Venom from deadly Asian snake may help develop improved painkillers

Venom derived from the long-glanded blue coral snake - one of Southeast Asia's rarest and deadliest snakes - may help develop better painkiller that could help manage pain without the side effect of addiction.

The snake with electric blue stripes and neon-red head and tail grows up to two metres long. Its venom glands extend to 60 centimetres about a quarter of its body length.

Described as "the killer of killers" due to its taste for young king cobras, this snake is unique among snakes because, like scorpions, its venom causes its prey to spasm.

"This venom hits a particular type of sodium channel that is important for the treatment of pain in humans," said Bryan Fry, from the University of Queensland in Australia.

Researchers identified six unusual peptides in the venom of the blue coral snake that can switch on all of its prey's nerves at once. This  immediately immobilises its victim.

The found that the venom used receptors which were critical to pain in humans. Learning how these work may enable improved pain treatment and management, the 'Sydney Morning Herald' reported.

"It's a great example of why studying the really weird animals is a great path for bio-discovery and you can't get any weirder than this snake with the longest venom glands in the world," Fry said.

The findings were published in the journal Toxins.

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Venom derived from the long-glanded blue coral snake - one of Southeast Asia's rarest and deadliest snakes - may help develop better painkiller that could help manage pain without the side effect of addiction.

The snake with electric blue stripes and neon-red head and tail grows up to two metres long. Its venom glands extend to 60 centimetres about a quarter of its body length.

Described as "the killer of ki ..

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Natural compound can reduce signs of ageing

Supplements of a natural compound can compensate the human body for the loss of energy production, and reduce the typical signs of ageing, a study has found.

With age, the body structure loses its capacity to make a key element of energy production called NAD (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide). This results in gradual weight gain, loss of insulin sensitivity and decline in physical activity. 

A team of researchers at Washington University - St. Louis, has found a natural compound called NMN (nicotinamide mononucleotide)with potential anti-ageing remedies. NMN naturally occurs in a number of foods, including broccoli, cabbage, cucumber, edamame and avocado.

The research, conducted on ageing mice, showed a way to slow the physiologic decline in them, which means older mice can have metabolism and energy levels resembling that of younger mice.

"Since human cells rely on this same energy production process, we are hopeful this will translate into a method to help people remain healthier as they age," said Shin-ichiro Imai, Professor at Washington University - St. Louis.

The study showed that NMN supplementation has long-term benefits in skeletal muscle, liver function, bone density, eye function, insulin sensitivity, immune function, body weight and physical activity levels.

Administering NMN was found to help energy metabolism by improving the function of mitochondria, powerhouse of cells.

Further, the mice given NMN gained less weight with ageing even as they consumed more food, likely because their boosted metabolism generated more energy for physical activity.

In addition, NMN supplementation led to improved insulin sensitivity in the older mice, better functioning of the mouse retina as well as increased tear production, which is often lost with ageing.
On the other hand, these NMN supplementation had no effect in the young mice because they are still making plenty of their own NMN, the researchers said.

NMN, when dissolved in drinking water and given to mice, appeared in its bloodstream in less than three minutes. This NMN in the blood could then quickly convert to NAD in multiple tissues, reducing the signs of ageing.

"We wanted to make sure that when we give NMN through drinking water, it actually goes into the blood circulation and into tissues," Imai said.

The study was published in the journal Cell Metabolism.

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Altered mitochondrial DNA linked to autism

Children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) have greater numbers of harmful mutations in their mitochondrial DAN  (mDNA) than family members, US researchers have found.

Autism is a serious developmental disorder that impairs the ability to communicate and interact. 

Previous studies pointed out to the malfunctions in mitochondria -- the powerhouse of the cell -- as a major cause of ASD, however, the biological link was not established.

In the new study, the researchers discovered a unique pattern of heteroplasmic mutations, where both mutant and normal mDNA sequences exist in a single cell.

Children with ASD have more than twice as many potentially harmful mutations compared to unaffected siblings, and 1.5 times as many mutations that would alter the resulting protein.

"The result of our study synergises with recent work on ASD, calling attention to children diagnosed with ASD, who have one or more developmental abnormalities or related co-morbid clinical conditions for further testing on mDNA and mitochondrial function," said Zhenglong Gu of Cornell University in Ithaca, New York.

Further, the study showed that these mutations can be inherited from the mother, or could be a result of spontaneous mutation during development.

Carrying harmful mutations in mDNA is also associated with increased risk of neurological and developmental problems among children with ASD, because mitochondria plays a central role in metabolism.

The risks are most pronounced in children with lower IQ and poor social behaviour compared to their unaffected siblings, the researchers said.

"Since many neurodevelopmental disorders and related childhood disorders show abnormalities that converge upon mitochondrial dysfunction, and may have mDNA defects as a common harbinger, future research is needed...," Gu noted.

For the study, published in the journal PLOS Genetics, the scientists analysed mDNA sequences from 903 children with ASD, along with their unaffected siblings and mothers.

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Some ways to prevent brain stroke

A 'brain stroke' or a ' brain attack' is an event and condition that many of us know little about, but each one of us has the capacity to prevent and detect.

Dr Poonam Khetrapal Singh, WHO Regional Director for South-East Asia says that when the brain is deprived of blood and the oxygen it carries, or when bleeding inundates surrounding tissue and causes the brain to swell, its effective operation becomes compromised. Both incidents can cause lasting vision problems, seizures, fatigue, loss of speech, memory loss, and paralysis among other adverse effects. If severe enough, they can also cause death.
In low-and middle-income countries, which include those of the WHO South-East Asia Region, over 11 million strokes occur every year. This causes 4 million deaths annually, and leaves approximately 30 percent of survivors seriously disabled. For the 70 percent of survivors who recover, the likelihood of suffering further strokes is greatly increased.

People with high blood pressure, high cholesterol, heart disease, diabetes or a high blood-sugar level are vulnerable to brain stroke. So are people that are obese, smoke or consume alcohol in large volumes and are physically inactive. In addition, the risk of stroke increases with age, while males are more likely to suffer a stroke than females.

Most of the lifestyle-related risks can be reduced to prevent brain stroke. People who smoke should quit, and those who drink heavily should cease. These two factors alone significantly multiply the likelihood of stroke.

A diet high in vegetables and fruit and low in salt should be consumed. Doing so will decrease fatty deposits in the arteries that can cause blockages, as well as diminish the prospect of burst vessels that high blood pressure brings.

Regular exercise should be undertaken - at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity at least five times a week. Blood pressure, blood-sugar and cholesterol levels should be checked regularly, with associated conditions managed in consultation with a health care provider.

These simple but effective habits can help prevent brain stroke and other non-communicable diseases such as heart disease and diabetes.
Identifying stroke's early warning signs is equally important to prevent disability or death. There are three key signs to watch out for - Is the face drooping on one side? Is there weakness in one arm? Is the speech slurred? If the answer is yes to one or all of the above, the person may be having a stroke and needs urgent medical care.
Our health systems must be in a position to act decisively.

On World Stroke Day, we need to spread awareness on stroke prevention, understand the symptoms and when to seek immediate care, and have a well-prepared health system to save lives and prevent lifelong disability.

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AIIMS study links spike in arthritis symptoms to rising pollution levels

Particulate matter is the lethal dust found in Delhi’s air due to a number of reasons, including vehicular pollution and construction waste.

 IT’s not just respiratory disorders, a three-year study conducted by the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) has found that increasing particulate matter levels in Delhi’s air has “significant correlation” with a spike in arthritis symptoms. The study also found that a significant percentage of healthy persons who were monitored since 2014 tested positive for auto-antibodies, which indirectly suggests a condition referred to as autoimmunity, when the body’s immune system turns against itself and attacks healthy cells.

 The AIIMS study, conducted with 1,000 residents of Delhi, found “significant positive correlation of Rheumatoid Arthritis flare” with increasing PM 2.5 (particles lesser than 2.5 microns in diameter), PM 10 (particles lesser than 10 microns in diameter) and SPM (suspended particulate matter).

Particulate matter is the lethal dust found in Delhi’s air due to a number of reasons, including vehicular pollution and construction waste. On Thursday, the Delhi government issued a warning for a “critically polluted period ahead” as the capital recorded its worst air quality since February.

According to Dr Uma Kumar, who heads the Department of Rheumatology in AIIMS and is the lead investigator of the study, the objective of the exercise was two-fold: identify modifiable air quality parameters causing a “Rheumatoid Arthritis flare” and the population that is vulnerable to autoimmune diseases.

The study was carried out in two parts: a retrospective study, where 500 cases of Rheumatoid Arthritis between 2008-13 were compared with pollution level data and their correlation by use of biostatistics; and, a prospective study between 2014-16, where 500 cases from the first leg were followed up and 500 more people were chosen across the city and examined to identify vulnerability to autoimmune disease.

While the study showed that symptoms for the group of 500 with arthritis worsened when SPM levels increased, what alarmed researchers was that similar symptoms were found in 500 persons who were medically fit.

According to the study, 30.6 per cent from the healthy category showed “inflammatory markers” — which meant that the presence of inflammation could trigger the disease in future. Also, as many as 18 per cent tested positive for various autoantibodies.

Autoantibodies trigger autoimmune diseases, which have pathological effects like causing damage or destruction of tissues, altered organ growth or altered organ function.

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic inflammatory disorder affecting many joints, including those in the hands and feet — the body’s immune system attacks its own tissue, including joints, and in severe cases, attacks internal organs.

“The study has been done using the tools of bio-statistics. The number of cases and the flare of the disease is increasing with increasing PM levels. This is not happening by chance. The co-relation is statistically significant,” said Kumar.

“The presence of autoantibodies in healthy persons indirectly suggests that there is the component of autoimmunity in them but no disease. If we follow these patients for a longer duration, some patients may develop a disease,” he said.

The study, funded by Department of Science and Technology as part of a project on climate change, is likely to be continued further.
“In the next leg of the study, we will be studying the impact of rise in pollutants in the air and their correlation with the disease at a cellular level. We will soon be submitting a proposal,” said Kumar.

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Air pollution causes more than one third of strokes, lifestyle diseases in India

A study concluded by the city-based Fortis Escorts Heart Institute reveals that lifestyle problems such as depression, chronic anxiety and job stress trigger the brain and heart strokes.

 As India continue to report 16 lakh cases of stroke every year, health experts have said that at least one third of these cases are caused by mere modifiable lifestyle factors and deteriorating air quality. A study concluded by the city-based Fortis Escorts Heart Institute reveals that lifestyle problems such as depression, chronic anxiety and job stress trigger the brain and heart strokes among people, including youth.

 It was found that among the challenges faced by the patients who survive stroke are short-term memory loss, difficulty in thinking and depression. “Pollution in the air thickens the blood and hardens arteries, known as atherosclerosis. Once this process starts, the plaque is built up in the arteries, narrowing them down and causing strokes,” said P.N. Renjen, Senior Consultant Neurologist at Indraprastha Apollo, and added this also raises the blood pressure, boosting the risk of clot formation in the brain.

Renjen said that as conditions in India are severe, job stress, anxiety and depression and other lifestyle issues trigger the stroke in a much faster way. World Stroke Day is on October 29.

“The challenge is huge with 26 million stroke survivors living with significant disabilities that impede their ability to carry out daily living tasks. One in six people will have a stroke in their lifetime. The symptoms of stroke occur all of a sudden and patient will benefit if these are recognised and treated early,” said Vipul Gupta, Director of neurointervention at Artemis Hospital, Gurgaon.

Stating that the stroke is the third most common cause of death and disability in India, Gupta said: “Every minute if stroke is untreated, the average patient loses 1.9 million neuron. Golden hour of stroke is first six hours, and urgent treatment is the key.”

Talking about the new developments in strokes, Gupta said that women who take birth control pills are at a slightly higher risk of stroke. “Risk increases for a woman during pregnancy as the increased blood pressure puts stress on the heart. Also, migraine can cause chances of stroke three times up in women,” added Gupta.

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Dental Cleanings May Help Keep Lungs Clean Too

Regular dental checkups not only keep your smile bright, they may also keep your lungs healthy.
 
A new study suggests that regular dental cleanings could lower your risk of pneumonia by reducing levels of bacteria that cause the lung infection.

Each year, nearly 1 million Americans develop pneumonia, the researchers said, and 50,000 die from the disease. Anyone can get pneumonia, but it is more common among older people and those with lung diseases and conditions such as AIDS.

In this study, researchers reviewed the records of more than 26,000 people. The study found that people who never saw a dentist were 86 percent more likely to get bacterial pneumonia compared to people who got dental checkups twice a year.

The results were to be presented Thursday at IDWeek. IDWeek is the annual meeting of the Infectious Diseases Society of America, the Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America, the HIV Medicine Association, and the Pediatric Infectious Diseases Society. Findings presented at meetings are generally viewed as preliminary until published in a peer-reviewed journal.

"There is a well-documented connection between oral health and pneumonia, and dental visits are important in maintaining good oral health," study author Dr. Michelle Doll said in an IDWeek news release. She's an assistant professor of internal medicine in the division of infectious disease at Virginia Commonwealth University.

Doll said the mouth will never be free of bacteria. But good dental care can limit the amount of bacteria that's in the mouth.

"Our study provides further evidence that oral health is linked to overall health, and suggests that it's important to incorporate dental care into routine preventive health care," Doll concluded.
 

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Things you can do to prevent a stroke!

Stroke is a serious medical emergency that occurs when blood flow to an area of brain is cut off, depriving brain cells of oxygen and nutrients.

Stroke, which is a leading cause of disability, is the fifth leading cause of death in the United States, Worldwide, it is the second leading cause of death.

As per CDC, globally, stroke takes the lives of more than 6.5 million people each year, and permanently disables another 5 million. Around the world, stroke kills more people each year than do HIV/AIDS, malaria, and tuberculosis combined.

Many stroke survivors are often left with serious physical and mental disabilities, including memory loss, difficulty with movement, and trouble with emotions.

But the good thing is that stroke can be treated and prevented. Responding quickly can help in the recovery process, prevent disability or even death. Identifying or knowing your risk factors and adopting a healthy lifestyle can help reduce your chances or prevent a stroke.

Here are a few things you can do to prevent a stroke:

• Lower blood pressure - High blood pressure is the leading cause of stroke. If you have been diagnosed with high blood pressure, take steps to keep your blood pressure under control.
• Avoid tobacco – Smoking increases a person's risk of stroke by raising blood pressure. It also makes blood more likely to clot which leads to a stroke.
• Lose weight – Being overweight can increase your risk of high blood pressure (hypertension), cardiovascular disease and diabetes, which are all contributors to stroke.
• Eat healthy foods – Eat a diet consisting of fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, etc. Limit saturated fat and trans fat.
• Get moving – Regular exercise lowers your blood pressure, increases your level of HDL (good cholesterol), and improve the overall health of your blood vessels and heart, thereby cutting your stroke risk.
• Drink in moderation – Heavy alcohol consumption can cause high blood pressure and trigger irregular heartbeat (atrial fibrillation), both of which can increase your risk of a stroke.
• Treat underlying conditions – If you have had a condition that increases your risk of stroke such as, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, atrial fibrillation (Afib), transient ischaemic attack (TIA), diabetes, etc, ensure that you get treated these medical risk factors to prevent a stroke.

World Stroke Day is observed on October 29 to raise awareness about stroke, highlight the serious nature and high rates of this condition as well as ensure better care and support for survivors.

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FOODS TO AVOID IF YOU'VE JOINT PAIN

Joint pain is a common health problem that can often cause discomfort and inflammation or soreness in any of the joints in the body. It can either be acute or chronic and can vary in severity. Arthritis and gout tend to be two main causes of joint pain. But it can also result from muscle strains, broken or dislocated bones, bursitis, fibromyalgia, leukemia and lupus. 

Nevertheless, despite the setbacks that joint pain may cause in your everyday life, it can be managed with medication, exercise or natural medicine. Diet, too, plays a key role in managing your joint pain. It is recommended that you opt for anti-inflammatory foods like ginger, turmeric and garlic to help fight the pain. It is also essential that if you suffer from joint pain, you avoid the following foods: 

 

1. Processed meat and red meat

 Processed and red meat contain chemicals such as nitrates and purines, both of which increase inflammation and pain in the body. Processed foods are also high in toxins. They contain AGEs - advanced glycation end products - causing inflammation. 

A 2014 study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences noted that a red meat-derived glycan promotes the development of systematic inflammation and cancer progression. What's more, another study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, found a connection between red meat consumption and biomarkers of inflammation. 

Alternative: Consume more vegetables and food rich in fiber.

2. Refined and artificial sugars

Consuming high amounts of sugar can also increase the level of AGEs in the body, causing inflammation. Sugar also triggers the release of inflammatory agents called cytokines in the body. Excess sugar intake also leads to weight gain which puts more pressure on your joints and increases pain. 

In a 2014 study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, it was found that regular consumption of soda increases the risk of rheumatoid arthritis in women, independent of other dietary and lifestyle factors. Avoid sweetened beverages, pre-sweetened cereals, fruit drinks, pastries, candy and snacks.

Alternative: Opt for natural sweeteners like stevia or honey.

3. Dairy products

Dairy products may also contribute to joint pain. The high level of protein casein found in dairy products has been found to trigger inflammation and pain. A report by the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine found that this type of protein may also irritate the tissue around the joints.

Saturated fats in full-fat dairy products, like milk, butter, and cheese, have also been shown to trigger inflammation, causing pain in the joints. Avoid pasteurized dairy when suffering from joint pain or any other type of chronic pain.

Alternative: Opt for soy milk, almond milk, tofu, margarine and other non-dairy products. 

4. Corn oil

Corn oil is high in omega-6 fatty acids, which may cause the body to produce pro-inflammatory chemicals. According to a study published in 2012 in the Journal of Nutrition and Metabolism, an increase in omega-6 fatty acid intake could potentiate inflammatory diseases. Rather than eliminating products high in omega-6 completely from your diet, consume products such as safflower, sunflower, grapeseed, soy and peanut oil, as well as mayonnaise, in moderation. 

Alternative: While keeping the aforementioned products to a minimum, increase your intake of omega-3 fatty acids which can be found in foods such as olive oil, nuts, flax seeds and pumpkin seeds. 

5. Refined grains and flour

 Refined grains and flour contain high-glycemic index foods that trigger the production of AGEs, stimulating inflammation. According to a 2013 study published in Nutrients, consuming wheat products or cereal grains daily can cause chronic inflammation and autoimmune diseases. Such grains are also devoid of fiber and B vitamins. Consuming these products regularly can also increase the risk of degenerative diseases like cancer, coronary heart disease and diabetes. 

Alternative: Opt for whole-grain products or almond and coconut flour. 

6. Eggs

 Consuming eggs regularly can increase swelling and joint pain. Eggs, especially the yolks, contain arachidonic acid that leads to the production of prostaglandins, which can trigger inflammation in the body. Eggs also contain saturated fat which can contribute to both inflammation and pain.

Alternative: If you enjoy eating eggs for breakfast, skip the yolk from time to time and consume just the egg whites. 

7. Whey Protein

 Whey protein has also been found to cause inflammation and joint pain due to the gluten and casein content. Casein is a type of protein that can cause the production of uric acid in the body - too much of which can lead to pain and inflammation. Joint pain that arises from uric acid has been found to cause gout, which can be severe and can do lasting damage to the joints.

In addition, people who are sensitive to gluten can suffer from chronic inflammation and widespread pain. A study conducted in 2013 and published in the Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry, notes that a gluten free diet reduces inflammation and insulin resistance. 

Alternative: Opt for healthy sources of lean protein such as beans, nuts and seeds. 

8. Refined salts

 If you suffer from joint pain, refined salt is an ingredient you should avoid. Refined salts do not contain natural minerals such as phosphorous that your body requires to function properly. Limiting your refined salt intake may also reduce calcium loss from your bones, reducing the risk of osteoporosis and fractures. 

Alternative: Switch to sea salt or pink Himalayan salt and try to minimize cooking with salt. Watch out for processed foods that contain excessive salt and other preservatives to increase their shelf life. 

9. Foods containing MSG (monosodium glutamate)

 MSG is a flavor enhancing food additive with preservative properties that is most commonly found in packaged foods such as frozen snacks, frozen dinners, canned and frozen Chinese food, salad dressings and potato chips. MSG is an artificial additive that has been found to trigger inflammation and pain within the body. It is particularly harmful to people who already suffer from inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis. 

Alternative: Eat fresh, home-made foods and use organic products where necessary, avoiding artificial flavor enhancers. 

10. Beer

 Consuming alcoholic drinks and beer regularly is not ideal for your joints. Consuming beer regularly has been linked to an increased risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis and gout. Beer is also high in purine, which the body converts to uric acid, causing inflammation. Beer also contains gluten which is best to avoid when you suffer from joint pain.

 

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