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The CNIO opens up a new avenue for combating the deterioration in blood stem cells

A study by Juan Méndez at CNIO sheds light on molecular mechanisms of ageing in blood stem cells, opening a new avenue for reducing their decline with age and potentially treating aplastic anaemia. Researchers managed to prevent embryonic lethality by increasing the levels of gene CHK1, showing less pronounced anaemia in mice.

News from Annals of Internal Medicine March 31, 2015

The US Preventive Services Task Force has updated its recommendations on iron supplementation and screening in pregnant women, finding that routine iron supplementation during pregnancy may reduce the incidence of iron deficiency and anemia. In contrast, new hepatitis C treatments show promise but may exceed insurers' willingness to pa...

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateMar 30, 2015

The battle for iron

Scientists at EMBL and Heidelberg University Clinic have discovered a new way to starve pathogens of iron, using the immune system's TLR2 and TLR6 molecules. This finding offers an alternative approach to treatments for anaemia of chronic disease, which affects chronically ill patients.

Pica in pregnant teens linked to low iron

A study of 158 pregnant teenagers found nearly half engaged in pica behaviors, such as consuming ice and starches, which are also associated with lower iron levels. This can lead to anemia, premature births, and low birth weights, posing a significant risk to infant mortality rates.

SourceCornell University·JournalJournal of Nutrition·DateAug 20, 2014

The Lancet Infectious Diseases: Oldest ever schistosomiasis egg found may be first proof of early human technology exacerbating disease burden

A 6200-year-old schistosomiasis parasite egg discovered in Syria's Tell Zeidan grave suggests ancient agricultural irrigation systems may have spread the disease. The find, dating back a thousand years earlier than previous discoveries, highlights how human technology can exacerbate disease burdens.

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet Infectious Diseases·DateJun 19, 2014

New jigsaw piece for the repair of DNA crosslinks

A team of scientists reveals that a specific protein recognizes and repairs DNA crosslinks using the Fanconi anemia signal pathway. The study sheds light on the complex process of repairing damaged DNA, which can trigger cancer development. This new knowledge may lead to improved drugs for cancer treatment.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalCell Reports·DateMay 27, 2014

ACP recommends tighter transfusion strategy to treat anemia in patients with heart disease

The American College of Physicians recommends restricting red blood cell transfusions to severe anemia cases in patients with heart disease. ACP also advises against using erythropoiesis-stimulating agents in mild to moderate anemia with heart conditions due to increased risks of thromboembolic events and stroke rates.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateDec 2, 2013

Researchers say it's time to treat anemia seriously

A study published in the Canadian Journal of Anesthesia found that hospitals treating patients with anemia before surgery had better outcomes, including reduced blood transfusions, infections, and shorter hospital stays. Early diagnosis and treatment of anemia are crucial to avoid unnecessary transfusions and improve patient care.

SourceSt. Michael's Hospital·JournalCanadian Journal of Anesthesia/Journal canadien d anesthésie·DateJan 24, 2013

Oldest evidence of regular meat consumption by early humans found

A 1.5-million-year-old skull fragment from Tanzania shows signs of anemia caused by a nutritional deficiency, suggesting regular meat consumption in early hominids was common. The discovery supports the idea that early human ancestors were hunters and had a physiology adapted to regular meat consumption.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateOct 3, 2012

Platelet drug shows clinical benefits for severe, unresponsive aplastic anemia

A new clinical study by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute found that eltrombopag improved blood cell production in 11 out of 25 participants with severe aplastic anemia. The drug was well-tolerated, with few side effects, and six patients showed significant improvements in all three types of blood cells.

SourceNIH/National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateJul 4, 2012

University of Maryland finds restricting post-surgery blood transfusion is safe for some hip patients

A University of Maryland study found that restricting blood transfusions after hip surgery did not harm patients and may even be unnecessary for some. The research included over 2,000 patients with anemia after hip fracture and showed no significant difference in recovery rates between those who received moderate transfusions and those...

SourceUniversity of Maryland Medical Center·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateDec 14, 2011

Mapping anemia risk in preschool-age children in West Africa

Researchers mapped anemia risk in preschool-age children in Burkina Faso, Ghana, and Mali using national cross-sectional surveys. The maps indicate the geographical risk profile of anemia, allowing for targeted control measures such as nutrient supplements and fortified foods.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateJun 7, 2011