Researchers Discover New Mesothelioma Blood Biomarker

An international team of scientists recently identified a new blood biomarker for mesotheliomathat should help with early diagnosis, prognosis accuracy and the personalization of treatment.

Researchers identified activin A, a protein complex found in the blood, as a potential target for future therapies.

“Blood derived biomarkers are important because they can be noninvasively measured, even at multiple stages,” Dr. Balazs Hegedus, at the Medical University of Vienna in Austria, told Asbestos.com. “They can help make the best personalized therapeutic decisions.”

In addition to Hegedus, cancer specialists from Hungary, Switzerland and Australia participated in the study published in the latest issue of European Journal of Cancer.

They measured the activin A levels of 129 patients in four locations, 16 patients with nonmalignant pleural diseases and 45 healthy people for a comparison.

Researchers found significantly higher activin A levels in patients with mesothelioma and increased tumor volume correlated directly with the higher levels of the circulating protein. They also discovered patients with lower levels of activin A at diagnosis lived significantly longer.

Activin A Helps with Histology

The patients with nonmalignant diseases had only a slight increase in activin A, which also helped determine the histological classification of mesothelioma. Those with sarcomatoid and biphasic mesothelioma — the two toughest types to treat — had significantly higher levels of activin A than the epithelioid type.

Activin A is the first mesothelioma biomarker to better identify histological differences. Other biomarkers, such as fibulin-3, are unable to make the distinction.

Mesothelioma, a rare and aggressive cancer, is caused by inhalation or ingestion of asbestos fibers. It is difficult to diagnose, and it often metastasizes before doctors can positively identify it.

An earlier diagnosis, which is possible with a biomarker like activin A, would make it more treatable and provide a better chance of survival. The majority of patients now live less than 15 months after diagnosis.

Biomarker Could Personalize Mesothelioma Treatment

The most effective treatment approach is a multidisciplinary plan that includes a combination of surgery, chemotherapy and radiation. It has led to survival times of two or three years or beyond.

Too often, though, the aggressive treatment approach still leads to a decline in quality of life without significantly extending survival time.

The problem: Accurately advising which patients truly would gain from the aggressive approach. This biomarker should make it easier for physicians to advise their patients.

“The multimodal treatment can be very demanding and should only be offered to patients who can really benefit from it,” Balazs said. “Any marker that can help identify patients with dismal or better prognosis can help with those decisions.”

Study results showed patients diagnosed with lower levels of activin A had an average survival time of 735 days. Those with higher levels survived an average of 365 days, regardless of treatment decisions.

The prognostic benefit of activin A is most effective in patients younger than 66, according to the study. The authors also said the biomarker was more effective for those with the epithelioid histology.

While the diagnostic and prognostic benefits may be immediate, therapeutic gains may take years. Previous preclinical in vitro studies have shown mesothelioma tumor cells potentially use activin A signaling to support growth, but more studies are needed to confirm how.

“If this signaling becomes [treatable] with targeted therapy, it might have therapeutic relevance,” Balazs said. “But we are not there yet.”

15 Amazing Guava Benefits

Guava has been hailed as one of the super fruits due to the numerous health benefits it offers. It indeed is a powerhouse of nutrients. “This humble fruit is extraordinarily rich in vitamin C, lycopene and antioxidants that are beneficial for skin. Guavas are also rich in manganese which helps the body to absorb other key nutrients from the food that we eat. Guavas contain folate, a mineral which helps promote fertility. The potassium in guavas helps normalise blood pressure levels as well. In fact, a banana and a guava contain almost the same amount of potassium. Since it contains about 80% of water it helps keep your skin hydrated

1. Immunity Booster
Did you know: Guavas are one of the richest sources of vitamin C? It’s true. Guavas contain 4 times the vitamin C content present in oranges. Vitamin C helps improve immunity and protects you against common infections and pathogens.

2. Lowers Risk of Cancer
“Lycopene, quercetin, vitamin C and other polyphenols act as potent antioxidants which neutralise free radicals generated in the body, preventing the growth of cancer cells. Guavas have shown to be widely successful in reducing prostate cancer risk and also inhibit the growth of breast cancer cells since it is rich in lycopene”.

3. Diabetes-Friendly
Due to the rich fibre content and low glycaemic index, guavas prevent the development of diabetes. While the low glycemic index inhibits a sudden spike in sugar levels, the fibre content ensures the sugar levels are well regulated.

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4. Heart Healthy
Guavas improve the sodium and potassium balance of the body, thereby regulating blood pressure in patients with hypertension. Guavas also help lower the levels of triglycerides and bad cholesterol (LDL), which contribute to the development of heart disease. This magical fruit improves levels of the good cholesterol (HDL).

5. Treats Constipation
It is one of the richest sources of dietary fiber in comparison to other fruits and just 1 guava fulfills about 12% of your daily recommended intake of fibre, which makes it extremely beneficial for your digestive health. Guava seeds, if ingested whole or chewed, serve as excellent laxatives too, helping the formation of healthy bowel movements.

6. Improves Eyesight
Due to the presence of Vitamin A, guava is well known as a booster for vision health. It can not only prevent degradation of eyesight, but even improve eyesight. It can help slow down the appearance of cataracts and macular degeneration. Even though guavas are not as rich in Vitamin A as carrots, they are still a very good source of the nutrient.

7. Guava During Pregnancy
Guavas contain folic acid, or vitamin B-9, which is recommended for pregnant women since it can help in developing the baby’s nervous system and protect the newborn from neurological disorders.

8. Beats Toothache
Guava leaves have a potent anti-inflammatory action and a powerful antibacterial ability which fights infection and kills germs. Thus, consuming guava leaves works as a fantastic home remedy for toothache. The juice of guava leaves has also been known to cure toothaches, swollen gums and oral ulcers.

9. Stress-Buster
The magnesium present in guavas helps to relax the muscles and nerves of the body. So after a hard workout or a long day at the office, a guava is certainly what you need to relax your muscles, combat stress and give your system a good energy boost.

10. Good for Your Brain
“Guavas contain vitamin B3 and vitamin B6, also known as niacin and pyridoxine respectively, which help in improving blood circulation to the brain, stimulating cognitive function and relaxing the nerves”, remarks Dr. Manoj K. Ahuja.

11. Weight Loss
Want to shed a few pounds? Guava is just the ticket. Without compromising your intake of proteins, vitamins and fiber, guava helps you lose weight by regulating your metabolism. It’s a win-win! Guava makes for a very filling snack and satisfies the appetite very easily. Guava, especially raw guava, also has far less sugar as compared to apples, oranges, grapes, and other fruits.

12. Cough and Cold
Guava has one of the highest quantities of vitamin-C and iron among fruits, and both are proven to be preventive against cold and viral infections. The juice of raw and immature guavas or a decoction of guava-leaves is very helpful in relieving cough and cold since it helps get rid of mucus and disinfects the respiratory tract, throat and lungs.
 

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Guava for Skin

13. Anti-Ageing Properties
Guavas are rich in vitamin A, vitamin C and antioxidants like carotene and lycopene which help protect the skin from wrinkles. A guava a day, keeps fine lines away!

14. Improves Complexion
Guava helps regain the skin’s radiance and freshness. Reap the benefits by preparing a DIY scrub at home: All you have to do is mash some guava flesh with an egg yolk and apply it on your face. Rinse off after 20 minutes with warm water. When used once or twice a week, this scrub will remove dead cells from your skin and lighten your complexion. Guavas are also a great source of Vitamin K, which helps get rid of skin discoloration, dark circles, redness and acne irritation.

15. Improves Texture
Guavas rank high in astringent properties, guava leaves and unripe guavas even higher.Guava helps tone up and tighten the facial muscles, so apply a decoction of the leaves and fruit on your skin and voila!

Is Peanut Butter Good for You?

 

As per Harvard Health Letter, peanut butter is healthy. Peanut butter is loaded with vitamins, minerals and some nutrients. Unsalted peanut butter has amazing potassium to sodium ratio, which will protect from cardiovascular attacks. Its daily consumption also keeps type II diabetes at bay.

Peanut Butter is Full of Vitamins and Nutrition

It is rich in protein, Vitamin E and monounsaturated fats (healthy fat) that regulate cholesterol level in the body.  It also contains small amount of magnesium, zinc and Vitamin B6, which helps to increase the immunity power of the body to fight diseases.

Rich in Fiber

Peanut butter is not only rich in protein but also rich in fiber, which is very much needed to for the proper functioning of the body parts, necessary for a healthy body.

Contains Loads of Potassium

Peanut butter also contains a lot of potassium in it, which is helps you stay away from stroke, kidney and heart disorders. It also reduces the stress and anxiety level; maintains metabolism in the body; and takes care of the nervous system. It also maintains electrolytes balance in the body and ensures the normal functioning of the cells.

Rich in Manganese

Peanut butter is also a good source of manganese, which helps to maintain the healthy bone structure. It also creates necessary enzymes to build bones and maintain bone metabolism. It takes care of the metabolic activity of the body. The other benefits of manganese include the creation of connective tissues, regulation of blood sugar level and the hormones of the thyroid gland. Etc. So the consumption of peanut butter helps you to be healthy in these ways.

Helps to Lose Weight

According to the Obesity journal, the person who eats nuts twice a week is likely to gain 30% less weight than the person who never or very rarely eats nuts.  We read it earlier that peanut butter is rich in protein as well as in fiber, so its consumption makes one to feel full for longer period of time. As a result, you will feel less hungry, which means you will eat less food that will ultimately lead to lose weight.

Boosts the Energy Level

As it contains good amount of fiber and healthy fat, its consumption keeps you energized. Its consumption gives you the required amount of calories for your daily activities. So take peanut butter in the morning to maintain the energy level throughout the day.

Keeps Alzheimer’s disease at Bay

The consumption of foods that are rich in niacin helps prevent Alzheimer’s disease. Peanut butter is a good source of niacin, so the consumption of peanut butter helps one to keep Alzheimer’s disease at the bay.

Reduces the Risk of Heart Diseases

People who eat four servings of peanut butter per week are 37 less likely to get heart diseases than the people who rarely eat peanut butter or never ate peanut butter. As per a study by the British Journal of Nutrition, the consumption of peanut butter lowers the bad LDL cholesterol level in the body and maintains the good HDL cholesterol level in the body.

Best Foods For Diabetes - Foods that Raise Blood Sugar

High fiber foods – Fiber helps slow down glucose absorption.  Aim for at least 30g of high fiber foods per day from vegetables, berries, nuts, and seeds.
Chromium rich foods – Foods such as raw cheese, Brewer’s yeast, broccoli and other foods are high in chromium. Chromium deficiency can lead to poor blood sugar control.
Coconut – MCFA’s found in coconut can help balance blood sugar levels and be a preferred fuel source for your body rather than sugar.  Including coconut oil, coconut milk, coconut butter in your diet is a great way to intake MCFA’s.

 Wild-caught fish – Omega-3 fats reduce inflammation and can help counteract some of the negative effects of elevated blood glucose.

Low glycemic load foods – Foods with a low glycemic value tend to not spike blood sugar as much as high glycemic foods.


Foods that Raise Blood Sugar

Sugar and grains – Refined sugar rapidly spikes blood glucose and a high grain diet also negatively affects blood sugar levels.

Soda, juice, or other sweet beverages – These forms of sugar enter the bloodstream rapidly and can cause extreme elevations in blood glucose.

Refined and processed foods – Any foods that are refined, processed, and contain no fiber generally will raise blood glucose.

Cow’s milk, especially for Type 1 – There has been research showing that children with type 1 diabetes can be sensitive to the protein in cow’s milk (A1 casein).  Use fermented goat’s milk products instead.

Alcohol – Can dangerously lower blood sugar.  Beer and sweet liquors are high in carbohydrates and should be avoided.

Amazing Benefits of Amla Juice #2

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1. According to a Delhi based weight management expert, Dr. Gargee Sharma, amla juice can be taken as a powerful home remedy to treat cough and flu as well as mouth ulcers. Two teaspoon of amla juice with equal portions of honey consumed everyday can help a great deal in treating cold and cough. Mix a couple of teaspoons in water and gargle with it twice a day to get rid of mouth ulcers.

2. Regular consumption of amla juice helps in reducing cholesterol levels. Amino acids and antioxidants aid in the overall functioning of heart.

3. It is also helpful in managing diabetes better as well as respiratory ailments likeasthma.

4. Dr. Ashutosh Gautam, Clinical Operations and Coordination Manager at Baidyanath shares that the alkaline nature of amla helps in clearing the system and strengthening the digestive system.

5. It supports liver function and flushes out toxins from the body.

6. Along with Vitamin C, amla is also rich in iron, calcium, phosphorous and hence can be taken as a complete nutritional drink.

7. "Our hair structure is close to 99% protein. Amino acids and protein present in amla help in hair growth, tackling hair fall and fortifying the root as well as the shaft," noted Dr. Gautam.

Read Me:: Health Benefits of Raisins

8. "Dab it with a cotton swab onto your face to fight marks, pigmentation and blemishes.Amla juice helps in oxidizing melanin and closes skin pores," concluded Dr. Gautam.