All posts by Sumana Rao

Don't worry about the people in your past; There's a reason they didn't make it to your future.
Three parents baby

Three People Babies – Baby With DNA From Three Persons Born In UK

From parents’ genetic disorders can be passed to offspring. This is the risk parents face when they plan on having babies. To prevent passing genetic disorders researchers at UK performed an IVF procedure which involved transfer of mitochondrial DNA or also known as Mitochondrial donation treatment MDT and therapy is called mitochondrial replacement therapy MRT.

Doctors at Newcastle Fertility Center in UK aimed to help women with mutated mitochondria to have healthy babies without genetic disorders.

HFEA: Mitochondrial donation treatment can be used by people with severe mitochondrial disease to avoid passing the condition onto their children.

Mitochondria which are known as powerhouse of the cell help in producing ATP which is source of energy for the body. Mitochondria being an organelle inside the cell contains its own DNAs or genes. Certain mutation in mitochondrial DNA has impact on energy supply and affects brain, heart, liver and muscles. Humans inherit mitochondria from their mother. If a woman has any such disorder in her mitochondrial gene, it could pass onto offspring leading to severe and progressive diseases. If the baby inherits a very small or tiny proportion of the mutated mitochondria, then baby might born healthy.

To prevent such diseases in future generation, UK researchers used Mitochondrial donation treatment. In this treatment the tissue from eggs of healthy women donors is used to create embryos by IVF method. Mitochondria of these women will be screened before proceeding with procedure. During IVF procedure donor nuclear material will be removed and destroyed and parents’ nuclear material will be placed inside donor egg where only the healthy donor mitochondria will be present. Fetus that develops will have DNA from both parents (99.8%) as well as a smaller portion of mitochondrial DNA that is, about 37 genes from the donor. Because of presence of three types of DNA in babies it is termed as “three-people babies”.

Newcastle clinic is the first and only center licensed to perform the procedure in UK. According to the reports, there are more than one babies born using this procedure that is approved by UK’s Human Fertilization and Embryology Authority – HFEA. How many babies are born is still not revealed to the press due to patients’ confidentiality. In 2016 Dr. John Zhang from New Hope Fertility Center of New York, attempted the mitochondrial transfer to get healthy baby in a couple. This was done in Mexico under the care of US fertility specialists. They had chosen Mexico because there was no rule and regulation in Mexico where as in US regulations were in place to do such IVF procedures. Out of five embryos doctors created, only one developed normally. In UK parliament changed the law in 2015 to permit MDT procedure and New Castle hospital is the first and only place MDT procedure is performed.

Peter Thompson, chief executive at the HFEA, said: “MDT offers families with severe inherited mitochondrial illness the possibility of a healthy child. The UK was the first country in the world to allow MDT within a regulatory environment … These are still early days for MDT and the HFEA continues to review clinical and scientific developments.”

General steps involved in the procedure are:

  • Sperms from father is taken and used for fertilization of both mother egg and healthy donor egg.
  • The nuclear material from donor’s egg is then removed
  • After fertilization of parents’ egg, fertilized egg is transferred to donor’s egg.
  • Donor’s egg will now have nuclear chromosomes of parents and mitochondrial DNA from donor.
  • Healthy egg is implanted in donor’s womb.

Mitochondrial donation treatment:

There are two techniques involved in MDT – Maternal spindle transfer or MST and Pronuclear transfer PNT. In both eggs are created using nuclear genetic material and healthy donor mitochondria. In MST mother’s genetic material is removed from egg and transferred to donor eggs which will have previously nuclear genetic removed. These eggs are later fertilized with sperms to form embryos.

In PNT eggs are fertilized with sperms to create embryos. From the embryos nuclear genetic material is removed and transferred into embryos created by donor eggs and sperms. The original nuclear genetic material is removed from donor embryos, only healthy mitochondria is retained.  

Risk factors: Sometimes the tiny portion of mitochondria inevitably carried along with mother’s egg showed multiplication in donors’ womb. This is named as reversion. Reversion could lead to similar genetic disorder as mother. What is the solution: Those women who have mitochondrial gene mutation can screen the IVF embryos for such mutations. Or can go with IVF procedure using donor egg itself.

This research was commenced few years ago, however recent COVID-19 pandemic caused delay in the research as donors were not coming forward for obvious reason. Mitochondrial donor will not have any rights on the child born as the DNA that is used is less than 1%.

As for as future research – more studies or prenatal testing and long-term observation of children born with this technique is needed. It is essential to observe baby’s growth, development and activities. This will also help to understand if there is any reversal occurred by mitochondrial genes of mother.

References:

https://www.hfea.gov.uk/media/2611/fourth_scientific_review_mitochondria_2016.pdf

https://www.bbc.com/news/

https://www.nature.com/

https://www.newscientist.com/

https://www.hfea.gov.uk/ (for more images and articles)

Image credit: Imagen de Elena Έλενα Kontogianni Κοντογιάννη en Pixabay(cc by 0)

Imagen de PublicDomainPictures en Pixabay (cc by 0)

Imagen de SkieTheAce en Pixabay (cc by 0)

Author: Sumana Rao | Posted on: May 19, 2023
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Organic food benefits

One Very Good Reason To Bring Organic Produce To Home

Health and diet are one of the most common topics that is involved in discussion, debate and daily talk. Health-conscious person understand why it is important to focus on good diet, what food we should be eating daily and how to focus on family health. Health-conscious individuals buy fresh produce, cook food at home and be selective while eating out. One of the important issues that these individuals should be concerned about is “where the produces are coming from, how they are grown”.

When you buy fresh produce from market you feel good about it. You will bring it home, wash it, process it and cook it to eat. However, have you checked whether the vegetables that you purchased and brought home are pesticide free?  When we buy fruits like grapes, oranges, apples – it is easy to identify pesticide mark on the fruit skin as it is easily visible to naked eye. But, when you buy vegetables, most of the time it is hard to see presence of any chemicals. Once you bring produce home, there is no guarantee that washing produces will remove chemicals totally from the surface. According to studies, residues of pesticides will be still present on the surface.

Research conducted on dietary exposure of nearly 5000 people from various cities of US. Analysis of organophosphates also known as OPs. OPs are linked to several conditions and known to have severe health effects, especially of farmers who are often exposed to insecticides. IN children these chemicals are linked to brain damage.  These are most common insecticides used in conventional method to grow vegetables.  Analysis showed that those individuals consuming conventionally grown vegetables and even fruits had significant number of OPs in their system.

 Try organic produce for a week and see the difference:

In the same study individuals who consumed organic produce had significantly lower levels of OPs in the system. Researchers were able to analyses OPs in both categories based on the amount and type of vegetables and fruits each participant typically consumes and the US depart of Agricultures’ measurements of chemical residue levels on those produces. Urine samples of the consumers were tested to compare the organophosphate pesticide levels.

In those individuals who consumed organic foods for a week, there was 95 percent drop in malathion (which is linked to brain damage in children). Another pesticide namely Neonicotinoids was dropped to 83%. This chemical is linked to loss of useful insects and pollinators.

Eating organic is healthy and organic foods taste better:

Above study was conducted by University of California and earlier similar studies were conducted by Cynthia Curl an assistant professor in Boise University School of Allied Health Sciences.

We as consumers eating organic food is not only best for our health, it is also good for farmers and workers those work in Agriculture field. When we consume organic food, demand for organic produces grows and keeps them healthy too. Conditions like autism, cancer, infertility, poor growth – these are prevalent in farmers and workers community. Chemicals that are used to control the pests and other insects can only harm us. If we use more organically grown food, it helps farmers to sustain. In addition, we consumers get good health benefits. A small amount of exposure to pesticide and its residue can result in hormone imbalance, brain damage, asthma, infertility, impaired cognitive development in children, vision problem, allergies etc.

Is eating organic produces solves the issue of pesticide intake?

Chance of exposure to pesticide reduces when you consume organic produce. It does not mean you should stop focusing on cleaning and  washing of produces once you bring home. It is important to note that, there will be cross contamination and could be other type of contaminations (like E. coli) when you buy any types of produces.  

Growing organic foods in your own garden:

As we all know buying organic food is costly for various reasons. This should not stop anyone from having access to healthy food. If you have place at home to grow your own vegetables, then try organic means or join community organic gardens where your neighbors and community members can grow and share organic produces. Support local farmers – go to local market with friends and families to buy organic foods. This is not only to support farmers, also to get organic foods at lower price.

For yours as well as your family’s health try organically grown foods.

References:

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2015/02/150205174835.htm

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30765100/

Image credit: Imagen de NoName_13 en Pixabay (cc by 0)

Author: Sumana Rao | Posted on: May 16, 2023
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Raw guava mango salad

Raw Guava And Green Mango Salad

Guava and mango both are most loved fruits. Raw mango is used for making pickle, chutney, rasam and many other dishes. Unlike raw mango, raw guava is not much used in dishes. Ripened guava fruits are used for making juice, salad, jam etc. Raw guava has slightly sour taste and can be used for making a raw fruit salad with other fruits. Salads prepared using both raw guava and mango tastes good. You can add other salad vegetables to this.

This salad is good for weight loss program and diabetic friendly too. Click here to read how guava benefits our health. If you prefer you can eliminate raw mango from the ingredients and try guava and veggie salad! It tastes good too!!

Ingredients:

  1. Raw guava – One big – grated or cut into small pieces
  2. Raw mango – one big- grated or cut into small pieces
  3. Carrot – grated – one small
  4. Green chili- one
  5. Red or  yellow capsicum – one – cut into small pieces
  6. Mustard – ¼ tsp
  7. Asafetida- pinch
  8. Oil – for seasoning
  9. Salt – as per taste
  10. Lemon juice- 1 tsp
  11. Coconut – ¼ cup (grated)
  12. Ginger – ¼ inch (grated)
  13. Cilantro – chopped ¼ cup
  14. Curry leaves – few

Preparation:

  1. Wash and grate or cut guava into small pieces. Do not grate seed portion.
  2. Wash and cut mango to small pieces. You can grate mango if it is hard. If mango is soft do not grate as it releases juice and salad becomes soggy.
  3. Cut or grate carrot and cut other vegetables to small thin pieces.
  4. Mix guava, mango and all cut vegetables
  5. On medium heat prepare seasoning with mustard, green chili, hing, curry leaves and grated ginger.
  6. Add seasoning to salad, add salt, grated coconut and chopped cilantro
  7. Mix well and serve fresh during lunch or dinner.

Image credit: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/474707616974540827/ & https://lushepicurean.com/

Author: Sumana Rao | Posted on: May 15, 2023
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Happy Mother's Day

This Mother’s Day And Other Days Be There For Your Mom

There is a popular quote by Will Leamon ‘Because God Could Not Be Everywhere, Therefore He Made Mothers”

Every year in many parts of the world, the second Sunday of May month is celebrated as Mother’s Day. It is to honor, show respect and love to the woman who gave birth, stood strong, sacrificed, helped the children to shape life. How the Mother’s Day celebration started?

History of Mother’s Day:

In 1900s Anna Jarvis who was daughter of Ann Reeves Jarvis in USA initiated Mother’s Day to honor the sacrifices her mother made for the children. In May 1908 Anna Jarvis, organized first Mother’s Day celebration in a Church in West Virginia. She was financially supported by a Philadelphia Departmental store owner namely John Wanamaker who also organized Mother’s Day in Philadelphia store. Thousands of people participated in the event and later followed by its success Mother’s Day International Association was formed to promote the cause.

Anna Jarvis persistence to establish Mother’s Day was paid off in 1914 when president Wilson signed a measure to establish second Sunday of May as Mother’s Day. Jarvis was unmarried and had no children in her life. She wanted to add Mother’s Day in National calendar. Her efforts resulted in the recognition of Mother’s Day.

In the coming years, Mother’s Day became highly commercialized and Anna Jarvis who started the Mother’s Day began openly campaigning against those who profited from Mother’s Day including florists, retailers, bakery, confectioners etc. She spent most of her inheritance on legal fees.

Do you know? Mother’s Day is clubbed with International Women’s Day in many countries. While many of the countries celebrate Mother’s Day on same day as US, there are few countries who celebrate Mother’s Day on different day.

Why Mother’s Day celebration is needed? In Hinduism there is prayer called Maathru Devo Bhava. In Sanskrit it means “ Mother is God”.

We all know how a mother makes our life easy and comfortable. Motherhood is not just raising children. It is also caring, protecting and showering love for her offspring. All countries who celebrate Mother’s day have one purpose to celebrate “to show love and respect to the lady who gave birth” . It is to honor the mothers and women who have brought love, affection, peace and improvement not only to families but also to the world. It is a day that reminds us what mothers do for us. It is to show the utmost gratitude to mother.

It is very essential for us to show our affection to our mothers who fulfill duties in bringing us up. Our parents sacrifice a lot for our happiness and to fulfill dreams. As we grow, we should reciprocate and be responsible humans by showing affection and taking care of parents. A kid is mother’s child always even if he is 50 or 60, a leader, entrepreneur, business tycoon, actor. Mother has the capacity to shower unconditional love at all circumstances.  This distinguished quality makes her unique in a child’s life. Mother’s love is also emotional, she is first person who recognizes when we are sick, she understands our emotions, recognizes our problems without we even telling her. She knows how to comfort her child and make child feel better.

Mother has a much difficult task in a family. She is the bridge between children and father. She is the strength of the family and she works hard to keep family happy and safe. Mother’s Day was established and celebrated on Sunday to give mother rest and happiness.

Those gifts that we give sure matter to mothers and they will happily accept anything that we give. However, they will be happier if we be there for her and show how much we care, love and respect their selfless act. In fact, if we should think that each day is Mother’s Day and we should be there for her when she needs us. As children we should be grateful and thankful for Mother’s efforts in our upbringing, for her unconditional love and support that she keeps providing us throughout her lifetime.

This Mother’s Day Let us celebrate motherhood, mother, sisters, respect aunts and all those motherly personalities who are part of our lives.

Image credit: Imagen de Mollyroselee en Pixabay (CC BY 0)

Author: Sumana Rao | Posted on: May 11, 2023
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Baby Formula feeding

Baby Formula Feeding -What Parents Should Know

For babies breastfeeding is the best nutrition source. However, with working mothers and schedules or due to situations – medical or any other personal reasons if mother is not able to breast feed, then the next option is going with formula or formula milk. If parents are relying on formula feed then understanding how to prepare formula and what are the do’s and don’ts – this is a must know for the parents as it is critical for baby’s health and proper development reasons.

  • Talk to your pediatrician about the best formula that is available for baby.
  • After picking up the formula examine for any type of contamination – mold, fungus or odd odor.
  • Check the manufacturing date and best before or expiry date.
  • Make sure there is no leak, rust on the can or bottle.
  • Make sure it is not for the toddlers. Babies younger than age 12 months should be fed infant formulas specifically designed to meet their nutritional needs. They should not be fed toddler milks, drinks, or formulas labeled for toddlers.

These steps are critical as any contaminated food can be life threatening for infant. Once you bring formula follow hygiene practice to prepare and feed the baby.

Preparation tips and storing methods of baby’s formula (CDC)

Preparation

  1. Wash your hands well before preparing bottles or feeding your baby. Clean and sanitize the workspace where you will be preparing the infant formula.
  2. Bottles need to be clean and sanitized. To learn more about how to properly clean your baby’s bottles and other feeding supplies, visit the CDC webpage How to Clean, Sanitize, and Store Infant Feeding Items.
  3. Baby’s milk or infant formula does not need to be warmed before feeding, but some people like to warm their baby’s bottle.
  4. If you do decide to warm the bottle, never use a microwave. Microwaves heat milk and food unevenly, resulting in “hot spots” that can burn your baby’s mouth and throat.
  5. To warm a bottle: Place the bottle under running warm water, taking care to keep the water from getting into the bottle or on the nipple.  Put a couple drops of infant formula on the back of your hand to see if it is too hot.

If you use powdered infant formula:

  • Use water from a safe source to mix your infant formula. If you are not sure if your tap water is safe to use for preparing infant formula, contact your local health department.
  • Use the amount of water listed on the instructions of the infant formula container. Always measure the water first and then add the powder.
  • Too much water may not meet the nutritional needs of your baby.
  • Too little water may cause your baby’s kidneys and digestive system to work too hard and may cause your baby to become dehydrated.
  • If your baby is very young (younger than 2 months old), was born prematurely, or has a weakened immune system, you may want to take extra precautions in preparing your infant’s formula to protect against Cronobacter.

Use Quickly or Store Safely

  • Prepared infant formula can spoil if it is left out at room temperature.
  • Use prepared infant formula within 2 hours of preparation and within one hour from when feeding begins.
  • If you do not start to use the prepared infant formula within 2 hours, immediately store the bottle in the fridge and use it within 24 hours.
  • Throw out any infant formula that is left in the bottle after feeding your baby. The combination of infant formula and your baby’s saliva can cause bacteria to grow. Be sure to clean and sanitize the bottle before its next use.
  • Store unopened infant formula containers in a cool, dry, indoor place—not in vehicles, garages, or outdoors.
  • Once a container of infant formula is opened, store in a cool, dry place with the lid tightly closed. Do not store it in the refrigerator.
  • Most infant formulas need to be used within 1 month of opening the container (check the label).  When you first open the container, write the date on the lid to help you remember.
  • Never use formula after the “Use By” date on the container.

How much formula to feed?

First Days

If you have questions about your baby’s growth or how much infant formula he or she is taking, talk with your child’s doctor or nurse.

  • Your newborn baby’s belly is tiny. He or she does not need a lot of infant formula with each feeding to be full.
  • You can start by offering your baby 1 to 2 ounces of infant formula every 2 to 3 hours in the first days of life if your baby is only getting infant formula and no breast milk. Give your baby more if he or she is showing signs of hunger.
  • Most infant formula-fed newborns will feed 8 to 12 times in 24 hours. Talk with your child’s doctor or nurse about how much infant formula is right for your baby.
  • As your baby grows, his or her belly grows too. Your baby will be able to drink more infant formula at each feeding, and the time between feedings will get longer.

First Weeks and Months

  • Some babies need additional Vitamin D- Babies who are fed breast milk exclusively or who receive both breast milk and infant formula need extra vitamin D, starting shortly after birth. They can get this through over-the-counter vitamin D drops. Babies receiving only infant formula do not need vitamin D drops. Infant formula is fortified with vitamin D.
  • Over the first few weeks and months, the time between feedings will get longer—about every 3 to 4 hours for most infant formula-fed babies. This means you may need to wake your baby to feed. You can try patting, stroking, undressing, or changing the diaper to help wake your baby to feed.
  • Some feeding sessions may be long, and other feedings short. That is okay. Babies will generally take what they need at each feeding and stop eating when they are full.

6 to 12 Months Old

  • Continue feeding your baby when he or she shows signs of hunger. Most 6 to 12 month olds will need infant formula or solid foods about 5 to 6 times in 24 hours.
  • As your baby gradually starts eating more solid foods, the amount of infant formula he or she needs each day will likely start to decrease.

12 to 24 Months Old

  • When your toddler is 12 months old, you can switch from infant formula to plain whole cow’s milk or fortified unsweetened soy beverage. You can do this gradually. You may want to start by replacing one infant formula feeding with cow’s milk to help your child transition.

For more information on Baby’s formula and concerns that you might have please visit www.cdc.gov

Author: Sumana Rao | Posted on: May 8, 2023
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