​​the microorganisms present in our body, fundamental for our health and yet often ignored.

The study starts from the bacteria that live in the mouth and intestine, the most relevant and simple to obtain. Scientists have analyzed its DNA, so as to understand its characteristics and functioning. From what emerged, more than half of these possess a unique genetic heritage for each individual. The bacteria that live inside us are therefore characterized by an enormous genetic diversity.

The discovery could help develop new personalized therapies that take into account the thing. This is the first genetic census of the human microbiome. Previous studies had focused only on the species of microorganisms present in our body. The study in question, on the other hand, highlights the genetic differences that can also occur between genes of the same type. Differences that could still have unclear consequences for our general health.

The data comes from 3,500 samples, 1,400 of the oral cavity and 2,100 of the intestine. The researchers identified 46 million genes in them, of which only 23 million shared by more people. The remaining 23 million change from individual to individual. According to the scientists, the former could be linked to basic functions for bacteria, while the others could be used in specific cases. Probably the latter depend largely on environmental factors and lifestyle.

Source: ansa.it