What is Canola Oil?

Canola oil is a type of oil that comes from pressed canola seeds also known as oil rapeseeds. Rapeseeds and canola seeds both belong to a crucifer family called Brassica, the large family of plants, which also includes turnip, mustard, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, kale, cauliflower, and broccoli. This light yellow oil comes from pressed canola seeds and is rich in energy; it is said that 100 grams of canola oil provides 884
calories. However, its high ratio of mono-unsaturated fatty acids to saturated fatty acids makes it one of the healthy oil for consumption.

It is said that canola oil is full of good healthy fats. It contains healthy ratios of saturated, monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats. Canola oil is a stable type of cooking oil which has a very long shelf life. All these characteristics may canola oil one of the healthiest oils available. This type of oil has various health benefits comparable to that of olive oil. Canola oil is very low in saturated fats and contains linoleic (omega-6) and ?-linolenic acid (omega-3) essential fatty acids at 2:1 making it as one of the healthiest cooking oils at a ratio even better than olive oil. It also contains high amounts of plant sterols such as ?-sitosterol and campesterols. Foods such as canola oil which contain at least 0.4 gram per serving of plant sterols should be consumed twice a day with meals for a daily total intake of at least 0.8 gram, as part of a diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol. This diet can reduce the risk of heart disease. The phytosterols in canola oil can competitively inhibit cholesterol absorption in the gut and thereby can reduce cholesterol levels by 10% to 15%.

Canola oil also contains many calories that can provide more energy; these calories come from healthy fats. The oil contains a lot of mono-unsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) like oleic acid which can help lower bad cholesterol or LDL and increase good cholesterol or HDL. Diets full of monounsaturated fatty acids can help prevent coronary artery disease and strokes by creating healthy blood lipid profile.

Canola oil also contains high amounts of anti-oxidant vitamin E, particularly gamma-tocopherol. It also contains tocopherol. Vitamin is a powerful antioxidant that can dissolve fats and can maintain the integrity of cell membrane of mucus membranes and skin. This vitamin can protect the cells of the body from harmful free radicals.

Canola oil also contains very high amounts of plant sterols, especially ?-sitosterol. Phytosterols have the ability to cholesterol absorption in the gut and thereby can reduce cholesterol levels by 10% to 15%. This type of oil is ideal for deep-frying because it can be heated to a higher temperature (smoke point -450 °F), thus resulting to lower oil retention in fried foods. Canola oil can be used as cooking oil and as salad dressings, margarines, shortening, deep-frying, baking, spreads, and creamers.

Canola Oil and Type 2 Diabetes

New research from St. Michael’s Hospital has revealed that canola oil may be a top oil choice for people with type 2 diabetes. This study compared people with Type 2 diabetes who ate either a low glycemic index diet that included bread made with canola oil, or a whole wheat diet known to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. The results which were published in the journal Diabetes Care, found that those on the canola bread diet experienced both a reduction in blood glucose levels and a significant reduction in LDL, or “bad,” cholesterol. The researchers also found out that canola bread can also lower elevated blood sugar levels and can guarantee better blood glucose control.

Doctor’s Order – For the best publication available on Naturally Treating Type 2 Diabetes Click Here!

For additional  medical breakthroughs, feel free to browse this site.

What is ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder)?

ADHD or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is a common behavioural disorder which starts during childhood and may even extend up to adulthood. Experts say that it is a neurobehavioral developmental disorder.

People with ADHD may often find it difficult to focus on something without being distracted. He has greater difficulty in controlling what he is doing or saying and is less able to control how much physical activity is appropriate for a particular situation. People with ADHD are more impulsive and restless.

There are three types of ADHD: the Predominantly Inattentive Type, the Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive Type and the Combined Type. The Predominantly Inattentive Type finds it very difficult to organize or finish a task. They could not pay attention to details and may find it difficult to follow instructions or conversations. The Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive Type may have problems in keeping still. These people may fidget and talk a lot; as smaller children, they may be constantly climbing, jumping or running about. These people have the tendency to interrupt others, grab things and speak at inappropriate times. They have difficulty waiting their turn and find it hard to listen to directions. A person with this type of ADHD will have more injuries and/or accidents than others. The combined type have equal predominance of symptoms.

Children with ADHD are often restless, overactive, fidgety and are constantly chattering or continuously interrupting people. They cannot concentrate for long on specific tasks and are inattentive. They may find it hard to wait for their turn during play, conversations or standing in line.

ADHD is said to more common in boys than girls. A person's risk may also increase if he or she has a close relative who has ADHD. ADHD is said to be biological in nature. Many reputable scientists believe ADHD is the result of chemical imbalances in the brain. Others have also blamed the consumption of food additives such as food colourings. Mercury exposure is also a risk factor for the disease.

Diagnosing ADHD cannot be done physically or through blood or urine tests or even scans. The diagnosis is usually done by a specialist in behaviour such as a psychiatrist, psychologist or pediatrician. The child's behaviour patterns are first observed; data regarding the child’s behavior at home and at school will also be studied.

ADHD is treated using medications such as amphetamines, methyphenidate, and others. Some experts claim that physical exercise in the form of exercise sessions for 20 minutes a day can significantly improve focus in children with ADHD.

Miswired Brain Can Cause ADHD

A recent study has shown that miswiring of neurons in the brain’s reward system can contribute to disorders such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). This study, done by researchers from Mayo Clinic in Florida and at Aarhus University in Denmark, was published in the journal Neuron. The scientists looked at dopaminergic neurons, which regulate pleasure, motivation, reward, and cognition, and have been implicated in development of ADHD. They soon discovered the presence of a receptor system that is critical, during embryonic development, for correct wiring of the dopaminergic brain area. They also discovered that after brain maturation, a cut in the same receptor, SorCS2, produces a two-chain receptor that induces cell death following damage to the peripheral nervous system. They concluded that miswiring of dopaminergic neurons in mice results in hyperactivity and attention deficits as that found in ADHD.

Doctor’s Order – Recognizing and treating ADHD  – Click Here!

For more medical breakthroughs, feel free to browse this site.

What Is Psoriasis?

Psoriasis is a medical condition which is caused by long-term autoimmunity, thereby bringing changes in the skin. This disorder is characterized by the presence if a reddish and scaly rash or patches commonly found over the surfaces of the scalp, around or in the ears, the elbows, knees, navel, genitals and buttocks. These plaques are also known as psoriatic plaques and are areas of inflammation and excessive skin production. The skin may build up in the affected area and may take on a silvery-white appearance. Psoriatic lesions are commonly found on the extensor aspect of a joint.

The lesions of psoriasis may vary and may either appear as minor localized patches or as generalized lesions that affect the whole body. Joints may have inflammation such as what happens in psoriatic arthritis which affects approximately 10% to 15% of all psoriasis patients.

The cause of psoriasis is unknown yet experts say that there may be a genetic component that can be triggered by a prolonged injury to the skin. Excessive alcohol consumption, smoking, mental stress, and withdrawal of systemic corticosteroid medications may aggravate psoriasis.

We know that the surface of skin has a high cell turnover rate which takes place at a cycle that lasts between 21 and 28 days. In patients with psoriasis, the cycle takes only between 2 to 6 days; this causes a rapid cell buildup that forms red, flaky, scaly, crusty patches covered with silvery scales, which are then shed.

There are several types of psoriasis: plaque psoriasis, flexural psoriasis, guttate psoriasis, pustular psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, erythrodermic psoriasis and nail psoriasis. Plaque psoriasis (psoriasis vulgaris) affects majority of people who have psoriasis; this is the most common type. In this type, there are raised areas of inflamed skin covered with silvery white scaly skin called plaques. There are also scales which present as a flaky white build up of dead skin cells that accumulate on the plaques. This commonly affects certain areas of the body such as the knees, scalp, trunk, nails and elbows and appears as pain and cracking of the skin.

Flexural psoriasis (inverse psoriasis) is a type of psoriasis occurring in skin folds or flexion creases especially in the armpits, genitals, pannus (under the stomach of an overweight person), under the breasts (inframammary fold) and buttocks. These areas become as smooth, dry areas of skin that are inflamed and red, without the scaling which is common with plaque psoriasis. This type is common in obese or overweight individuals because they have more skin folds which are susceptible to irritation from sweating and rubbing. Individuals with flexural psoriasis are susceptible to fungal infections.

Guttate psoriasis is a type of psoriasis which is linked to streptococcal throat infection. Pustular psoriasis is characterozed by pustules which are tender and red. Psoriatic arthritis is characterized by inflammation of the skin, joints and connective tissues. Erythrodermic psoriasis is a rare form of arthritis which is marked by widespread inflammation and exfoliation (shedding) of the skin. Nail psoriasis is characterized by nail discoloration, pitting, lines and nail thickening.

Psoriasis Can Be Improved by Protein Stimulation

A recent study has shown that the severity of inflammation associated with psoriasis is unexpectedly suppressed by the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR), a protein that senses environmental toxins. The study is published in the journal Immunity which is published by Cell Press.

In this study, the researchers have found out that triggering of AhR in skin cells with a compound derived from a chemical reaction to UV light exposure reduced inflammation in skin biopsies from psoriasis patients, whereas preventing activation of the AhR protein increased inflammation. They also found out that AhR in skin cells, but not immune cells, is important in responding to the trigger to dampen inflammation. The findings suggest that stimulation of AhR could improve symptoms and may represent a novel strategy for treating chronic inflammatory skin disorders.

To read more groundbreaking medical news on psoriasis, feel free to explore this site.

Vitamin D

 Vitamin D is a vitamin which is essential to the body. This unique vitamin can be manufactured by the body from sunlight exposure. The main function of vitamin D is to regulate the absorption of calcium and phosphorus in our bones and aid in cell to cell communication throughout the body.

Vitamin D can be synthesized in the skin after exposure to sunlight. Thus even if we do not take in supplements, we can be assured of Vitamin D intake through constant exposure to sunlight. However, vitamin D deficiency can still happen, especially in people who have darker skin pigmentation or who frequently wear sun protection during outdoor activities. There are five forms of vitamin D: vitamin D1, D2, D3, D4, D5. The two forms that seem to matter to humans the most are vitamins D2 (ergocalciferol) and D3 (cholecalciferol).

Vitamin D is biologically inert and has to undergo two hydroxylation reactions to become active in the body. The active form of vitamin D in the body is called Calcitriol (1,25-Dihydroxycholecalciferol). Calcitriol functions to promote the absorption of calcium and phosphorus from food in the gut and reabsorption of calcium in the kidneys. This hormone increases the flow of calcium in the bloodstream. This is essential for the normal mineralization of bone and preventing hypocalcemic tetany. Hypocalcemic tetany is caused by low calcium levels in the body and can cause symptoms such as overactive neurological reflexes, spasms of the hands and feet, cramps and spasms of the voice box (larynx). Aside from this function, calcitriol is also active in the maintenance of other organ systems in the body.

Vitamin D is especially needed by the body for the formation, growth, and repair of bones and for normal calcium absorption and immune function. Higher levels of vitamin D in the blood are associated with reduced risks of colorectal cancer; however, the research results overall have been inconsistent. Vitamin D is important for the absorption and metabolism of calcium and phosphorous which have a variety of functions in the human body such as the maintenance of healthy bones. It also regulates the immune system and reduces the risk for multiple sclerosis. Vitamin D also helps maintain cognitive function in the body especially during old age. This vitamin also helps maintain a healthy body weight, helps reduce the severity and frequency of asthma symptoms, helps reduce the risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis in women, protects from radiation damage, lowers the risk for cancers, helps people recover from tuberculosis more rapidly, and decreases the risk for heart disease.

People aged 1 to 70 years old need about 600 IU/day (15 ?g/day) of vitamin D; this includes pregnant or lactating women. People who are more than 71 years of age need about 800 IU/day (20 ?g/day) of vitamin D.

Vitamin D with Calcium Helps Prevent Bone Fractures

An updated review from the Cochrane Library has shown that in people who are over the age of 65 years old, taking vitamin D with calcium in the form of supplements every day can offer some protection against the risk of common bone fractures. Cochrane reviewers evaluated 53 studies with 91,791 participants to determine whether supplements with vitamin D alone or vitamin D supplements with additional calcium offered the best protection against fractures. Seniors were given either vitamin D supplements, including D2 and D3; vitamin D with calcium; or a placebo. The researchers found out that supplements of vitamin D alone are unlikely to lower the risk of hip fractures for older people. Supplements of vitamin D with calcium did, however, reduce the risk of hip fractures in nine of the studies. Among low-risk seniors who live in the community, those who consumed vitamin D with calcium had one less hip fracture per 1,000 older adults per year. For seniors living in high-risk environments of nursing homes and hospitals, there were nine less hip fractures per 1,000 older adults per year.

To Learn More About Fracture Healing Click Here!

For more medical breakthroughs, feel free to browse this site.

Model of Hepatitis C

What is Hepatitis C virus (HCV)?

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a type of blood-borne virus that can bring about acute and chronic liver changes. During the first stages of the infection, the patient may show no signs and symptoms; during these early stages, the disease may not be life-threatening. About 15“45% of infected persons spontaneously clear the virus within 6 months of infection without any treatment. However, in about 55 to 85% of patients, there would be chronic HIV infection which can later on lead to cirrhosis of the liver within 20 years. Cirrhosis of the liver is life-threatening.

The hepatitis C virus can be transmitted through the blood. It can be transmitted to other persons through injections and sharing of needles, through health care settings due to the reuse or inadequate sterilization of syringes and needles, through transfusion of unscreened blood and blood products, through sexual contact or through maternal to baby transmission.

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection has an incubation period of 2 weeks to 6 months. After initial infection, about 80% of patients do not exhibit symptoms. However, signs and symptoms may surface out such as fever, fatigue, decreased appetite, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, dark urine, grey-coloured faeces, joint pain and jaundice (yellowing of skin and the whites of the eyes). The infection can be diagnosed using laboratory tests. Screening for anti-HCV antibodies with a serological test may be done to identify people who may be infected with the virus. If this test is positive, a nucleic acid test for HCV RNA is needed to confirm chronic HCV infection. It is said that about half of the patients who are infected with HCV can spontaneously clear the infection through strengthening the immune response without treatment. These patients will still test positive for anti-HCV antibodies.

After long-term hepatitis infection, there may be liver damage (fibrosis and cirrhosis). The presence of this may be assessed done by liver biopsy or through a variety of non-invasive tests. The genotype of the hepatitis C strain must be identified because there are about 6 genotypes of the HCV and they respond differently to treatment. It is possible to be infected with more than one genotype.

Screening is recommended for people who may be at high risk for infection, such as people who inject drugs, recipients of infected blood products or invasive procedures in health-care facilities with inadequate infection control practices, children born to mothers infected with HCV, people with sexual partners who are HCV-infected, people with HIV infection, people who have used intranasal drugs and people who have had tattoos or piercings.

How Long Should HCV Patients Be Treated?

A recent study published in the journal Hepatology is the first to report real-time tracking of viral decay in the liver and blood in 15 patients with HCV. This study, done by researchers from University at Buffalo, is the first to trace in real-time how the drug telaprevir inhibits viral replication in the liver and how it clears HCV from infected cells and plasma of infected patients. The study was sponsored by Vertex Pharmaceuticals, which makes telaprevir, an HCV protease inhibitor.

In the study, conducted at Weill Cornell Medical College in New York City, 15 patients with chronic HCV infection were treated with telaprevir-based triple therapy (consisting of telaprevir/pegylated interferon alfa/ribavirin), an HCV treatment regimen that was approved by the Food and Drug Administration in 2011. The authors found that HCV RNA decay in the liver lagged behind that in the peripheral blood, which has implications for how long the virus may persist in the body and the possible duration of treatment needed.

More medical breakthroughs are featured in our other articles.

What is Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease?

The liver is an important organ in the body because it has several functions such as filtering toxins from the blood, aiding digestion of food, regulating blood sugar and cholesterol levels and helping to fight infection and disease. This organ can easily adapt to changes and is also capable of regenerating itself. After consumption of alcohol, some liver cells may die; however the liver has the capacity to develop new cells to replenish old ones. Prolonged alcohol consumption over the years can reduce the liver's ability to regenerate new cells, thus causing serious damage to the liver.

Alcoholic fatty liver disease is a medical condition characterized by liver damage which may be caused by alcohol abuse. This medical condition can bring about various signs and symptoms as well as more life-threatening conditions. These signs and symptoms do not often become evident until the liver has severe damage. Symptoms may often include generalized body malaise, weight loss, loss of appetite, yellowing of the eyes and skin or jaundice, swelling of the legs and of the abdomen, confusion, drowsiness, vomiting and bloody stools.

Alcoholic fatty liver disease is caused by many factors. One is drinking large amounts of alcohol over a short period of time. This is also known as binge drinking. Another cause is drinking more than the recommended limits of alcohol over many years further causing hepatitis and cirrhosis which are the more serious types of liver disease. People who drink more than the maximum amounts of alcohol allowed are the ones who are mostly at risk for alcoholic fatty liver disease.

Other risk factors for alcoholic fatty liver disease include being overweight or obese, being female, having a pre-existing liver condition such as hepatitis C and genetics. Alcoholic fatty liver disease tends to run in families.

There are three main stages of alcoholic fatty liver disease. The first stage is alcoholic fatty liver disease and is caused by drinking large amounts of alcohol for a few days. This tends to build up fats in the liver. During this time, the person is not able to feel any symptoms but there is potential for harm. Fatty liver disease is reversible once alcohol intake is stopped.

On the other hand, alcoholic hepatitis is characterized by inflammation of the liver. This is still reversible when consumption of alcohol is stopped. Severe alcoholic hepatitis however is more serious and life-threatening. The final stage of liver disease is cirrhosis which occurs when the liver is scarred too much. Cirrhosis is no longer a reversible medical condition however alcohol consumption during this stage can decrease the risk for further damage and early death. Life-threatening complications of alcoholic fatty liver disease include internal (variceal) bleeding, a build-up of toxins in the brain (encephalopathy), fluid accumulation in the abdomen (ascites) with associated kidney failure and also liver cancer. These complications can all be prevented by stopping alcohol consumption.

Key Protein in Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease

There is a new causative link found between a key cell stress response pathway and alcoholic liver disease. This link was found by researchers from the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. These researchers have discovered that by blocking a protein called ATF6 (or activating transcription factor) helped prevent alcohol-induced fatty liver disease while over expression of the protein caused the disease to develop in zebrafish. The results of this study were published in the journal PLoS Genetics.

You can read more about alcoholic fatty liver disease in our other articles in this site.

You might also want to try Ezra Protocol Genuine Solution For Fatty Liver And Obesity – Ezra Protocol Is Now Socially Proven In 22 Countries Click Here! to claim your copy

What Is Malaria?

Malaria is a blood borne disease which is caused by a parasite that is carried by the Anopheles mosquito. This type of parasitic infection is easily treatable and preventable.

There are five types of malaria: Plasmodium vivax (P. vivax), Plasmodium malariae (P. malariae), Plasmodium ovale (P. ovale), Plasmodium falciparum (P. faliparum) and Plasmodium knowlesi (P. knowlesi). Plasmodium vivax (P. vivax) is the milder form of malaria and is not fatal. This type of malaria can be found in most countries worldwide. This parasite lives in the liver and can remain dormant for years. If the patient is not treated, the liver stage may re-activate and cause relapses – malaria attacks – after months, or even years without symptoms. Plasmodium malariae (P. malariae), on the other hand, is the milder form of the disease and is generally not fatal. However this needs to be treated as soon as possible because if untreated this can lead to a lot of health problems. Plasmodium ovale (P. ovale) is also a milder form of malaria which has a liver stage and can remain dormant in the body for years without causing sickness. Plasmodium falciparum (P. faliparum) is the most serious form of malaria while Plasmodium knowlesi (P. knowlesi) may cause malaria in macaques but can also infect humans.

A person becomes infected with malaria through the Anopheles mosquito. First, the female Anopheles mosquito infects the human when it feeds on blood.  Only the female Anopheles mosquito can transmit malaria and it becomes a carrier of malaria when it previously bites a human infected with malaria. Once the female Anopheles mosquito bites the infected human, a small amount of malaria (plasmodium) parasite in the blood is taken. After one week, that mosquito feeds on another human and mixes the plasmodium parasites with the mosquito’s saliva to be injected into another human being. The parasite then enters the red blood cells and can be passed to another person through organ transplant, shared use of needles/syringes, and blood transfusion. A mother can also pass the parasite to her baby during birth, a condition known as congenital malaria.

A malaria-infected person may exhibit various signs and symptoms. The severity of the infection depends on the type of parasite, the individual’s level of immunity and whether the person still has his or her spleen. Early symptoms of malaria may include fever, chills, headache, sweats, tiredness (fatigue), nausea and vomiting. Other common symptoms include dry cough, back pain, muscle ache and enlarged spleen. Rarely there may be impairment of brain function, impairment of spinal cord function, seizures (fits) and loss of consciousness.

The incubation period of P. Falciparum is 9 to 14 days while that of P. Vivax and P. Ovale lasts for 12 to 18 days. P. Malariae has an incubation period of 18 to 40 days.

Study Sheds Light on Antimalarial Drug Action

A recent study has described how the antimalarial drug atovaquone binds to its target protein. The scientists used x-ray crystallography to determine the three-dimensional structure of the protein with the active substance bound. The drug combination atovaquone-proguanil (Malarone®) is a medication used worldwide for the prevention and treatment of malaria. The data and the resulting findings concerning the mode of action of atovaquone could lead to improved treatment schemes against the disease. These researchers from Institute for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology of the Faculty of Medicine and the Centre for Biological Signalling Studies BIOSS at the University of Freiburg published their findings in the journal Nature Communications.

For more groundbreaking medical news, feel free to browse this website for our other articles.

What is Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome?

Quickly Eliminate Your Ovarian Cysts  – Click Here!

Polycystic ovarian syndrome or PCOS is a medical condition which is characterized by the appearance of cysts that develop in your ovaries (polycystic ovaries), failure to ovulate, and having high levels of male hormones called androgens in your body.

Polycystic ovaries are harmless cysts which are not more than 8mm in size. These cysts represent immature follicles which do not develop into mature eggs. This means that ovulation has not taken place. Signs and symptoms of PCOS usually become evident during late teens or early twenties; these signs and symptoms usually may include irregular periods or no periods at all, difficulty getting pregnant (because of irregular ovulation or failure to ovulate), excessive hair growth (hirsutism) usually on the face, chest, back or buttocks, weight gain, thinning hair and hair loss from the head and oily skin or acne. Later on these patients may be at risk for more complicated problems such as type 2 diabetes and high cholesterol levels.

There is no known cause for polycystic ovarian syndrome but one cause may be faulty genes which run in families. PCOS can predispose women to have abnormal hormone levels in the body, including having high levels of insulin. Increased amounts of insulin in the body contribute to the increased production and activity of hormones such as testosterone. Being overweight increases the amount of insulin your body produces. Polycystic ovarian syndrome can lead to abnormal hormone levels in the body.

Polycystic ovarian syndrome can especially lead to insulin resistance. Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas to control the amount of sugar in the blood. It helps move glucose from blood into cells, where it is broken down to produce energy. Resistance to insulin means that the body’s tissues are resistant to the effects of insulin. The body therefore has to produce extra insulin to compensate. This can cause the ovaries to produce too much testosterone which can further interfere with the development of the follicles and prevent normal ovulation. Insulin resistance can also lead to weight gain, which can make PCOS symptoms worse because having excess fat causes the body to produce even more insulin.

Polycystic ovarian syndrome can bring about hormonal imbalances such as raised levels of testosterone, raised levels of luteinising hormone (LH), low levels of sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) and raised levels of prolactin (only in some women with PCOS). All these hormonal imbalances occur due to the fact that PCOS affects the ovaries and the other glands that secrete hormones as well as the part of the brain that controls their production.

Mothers of Women with PCOS

A recent study has shown that mothers of daughters with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) have a significantly increased risk of death, particularly if they also have diabetes, when compared to the general population. This Dutch study was published online in the journal Human Reproduction. The study compared death rates of mothers and fathers of 958 daughters with PCOS, with the general Dutch population. The researchers found that mothers aged over 60 had a risk of death that was one-and-a-half times greater than the general population. When compared with a control group of women with type 2 diabetes from the general population, diabetic mothers of PCOS daughters had a two-fold increased risk of death. This is why careful screening of risk factors and comorbidities should be done in parents of women with PCOS.

To know more about other reproductive problems, feel free to browse our other articles on this site.

Ovarian Cyst Miracle – Quickly Eliminate  Your Ovarian Cysts  Click Here!

Ovarian Cancer

Ovarian cancer affects many women worldwide. It is a type of cancer that affects the different parts of the ovary. Majority of them often arise from the epithelium or outer lining of the ovary. The ovary is the female reproductive organ that produces egg cells. They are located on each side of the body near the uterus and the pelvis. The ovaries also produce hormones such as estrogen and progesterone; these hormones function to regulate the the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, and control the development of female characteristics. Ovarian cancer can spread to other parts of the body and can cause many complications.

There are three main types of ovarian cancers. The most common type of ovarian cancer is epithelial ovarian cancer. Much less common forms are germ cell cancer and stromal cancers. Epithelial ovarian cancers are derived from the cells of the surface of the ovary; it occurs mainly in adults. Germ cell ovarian cancer is derived from egg producing cells of the ovaries; this type of ovarian cancer commonly affects children and teenage girls. Stromal ovarian cancers are also called sex cord stromal tumours and often develop from cells between the ovaries. Ovarian cancers can also be due to metastatic cancers from other parts of the body.

Ovarian cancer can present with symptoms which may be vague at the earlier stages of the disease. Earlier signs and symptoms may include pain in the pelvis, pain on the lower side of the body, pain in the lower stomach, back pain, indigestion or heartburn, feeling full rapidly when eating, more frequent and urgent urination, pain during sexual intercourse and changes in bowel habits such as constipation. Later stages of ovarian cancer can bring about signs and symptoms such as nausea, weight loss, breathlessness, fatigue and loss of appetite.

There are many risk factors that may lead to the development of ovarian cancer. First of all, ovarian cancers are inherited; it may result from an inherited gene mutation. This means that if you have close relatives who have ovarian cancer as well as other cancers such as colon cancer, prostate cancer or uterine cancer, you may be at high risk for ovarian cancer. People who are predisposed to these types of cancers carry the BRCA1 and/or BRCA2 genes.

Another risk factor is age. Majority of women who acquire ovarian cancers are over 65 years of age. Other risk factors for ovarian cancer include nulliparity (no pregnancies), early menstruation, late menopause, and infertility treatments. Women who had breast cancer before are also at high risk for ovarian cancers. Other women who are of risk include those who had HRT (Hormone replacement therapy), those who consume foods high in acrylamide, those who are overweight or obese, those who had previous endometriosis and those who do shift work.

Ovarian Cancer Chemotherapy

According to a new analysis made by researchers from Fox Chase Cancer Center, the use of chemotherapy before surgery to remove ovarian cancer has increased dramatically in recent decades, particularly among certain patients. According to their study, only 8.94% received chemotherapy before ovarian cancer surgery in 1998; by 2011, that figure had increased to 26.72%. They also found out that patients who did not receive chemotherapy before surgery tended to live longer following surgery to remove their tumor — half were alive 41 months later, while median survival for those who had neoadjuvant chemotherapy was closer to 31 months.

For more medical news, feel free to read our other articles on this site.

If you’re worried about Ovarian Cyst – we invite you to check out the Ovarian Cyst Miracle 

What Is Endometriosis?

Endometriosis is a medical problem which affects the endometrium or the tissue that lines the womb or the uterus. It is a condition wherein the endometrial tissue is found outside the uterus, often anywhere in the pelvic area, the lower abdomen or in other areas of the body. Initially it may become undiagnosed until symptoms become bothersome and are not eased by simple treatments.

The symptoms typically develop between 25 to 40 years old though some cases can start early during the teenage years. Endometriosis may run in families. Thus women who have relatives who have endometriosis are at high risk for acquiring this condition. Endometriosis may also occur during the reproductive years because the lesion needs estrogen to proliferate. The exact cause of this disorder is unknown however it is thought that some endometrial cells from the womb or the uterus can get outside the uterus and spread into the pelvic area by spilling backwards along the Fallopian tubes during menstruation. These endometrial cells may then travel to the ovary, bladder, bowel, or Fallopian tube. These cells proliferate in the presence of estrogen; they then break down as during menstruation every month. However, these cells are trapped in the pelvic area and they cannot escape; thus they form patches of tissue called endometriosis. These patches or endometrial tissue are sticky and may stick in organs to form adhesions. Large patches of endometriosis may from cysts which may bleed every month during menstruation. These cysts are often called chocolate cysts because they are filled with dark blood.

Endometriosis can bring about symptoms such as painful menstrual periods, painful sex, pain in the lower abdomen and pelvic area, other menstrual symptoms such as bleeding in between periods and difficulty becoming pregnant (reduced fertility). Uncommon symptoms include pain on passing feces, pain in the lower tummy (abdomen) when you pass urine, and, very rarely, blood in the urine or faeces. The diagnosis of endometriosis is usually done using laparoscopy. This is a small operation that involves making a small cut, under anaesthetic, in the tummy (abdominal) wall below the tummy button (umbilicus). A thin telescope-like instrument (a laparoscope) is pushed through the skin to look inside. Patches of endometriosis can be seen by the doctor.

Endometriosis needs to be treated as soon as possible. If left untreated, it can worsen and can cause complications such as blockage or obstruction of organs such as the bowels or the ureters. Treament may be given to alleviate symptoms such as pain and heavy periods, and to improve fertility if this is affected. In mild cases and if pregnancy is not desired, treatment may be withheld by the physician. One in three patients with endometriosis may be able to clear up endometriosis and its symptoms without treatment.

A Better Understanding of Endometriosis

A recent study which made use of a mouse model of endometriosis has been developed that produces endometriosis lesions similar to those found in humans. This study is published in the The American Journal of Pathology and describes endometriosis as an estrogen-dependent inflammatory disorder. Researchers from the University of Edinburgh were able to find out that macrophages present in shed endometrium contribute to the development of the lesions.

In this study, transplantation of menstrual endometrial tissue was done on genetically identical mice. In brief, a donor mouse is induced to undergo menstruation using estrogen and progesterone. The tissue that is shed from the uterus is removed and implanted into a recipient mouse, allowed to grow, and then removed and analyzed. The results showed that lesions recovered from a variety of sites in the peritoneum of the mice shared histologic similarities with human lesions, including the presence of hemosiderin, cytokeratin-positive epithelial cells, vimentin-positive stromal cells, and a well-developed vasculature. All these are findings associated with endometriosis.

For more groundbreaking medical news, please feel free to browse our other articles on this site.

Doctor’s Order : Endometriosis & Violet Protocol

Violet Protocol Is A Unique 5 Step System That Brings Women Suffering from Endometriosis Lives Back From This Living Hell. Socially Proven In 24 Countries! Click Here!