High iron levels may up gestational diabetes risk: study

November 11, 2016

Washington, Nov 11: Higher levels of iron in pregnant women may lead to an increased risk of gestational diabetes, a new study has warned.

diabetesThe study by researchers from US National Institutes of Health (NIH) also raises questions about routine recommendations on iron supplementation in pregnancy.

Iron is regarded as a double-edged sword in living systems, as both its deficiency and excess can be harmful, researchers said.

While many guidelines recommend screening and treatment only as necessary for iron deficiency, several other groups such as the World Health Organisation (WHO recommend routine iron supplementation among pregnant women.

Emerging evidence has pointed to a possible link between higher iron stores and abnormal blood sugar control (including type 2 diabetes) in non-pregnant individuals.

Researchers did a case-control study of 107 gestational diabetes (GDM) cases and 214 controls (matched on age, gestational week of blood collection and race/ethnicity).

They looked at several biomarkers of iron status, including plasma hepcidin, ferritin, and soluble transferrin receptor (sTfR), and these data were used to calculate the sTfR:ferritin ratio, which captures both cellular iron need and availability of body iron stores.

These markers were longitudinally measured or calculated four times during pregnancy, twice before GDM diagnosis (gestational weeks 10-14 and 15-26), and twice afterwards (gestational weeks 23-31 and 33-39).

GDM diagnosis was ascertained from medical records based on oral glucose tolerance test results.

Statistical modelling was then used to calculate the odds ratio of GDM with iron status, accounting for factors such as demographics, pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI), and other major risk factors.

Researchers found that for both hepcidin and ferritin, in the second trimester of pregnancy, those in the top 25 per cent of levels of these markers had around a 2.5 times increased subsequent risk of developing GDM compared with those in the bottom 25 per cent.

Similar findings were observed for ferritin levels in the first trimester. Describing the findings as biologically plausible, researchers offer various potential explanations.

Iron may play a role in the development of GDM through several potential mechanisms. As a strong pro-oxidant, free iron can promote several cellular reactions that generate reactive oxygen species and increase the level of oxidative stress.

Oxidative stress induced from excess iron accumulation can cause damage to and death of pancreatic beta cells which produce insulin and consequently, contribute to impaired insulin synthesis and secretion.The study was published in the journal Diabetologia.

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May 23,2020

Food with high water content is highly prescribed by doctors to stay hydrated during the summers, a season that summons a wave of soaring temperatures, higher than 40-degrees.

A much-loved fruit in India, apples are hydrating heros' in such a situation. A heatwave can affect human health in a varied manner and to maintain ideal body temperature in this soaring summer, one must remain adequately hydrated, be protected from the sun and maintain hygiene.

Working professionals and people who must step out in summers, are prone to the heatwave impact. Pediatric experts and doctors agree on the benefits of drinking water and eating fruits, especially, apples. 'An apple a day, keeps the doctor away' is true as they are rich in a number of vitamins with great anti-inflammatory benefits and many other essential minerals. Washington Apple Commission spells how apples can prove to be a summer-friendly fruit.

People often don't realise the danger of exposing themselves to extreme heat. Older adults, young children, and people with chronic illnesses are most at greater risk for serious problems. The nutrition benefits of apples may help not only in avoiding such illnesses but may also protect against many such conditions.

As popular as apples are as a fruit, they are enriched in antioxidants, dietary fibers, vitamins and a range of other nutrients that are greatly beneficial in maintaining good health. The fruit is rich in soluble fibers which may help prevent several health conditions and may lower the risk of major diseases such as heat strokes, diabetes and cancer.

The soluble fiber also promotes weight loss and improves gut health. The prebiotic effects of apples help feed the good bacteria in the gut, thus, improving digestion.

Apples are made of 85 percent water and contain vitamins, fibres and antioxidants. A high fibre content is a particularly beneficial property of apples, as improper digestion is a major health concern in the tropical climatic region. Apples are also enriched in antioxidants that help protect the lungs from oxidative damage and help oxygen flow through the blood.

Apple-based recipes

Make interesting snacks, dessert, beverages and savoury meals with this miraculous fruit during summers.

Salted apple caramel galette

Caramel apples get a grown-up makeover with this Salted Caramel Apple Galette. Warm, gooey, and delicious, this pastry is loaded with apples and homemade caramel. It's a sophisticated take on a childhood favorite and since it's easier to make than pie, it's perfect for summer get-togethers.

Caramel apple pie ice-cream sandwiches

Nothing is better at a cookout on a warm day than a cold, refreshing ice cream sandwich. In Caramel Apple Pie Ice Cream Sandwiches, the comforting flavor of apple pie is recreated in a creamy frozen banana-based ice cream studded with apple and date pieces. Then that scoop of ice cream is sandwiched between two pieces of no-bake cinnamon oat cookie dough.

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Agencies
February 23,2020

Los Angeles, Feb 23: According to researchers, if administered quickly, a common medication that reduces bleeding could be a treatment for bleeding stroke.

The Spot Sign and Tranexamic Acid on Preventing ICH Growth - Australasia Trial (STOP-AUST) was a multicenter, prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, phase 2 clinical trial using the antifibrinolytic agent tranexamic acid in people with intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH).

ICH is a severe form of acute stroke with few treatment options.

Tranexamic acid is currently used to treat or prevent excessive blood loss from trauma, surgery, tooth removal, nosebleeds and heavy menstruation. For this study, one hundred patients with active brain bleeding were given either intravenous tranexamic acid or placebo within 4.5 hours of symptom onset.

Researchers analyzed brain CT scans taken during the 24-hour period after treatment with tranexamic acid or placebo.

Researchers found a trend towards reduced hemorrhage expansion in the group treated with tranexamic acid, especially in those treated within 3 hours of the brain bleed. However, this trend was not statistically significant. The finding was consistent with previous research using the medication.

"Further trials using tranexamic acid are ongoing and focusing on ultra-early treatment - within 2 hours. 

This is where the greatest opportunity for intervention appears to be. Tranexamic acid is inexpensive, safe and widely available. Our results and others provide great impetus for further, focused research using this treatment," Nawaf Yassi said.

Larger trials focused on patient outcomes are required for this therapy to enter routine clinical practice.

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Agencies
July 30,2020

New York, Jul 30: Can the coronavirus spread through the air? Yes, it's possible.

The World Health Organisation recently acknowledged the possibility that Covid-19 might be spread in the air under certain conditions.

Recent Covid-19 outbreaks in crowded indoor settings — restaurants, nightclubs and choir practices — suggest the virus can hang around in the air long enough to potentially infect others if social distancing measures are not strictly enforced.

Experts say the lack of ventilation in these situations is thought to have contributed to spread, and might have allowed the virus to linger in the air longer than normal.

In a report published in May, researchers found that talking produced respiratory droplets that could remain in the air in a closed environment for about eight to 14 minutes.

The WHO says those most at risk from airborne spread are doctors and nurses who perform specialized procedures such as inserting a breathing tube or putting patients on a ventilator.

Medical authorities recommend the use of protective masks and other equipment when doing such procedures.

Scientists maintain it's far less risky to be outside than indoors because virus droplets disperse in the fresh air, reducing the chances of Covid-19 transmission.

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