| Friday, July 31, 2009 |
| Thrush Natural Treatment |
Treatment for thrush must be chosen carefully; after all, this is a condition that often affects infants and we all know that babies are sensitive when it comes to taking medications. Women who have babies should take note of such natural remedies to avoid potential side effects on their children. Home cures for thrush can be easily prepared and are relatively safe since most of them are made from herbal and natural ingredients. If any member of the family is suffering from oral Candidiasis or thrush, here are some treatment options that can be easily made at home. Yogurt Eating a cup of unsweetened yogurt everyday will help prevent thrush from developing. This is not only good for curing thrush but is also effective in other types of Candidiasis, particularly vaginal yeast infection. Women with vaginal Candida infection can either eat it or use a tampon dipped in yogurt and insert it in the vagina. Ginger Ginger juice mixed with hot water can sooth tongue soreness and is also effective in getting rid of oral thrush. For infants, a mild solution should be made using warm water since ginger can be hot on the mouth. If the patient cannot take an almost-pure ginger drink, mix a thumb-size, crushed ginger with tea and make it an afternoon or evening refreshment. Calendula or marigold Crushed calendula mixed with tea can also cure thrush. A purer remedy can be made by using a dropper and dripping the solution on the tongue and areas of the mouth where the white curd-like substance - a common symptom of oral Candidiasis - is found. Baking soda A single teaspoon of baking soda diluted on water is also a highly recommended home cure for oral yeast infection. Soak a cotton ball in the solution and swab the tongue and the insides of the mouth to treat thrush. For women who breastfeed, the remedy should also be used to swab the breasts, particularly the nipples and the areas around the areola to make sure that the infection will not be transmitted to the baby. Vinegar For adults suffering from thrush or yeast infection in other parts of the body, dabbing a vinegar-soaked cotton ball on the affected areas will greatly help alleviate the burning sensation and itchiness. If it will be used on a baby, mixed it with a small amount of water to lessen the sour taste and to make it easier for the baby to take it. Home treatment for thrush is relatively safe and most options are highly effective. If you don't like taking chances with over the counter remedies, particularly for your baby, using a natural cure is a good alternative. |
| posted by Healthy Life @ 9:52 AM |
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| Tuesday, July 28, 2009 |
| Breast Feeding And Diabetes |
"Breast milk is still best for under two years," the pediatrician says. And a mother must believe it because not only is it advisable for her child's health, it also lessens the chance of her getting diabetes.
female who have less chances of suffering from diabetes. A study conducted by the World Health Organization shows that more than 1.5 million babies die because they are not breast-fed. These are babies from third world countries. Their mothers' health are also in jeopardy that they don't have enough nutrition or milk in their bodies to save neither themselves nor their babies.
These social workers who educate mothers often go to the developing countries such as Nigeria and teach them the proper way to care for themselves and their infants. Good parenting at a young age would also result to the proper mental development of their infant.
That's why people must be educated when it comes to how important breastfeeding is for the infant and the mother. Not only is this beneficial for the baby's health, it will also have a better effect on the emotional aspect of the mother-child relationship. Breastfeeding is an early form of mother-child bonding that could occur at this young stage of the baby's life.
Some mothers prefer pumping their milk to a equipment as it hurts them when the child bites into their nipples. That must not be the case. It takes some getting use to. Breastfeeding will give the child the nurture, the love and the care that she deserves to have. Activists on the situation are recommending a movement to a decree that announces neglect on mothers who stop breastfeeding their children who are less than two years old.
There are some mothers who rush on to their daily activities that they prefer the bottle-feeding than breast-feeding. This often applies to a high-powered career woman. As much as possible, she should also fit into her schedule the time for her boy.
Some mothers consider that the good thing about bottled milk is that it has water and breast milk has less. However, breast milk also has water. The water contained in breast milk is in fact healthier for the infant than water that us adults drink. Notice also that babies accommodate better after they are breast-fed than after they are bottle-fed.
Breast milk prevents diarrhea. Diarrhea is a illness that often attacks babies. Developing countries lose a lot of their newly-borns to this sickness.
Breast milk also helps the child grow properly making him less prone to diseases. The child will also be more exceptional because his being breast-fed allowed his brain to develop better.
As for the women, there is a link to diabetes and breast-feedings. Women who engage in breast-feeding their infant will not have diabetes. While they're feeding their babies, they are lactating. Therefore, the hormones they release in this process protects her against aneamia and cancer.
In short, breast-feed your infant. Not only will you and your child be good in health, you will also have bonding time together. It helps to start training your child now at a young age because there's a lot of room for improvement and growth. Also, the mother has something to benefit from this evolution. She wouldn't have diabetes.
If scheduling is the problem, it's all about time management. When your child is about to go to school and off to an Ivy League school, you know your hard work paid off. |
| posted by Healthy Life @ 7:39 PM |
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| Monday, July 27, 2009 |
| Cayenne Pepper for Flavor and Weight Loss |
Cayenne, a spice derived from Chili peppers has been used for centuries to give dishes an added kick. Named for the city of Cayenne of in French Guiana, the pepper is a relative of bell peppers and jalapenos and has been used to treat digestive problems and a host of other ailments as well. Today, the diet industry has grabbed a hold of this years old kitchen spice and discovered that Cayenne is also able to trigger satiety when you eat it.
Cayenne is made of capsaicin (the chemical that makes it hot and also the active ingredient in pepper spray), Vitamin A, and numerous antioxidants, but it is the capsaicin that is responsible for this pepper’s positive results in numerous studies on mice. Human studies on its digestive properties show Capsaicin works as an appetite suppressant when digested, and stimulates warmth inside the abdomen and giving it a “full” feeling. Many participants reported feeling fuller when eating food containing Cayenne. Other studies also show a more curious side effect of Cayenne — its ability to stimulate metabolic production.
Again, here are some of the bonuses of using Cayenne for weight loss: first, it is inexpensive and natural, commonly found in grocery stores as a way to add flavor to food so anyone can use it! It has studies to back it up and it has been shown to improve circulation and blood flow, and treat chronic pain and sore throats—very cool. Cayenne has no serious side effects compared to typical weight loss ingredients. Do note that Cayenne is not recommended for people with digestive problems or those who are at risk for ulcers and you’ll need other supplements if seeking fat burning effects or drastic help achieving weight loss goals. Of course, eating lots of Cayenne does not mean you don’t have to exercise so be sure to commit to a consistent exercise regimen and adhere to a well balanced and healthy diet for the best effects.
This article was republished from https://www.weight-loss-pills.pro/ - your diet pill review website. |
| posted by Healthy Life @ 8:28 PM |
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| Sunday, July 26, 2009 |
| For Acne Does Azelaic Acid Work |
Azelaic acid is a natural chemical that's produced by the action of a particular yeast. It is a naturally occurring acid that may be found in grains like wheat. This chemical has three main and very distinct properties that have elevated its role in acne treatment: 1. The ability to fight off anaerobic bacteria (P. acnes) that cause the pustules and lesions on the face, back, neck and chest. 2. The ability to reducing inflammation (though its relative strength is low compared to specifically designed anti-inflammatory products). 3. It also has the ability to reduce the number of comedones in affected areas. Acne Products that Contain Azelaic Acid Is azelaic acid popular? Culturally, no. However, you can find this ingredient in the following products: - Finevin
- Azelex Only a small amount should be used. If you think you have acne-prone areas, then it's time to hit those areas with a small amount of whatever preparation you're using. Will it work right away? Well, a month or so is better than nothing. The gradual clearing of the skin would take place if there are no adverse side effects and you have been able to faithfully place a pea-sized amount of the stuff on your acne spots. To maximize the benefits of azelaic acid, make sure that your face had already been washed carefully and patted dry. The skin has to be clean so that the active ingredient would be able to penetrate the skin as deeply as it could. How Does Azelaic Acid Work on Acne? If topical antibiotics, retinoids and benzoyl peroxide are popular with the medical establishment, why do azelaic acid and weaker ingredients still flourish in the acne treatment market? There are instances that the most popular treatments for acne do not suit the patients themselves. If the allergic reactions are intolerable, doctors shift down to milder substitutes. Remember, acne treatment differs from one person to another. There is no 'ideal' acne treatment for everyone, if we are to be truthful to what we known physiologically about the human skin and its properties (both chemical and genetic). Azelaic Acid Side Effects on Acne Azelaic acid treats acne and acne-like disorders like rosacea but it cannot cure these problems. The cure for acne is yet to be discovered. It can take around 4 weeks or more of azalaic acid use before you notice positive improvements on your skin. If you haven't seen some benefits yet, don't get discouraged. A lot of people give up just when they are about to see some positive results. This chemical is non-toxic and is tolerated fairly well by most users. However, some people, particularly eczema sufferers and those with extremely sensitive skin, reported some side effects like mild dermatitis, scaling and redness. Some users reported some discoloration of their faces, especially pregnant women or women on the pill. To be safe, use azelaic acid-containing products only if you really, really need to and you're presently breastfeeding. If you experience serious side effects like a sudden rash breakout, consult your doctor or dermatologist immediately. |
| posted by Healthy Life @ 7:46 PM |
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| Saturday, July 25, 2009 |
| Fear - The Body Mind Connection |
According to one definition, fear is defined as "a distressing emotion aroused by impending danger, evil, pain, etc., whether the threat is real or imagined; the feeling or condition of being afraid." The element in the definition that I want to highlight and work with is the part of the definition that states "whether the threat is real or imagined". There is a good clue in that statement. What it tells us is that our physical, mental and emotional response is exactly the same whether the threat is real or imagined. What this means is that we cause ourselves a huge amount of grief by imagining events and scenarios which are completely imaginary and have no basis in reality. How often do we waste hours and days imagining possibly dangerous and/or damaging outcomes only to have everything work out and nothing bad happen? While it is wonderful that we managed to escape the manifestation of our fears in a real-world environment, what toll have we taken on ourselves in terms of the impact we've caused on a physical, mental and emotional level? By understanding that our body chemistry reacts in exactly the same way whether the threat is real or imagined, and now that it's been scientifically proven that under stress our body chemistry literally changes and negatively impacts our immune response, it means that we need to minimize the amount of fear to which we expose ourselves. It means that we have to become fully present and aware of what thoughts we allow to run through our minds. We all know that it's so much easier said than done. The concept of being fully present and monitoring one's thoughts is an easy one to understand, and can be extremely difficult to execute. However, there is no other answer. NOW is all we have, and all we need. We will never have yesterday, the minute that just passed or the minute that's still to come. All we have is NOW, and if we hope to have a next "now" that is to our liking, then we need to make sure that we've taken care of the current "now" to the best of our ability. Only by being fully present in THIS moment now, and giving whatever it is that we're doing in this moment our full attention, can we assure a good outcome in the "future". We can take a lesson from the animals in the wild. They have no worries or cares from one moment to the next while they wander around to find their food and water, and just generally enjoy the day. They don't wander around wondering about whether they will be attacked by a predator sometime that day, or the next day or in three weeks time. Until there is actually a predator that is around them, they are calm, content and at peace with themselves and the world. As soon as a predator comes into their environment, they react appropriately in that moment. As soon as the danger has passed, they are back to being calm, content and at peace, and don't worry about when the predator may come back. Being present in each moment takes a lot of discipline, but in the long run the benefits far outweigh the effort required. Energy Medicine is particularly effective in helping to shift old patterns and help us overcome being stuck in a fearful state. |
| posted by Healthy Life @ 10:07 PM |
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| Friday, July 24, 2009 |
| FDA Authorizes Emergency Use of Another Test for 2009 H1N1 Influenza Virus |
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration today announced it has issued an Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) for a another diagnostic test for the 2009 H1N1 influenza virus, whose spread has caused the virus to be characterized as a pandemic by the World Health Organization.
The EUA for the Focus Diagnostics Influenza H1N1 (2009) Real-Time Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) diagnostic test is the third diagnostic test authorized under an EUA by the FDA since the public health emergency involving the 2009 H1N1 influenza virus was declared on April 26, 2009.
The EUA allows Focus Diagnostics to distribute the test to laboratories certified under the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) to perform high complexity tests. This test is not typically utilized in a doctor’s office—it is a complex laboratory test performed in an environment that has the necessary equipment. These tests are intended for use in the detection of the 2009 H1N1 influenza virus in patients with symptoms of respiratory infection.
“This authorization will contribute to the nation’s capacity for accurate testing for the 2009 H1N1 influenza virus,” said Daniel G. Schultz, M.D., director of the FDA’s Center for Devices and Radiological Health.
The Focus Diagnostics test amplifies the viral genetic material obtained from swabs of the nose or throat, or from nasal discharges. A positive result indicates that the patient is infected with the 2009 H1N1 influenza virus. However, the test does not indicate the stage of infection. A negative result does not preclude influenza virus infection.
The EUA authority allows the FDA, based on the evaluation of available data and other things, to authorize the use of unapproved medical products or unapproved uses of approved medical products following a determination and declaration of emergency. The Focus Diagnostics test is an unapproved device whose use is authorized by the EUA. The authorization ends when the declaration of emergency is terminated or when the FDA revokes the authorization.
Emergency Use Authorization is part of Project BioShield, which became law in July 2004.
Focus Diagnostics is based in Cypress, Calif.
For more information:
FDA’s Guidance on Emergency Use Authorization of Medical Products: https://www.fda.gov/RegulatoryInformation/Guidances/ucm125127.htm.
RSS Feed for FDA News Releases [what is RSS?]
For Immediate Release: July 24, 2009 Media Inquiries: Peper Long, 301-796-4671, mary.long@fda.hhs.gov
Consumer Inquiries: 888-INFO-FDA Page Last Updated: 07/24/2009 |
| posted by Healthy Life @ 10:16 PM |
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| Thursday, July 23, 2009 |
| What Is Healthy Eating? |
We are living in a disposable society. We have disposable dishes, BBQ, tables and now clothes.
We buy what we need then get rid of it when it is no longer needed at that particular time. It served its purpose. Since it didn’t cost a lot bin it and if by chance need another then just go out and buy it. The same applies with food.
Food has also become so plentiful and convenient to get. Anything you want when you want it, meals already made up all you have to do is cook it or it is already prepared all you do is serve it. Any type of meal is out there waiting to be bought.
So why bother fussing about making meals or learning how to cook?
Buying it already made and cooked, takes away the enjoyment you get when you make it yourself. The satisfaction of knowing you made a great tasting meal others will enjoy eating. Knowing you did it, it’s a great feeling to have, a feeling of satisfaction. You also control what goes into your meals.
I have a friend who never used his oven or stove, never had any food in the place, always ordered in or ate out. Then out of the blue decided it was time to take control of his eating habits, as he was getting over weight. His weight problem was mainly due to the type of meals he was buying and lack of exercise. But he thought if he made his own meals, then it would be better for him. So he started making his own meals but in reality, he was cooking packaged meal he bought at the grocery store. It was a start but he never lost any weight because he was not buying healthy.
Buying ready prepared meals such as ready to cook BBQ chicken (this is chicken already coated in a sauce) sure it needs cooking, but is the sauce high in fat, sugar and salt. Prepared sauces, sure they taste good but what is in these sauces? When buying sauces do you check the ingredients and get sauces low in salt, sugar and fats? The same goes with ready to serve coleslaw or potato salad. Well a salad, you may think that it has to be better for you. Wrong! It is only good for you if it is not loaded with salt, fat and sugars.
Cooking does not have to be difficult or time consuming nor does it have to be frustrating. The trick is keep it simple, don’t try to complicate it by getting fancy or trying something that will only frustrate you, because it take to much time to prepare or just to fiddly when you are just starting out or getting back into cooking. It may sound good and you may want to impress yourself or others by trying these recipes, but take baby steps at first.
Enjoy your time in the kitchen preparing a meal. Use the time to reflect on what is happening in your life, make plans, listen to an audio book or your favourite music cd. I have wireless headphones so when I am working away preparing a meal I can listen to my music, book, or a study course; I’m multi-tasking and using my time wisely.
I also monitor what ingredients are needed to make the meal. I will substitute heavy creams with low fat milk or butters with light oils. Add flavourings such as herbs rather than load the meal with salt. This way I have the control of what is going into my body and my family’s.
Even when you are strapped for time a home prepared meal does not have to take a lot of time. Meals can be made in minutes with little preparation time. In reality it takes longer to stop and pick up a takeaway or order in than making a meal yourself.
So get into the kitchen and surprise yourself and your body by getting healthy and enjoy cooking at the same time. |
| posted by Healthy Life @ 7:39 PM |
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| Saturday, July 11, 2009 |
| Natural Fibroids Treatment |
If you have fibroids, you may well have done some research to determine just what your options are. Like many women, you may be very disappointed with the conventional treatments which have been offered and you may have decided to explore natural fibroids treatment. Indeed many doctors prefer not to take any action in all but the most extreme of cases as they know that surgery is never a permanent option. As surgery does not treat the root cause, these harmless tumors will simply regrow. For women left to cope with their often painful and somewhat distressing symptoms, this can be a truly terrible situation. Fibroids can cause debilitating symptoms which, without doubt, can significantly detract from a woman's quality of life. The worst thing is that this can last for years as fibroids only shrink after the menopause. I know of so many women who have had surgery, only to find that a few months down the line their fibroids have regrown. When you think about it, its quite logical that this will happen. Everything which caused the fibroids to grow in the first place is still there. The way to successfully deal with this condition is to use natural fibroids treatment which uses a multifaceted approach to both eliminate the causes of fibroids and use structured, systematic method to shrink existing fibroids. This will include making dietary and lifestyle changes, possibly taking herbal and vitamin supplements and using detoxes. Before even considering such treatment, women need to be aware that for this to work properly, commitment is needed. It is not a quick-fix approach and requires a degree of tenacity. The results can be amazing. Symptomatic relief can begin just days after starting natural fibroids treatment and the majority of women find that shrinkage begins within weeks. Fibroids are a condition which respond very well to natural remedies and they are an ideal condition to treat because as they are so rarely life-threatening. It makes complete sense to try out a natural treatment for fibroids before resorting to surgery or any of the hormonal drugs which can cause their own side effects. Overall, most women having surgery for fibroids report regrowth within a year whereas evidence suggests that the vast majority of women who treat their fibroids with natural methods tend to keep regrowth at bay. |
| posted by Healthy Life @ 10:19 AM |
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| Monday, July 6, 2009 |
| Influenza Antiviral Drug Resistance |
| What is antiviral resistance? Antiviral resistance means that a virus has changed in such a way that the antiviral drug is less effective in treating or preventing illnesses caused by the virus. In the United States, four antiviral drugs are FDA-approved for use against influenza: amantadine, rimantadine, zanamivir and oseltamivir. The adamantane drugs are approved for influenza A while the neuraminidase inhibitor drugs zanamivir and oseltamivir are approved for influenza A and influenza B. On December 19, 2008 CDC issued interim guidance for health care providers on which antiviral drugs to use during the 2008-09 flu season. How does antiviral resistance happen? Influenza viruses constantly change as the virus makes copies of itself (i.e. replicates). The ability to constantly change is a hallmark of influenza viruses. Flu viruses often change from one season to the next or they can even change within the course of one flu season. Some changes can result in the viruses being resistant to one or more of the antiviral drugs that are used to treat or prevent influenza. How is antiviral resistance detected? Samples of viruses collected from around the United States and worldwide are studied to determine if they are resistant to any of the four FDA-approved influenza antiviral drugs. CDC routinely collects viruses through a domestic and global surveillance system to monitor for changes in influenza viruses. What has CDC done to improve monitoring of influenza viruses for antiviral resistance? In the last two years, CDC has improved the ability to rapidly detect and monitor for resistant viruses. How is this surveillance information used? Enhanced surveillance efforts have provided CDC with the capability to detect resistant strains more quickly, and enabled CDC to monitor for changing trends overtime. Virus surveillance information is helpful in making recommendations for how to treat or prevent flu. How did influenza antiviral resistance patterns change during the 2007-08 influenza season? During the 2007-08 influenza season, the CDC influenza laboratory and other influenza laboratories around the world showed a significant increase in the prevalence of resistance to oseltamivir among A (H1N1) viruses. In the U.S, about 13% of H1N1 viruses were found to be resistant to oseltamivir, whereas prior to 2007-08, less than 1% of viruses were resistant. Additionally, laboratory surveillance indicated continued high resistance to the adamantanes (amantadine and rimantadine) among influenza A (H3N2) influenza viruses in the United States and about 11% among influenza A (H1N1) viruses. What have we seen so far during the 2008-2009 season in terms of antiviral resistance monitoring in the United States? As a result of low U.S. flu activity, few viruses have been available to CDC for antiviral resistance testing thus far. However, among viruses tested this season, a high proportion of the few influenza A (H1N1) viruses analyzed by CDC have been resistant to oseltamivir (Tamiflu®). CDC continues to track this information and updated antiviral resistance figures are published in the “FluView” Weekly U.S. Influenza Surveillance Report. Is CDC recommending any changes to the current guidance on the use of antivirals for the 2008-09 influenza season? Recommendations regarding the use of antiviral medications have been reviewed given - surveillance data that indicates all influenza A (H3N2) and influenza B viruses remain susceptible to oseltamivir;
- an increase in the number of, and geographic spread of, oseltamivir-resistance influenza A (H1N1) viruses in the United States has been detected;
- all influenza A (H1N1), H3N2, and influenza B viruses remain susceptible to zanamivir; and
- the high levels of resistance to amantadine and rimantadine among H3N2 viruses.
Different options for antiviral treatment in the setting of increased circulation of oseltamivir-resistant H1N1 viruses have been considered. These options, such as dual therapy with oseltamivir and rimantadine or use of zanamivir, were outlined in the 2008 influenza recommendations and can be found on the CDC website at https://www.cdc.gov/flu/professionals/antivirals/resistance.htm On December 19, 2008 CDC issued interim guidance on the use of influenza antiviral medications in the United States for the 2008-09 season which is based on the 2008 ACIP recommendations. What is CDC doing to monitor antiviral resistance in the United States? CDC will continue ongoing surveillance and testing of influenza viruses. Additionally, CDC is working with the state public health departments and the World Health Organization to collect additional information on oseltamivir resistance in the U.S. and worldwide. The information collected will assist in making informed public health policy recommendations. What implications does antiviral resistance have for the U.S. antiviral stockpile that was created as part of the United States pandemic plan? The U.S. antiviral drug stockpile contains both neuraminidase inhibitor agents, oseltamivir and zanamivir. These medications are to be used in the event that a novel influenza A subtype virus, such as avian influenza A (H5N1) virus, emerges and spreads easily among humans. Current pandemic antiviral drug use strategies include containment of an initial pandemic outbreak and treatment of persons with pandemic disease. The stockpile is for the control of pandemic influenza, and is not for seasonal influenza use. And, resistance among seasonal strains does not predict resistance among pandemic influenza viruses. Antiviral drugs, such as oseltamivir are one component of a multi-faceted approach to pandemic preparedness planning and response. The effectiveness of any drug during a pandemic is difficult to predict, as it is not possible to know which virus will cause the next pandemic. Oseltamivir remains the drug recommended by the World Health Organization as the first-line influenza antiviral drug for the treatment of patients infected with influenza A(H5N1). A very small number of patients infected with avian influenza A(H5N1) virus had evidence of oseltamivir resistance in viruses that were isolated from them. These influenza A (H5N1) viruses did not spread to others CDC will continue ongoing surveillance and testing of influenza viruses for antiviral resistance among seasonal and novel influenza viruses such as H5N1 viruses. For more information about the U.S. antiviral drug stockpile, visit PandemicFlu.gov and Antiviral Drug Distribution and Use. Source: https://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/qa/antiviralresistance.htm |
| posted by Healthy Life @ 9:28 PM |
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| Thursday, July 2, 2009 |
| Schizophrenia and Bipolar Disorder Share Genetic Roots |
Chromosomal Hotspot of Immunity/Gene Expression Regulation Implicated
A trio of genome-wide studies — collectively the largest to date — have pinpointed a vast array of genetic variation that cumulatively may account for at least one third of the genetic risk for schizophrenia. One of the studies traced schizophrenia (https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/schizophrenia/index.shtml) and bipolar disorder (https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/bipolar-disorder/index.shtml), in part, to the same chromosomal neighborhoods. "These new results recommend a fresh look at our diagnostic categories," said Thomas R. Insel, M.D., director of the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), part of the National Institutes of Health. "If some of the same genetic risks underlie schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, perhaps these disorders originate from some common vulnerability in brain development." Three schizophrenia genetics research consortia, each funded in part by NIMH, report separately on their genome-wide association studies (https://www.genome.gov/20019523) online July 1, 2009, in the journal Nature. However, the SGENE, International Schizophrenia (ISC) and Molecular Genetics of Schizophrenia (MGS) consortia shared their results — making possible meta-analyses of a combined sample totaling 8,014 cases and 19,090 controls. All three studies implicate an area of Chromosome 6 (6p22.1), which is known to harbor genes involved in immunity and controlling how and when genes turn on and off. This hotspot of association might help to explain how environmental factors affect risk for schizophrenia. For example, there are hints of autoimmune (https://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/autoimmunediseases.html) involvement in schizophrenia, such as evidence that offspring of mothers with influenza while pregnant have a higher risk of developing the illness. "Our study was unique in employing a new way of detecting the molecular signatures of genetic variations with very small effects on potential schizophrenia risk," explained Pamela Sklar, M.D., Ph.D., of Harvard University and the Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, who co-led the ISC team with Harvard’s Shaun Purcell, Ph.D. "Individually, these common variants’ effects do not all rise to statistical significance, but cumulatively they play a major role, accounting for at least one third — and probably much more — of disease risk,“ said Purcell. Among sites showing the strongest associations with schizophrenia was a suspect area on Chromosome 22 and more than 450 variations in the suspect area on Chromosome 6. Statistical simulations confirmed that the findings could not have been accounted for by a handful of common gene variants with large effect or just rare variants. This involvement of many common gene variants suggests that schizophrenia in different people might ultimately be traceable to distinct disease processes, say the researchers. "There was substantial overlap in the genetic risk for schizophrenia and bipolar disorder that was specific to mental disorders," added Sklar. "We saw no association between the suspect gene variants and half a dozen common non-psychiatric disorders." Still, most of the genetic contribution to schizophrenia, which is estimated to be at least 70 percent heritable, remains unknown. "Until this discovery, we could explain just a few percent of this contribution; now we have more than 30 percent accounted for," said Thomas Lehner, Ph.D., MPH, chief of NIMH's Genomics Research Branch (https://www.nimh.nih.gov/about/organization/dnbbs/genomics-research-branch/index.shtml), "The new findings tell us that many of these secrets have been hidden in complex neural networks, providing hints about where to look for the still elusive — and substantial — remaining genetic contribution." The MGS consortium pinpointed an association between schizophrenia and genes in the Chromosome 6 region that code for cellular components that control when genes turn on and off. For example, one of the strongest associations was seen in the vicinity of genes for proteins called histones (https://nihroadmap.nih.gov/epigenomics/epigeneticmechanisms.asp) that slap a molecular clamp on a gene’s turning on in response to the environment. Genetically rooted variation in the functioning of such regulatory mechanisms could help to explain the environmental component repeatedly implicated in schizophrenia risk. The MGS study also found an association between schizophrenia and a genetic variation on Chromosome 1 (1p22.1) which has been implicated in multiple sclerosis, an autoimmune disorder. "Our study results spotlight the importance not only of genes, but also the little-known DNA sequences between genes that control their expression," said Pablo Gejman, M.D., of the NorthShore University HealthSystem Research Institute, of Evanston, ILL, who led the MGS consortium team. "Advances in biotechnology, statistics, population genetics, and psychiatry, in combination with the ability to recruit large samples, made the new findings possible."  | | Schizophrenia and bipolar disorder share genetic roots that appear to be specific to serious mental disorders, and are not shared by non-psychiatric illnesses. Bars representing different study samples show that the same genetic variations that account for risk in both mental disorders account for virtually none of the risk for coronary artery disease (CAD), Crohn’s disease (CD), hypertension (HT), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), or Type 1 (T1D) or Type 2 (T2D) diabetes. Source: Psychiatric and Neurodevelopmental Genetics Unit, Center forHuman Genetic Research, Harvard University. | The SGENE consortium study pinpointed a site of variation in the suspect Chromosome 6 region that could implicate processes related to immunity and infection. It also found significant evidence of association with variation on Chromosomes 11 and 18 that could help account for the thinking and memory deficits of schizophrenia. The new findings could eventually lead to multi-gene signatures or biomarkers for severe mental disorders. As more is learned about the implicated gene pathways, it may be possible to sort out what’s shared by, or unique to, schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, the researchers say. The mission of the NIMH is to transform the understanding and treatment of mental illnesses through basic and clinical research, paving the way for prevention, recovery and cure. For more information, visit the www.nimh.nih.gov. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) — The Nation's Medical Research Agency — includes 27 Institutes and Centers and is a component of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. It is the primary federal agency for conducting and supporting basic, clinical and translational medical research, and it investigates the causes, treatments, and cures for both common and rare diseases. For more information about NIH and its programs, visit www.nih.gov.
References: Jianxin S, et al. Common variants on chromosome 6p22.1 are associated with schizophrenia. July 1, 2009, Nature Stefansson H, et al. Common variants conferring risk of schizophrenia. July 1, 2009, Nature Purcell SM, et al. Common polygenic variation contributes to risk of schizophrenia that overlaps with bipolar disorder. July 1, 2009, Nature Reference: https://www.nih.gov/news/health/jul2009/nimh-01.htm
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