Aurora magazine

A team of scientists has carried out a genetic test that promises to measure embryo intelligence. In this way it would be possible to exclude those with a very low IQ and to focus on the most intelligent. Is it really possible? For the moment the test has not yet been used, but it is already raising discussions.

Pre-implantation genetic tests are used to identify embryos at risk of genetic diseases. They are used if both parents are healthy carriers of the disease, but also to identify any chromosomal abnormalities. The company is not always easy: some diseases involve hundreds of genes. As the research progresses, however, the list of conditions that can be identified in this way also grows.

The new test would be based on the analysis of multiple DNA regions, so as to measure the probability that the embryo has a low IQ. The analysis is not accurate enough to provide a precise prediction, but promises to identify at least the embryos affected by mental disability. According to some, in the future it could even help to choose the most intelligent embryos. Would it really be possible?

It is still unclear how and to what extent genes influence intelligence: the cultural environment continues to play an essential role. As for the intelligence genes we know, they could also have unexpected effects. For example, some studies suggest a correlation between high academic skills and autism. A possible selection, therefore, could lead to a very intelligent baby but with other types of problems.

Source: newscientist.com

High pressure during pregnancy is one of the biggest risks for mothers and children. According to a study by the University of Massachusetts, it could be avoided by turning off some placental genes. The technique is called RNA silencing and has already given good results in primates. The guinea pigs treated in this way are back to normal values ​​in a short time.

The condition is called preeclampsia and affects over 10% of expectant mothers. The pressure too high can damage kidneys and liver, cause strokes and convulsions. In the worst cases the only way to stop it is to anticipate the delivery. This puts women in the position of having to choose between their own health and that of the child, with serious psychological consequences.

Preeclampsia occurs when the placenta stops functioning properly. To compensate for this and increase the blood supply, it releases proteins that increase the woman's pressure. In this way the fetus manages to get the right amount of oxygen and nutrients, at the price of maternal health.

Treating preeclampsia is not easy. Researchers must take into account both the health of the mother and that of the fetus, avoiding the occurrence of possible malformations. Acting on the genes that cause placenta malfunction seems to be the safest approach for both parties. In fact, the technique destroys the RNA molecules that drive the production of the protein that causes the disease.

For the time being, researchers have tested the approach on mild forms of preeclampsia in baboons. They injected the treatment into 3 out of 9 guinea pigs, reducing their pressure levels and damage to internal organs.

Source: newscientist.com

For women suffering from rheumatic diseases, coping with a pregnancy is a big problem. Rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, arthrosis cause many doubts and fears. "Will I be able to take care of my son?" But above all: "The drugs I take will hurt him?" These are the fears that afflict 50% of women of child bearing age who suffer from these diseases. A number that can not be ignored.

The National Observatory on Women's and Gender Health (Onda) conducted a survey in 24 rheumatology centers in Italy. The survey involved 398 women aged between 18 and 55 with rheumatic diseases. A champion far from the common imaginary, which would like rheumatic diseases as a typical problem of old age.

In reality rheumatic diseases mainly affect women and appear at a young age. It is thought that female hormones play an important role in their development, making them a typical problem of fertile age. Also for this reason, pregnancy is a delicate moment for those suffering from rheumatic diseases. Gestation often influences the course of the disorder and, in the worst cases, can in turn be negatively affected. Angela Tincani, professor of rheumatology at the University of Brescia, is however optimistic.

According to Dr. Tincani, proper medical and obstetric management can facilitate gestation. However, it is necessary to program gestation at a time when the disease is in stable remission. In addition, medications compatible with the new conditions of the woman and the fetus must be chosen. The important thing is that the aspiring mother follows the indications of rheumatologist and gynecologist.

Source: lastampa.it

Only 13% of the medically assisted procreation cycles (PMA) conclude successfully. The reasons are many, among which there could also be both male and female infections. A timely diagnosis and treatment could however overturn the outcome of the procedures. This is why a team of experts recommends a preventive microbiological diagnosis to infertile couples.

According to Amcli (Association of Italian clinical microbiologists), diagnosing and treating infections would allow many to overcome their infertility. In some cases with the further aid of assisted fertilization, in others even with natural conception.

The main causes of failure of PMA are:

• old age;
• chromosomal alterations and other genetic causes;
• sexually transmitted diseases;
• infections of the genital apparatus.

However, a 15% of cases remain in which the causes of the failure are unknown.

What makes dangerous infections is often a deficiency or lack of symptoms. The subjects are not aware of their presence, so they are not taken into consideration as a possible cause of infertility. This is why microbiological diagnostics is still very much neglected in the process that precedes PMA. This does not happen with other causes, such as age or even genetic abnormalities. However, there is a further problem.

Women are used to undergoing a large number of gynecological investigations. This does not apply to men, who tend to be more wary of both the andrological visits and microbiological examinations. Yet both things could facilitate PMA, if not even help to avoid it altogether.

Source: corriere.it