FAT STYMIES VITAMIN IMPACT:Fats in our stomachs may reduce the protective effects of vitamin C, according to a study from the University of Glasgow.
Researchers found the ability of antioxidants, such as ascorbic acid (the active component of vitamin C), to protect against the generation of potential cancer-forming compounds in the stomach was reduced when fat was present.
The incidence of stomach cancer has been increasing over the last 20 years. Nitrite, which is present in our saliva and is derived from nitrate in our diet, is thought to trigger gastric cancer. When it is swallowed and enters the acidic environment of the stomach, it forms a nitrosating species able to convert a range of targets, such as secondary amines and bile acids, into carcinogenic compounds, called nitrosocompounds. Antioxidants protect against the formation of these nitrosocompounds by converting the nitrosating species back into nitric oxide. However, nitric oxide diffuses rapidly to fats, or lipids, where it reacts with oxygen to reform the nitrosating species. The presence of fats therefore overrides the protective effect of vitamin C against the formation of harmful compounds.
HUMANISING HEALTH:Marion Birch, the director of MEDACT, the UK-based charity working on global health issues, will give a public talk at the school of nursing and midwifery, Trinity College Dublin, as part of the school's 10-year celebrations. The talk entitled, Fatima's Story: the human face of health statistics, is a summary of the international forces that influence the health of one woman and her family.
The talk will take place tomorrow at 6.30pm at the school of nursing and midwifery, TCD, the old Bord Gáis building, D'Olier Street, Dublin 2.
NEW FORMULARY:A dedicated medicines formulary is now available in the Republic. The Irish Medicines Formulary (IMF) is aimed at doctors, nurses and pharmacists. Unlike other prescribing guides, it contains no pharmaceutical advertising.
Although comprehensive in its coverage of drugs available on the Irish market, it features only limited guidelines covering the the broader issues of prescribing for the various body systems. Information from: www.formulary.ie
HRT FEARS DISPUTED:A new study disputes health scares over Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT), saying the treatment used by millions of post-menopausal women may reduce, rather than increase, the risk of heart disease.
HRT was at the centre of a health scare five years ago when an American study found it could increase the risk of heart attacks, strokes and breast cancer. Health experts then advised HRT should be taken for as short a time as possible.
But a study published in the Journal of the American Medical Associationfound no increased risk of heart attack for women in their 50s who were taking HRT. The Women's Health Initiative Study discovered that any additional risks may apply only to older women.
RESEARCH DAY:The Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI) will hold its annual Research Day tomorrow. This event enables RCS scientists to showcase their most recent research findings and will be officially opened at 9am by Dr Ruth Barrington, chief executive of the Health Research Board (HRB).
Prizes will be awarded in a number of categories for the best oral presentation and the winner of RCSI sponsored prize at the BT Young Scientist Competition, Robert Cast from Kinsale Community School, Co Cork will also present details of his project "The Card for Life".
IMPACT OF ALCOHOL:Ballyfermot Mental Health Association has arranged a talk on Monday 16th April on the topic, Alcohol - The Good, the Bad and the Ugly. This talk, by consultant psychiatrist Dr Geraldine O'Keeffe, will take place at the Civic Centre, Ballyfermot Road, Dublin 10 from 8pm to 9.30pm. Time will be allocated for a Q&A session afterwards. For information tel: 086 287 3526.
WORKING THROUGH DEPRESSION:A panel of speakers will discuss the topic Working Through Depression in the April lecture of the Aware monthly lecture series. The lecture takes place tomorrow at 7.15pm in the Swift Lecture Theatre, St Patrick's Hospital, James's Street, Dublin 8.