Thursday, 30 June 2016
'Civil war' in immune system can fight disease
The immune system can be trained to attack itself to reverse a devastating autoimmune disease, in animals. via BBC News - Health Read More Here..
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Gene editing could destroy herpes viruses living inside you
The CRISPR technique is a new weapon against dormant herpes viruses in the body, which cause cold sores and can be implicated in blindness and cancer via New Scientist - Health Read More Here..
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Huge newfound deposit of helium will keep MRI scanners running
Helium prospectors have uncovered a massive source of the vanishing gas, vital for MRI scanners, the Large Hadron Collider, NASA rocket fuel… and balloons via New Scientist - Health Read More Here..
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Can Antibiotics Stop The Growth of New Brain Cells?
The discovery of penicillin in 1928 by Alexander Fleming was one of the greatest revolutions in the history of medicine. Since then, multiple molecules with antibiotic properties have been identified and the use of antibiotics has become generalized. But even though they can certainly save lives, antibiotics can also have serious adverse effects.
Most of those side-effects are widely known: allergic reactions, fever, nausea, or diarrhea, for example, the latter resulting from a disruption of the bacterial composition of the intestinal flora. The gut microbiota is an obvious secondary target of antibiotics, and the gut microbiota has been increasingly recognized as an important regulator of brain functions through the gut-brain axis, having been associated with the development of a number of neurological and mental diseases.
Therefore, it is possible that antibiotics, by unbalancing the gut microbiota, may also have an indirect impact on brain function, since a link between neurodegenerative diseases, neuropsychiatric disorders, neuroinflammation, and gut microbiota dysregulation has been established.
Adult neurogenesis in the hippocampus is also a key process for a regular function of the brain. It has an essential role in brain plasticity and cognitive function, particularly in memory and learning. The hippocampus is involved in many neurological and mental diseases, with decreased neurogenesis being a key element in many pathologies. Decreases in hippocampal neurogenesis can be induced by such factors as social isolation or chronic stress, for example, leading to mental disorders or neurodegenerative diseases. An improvement in neurogenesis, on the other hand, can be achieved through physical or cognitive activity.
But is there a connection between these processes? Can the gut microbiota influence neurogenesis in the hippocampus? If so, can antibiotics also affect neurogenesis though their effects on the gut microbiota? The answer to these questions is what a study recently published in Cell Reports set out to find.
Antibiotics, the gut microbiota and the brain
The gut microbiota has an important influence on the immune system and in our body’s response to infection or inflammation. This effect is not restricted to the gut – immune responses in other organs, namely in the brain, can also be regulated by the gut microbiota. Using mice treated with antibiotics, the authors of this work aimed to determine the impact of gut flora dysregulation on hippocampal neurogenesis. Results showed that antibiotic treatment could indeed decrease neurogenesis in the hippocampus, leading to deficits in memory retention.
Aiming to determine whether those deficits were reversible, and since exercise is known to potentiate neurogenesis, the effects of exercise on mice treated with antibiotics were evaluated. Furthermore, and given that the administration of probiotics can balance gut microbiota composition, treatment with probiotics was also tested.
Interestingly, when the normal content of the gut flora was restored, the deficits in neurogenesis were not completely reversed unless the mice also engaged in physical activity in a running wheel or received probiotics. Since the restoration of a normal intestinal flora per se was unable to restore neurogenesis levels, it is most likely not exclusively the lack of gut flora that determines neurogenesis levels; additional factors may also come into play. But the fact that probiotics can have a similar effect to that of exercise is a clear indication of the importance of the gut microbiota in the modulation of neurogenesis.
This study also investigated the potential role of Ly6Chi monocytes, a type of cell of the immune system, as messengers between the gut and the brain, as well as the effect of antibiotic-induced dysregulation of the gut microbiota on these cells. Antibiotics did indeed decrease the levels of monocytes. Furthermore, the elimination of these cells decreased neurogenesis. But the replenishment of monocytes to these mice was able to restore neurogenesis after antibiotic treatment. Importantly, both exercise and probiotic administration led to an increase in Ly6Chi monocytes in the brain, indicating that these cells may serve as a communication system between the gut and the brain, contributing to the stimulation of neurogenesis induced by probiotics in antibiotic-treated mice.
Nevertheless, these effects in mice treated with antibiotics can be driven by other mechanisms besides the levels of Ly6Chi monocytes. Neuronal progenitor cells may receive additional signals involving other mediators or other types of cells, including glial cells or neurons. Still, data indicates that Ly6Chi may have a crucial involvement in hippocampal neurogenesis. This establishes a new messaging system between the gut and the brain through the immune system, and again underlines the importance of the gut in brain function.
This study also highlights the detrimental effects that antibiotics can have on the brain. On the bright side, probiotic supplementation and exercise can counteract the devastating side effects of prolonged antibiotic treatment, which is actually good news.
References
Bercik P, & Collins SM (2014). The effects of inflammation, infection and antibiotics on the microbiota-gut-brain axis. Advances in experimental medicine and biology, 817, 279-89 PMID: 24997039
Deng, W., Aimone, J., & Gage, F. (2010). New neurons and new memories: how does adult hippocampal neurogenesis affect learning and memory? Nature Reviews Neuroscience, 11 (5), 339-350 DOI: 10.1038/nrn2822
Möhle, L., Mattei, D., Heimesaat, M., Bereswill, S., Fischer, A., Alutis, M., French, T., Hambardzumyan, D., Matzinger, P., Dunay, I., & Wolf, S. (2016). Ly6Chi Monocytes Provide a Link between Antibiotic-Induced Changes in Gut Microbiota and Adult Hippocampal Neurogenesis Cell Reports, 15 (9), 1945-1956 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2016.04.074
Petra, A., Panagiotidou, S., Hatziagelaki, E., Stewart, J., Conti, P., & Theoharides, T. (2015). Gut-Microbiota-Brain Axis and Its Effect on Neuropsychiatric Disorders With Suspected Immune Dysregulation Clinical Therapeutics, 37 (5), 984-995 DOI: 10.1016/j.clinthera.2015.04.002
Schwartz, M., Kipnis, J., Rivest, S., & Prat, A. (2013). How Do Immune Cells Support and Shape the Brain in Health, Disease, and Aging? Journal of Neuroscience, 33 (45), 17587-17596 DOI: 10.1523/JNEUROSCI.3241-13.2013
Spalding, K., Bergmann, O., Alkass, K., Bernard, S., Salehpour, M., Huttner, H., Boström, E., Westerlund, I., Vial, C., Buchholz, B., Possnert, G., Mash, D., Druid, H., & Frisén, J. (2013). Dynamics of Hippocampal Neurogenesis in Adult Humans Cell, 153 (6), 1219-1227 DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2013.05.002
van Praag, H. (2008). Neurogenesis and Exercise: Past and Future Directions NeuroMolecular Medicine, 10 (2), 128-140 DOI: 10.1007/s12017-008-8028-z
Image via PublicDomainPictures / Pixabay.
via Brain Blogger Read More Here..Documentary follows autistic boy obsessed with Disney
A new documentary explores how Disney cartoons helped an autistic boy to communicate with his family. via BBC News - Health Read More Here..
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Zika Brain Damage May Occur in Babies with Normal-Sized Heads
Study suggests microcephaly birth defect isn't always present; cases may be underreported
Source: HealthDay
Related MedlinePlus Page: Zika Virus via MedlinePlus Health News Read More Here..
New Drug Shows Promise for Rare Blood Cancers
Organ damage improved in 60 percent of patients with advanced systemic mastocytosis
Source: HealthDay
Related MedlinePlus Page: Leukemia via MedlinePlus Health News Read More Here..
Reassessing the Annual Pelvic Exam
Independent panel of U.S. experts finds 'insufficient' evidence of worth
Source: HealthDay
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Stem Cells Deemed Safe for ALS Patients
But further research needed to see if injections into spine would provide any benefit, researchers say
Source: HealthDay
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Testosterone Therapy May Boost Older Men's Sex Lives
Gel hormone treatment led to improved libido and sexual function, study finds
Source: HealthDay
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Has Butter Gotten a Bad Rap?
Study finds little added health danger for those who love the spread, but some nutritionists remain wary
Source: HealthDay
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Religion a Buffer Against Suicide for Women, Study Suggests
Going to services at least once a week seemed to reduce the odds fivefold
Source: HealthDay
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Stay Alert for Child Drowning Dangers This Summer
More than half of victims are under 5, but older kids and teens still at risk
Source: HealthDay
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For Better Skin Cancer Checks, Partner Up
Melanoma survivors benefited when they and a loved one got training in spotting malignancies, study found
Source: HealthDay
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Progress Against Heart Deaths Starting to Wane
Obesity, diabetes epidemics may be to blame, doctors say
Source: HealthDay
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Allergists: Daily Bath OK for Kids with Eczema
The key is immediately following tub time with moisturizer
Source: HealthDay
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Source: HealthDay
Related MedlinePlus Pages: Eczema, Infant and Newborn Care via MedlinePlus Health News Read More Here..
Concussions Strike 1 in 3 Water Polo Players
Average was just over 2 per person, and study found they were more common among females
Source: HealthDay
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New life form discovered in saliva is linked to human disease
Bacteria that parasitise other bacteria have been found for the first time, and are linked to gum disease, cystic fibrosis and antimicrobial resistance via New Scientist - Health Read More Here..
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NHS faces unpredictable outcomes following Brexit vote
| EU has subtle and far-reaching effects on health sector, beyond purely economic factors Related items from OnMedica The Alzira model What can we learn from Germany’s experience of hospital chains? Expert advice EU membership best for cancer patients and research, say leading oncologists Government policies more of a threat to NHS than EU, says public health expert |
RCGP offers GP returners a year’s free membership
| College aims to encourage more GPs into return to practice schemes across the UK Related items from OnMedica GP recruitment time-bomb ‘ready to explode’ GP returners to get £2,300 a month in new scheme Make GP a more attractive career, agree MPs BMA calls for maximum number of patients per GP Five year plan for general practice unveiled |
Signage increased share of spending on fruit and veg
| People spent same overall, but more on fruit and veg, when arrows directed them around store Related items from OnMedica Cut fat, salt and sugar in foods, public tells food industry Make pubs display calorie counts of food and drink, councils urge Obesity and sugary drinks Experts call for food to have 'activity' labelling Smaller food pack and plate sizes would cut obesity |
Brexit 'will make NHS staff shortages worse'
The vote to leave the EU risks making staffing shortages in the NHS worse, health leaders are warning. via BBC News - Health Read More Here..
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Zika-damaged babies could appear normal, says study
Babies with brain abnormalities caused by the Zika virus could still appear normal, according to the largest study of affected babies. via BBC News - Health Read More Here..
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Benefits of exercise training in women with fatty liver disease
| Aerobic exercise cut waist size, improved cholesterol and cardiopulmonary performance Related items from OnMedica GPs to get help to boost early detection of liver disease Overweight teens more likely to have severe liver disease later New ‘treadmill test’ can predict mortality High-quality carbs and unsaturated fats lower heart risks Keeping fit while young cuts long-term cardio risks |
Persistent HPV raises risk of anal and genital cancers
| Anogenital cancer risk can remain elevated even 20 years or more after HPV infection Related items from OnMedica Smoking causes half of deaths from 12 cancers Improve uptake of MMR jab to meet WHO target UK ‘can and should do better’ in many areas of healthcare Diabetes risk lower with high intake of fruit and veg UK slower to diagnose child cancer than Germany |
Wednesday, 29 June 2016
Nurofen TV ad is banned for being ‘misleading’
| Advertising watchdog says the ad misleads suggests that the drug targets back and joint pain Related items from OnMedica Opioid or muscle relaxant no extra benefit for back pain Exercise better for back pain than acupuncture say experts Doctors campaign against ‘too much medicine’ Pharma companies fined for anti-competitive tactics |
Non-beneficial procedures being given to patients at the end of their life
| Patients are receiving surgery, medical treatments and unnecessary diagnostic tests, global review finds Related items from OnMedica Medication focus in new end-of-life guidance End-of-life care standards not universally high, says regulator End-of-life care ‘improving’ End-of-life care heading for ‘meltdown’ without cash boost, warns cancer charity chief Only half of clinicians feel patients’ end-of-life needs are met |
First UK hospital gives baby boxes to parents
A hospital in London is giving out baby boxes, containing a starter kit of clothes, nappies and toys, to all new parents. via BBC News - Health Read More Here..
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Preventive surgery for ovarian cancer should be offered to more women
| Threshold for surgery for removal of ovaries should be lowered, study suggests Related items from OnMedica Ovarian cancer screening may cut deaths from disease by 20% over 14 years HRT safe for women with ovarian cancer Experts find gene fault behind ovarian cancer Ovarian cancer study paves way for personalised medicine Radiotherapy during breast cancer surgery cuts cost and time |
Arthritis Possible Side Effect of Certain Cancer Drugs: Study
Doctors should weigh the risk-benefit ratio, researcher says
Source: HealthDay
Related MedlinePlus Pages: Arthritis, Cancer via MedlinePlus Health News Read More Here..
Arthritis Possible Side Effect of Certain Cancer Drugs: Study
Doctors should weigh the risk-benefit ratio, researcher says
Source: HealthDay
Related MedlinePlus Pages: Arthritis, Cancer via MedlinePlus Health News Read More Here..
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