Nano-Medicines - a new frontier?

Auto-immune diseases are caused by our body's immune defense system attacking itself. There are very many of these, including type 1 diabetes, multiple sclerosis, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis and many many more.

Most treatments we have suppress our immune system, through cortisone or "biological" agents, and make us at risk for other kinds of infections.

To avoid this, researchers created nano-medicines, tiny particles coated with a specific protein that caused the body to destroy the auto-immune antibodies. Using mice, they were able to cure models of arthritis, diabetes and multiple sclerosis. No toxicity was seen.

Hopefully this will soon progress to use in humans, and perhaps expand to other diseases such as cancer.

Wraith D., Nature 2016 Feb 25; 530:422

Best Treatment for Mild Gastroenteritis in Children - Juice!

It is important, especially in smaller children, that they do not become dehydrated when they develop gastroenteritis. There are many commercial drinks - like pedialyte - that are advertised for this purpose.

In a recent study researchers found that for children with mild gastroenteritis and minimal dehydration, dilute apple juice for initial hydration followed by fluids of the child's choice is superior to an electrolyte maintenance solution.

The treatment failure rate was lower in the juice group (17% vs. 25%). Although effective in all age groups, juice/preferred fluids was most beneficial in children aged 24 months and older.

So use of electrolyte solutions can actually lead to worse outcomes!

JAMA. Published online April 30, 2016. doi:10.1001/jama.2016.535

Can Environment Affect Genes - For Many Generations?

Last century, before we understood genetics, it was thought that certain traits occurred due to environmental factors.

We know that your genetic makeup is set at fertilization of the egg, but the environment can affect which genes are active.

Now in an interesting study, researchers have discovered that, at least in mice, certain viral infections occurring in the first trimester can not only affect the baby; but the gene changes seem to be inherited through the father for many generations.

If these findings translate to humans, they would add to evidence of heightened risk for autism via paternal lineage, already demonstrated for older fathers. It also underscores the urgency of vaccinating women of childbearing age to lower their children's risk for schizophrenia and bipolar disorders.

Weber-Stadlbauer U et al., Mol Psychiatry 2016 Mar 29