Zika virus shows positive action on treating brain cancer

Recent outbreaks have revealed that Zika Virus is capable of causing brain damage in infants during the gestation period. However, a study published in the scientific journal The Journal of Experimental Medicine and conducted by researchers at the University of Washington School of Medicine has found that the virus can attack and kill cancerous cells in the brain.

Glioblastoma is the most common form of cancer and is often lethal, so that most patients die within two years of diagnosis. This is because glioblastoma stem cells are difficult to kill because they are resistant to chemotherapy and radiation. But it is important to remember that killing these cells is vital to prevent new tumors from recurring after the original tumor has been removed surgically.

How the virus acts

According to scientists, the virus zika appears to disrupt the development of the fetal brain, preferably targeting neural cells.

For the accomplishment of the study, the scientists tested an attenuated and less virulent strain than the conventional strains. This attenuated strain most sensitive to immune responses of the body was still able to target and specifically kill glioblastoma stem cells and was even more effective when combined with a chemotherapy drug.

Scientists explain that the study is a first step towards the development of safe and effective strains of the Zika virus and can become important tools in neuro-oncology and in the treatment of glioblastomas.

Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease of the airways. The lung of the asthmatic is different from a healthy lung, as if his bronchi are more sensitive and inflamed - reacting to the slightest sign of irritation. Currently, the disease is already affecting more than 300 million people worldwide.

Most participants had mild to moderate asthma and a minor group had severe asthma. The study's author, Professor Adrian Martineau of the Queen Mary University of London, said: "We have found that taking a supplement of vitamin D significantly reduces the risk of severe asthma attacks without causing side effects.

(Health)

Oral health of athletes can affect performance

According to the statement published online on September 28, athletes' diet and intense training may increase the risk of developing oral problems. To maintain performance, athletes often resort to carbohydrate-rich diets, as well as sugar-rich energy drinks, which may contribute to the development of caries and acid erosion of the teeth.

(Health)