US: RESEARCH INTO GENETIC BASIS FOR ASTHMA

Article Abstract:

Scientists at the University of California, San Francisco, US, are investigating a group of genes that appear be responsible for increased incidences of asthma among children. It is thought that the cytokine genes evolved as a means of protecting children from intestinal parasites, stimulating the immune system and causing muscle constrictions and mucus production in order to expel parasites from the intestine. In modern, sanitised environments, however, the genes can attack respiratory airways instead. A fourfold increase in cases in the UK since 1980 is also associated with house dust mites and central heating. The researchers believe that they may now be able to treat asthma by discovering how to 'switch off' the genetic response.

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WORLD: ASTHMA PREVENTED BY HOUSE DUST?

Article Abstract:

Asthma could be prevented by exposure to certain kinds of house dust, according to tests involving 61 youngsters aged nine months to two years carried out by scientists . Dust present in the homes of youngsters shown to be vulnerable to allergens, which triggered off the ailment was found to comprise lower levels of the chemicals known as endotoxins. Endotoxins, which are present in animal faeces and in the soil, are released during the breaking down process by bacteria. The findings indicate that the immune system's development could be enhanced through exposure to the chemicals.

World

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US: NEW RESEARCH INTO AUTISM TREATMENT

Article Abstract:

New research into what had been dubbed a wonder treatment for autism has found that it failed to achieve major changes in expressive or receptive language among 20 autistic youngsters involved in tests in the US. The cause of autism is unknown and neither is there an established cure, but secretin had been regarded as a major breakthrough when it came to the fore in 1998. The syndrome afflicts people in the initial few years of their lives can leaves sufferers with poor communication and social skills. Autism is understood to impact around 700,000 people in the UK.

Health Research NEC, Medical research

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