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Do you suffer from headaches, itching, or hives after consuming certain foods? 

If so, you may be among the millions of people suffering from histamine intolerance

While the causes of this condition are complex, recent research has suggested that excess vitamin B12 intake may play a significant role. 

In this article, we explore the link between excess vitamin B12 and histamine intolerance and what you can do to alleviate your symptoms.

Histamine Intolerance: An Overview

Histamine is a chemical substance that is vital to many bodily functions.

It is synthesized from the amino acid histidine. 

It regulates our immune and nervous systems' functioning and sleep-wake cycles.

Histamine is stored in "mast cells" on our skin, lungs, and GI tract.

Many foods naturally contain histamine, especially fermented and cured foods.

However, this histamine does not enter our bloodstream as it is broken down by an enzyme called Diamine Oxidase (DAO). 

When the DAO enzyme fails to function correctly, breaking down histamine naturally becomes difficult, leading to an allergic reaction called histamine intolerance.

It can manifest as headaches, itching, and stomach problems. 

Some medications, such as aspirin and diclofenac, can also interfere with histamine release in the body, causing intolerance. 

You may also like: How Do Genes Influence Your Risk For Histamine Intolerance?

Do Foods High In Vitamin B12 Cause Histamine Intolerance?

Vitamin B12, or cobalamin, is an essential nutrient for the body.

It is essential for DNA synthesis and the maintenance of nerve cells.

A deficiency of vitamin B12 can cause many symptoms, such as fatigue, depression, and shortness of breath.

Severe deficiency can lead to irreversible brain and nerve damage.

However, excess vitamin B12 in the body can cause histamine intolerance symptoms.

Studies suggest that vitamin B12 can trigger histamine release in the body.

Certain bacteria or yeasts can convert histidine into histamine in the body, triggering an allergic reaction.

Fermented foods high in certain types of microorganisms can trigger a histamine allergy in the body. 

However, there are differences in how each individual reacts to vitamin B12.

Therefore, in one person, it may trigger excess histamine release, causing the symptoms of histamine intolerance, while in another person, it may not cause any symptoms.

Foods To Avoid With Histamine Intolerance

A histamine diet should exclude foods rich in vitamin B12, like shellfish, fish, crustaceans, liver, and red meat.

Cheese, eggs, and fortified cereals might also trigger excess histamine release in the body.

Try avoiding fermented foods such as kombucha and kimchi.

However, low histamine diets can also result in malnutrition.

Thus, it is always important to consult your doctor before you include or exclude anything from your diet.

Summary: Vitamin B12 And Histamine Intolerance

Histamine intolerance is a condition that is caused due to under-secretion of the DAO enzyme, which metabolizes histamine in the body.

It can cause an allergic reaction and manifest as headaches and stomach problems.

Studies show that there might be a connection between histamine intolerance and vitamin B12.

Foods rich in vitamin B12 also contain high levels of histamine, which can trigger a reaction.

Fermented foods, fortified cereals, and canned fish are all rich in vitamin B12 and histamine.  

It is essential to consult with your doctor before making any dietary changes, as eliminating a food group can cause various deficiencies.

References

Have you ever wondered if cystic fibrosis is contagious? With the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, many of us have become familiar with the '6-feet rule' to prevent the spread of the virus. But does the same rule apply to cystic fibrosis? Let's discover the facts and myths surrounding this chronic disease and the truth.

Introduction

Cystic fibrosis is the most common lung disease in children. Many individuals with this condition also have digestive issues. 

Cystic fibrosis is an inherited disease characterized by the accumulation of sticky mucus that may damage organs in the body.

The severity of the disease and its features vary in different individuals.

Cystic fibrosis is more common in white newborns and less common in other ethnic groups.

In this article, let’s understand more about cystic fibrosis, its symptoms, and its genetics.

Overview Of The Condition

Mucus is routinely produced by certain cells in the body and is thin and slippery.

It is most often found lining the airways, digestive tract, and reproductive system.

However, in cystic fibrosis, the mucus is abnormally thick and sticky and tends to clog the airways. 

This results in breathing problems and an increased tendency to develop bacterial infections in the lung

Coughing, wheezing, and inflammation are common in people with cystic fibrosis.

When inflammation becomes chronic (long-lasting), it causes scar and cyst formation in the lungs.

The CFTR Gene

Mutations (abnormal changes) in the CFTR gene are said to cause cystic fibrosis.

The CFTR or CF transmembrane conductance regulator gene provides instructions for making a protein.

This protein acts like a channel to transport negatively-charged chloride ions across the cell.

Mutations in the CFTR gene disrupt the chloride ion transport, preventing them from regulating water and chloride ion movement across the cell membranes.

This results in the production of mucus that is thick and sticky that clogs the airways and other ducts.

Symptoms Of Cystic Fibrosis

Signs and symptoms in children with classic cystic fibrosis are:

Respiratory signs and symptoms in people with atypical cystic fibrosis are:

How’s Cystic Fibrosis Inherited?

Cystic fibrosis is inherited in an autosomal recessive pattern.

This means an individual must have both copies of the defective CFTR gene to develop this condition.

Inheritance pattern for cystic fibrosis

Is Cystic Fibrosis Contagious?

Most people with cystic fibrosis are asked to keep at least a 6-feet distance between themselves and anyone who is sick around them.

However, this is not because cystic fibrosis is a contagious disease.

Cystic fibrosis is an inherited genetic disorder.

Why 6-Feet Apart?

In people with cystic fibrosis, the thick and sticky mucus in the lungs and the airways trap bacteria that can cause infections.

These infections can be dangerous or life-threatening to people with cystic fibrosis.

For this reason, people with cystic fibrosis are asked to stay at least 6-feet apart from people who are sick.

People with cystic fibrosis must also stay away from others with the condition.

6 feet distance is a globally followed rule because that is how far germs can travel when a person sneezes, coughs, or speaks.

FAQS

  1. Can Someone With Cystic Fibrosis Kiss Someone With Cystic Fibrosis?

Two people with cystic fibrosis must stay away from each other or maintain a 6-feet distance between themselves.

To prevent cross-infections between cystic fibrosis patients, it is recommended that they must not allow any bodily contact, including kissing, with each other.

  1. Why Can't Cystic Fibrosis Patients Be Near Each Other?

The respiratory tract, including cystic fibrosis patients' lungs, carries infection-causing bacteria.

When two people with this condition are close to each other, they stand a chance of getting infected by the other in case they are carrying bacteria.

Since respiratory infections can be dangerous or even life-threatening for cystic fibrosis, two people with this condition cannot be near each other.

Summary: Is Cystic Fibrosis Contagious?

  1. Cystic fibrosis is an inherited genetic condition characterized by the production of thick, sticky mucus in various organs of the body.
  2. People with cystic fibrosis tend to have a chronic cough, wheezing, inflammation, and an increased risk of developing respiratory infections.
  3. Mutations in the CFTR genes are a proven cause of cystic fibrosis.
  4. Symptoms of classic cystic fibrosis include difficulty breathing, loose stools, nagging cough, and frequent lung and sinus infections.
  5. Symptoms of atypical cystic fibrosis include chronic sinusitis, breathing difficulty, dehydration, diarrhea, and frequent bouts of pneumonia.
  6. Cystic fibrosis is inherited as an autosomal recessive pattern.
  7. Since people with cystic fibrosis are sensitive to respiratory infections, they must stay away from others with the condition and keep a 6-feet distance from the sick. 

References

Could a simple dietary change be the key to preventing prostate cancer

Prostate cancer is a serious concern for many men, with over 200,000 new cases diagnosed annually in the United States. 

A new study suggests that there may be a dietary solution to this problem - the Mediterranean diet. With its emphasis on fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats, the Mediterranean diet has long been praised for its health benefits. 

Researchers have found that following this diet may also help prevent prostate cancer. This article will examine the study's findings and what they could mean for men's health.

Did You Know?

Your genes hold precious clues about your nutritional needs and dietary requirements. They influence how you respond to various diets, including the Mediterranean diet. Learn more:

What Is The Mediterranean Diet?

The Mediterranean diet (MedDiet) is based on traditional food that people in countries like Greece, Italy, France, and Spain (along the Mediterranean coast) ate during the 1960s.

An American physiologist named Ancel Keys was the first to introduce the Mediterranean diet.

His most famous work was the Seven Countries Study, which highlighted how saturated fats and cholesterol levels increase Coronary Heart Disease (CHD) risk

Until his lifetime, he championed the Mediterranean diet, promoting it for its health benefits.

In generic terms, this diet includes abundant fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, olive oil, and seafood and avoids processed food, sugar, saturated fat, and refined grains.

People living along the MedDiet are reported to enjoy a healthier and more active lifestyle. Nutritional experts attribute these benefits to their everyday diet style. 

Components Of The Diets

The Mediterranean diet is high in fiber, complex carbohydrates, and monounsaturated fats.

A typical MedDiet may contain the following elements.

FoodsServing frequencies
Olive oilWith every meal
Vegetables 2+ servings with every meal
Fruits1-2 servings with every meal
Cereals and whole grains1-2 servings with every meal
Nuts 1-2 servings with every meal
Seafood2+ servings/week
Legumes 2+ servings/week
Red meatLess than two servings/week
PoultryTwo servings/week
Sweets/dessertsLess than two servings/week

When the MedDiet components are added to a food pyramid, vegetables, olive oil, whole grains, and seafood will top the charts. 

Red meat, refined sugar, and processed foods would be at the bottom.

Health Benefits Of The Diet

Heart Health

The MedDiet may support heart health and reduce cardiovascular disease risk.

A 2021 randomized controlled trial reports that long-term consumption of the MedDiet may help slow down plaque buildup in the arteries, bringing down the risk of heart attacks and strokes.

A 2022 review study reports that a MedDiet helps bring down the risk factors associated with cardiovascular diseases and also supports glycemic control.

Brain Health

A 2021 study reports that adhering to a MedDiet for an extended period increases gray matter volume in the brain, improves memory, and reduces the risk of cognitive decline. 

A 2014 study analyzed the relationship between MedDiet adherence and the risk of developing Alzheimer’s Disease (AD). 

Cortical thinning in the brain is associated with cognitive impairment and an increased risk of memory loss. 

According to this study, individuals who adhered to a MedDiet regularly had a lower risk of cortical thinning, which may have a protective effect against AD.

Mental Health

The presence of high levels of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids and flavonoids in the MedDiet may help support mental health.

A 2019 Australian randomized controlled trial analyzed the effects of a MedDiet on people struggling with depression.

The participants were assessed for mental health improvement and quality of life after three months of following a MedDiet. 

At the end of three months, the study reported reduced depression and improved quality of life scores in those who adhered to the diet plan.

A meta-analysis study reported that adhering long-term to a MedDiet may bring down the risk of depression by 30%.

Protection Against Cancers

The Mediterranean diet has been associated with a decreased risk of many types of cancers.

A 2021 meta-analysis analyzed the results of 117 studies involving 3,202,496 participants. The study reported that higher adherence to a MedDiet lowered cancer mortality risk.

 This included liver, bladder, gastric, head and neck, colorectal, and respiratory cancers.

Weight Loss

MedDiet is a success among people wanting to lose weight because it isn’t as restrictive as other diets and has healthy and tasty food options.

A 2020 study reports that people who adhered to a MedDiet for a more extended period had a two-time increased likelihood of maintaining weight loss.

A similar 2022 study analyzed the ability of 470 adults to maintain their lost weight in 12 months while on MedDiet. 

This study reports that higher adherence to the MedDiet was associated with a better likelihood of maintaining weight loss.

Blood Sugar Regulation

A systematic review analyzed the relationship between MedDiet and type II diabetes. 

The review reports that MedDiet may help reduce fasting blood sugar levels and the three-month blood sugar average (HbA1c), thereby improving blood sugar regulation.

Prostate Cancer: An Overview

Prostate cancer is the second most common type of cancer in men (after skin cancer). The prostate is a small gland in men that produces semen fluid. 

According to the National Cancer Institute, about 268,490 new prostate cancer cases were diagnosed in 2022. 

The same source reports that about 12.6% of men in the United States will be diagnosed with prostate cancer at some point in their lifetimes. 

Can The Mediterranean Diet Help Prevent Prostate Cancer: A New Study

Men may genetically inherit the risk of developing prostate cancer. 

Apart from that, dietary and lifestyle habits may also influence the condition. 

Consuming the following foods may increase people’s risk of developing prostate cancer.

A 2023 Australian study analyzed the effect of a MedDiet on prostate cancer and reported that people who adhere to the diet regularly have a lower chance of being diagnosed with prostate cancer.

Study Details

CSIRO Human Nutrition and the Royal Adelaide Hospital conducted this case-controlled study. 

It analyzed the lab reports of adult men diagnosed with prostate cancer and compared the values to a control group.

Study Participants

The study included 116 caucasian men diagnosed with prostate cancer. 

The mean age of the participants was 71.24 ± 7.18

Study Design

The study design is based on the idea that the plasma concentrations of micronutrients and trace minerals would differ for healthy individuals and those with prostate cancer.

Plasma concentrations of the following values were measured in the control and the study groups.

Study Results

The study reports that people with prostate cancer have lower levels of selenium (<120 mcg/mL), lycopene (<0.25 mcg/mL), and α-carotene compared to the control group.

People with prostate cancer also had higher plasma calcium, sulfur, and iron levels than the control group.

Study Conclusions

The study concludes that people with lower levels of selenium, lycopene, and α-carotene have a higher risk of prostate cancer.

Deficiencies of selenium, lycopene, and α-carotene may occur from a western diet lacking enough vegetables and fruits.

A MedDiet encourages the consumption of colorful veggies and fruits rich in lycopene and α-carotene and seafood, eggs, and nuts rich in selenium. 

As a result, a MedDiet may be protective against prostate cancer. 

Tips To Get Started On The Mediterranean Diet

If moving to a MedDiet seems overwhelming right away, here are some tips to get the diet started.

  1. Try choosing unprocessed, fresh meat over processed meat
  2. Include at least two portions of whole grains in the everyday meal
  3. Swap red meat for seafood and fish
  4. Pick olive oil instead of butter, margarine, or vegetable oil for cooking
  5. Have a side salad of greens and vegetables with every meal
  6. Snack on nuts
  7. Choose fruits for dessert
  8. Drink red wine instead of other kinds of alcohol in moderation
  9. Try to cook more at home than ordering takeouts
  10. Pick different types of cheese and use them in moderation in your diet

Other Ways To Reduce Prostate Cancer Risk

Apart from changing your diet, here are other ways to reduce the risk of developing prostate cancer.

  1. Maintain a healthy weight - Obesity increases the risk of developing all types of cancers, including prostate cancer.
  2. Be physically active - A sedentary lifestyle may cause cell-level physical changes in the body, increasing the risk of developing tumors. Being physically active can also help maintain a healthy weight.
  3. Stop smoking - Smoking is one of the major preventable causes of cancer. 

Summary

  1. The Mediterranean diet focuses on whole grains, seafood, olive oil, nuts, vegetables, and fruits and stays away from red meat, processed foods, refined grains, and sugar.
  2. A 2023 study reports that adhering to a Mediterranean diet for an extended period may help men reduce their risk of developing prostate cancer.
  3. According to this study, men diagnosed with prostate cancer have low plasma values of micronutrients and trace minerals like selenium, lycopene, and α-carotene. 
  4. A Mediterranean diet rich in vegetables, fruits, and good fat may help replenish these micronutrients, reducing the risk of developing prostate cancer.
  5. Staying away from smoking, being active, and losing weight (if overweight) are other ways to reduce the risk of prostate cancer.

References

In recent years, advancements in gene therapy have sparked hope for treating various genetic disorders, including cystic fibrosis, a life-threatening disease affecting thousands of people worldwide.

With the potential to provide a cure, gene therapy for cystic fibrosis has become an increasingly promising field of research, raising the question: could cystic fibrosis gene therapy finally offer a way to conquer this debilitating disease?

Did You Know? 

You may carry genes associated with inherited conditions and not develop the condition but may pass it to your children. Learn more:

Overview Of Cystic Fibrosis

Cystic fibrosis is a genetic disorder caused by mutations in the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gene

The CFTR gene contains the instructions for making the CFTR protein expressed in the airway epithelial cells. 

When there is a mutation/change in the genetic instructions, the production or function of the CFTR protein may be affected.

The mutations in the CFTR gene can result in no protein, not enough protein, or the protein being made incorrectly. 

Whilst the CFTR protein is expressed in many internal organs, the significant effect of such mutations is on the respiratory, gastrointestinal, and reproductive tracts.

The critical function of CFTR protein is ion transport (the movement of salt and water in and out of your cells).

Abnormal ion transport leads to thick viscous secretions in the airways, infection, inflammation, and eventually irreversible lung damage

The lungs and digestive system become clogged with mucus, making breathing and digesting food hard. 

There is currently no treatment that halts the natural progression of the disease.

All available successful therapies merely slow the rate of decline in clinical conditions.

Gene therapy offers great hope for the treatment of genetic diseases/disorders.

Inheritance pattern for cystic fibrosis

What Is Gene Therapy?

Gene therapy or gene transfer, or gene replacement, is a technique that modifies a person's genes to treat or cure disease. 

Gene therapy can do the following:

Cystic fibrosis gene therapy works by placing a new, correct version of the CFTR gene into the cells in a person's body. 

Types Of Gene Therapy

Two types of gene therapy have shown the potential to treat this condition.

In integrating gene therapy, a piece of DNA containing a functional CFTR gene would be delivered to an individual’s cells. 

The new copy of the CFTR gene would then become a permanent part of their genome, which is the entire set of genetic instructions in every cell. 

An advantage of integrating gene therapy is that it is permanent for the cell's life. 

This means that a person with cystic fibrosis might have to receive gene therapy only once or a few times in their life. 

A disadvantage is that there may be limited control over where the new copy of the CFTR gene integrates into the genome. 

This means integrating gene therapy could have undesirable side effects, such as increasing cancer risk.

In non-integrating gene therapy, a piece of DNA with a correct copy of the CFTR gene is provided to an individual's cells.

Here the DNA remains separate from the genome and is not permanent. 

Even though the newly introduced gene does not become part of the genome, the cell can still use the new copy of the CFTR gene to make normal CFTR proteins.

A major advantage of the non-integrating gene therapy approach is that it does not disrupt the entire genome.

That means the risk of side effects, including cancer, is low. 

A disadvantage of non-integrating gene therapy is that it is not permanent. 

The effect of the gene therapy might last only for several weeks or months and need to be treated repeatedly for it to be effective.

Classes of CFTR Variants Treated With Gene Therapy

Over 360 variants or changes in the CFTR gene can cause the condition.

Recently, these variants have been categorized into seven classes based on CFTR protein dysfunction and/or gene expression.

How’s Gene Therapy For Cystic Fibrosis Done?

Gene therapy for cystic fibrosis is done by replacing the genetic mutation with a “correct version” of the CFTR gene.

Although the mutant copies of the CFTR gene would still be there, the correct copies would allow cells to make normal CFTR proteins.

An integrating gene therapy known as CAR-T therapy has already been approved to treat patients with a few types of leukemia and lymphoma. 

Several gene delivery methods exist to introduce a therapeutic gene or gene targeting.
CF gene therapy research has tested both non-viral and viral delivery vectors.

Current Status Of CFTR Gene Therapy

Scientific breakthroughs in the past ten years have accelerated advances in gene therapy.

Integrating gene therapies to treat CF is being tested in the lab, and a clinical trial to test the safety of this approach in people with CF could happen in the next several years.

Despite these advances, currently available drugs do not treat around 10% of CF patients.

It has also been found that existing CTF modulators are not well tolerated by eligible patients, causing many of them to stop treatment midway.

Current Challenges For Gene Therapy

Gene therapy comes with a set of challenges that need to be overcome for the process to be effective.

Some of them include the following:

Summary

  1. Cystic fibrosis is a genetic disorder caused by mutations in the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gene. 
  2. Gene therapy is developed as a novel treatment for cystic fibrosis and involves the transfer of correct copies of desired DNA to the target site. 
  3. Gene therapy is a technique that modifies a person's genes to treat or cure disease. 
  4. During gene therapy for cystic fibrosis, the mutated gene is replaced with the correct version of the CFTR gene.
  5. Despite several advances in gene therapy, currently available drugs cannot treat around 10% of cystic fibrosis patients.
  6. Current challenges in gene therapy include the risk of introducing a new gene into the wrong cell, interference with other genes, and gene shutdown.

References

Happy World Sleep Day!

Sleep is considered a luxury these days. Most of us are lucky if we get at most 5-6 hours of sleep. We rarely pay attention to this. Understandably, working to pay our bills looks more important than a good night's sleep.

Sleep is one of the three pillars of health. Unknown to us, our body depends on the time we sleep to get a lot of background metabolic processes, like detoxification, out of the way.

Infographic showing the three pillars of health dite, fitness ans sleep

Furthermore, recent studies suggest that poor sleep can significantly affect your ability to make healthy food choices and stay on track with your fitness goals, making it all the more important to prioritize a good night's rest.

How Does Poor Sleep Impact Health?

Getting 7-9 hours of sleep every 24 hours is essential. 

Poor sleep, which includes short sleep duration, difficulty falling asleep, sleep apnea, continuously waking up at night, etc., can impact your health negatively.

Insufficient or poor quality sleep can increase the risk of several chronic health conditions like heart disease, diabetes, obesity, depression, hypertension, kidney disease, and stroke.

It can also impact your cognitive ability by interfering with memory, attention, brain function, and alertness.

Sleep deficiency is also linked to injury risk in adults, teens, and children.

Sleep and Diet: What’s The Connection?

Sleep plays a critical role in regulating our appetite and eating behaviors

Several studies have shown poor sleep can interfere with hormones controlling hunger and satiety.

This can lead to overeating and increase the risk of obesity.

For example, ghrelin is an appetite-regulating hormone that signals to the brain that you are hungry and your body needs food.

Lack of sleep can increase the ghrelin hormone levels, making us more hungry than usual.

Furthermore, it can decrease the levels of another hormone called leptin, which signals the feeling of fullness to the brain, thereby suppressing appetite.

Increased levels of ghrelin and decreased levels of leptin can lead to overeating.

Infographic showing eating behaviour influenced by two hormones leptin and ghrelin

Poor sleep also affects what food we pick to eat.

Studies have shown that sleep-deprived people tend to go for unhealthy foods that are high in calories over nutritious foods.

Overall, poor sleep can lead to overeating and poor nutritional choices, leading to weight gain and several other chronic diseases.

Sleep and Exercise Motivation: What’s The Connection?

A lack of sleep or poor quality sleep can lead to fatigue and lethargy, making it harder to feel motivated to exercise.

According to a study, adequate sleep helps motivate people to stick to the exercise routine.

In this study, the more sleep participants got, the more likely they were to complete the exercise regimen.

Sleep deprivation can result in earlier onset of exhaustion, leading to a lower tolerance for physical activity.

Since sleep is crucial for the body’s repair and recovery processes, sleep deprivation can lead to decreased physical performance and increased injury risk

Sleeping well supports our body’s recovery process, helping us feel more energized.

This can help us stay motivated and achieve our fitness goals.

Poor Sleep And Adherence To Lifestyle Modifications: The Study

A preliminary research study presented at the American Heart Association's Epidemiology, Prevention, Lifestyle & Cardiometabolic Health Scientific Sessions 2023 examined how sleep quality and behavior affect a person’s diet and exercise patterns.

Study Details

The researchers designed a 12-month weight loss program to examine whether good sleep health made people adhere to weight loss-related lifestyle modifications better than bad sleep health. 

Study Participants

No. of participants125 adults
Average age50 years
Sex91% female
Race81%  male
BMI27-44 (overweight/obese)
Pre-existing health conditionsNone

Study Design

Participants sleep habits were measured three times during the study period:

  1. At the beginning
  2. Six months
  3. End of the study 

Tools like questionnaires, sleep dairy, and reading from wrist-worn devices were used to measure sleep habits.

Upon measuring the score, the researchers scored each participant from 0-6, with higher scores falling under the “good” criterion and lower scores under the “poor” criterion, based on six criteria:

  1. Sleep regularly
  2. Sleep satisfaction
  3. Sleep timing
  4. Sleep efficiency
  5. Sleep duration
  6. Alertness

Adherence to the weight loss program was measured by:

Study Observations

The average sleep health score of the participants in the study period was 4.5 out of 6.

At the end of the study, the researchers observed that the participants who scored higher in sleep health were more likely to attend group sessions and stick to their caloric intake goals. 

First six months

Last six months

The decrease in the metrics observed in the last six months was expected, says one of the authors, Kline.

The adherence to weight loss behaviors tends to taper as one continuous in a long-term intervention.

Further, there was an association between better sleep health scores and increased physical activity. But the results were statistically insignificant. 

Study Conclusions

The study results suggest that optimizing sleep can lead to better adherence to weight loss-related lifestyle modifications.

Study Limitations

3 Most Effective Tips To Improve Your Sleep

While there are many ways to improve your sleep and fix your sleep cycle, three of the most effective ones are:

  1. Sticking to a consistent sleep schedule: One of the most effective ways to improve your sleep is to establish a regular sleep schedule. Try to go to bed and wake up simultaneously every day, even on weekends. This helps regulate your body's internal clock and can improve the quality of your sleep.
  2. Developing a bedtime routine: A relaxing bedtime routine can help you wind down before sleep. This can include activities such as taking a warm bath, reading a book, or practicing relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or meditation. Avoid using electronic devices such as phones or tablets, as the blue light emitted by these devices can interfere with sleep.
  3. Creating a comfortable sleep environment: Make sure your bedroom is conducive to sleep. This means building a calm, dark, and quiet environment. Invest in a comfortable mattress and pillows, and consider using blackout curtains or a white noise machine to block out any external noise or light. Avoid eating heavy meals or consuming caffeine or alcohol before bed, as these can interfere with sleep.

Summary

Your sleep habits affect what you eat and your exercise behavior via several physiological modifications.

Poor sleep can increase the hunger hormone and decrease the satiety hormone levels, making you overeat and gain weight.

If you don’t get enough rest, it can result in persistent fatigue and inadequate repair, leading to injuries and a lack of motivation to exercise.

According to a recent study, people who slept better were more likely to adhere to weight loss interventions and their caloric intake goals. 

References

Genetically inherited diseases are always challenging to diagnose, treat, and cure. One such rare yet, complex condition of the eye is Retinitis Pigmentosa (RP). People with RP have minimal treatment options and lose vision entirely over time.

Thanks to advances in gene therapy, such individuals may have hopes on the horizon. RP clinical trials aimed at finding a standard treatment option for the condition, thereby improving the quality of life for the patients.

This article helps identify such promising Retinitis Pigmentosa treatment trials of 2022 and discusses their potential results. 

Did You Know? 

You may carry genes associated with inherited conditions and not develop the condition but may pass it to your children. Learn more:

What Is Retinitis Pigmentosa?

RP is a genetic condition affecting the retina, causing loss of night vision and vision over time. The signs usually start from childhood, and this condition can affect the quality of life. 

The fact that no standard treatment processes are in place makes this a topic of interest for researchers globally.

This article will take you through the existing and proposed Retinitis Pigmentosa treatment in 2022 and shed light on current research advances.

Overview of Retinitis Pigmentosa

RP is a group of conditions that affect the retina of the eyes and is passed genetically.

Approximately 1 in 4000 Americans develop RP in their lifetimes. RP is primarily bilateral (affecting both eyes). However, in rare cases, the condition can be unilateral (involving a single eye).

There are two types of RP identified.

  1. Non-syndromic RP - About 70-80% of all cases of RP are non-syndromic, meaning the symptoms are restricted to the eye.
  2. Syndromic RP - In some cases, RP can be associated with other systemic diseases (conditions affecting the entire body). One such condition is Usher Syndrome (a genetic condition causing hearing and vision loss).

RP is characterized by damage to the light-sensitive cells in the eyes called photoreceptors. 

The first sign of RP is night vision loss, and this begins by the age of 10-20. Eventually, tunnel vision develops; by age 40, the person can lose eyesight completely. 

About 50 different genes may lead to Retinitis Pigmentosa. 

Retinitis Pigmentosa Treatment: 2022 Research Advances

Multiple clinical trials explored Retinitis Pigmentosa treatment options in 2022. Many of these trials are still in progress, trying to find a standard treatment for the condition. 

The following are some of the popular research advances to be aware of. 

FDA Approves SparingVision’s-Restoring Gene Therapy

Prodygy Phase 1/2 Clinical Trial 

SparingVision is a genomics company based out of Paris, France.

At the end of 2022, the brand announced that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) had approved its application for a new therapy using SPVN06 to help treat RP.

Since the approval is in place, the company can initiate the Promising Rod-Cone Dystrophy Gene Therapy (PRODYGY), a first-in-human clinical trial (phase I/II) for RP. 

What is the PRODYGY trial?

The Prodygy study was one of the significant RP news in 2022.

This trial will analyze the safety, efficacy, and treatment progress of the SPVN06 injection in RP patients with a mutation of the RHO, PDE6A, or PDE6B genes. 

The trial plans to recruit 33 patients with RP for the study. After 12 months, the patients will go through a follow-up study, analyzing the safety and tolerability of the injection.

The study also plans to perform a long-term follow-up after five years to check the drug's quality of life and safety. 

Optogenetic Therapies for Advanced RP

Optogenetics involves adding light-sensing molecules called opsins to the retina to the retina's photoreceptor cells to improve vision.

Optogenetic therapy was one of the most explored treatment options for RP in 2022.

In 2021, Nanoscope Therapeutics Inc., a biotechnology company based out of Dallas, Texas, conducted a Phase 1/2a optogenetic clinical study to analyze the effects of Multi-Characteristic Opsin (MCO-010) on visual restoration in 11 patients with RP. 

After eight weeks of treatment, all patients experienced improved vision restoration and better quality of life. 

Following this success, the company announced a Phase 2b trial in 2022 that recruited 27 individuals with advanced RP and severe vision loss to analyze the effects of MCO-010 injections on their vision. 

The trial results are yet to be released, and you may be able to check the RP treatment updates sometime in 2023.

Oral Antioxidant Therapy

NAC Attack is a clinical trial exploring oral N-acetylcysteine (NAC), an antioxidant, in restoring vision and treating RP. 

This Phase III clinical trial is sponsored by John Hopkins University. About 438 participants will participate in the study, and the trial will be conducted in approximately 30 centers across the USA and Europe. 

Phase I of this trial found a small but significant improvement in vision and light sensitivity with oral NAC for six months. 

The Phase III of this trial is set to be completed in March 2028.

Other Gene Therapy Clinical Trials

Up until 2022, the only accepted treatment for RP one is Luxturna.

This is a gene therapy solution for people with the RPE65 gene mutation.

There are no accepted treatment options for other RPs with different gene mutations. 

Since multiple genes are associated with RP, finding gene therapies for each one of these mutations is going to be an expensive and time-consuming affair, which, however, must be done. 

Some of the other clinical trials currently in progress for RP include the following.

  1. A controlled study was conducted to analyze the effects of Ultevursen in people with RP caused by mutations in the Exon 13 of the USH2A Gene. This trial may be completed by the end of 2024.
  2. A five-year project analyzes the progression rate of RP in people with the EYS gene mutation. The Foundation Fighting Blindness funds this project, which is expected to be completed in 2025.
  3. This is another project funded by the Foundation Fighting Blindness that will analyze the disease progression and natural history of PCDH15-Related Retinal Degeneration in people with Usher Syndrome. The results of the project will help accelerate RP treatments. 

How Much Does Retinitis Pigmentosa Gene Therapy Cost?

Right now, the only approved gene therapy treatment for RP is Luxturna. This is developed and marketed by Spark Therapeutics. 

This one-time treatment will cost $425,000 for one eye or $850,000 for both eyes.

Is There A Cure Coming Soon For Retinitis Pigmentosa?

How soon will there be a cure for RP? This is a question in everyone’s mind.

Multiple clinical trials have been conducted to help understand the condition better and explore standard and safe treatment solutions.

So, there is definitely hope on the horizon for people with RP. As these clinical trials progress further, researchers may be able to find a standard treatment option for RPs caused by different gene mutations. 

Certain genetic tests may help confirm the presence of Inherited Retinal Diseases (IRDs).

These tests can help you know if you are a carrier of specific gene mutations that may cause RP and other IRDs and take proactive steps. 

Summary: Retinitis Pigmentosa Treatment In 2022

  1. Retinitis Pigmentosa (RP) is a genetic condition that leads to vision loss over time. Right now, there are no specific treatments to cure the condition.
  2. The first signs of RP are loss of night vision and tunnel vision, which develop between the ages of 10 and 20. When left untreated, the person can lose sight by 40.
  3. FDA-accepted Retinitis Pigmentosa treatment until 2022 was restricted to just Luxturna. This gene therapy worked on RP caused by the RPE65 gene mutation.
  4. In the last couple of years, several clinical trials have intended to find standard treatment options for RP caused by different gene mutations. These trials may help find the right RP over time. 
  5. The PRODIGY Phase I/II is a clinical trial by SpringsVision to use SPVN06 therapy for treating RP. This FDA-approved trial will analyze the efficacy, safety, and long-term quality of life of the SPVN06 gene therapy drug. 
  6. Apart from PRODIGY, other clinical trials now target RPs caused by specific gene mutations. The results of these trials may help create a standard treatment plan for the condition.

References

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