An Irish research group has reported major advances in the understanding of the genetic basis for diabetic kidney disease, the major cause of kidney failure requiring dialysis and transplantation. The studies identified more than 200 genes whose levels change dramatically when kidney cells are exposed to high glucose sugar levels. In a further project, involving North-South collaboration, researchers from the Dublin Molecular Medicine Centre are exploring the possibility that some of these genes are so-called "disease susceptibility genes" which render a portion of the population susceptible to the complications of diabetes.
Breast cancer: Surgery to reduce the size of uncomfortably or even dangerously large breasts has an important fringe benefit. According to research, it lowers a woman's risk of breast cancer. It is unclear why, although a recent study shows a direct relation between the amount of tissue removed and subsequent cancer risk. It is possible that surgery removes potentially malignant glandular tissue and lowers the chances of cancer within the reduced breast. - (Cancer).
The American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine has reported on a study which showed that children exposed in the womb to maternal smoking are more likely to have asthma than children exposed to environmental smoke only, after birth. Exposure in utero to maternal smoking was also associated with increased lifetime history of wheezing. The researchers conclude that because the airway structures of the lung are largely complete at birth, exposure in utero may increase the occurrence of asthma by altering critical developmental pathways, leading to poorer lung function.
Heartburn: more than 150,000 Irish adults suffer from heartburn daily, according to recent estimates. A digestive problem, heartburn is characterised by a burning pain in the chest which rises towards the throat. A new leaflet recommends some of the following steps may prevent heartburn: stop smoking, lose weight, avoid wearing tight clothing, sleeping with the head of the bed slightly raised and avoiding alcohol, coffee, chocolate, spicy, fried or fatty foods. The leaflet is entitled Heartburn and your stomach and is available free in pharmacies and health food stores.
Healthcare: Homoeopath and author, Jan de Vries, psychotherapist, Sean Collins and founder of the Yoga Biomedical Trust, Robin Monro, are the guest speakers at a complementary healthcare weekend on April 28th and 29th. Organised by Yoga Therapy Ireland, the two-day seminar takes place in the Marino Institute, Griffith Avenue, Dublin 9. Practising reflexologists, aromatherapists and representatives from the Irish Health Foods Association and VHI will also be present on Sunday. Cost: £45 (nonmembers) £40 (members) per day or £85 (non-members) £80 (members) for both days. Tel: 01-2352120.
Alcoholism: Al-Anon Family Groups are celebrating 50 years in existence this year. Al-Anon family groups grew out of Alcoholics Anonymous when family members realised that they too needed help. The first group was formed in Belfast in 1951. Members are known only by their first names, everything is confidential and there is no cost to join. Details of meetings from Al-Anon Information Centre, Room 5, 5/6 Capel St, Dublin 1. Tel: 01 8732699.
Exam stress:
"Steps to Harnessing Its Energy" is the optimistic title of this month's Aware lecture on Wednesday at 7.15 p.m. in St Patrick's Hospital, James St, Dublin. The lecture will be given by Dr Sinead O'Brien, psychiatrist at the Charlemount Clinic, Dublin, and Student Health Services, Trinity College, Dublin. Admission is free and all are welcome. Aware is a support group for those suffering with depression. Tel: 01 6617211.
Compiled by Dr Muiris Houston and Sylvia Thompson
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