Wednesday, April 28, 2010
 Vitamin E pills can helps people with a nonalcoholic fatty liver disease called steatohepatitis, researchers reported. There is currently no treatment for the disease, which is similar to the liver disease that is caused by excessive drinking and that can lead to cirrhosis and scarring the impair function of the organ, eventually proving fatal. It can affect people of all ages and most of them drink little, if any, alcohol. It is believed to be caused by abnormal metabolism of fats, which raises the level of damaging oxidants in the liver. An estimated 3% to 4% of Americans are afflicted with the problem, although many do not realize they have it.
Several small studies had previously suggested that insulin sensitizers and antioxidants might alter the progression of the disease. Research enrolled with 247 adults with the disease but without diabetes, dividing them into three groups. One group received 800 international units of vitamin E daily, the second received the diabetes drug pioglitazone and the third received a placebo. It was the largest clinical trial ever conducted for treating the disease.
Journal of Medicine reported 43% of the patients receiving vitamin E showed a major improvement in liver function, compared with 19% of those who received either placebo or pioglitazone. Pioglitazone reduced liver inflammation and improved retention of lipids in 34% of the individual receiving it, but the improvements were not statistically significant. But those taking the diabetes drug also had a 10-pound weight gain.
posted by emedinfo
@11:12 PM
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Tuesday, April 27, 2010
 New study findings were presented at the Experimental Biology convention in Anaheim, California, showing the effect of grapes in the diet reducing the risk of heart disease and type 2 diabetes.
Study of the Benefits of Grapes
Researchers at the University of Michigan Health System found in the animal study they conducted that adding grapes to a regular high-fat American style diet helped to prevent risk factors for metabolic syndrome which can be a precursor to developing type 2 diabetes. If a person has two or more of, can raise the risk of heart disease, stroke and type 2 diabetes. These conditions include high blood pressure, high cholesterol, high insulin levels and increased fat around the waist. The University of Michigan Health System’s study found that grapes may decrease the risk of developing these conditions.
The study consisted of adding grape powder (derived from red, green and black grapes) to food given to one group of research rats while the other group of rats ate the same diet minus the grape powder. After three months, the group that ate the grape powder had lower blood pressure, lower triglyceride levels, reduced indicators of inflammation in the heart and blood and overall better heart function than the group that had no grape powder. The researches feel that the study shows that a grape-enriched diet can have positive effects in lowering the risk factors that can lead to heart disease and type 2 diabetes.
Why Grapes are Effective in Lowering Risk of Heart Disease
Grapes contain phytochemicals, a naturally occurring antioxidant, which is believed to be the main reason that grapes have health benefits. Phytochemicals help to protect heart cells from the damaging effects of metabolic syndrome. The rats that ate the grape powder showed low levels of inflammation, oxidative damage and other indicators of cardiac stress. The University of Michigan Health System plans on conducting further research this summer on the effects of grapes and other fruits containing high levels of antioxidant phytochemicals in lowering the risk of heart disease.
posted by emedinfo
@11:21 PM
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Monday, April 26, 2010
 An American study has shed new light on the mechanism behind epilepsy attacks in the brain. Epilepsy attacks, which can manifest as fits in some people, or "absences" in others, are caused by too much electrical signaling from the brain's neurons.
In epilepsy, excessive signaling between neurons, a major type of brain cell that communicates electrical signals across gaps called synapses, can lead to epileptic seizures. However, another class of brain cells called glia can regulate those signals. Among the glia are star-shaped cells called astrocytes-the particular focus of the research.
The astrocytes is known to have a wide range of functions, including supplying nutrients to other brain cells, and even helping the brain cope with damaged nerve cells and it is key to brain dysfunction and opens the potential for novel therapeutic strategies in epilepsy. The researchers focused on an abnormal condition called reactive astrocytosis, known to occur in many neurological diseases. The astrocytes swell to a large size and change expression levels of a number of proteins. The impact of reactive astrocytosis on brain function is difficult to investigate because it usually occurs in the context of brain inflammation and abnormal changes in surrounding cells.
In epilepsy, inhibition is not working properly, and uncontrolled signaling leads to epileptic seizures. Because both disrupted inhibition and reactive astrocytosis are known to occur in other neurologic conditions, including many psychiatric disorders, traumatic brain injury, and neurodegenerative disorders such as Parkinson's disease, our findings may have wide implications.
The researchers solved this problem by using a virus to selectively cause reactive astrocytosis without triggering broader inflammation and brain injury, in a mouse model. They were able to focus on how the altered astrocytes affected specific synapses in neurons in the brain's hippocampus.
posted by emedinfo
@10:44 PM
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Sunday, April 25, 2010
 Addiction is a complex disorder characterized by compulsive drug use. People who are addicted feel an overwhelming, uncontrollable need for drugs or alcohol, even in the face of negative consequences. This self-destructive behavior can be hard to understand. The answer lies in the brain. Repeated drug use alters the brain causing long-lasting changes to the way it looks and functions. These brain changes interfere with your ability to think clearly, exercise good judgment, control your behavior, and feel normal without drugs. These changes are also responsible, in large part, for the drug cravings and compulsion to use that make addiction so powerful. Drug addiction symptoms or behaviors include: - Feeling that you have to use the drug regularly this can be daily or even several times a day
- Failing in your attempts to stop using the drug
- Making certain that you maintain a supply of the drug
- Spending money on the drug even though you can't afford it
- Doing things to obtain the drug that you normally wouldn't do, such as stealing
- Feeling that you need the drug to deal with your problems
- Driving or doing other risky activities when you're under the influence of the drug
- Focusing more and more time and energy on getting and using the drug
Effective Treatment for Drug addictionMedication and behavioral therapy, especially when combined, are important elements of an overall therapeutic process that often begins with detoxification, followed by treatment and relapse prevention. Easing withdrawal symptoms can be important in the initiation of treatment; preventing relapse is necessary for maintaining its effects. And sometimes, as with other chronic conditions, episodes of relapse may require a return to prior treatment components. A continuum of care that includes a customized treatment regimen addressing all aspects of an individual's life, including medical and mental health services and follow up options (e.g., community or family based recovery support systems) can be crucial to a person's success in achieving and maintaining a drug free lifestyle.
posted by emedinfo
@11:19 PM
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Friday, April 23, 2010
 Jaundice is a condition that makes a newborn's skin and the white part of the eyes look yellow. It happens because there is too much bilirubin in the baby's blood (hyperbilirubinemia). Bilirubin is a substance that is made when the body breaks down old red blood cells. Jaundice usually is not a problem. But in rare cases, too much bilirubin in the blood can cause brain damage (kernicterus). This can lead to hearing loss, mental retardation, and behavior problems. In healthy babies, some jaundice almost always appears by 2 to 4 days of age. It usually gets better or goes away on its own within a week or two without causing problems. In breast-fed babies, mild jaundice sometimes lasts until 10 to 14 days after birth. In some breast-fed babies, it goes away and then comes back. Jaundice may last throughout breast-feeding. This isn't usually a problem as long as the baby gets enough milk by being fed at regular times. Your doctor probably will ask you to keep checking your baby at home to make sure the jaundice is going away. Your baby will need a follow-up exam within the first 5 days after birth. Call your doctor if the yellow color gets brighter after your baby is 3 days old. Causes jaundice in newbornsJaundice occurs because your baby's body has more bilirubin than it can get rid of. Bilirubin is made when the body breaks down old red blood cells. It leaves the body through urine and stool. During pregnancy, your body removes bilirubin from your baby through the placenta. After birth, your baby's body must get rid of the bilirubin on its own. Breast-fed newborns can become dehydrated easily if feedings are spaced too far apart. This lack of enough milk in the body makes it harder for your baby to get rid of wastes such as bilirubin. Also, some of the things that make up breast milk can change the way the body removes bilirubin. In rare cases, too much bilirubin may be caused by infections, a problem with the baby's digestive system, or a problem with the mom's and baby's blood types (Rh incompatibility). Your baby may have one of these problems if jaundice appears less than a day after birth. Symptoms Jaundice in newbornsJaundice can make your baby's skin and the white part of the baby's eyes look yellow. You may see the yellow color between 1 and 4 days after birth. It shows up first in the baby's face and chest. Babies who have bilirubin levels that are too high may have a high-pitched cry. They also may be sluggish and cranky. Jaundice in newborns diagnosedYour baby's doctor will do a physical exam and ask you questions. The doctor may ask about: - Your general health, especially during your pregnancy.
- Whether your baby was born early (prematurely) or at full term.
- Whether there were any problems with the birth.
- Your baby's birth weight and whether the baby has lost or gained weight since birth.
- Your baby's feeding and elimination habits.
- Your blood type and whether you and the baby have a problem with Rh incompatibility.
- Any family history of health problems that could cause jaundice.
Treating Methods for Jaundice in newbornsMost of the time no treatment is needed for jaundice, because it usually goes away on its own. If you are breast-feeding, you may be able to help reduce the jaundice by feeding your baby about 8 to 12 times a day. Sometimes babies with jaundice are put under a type of fluorescent light. This is called phototherapy. The skin absorbs the light. This changes the bilirubin so that the body can more easily get rid of it in the stool and urine. The treatment is usually done in a hospital.
posted by emedinfo
@11:44 PM
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Thursday, April 22, 2010
 Thyroid disease occurs when the thyroid gland doesn't supply the proper amount of hormones needed by the body. If the thyroid is overactive, it releases too much thyroid hormone into the bloodstream, resulting in hyperthyroidism ("Hyper" is from the Greek, meaning "over" or "above."). Hyperthyroidism causes the body to use up energy more quickly than it should, and chemical activity (like metabolism) in the cells speeds up. . When the thyroid doesn't produce enough hormones, the body uses energy slower than it should. This condition is called  hypothyroidism ("Hypo" means "under" or "below.").What causes thyroid disease?There are several different causes of thyroid disease. The following conditions cause hypothyroidism: - Thyroiditis is an inflammation of the thyroid gland. This can lower the amount of hormones produced.
- Hashimoto's thyroiditis is a painless disease of the immune system that is hereditary.
- Postpartum thyroiditis occurs in 5 percent to 9 percent of women after giving birth. It is usually a temporary condition.
- Iodine deficiency is a problem affecting approximately 100 million people around the world. Iodine is used by the thyroid to produce hormones. Although prevalent before the 1950s in the USA, iodine deficiency has been virtually wiped out by the use of iodized salt.
- A non-functioning thyroid gland affects one in 4,000 newborns. If the problem isn't corrected, the child will be physically and mentally retarded.
What signs and symptoms can occur if thyroid function is affected?If the thyroid is under-active, symptoms of hypothyroidism may occur. The signs and symptoms of hypothyroidism vary widely, depending on the severity of hormone deficiency. Some of the complaints experienced by patients with hypothyroidism include: - Fatigue
- Mental fogginess and forgetfulness
- Feeling excessively cold
- Constipation
- Dry skin
- Fluid retention
- Non specific aches and stiffness in muscles and joints
- Excessive or prolonged menstrual bleeding (menorrhagia)
- Depression
Hyperthyroidism is suggested by a number of signs and symptoms. Patients with mild disease usually experience no symptoms. Symptoms are usually related to an increase in body metabolism are, - Excessive sweating
- Heat intolerance
- Increased bowel movements
- Tremor (usually a fine shake)
- Nervousness; agitation
- Rapid heart rate
- Weight loss
- Fatigue
- Decreased concentration
- Irregular and scant menstrual flow
In older patients, irregular heart rhythms and heart failure can occur. In its most severe form, untreated hyperthyroidism may result in "thyroid storm," a condition involving high blood pressure, fever, and heart failure. Mental changes such as confusion and delirium may also occur.
How is thyroid disease treated?The goal of treatment for any thyroid disorder is to restore normal blood levels of thyroid hormone.
- Hypothyroidism is treated with a drug called levothyroxine. This is a synthetic hormone tablet that replaces missing thyroid hormone in the body. With careful monitoring, your doctor will adjust your dosage accordingly, and you'll soon be able to return to your normal lifestyle.
- Hyperthyroidism, generally more difficult to treat, requires the normalization of thyroid hormone production. Treatment could involve drug therapy to block hormone production, radioactive iodine treatment that disables the thyroid, or even thyroid surgery to remove part or the entire gland.
The most popular treatment is radioactive iodine. This therapy often results in hypothyroidism, requiring the use of levothyroxine (synthetic replacement hormone) in order to restore normality.
posted by emedinfo
@10:44 PM
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Wednesday, April 21, 2010
 Chagas disease is a caused by parasite disease commonly transmitted to humans and other mammals by an insect vector, the infected blood-sucking bugs, sometimes called kissing bugs. The disease may also be spread through blood transfusion and organ transplantation, ingestion of food contaminated with parasites, and from a mother to her fetus.
SymptomsThe early symptoms may include - Fever
- Flu-like symptoms
- A rash
- A swollen eyelid
- Tiredness
- Enlarged liver or spleen
- Swollen lymph glands
- Loss of appetite
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
These early symptoms usually go away. However, if you don't treat the infection, it remains. Later, it can cause serious intestinal and heart problems. Prevention and TreatmentMedicine given during the acute stage of infection is usually effective. Once the disease has progressed to the later stages, there is no effective cure. Prevention is the best method, - There is no vaccine or drug to prevent Chagas disease. When traveling to areas where Chagas disease occurs, follow these precautions:
- Avoid sleeping in poorly constructed thatch, mud, or adobe houses. If that is not possible, use a bednet.
- Use insecticides to kill insects and reduce the risk of transmission.
- Be aware of the risk of contracting Chagas disease through blood transfusions. In many countries, the blood supply is not well screened.
posted by emedinfo
@10:56 PM
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