DNA switch in donor eggs may stop the transfer genetic diseases

Using a new gene therapy treatment, scientist may have discovered a way to stop mother’s from transferring genetic diseases that could result in cardiovascular problems, mental illness, diabetes and more, according to a study recently published in Nature.

In a laboratory test, scientists have successfully replaced segments of defective DNA in a human egg with the equivalent DNA from a healthy egg donor NYC. Fertility experts believe the technique, if further developed and tested, could some day prevent women from passing on rare or deadly genetic disorders, putting an end to some conditions once and for all.

The breakthrough has put a new spotlight on donor eggs, and in vitro fertilization, as these treatments have been more commonly used to help women that have trouble conceiving due to poor ovarian reserve.

An estimated 1 out of every 5,000 to 10,000 babies is born with a disorder related to faulty DNA. Researchers said most of these disorders are due to mutations in one of 37 genes in cells that convert the energy from food into a form that our bodies can use known as miochondrial.

Mitochondria DNA is normally passed from mother to child unchanged. In the study, A team of researchers led by reproductive biologist Shoukhrat Mitalipov at Oregon Health & Science University used a technique where they mixed DNA from a healthy donor egg with the DNA of a donor egg that carried a genetic disorder.

The experiment was conducted on monkeys and resulted in successful live births, with the animals, now three years old, still living under healthy normal conditions.

In the past, researchers have tried to prevent mothers from passing on mitochondrial disease by screening the embryos as part of in-vitro fertilization, but that method possesses limitations and isn’t considered widely applicable.

This new method of transferring DNA would essentially give babies three-parents, the mother (who provides her share of the DNA), the father (who provides the sperm) and the donor (who provides the healthy DNA), and critics say this could raise ethical concerns. Regardless, the groundbreaking research is sure to be followed by more intensive studies and will continue to put a new meaning to what it means to become egg donor candidates.

Doctors Recommend Hepatitis B Vaccine for Adults with Diabetes

New guidelines from the U.S. Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) highly recommend the Hepatitis B vaccine for adults with type 1 and type 2 diabetes aged 19 to 50.

People with diabetes are at an increased risk for HBV infection and this disease is easily transmitted and even transferred through finger-stick devices or blood glucose monitors. Unvaccinated adults with diabetes who are older than 50 should get this vaccine as soon as possible, according to the new health guidelines.

According to a CDC news release, “Initiatives are ongoing to improve infection control training of staff responsible for providing or assisting with diabetes care, and to improve the design and labeling of devices used in diabetes monitoring and treatment.”

Holiday Treat Alternatives for Diabetics

This time of year is filled with sugary treats and deserts that diabetics have to avoid at all costs. Holiday parties and travel also may interfere with a diabetic’s timed eating schedule and increase stress levels making it difficult to enjoy this time of year.

With proper preparation, some of these discomforts can be avoided by making sure there are tasty diabetic food options available. If you are not cooking, make the request to have some options available, or bring your own dessert.

There are tasty alternatives that substitute Splenda for sugar in recipes. Or you can try using spices instead of high fat or ugar for flavoring dishes. Baked apples with a sugar substitute is a good replacement dish for an apple pie with fewer carbs. Try strawberries with cheesecake stuffing instead of a cheesecake with the full crust.