Stomach hormone related to Parkinson’s disease
A new found way to slow the advancement of Parkinson disease
A study published in the Journal of Neuroscience reveals that ghrelin, a hormone produced in the stomach, may be used to slow the onset of Parkinson's disease.
Parkinson’s disease
Parkinson’s disease is a disorder of the central nervous system leading to the degeneration and impairment of sufferers' motor skills, speech, and physical movements. It occurs due to the loss of nerve cells in a part of the brain known as the substantia nigra.
Neurons in the midbrain produce a chemical known as dopamine, which allows messages to be sent to parts of the brain that synchronize movement in the body. When the dopamine-producing cells fail, leading to a typical loss of about 80% of the dopamine, the symptoms of Parkinson’s appear. Parts of the brain are unable to function normally, thus gradually leading to deterioration in the function of the body.
The first symptoms include tremor in one hand, followed by slowness of movement (bradykinesia), difficulty in initiating movements, and muscle stiffness. Further symptoms include stress, decreased arm swing, impaired balance, gait freezing, sleep disturbances, urinary problems, constipation and depression.
Ghrelin
Ghrelin, a hormone produced in the stomach, has been associated with growth hormones, learning and memory, and is known to stimulate the appetite centers in the brain. Its function is to tell the brain that the body needs food, and its secretion regulates food intake. Ghrelin also activates the concentration of dopamine in the substantia nigra. Hence, ghrelin has may prove useful in slowing the onset of Parkinson's disease.
Ghrelin's influence was shown in a study conducted by Yale School of Medicine (YSM) researcher Tamas Horvath and colleagues. Ghrelin supplements were given to healthy mice and mice that were deficient in ghrelin hormone and in the ghrelin receptor. When compared to controls, mice with impaired ghrelin action in the brain had a higher loss of dopamine. Horvath, professor of comparative medicine, neurobiology and obstetrics & gynaecology, says the results could be easily translated to human use because the ghrelin system is replicated in the human body.
Conclusion of the study
Although it is unknown why and how the dopamine cells begin to decrease, researchers claim ghrelin supplements may offer a way to slow the advancement of the disease, if not eradicate it completely.
"Because this hormone originates from the stomach, it is circulating normally in the body, so it could easily be used to boost resistance to Parkinson's or it could be used to slow the development of the disease,” Horvath says.
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Monday, February 8, 2010
The color of Poverty
Prompt: The Daily Topic: What color will you use? Practice written synethsesia today by giving something colorless (hunger, panic, laughter, etc.) color, and describing it.
Poverty – color – Brown
Though the color brown denotes encouragement, hope and faith, the origin is from a dark and dusky shade. Poverty, too, implies darkness. Poverty stems from a condition of obscurity – for humans in poverty have no access to water, food, clothing and shelter. Hence, poverty is being given the colour brown – that someday things will change, and people in poverty will have access to the basic needs. With the support and collaboration of numerous organizations helping and reaching the poor in the form of providing funds and basic needs, education and employment, many will move above the poverty line. The spiral of lack of money, therefore no means to buy food to feed the stomach, many children go hungry. But the food and education programs led by the UN for children and adults, will lead to an escape from hunger and poverty.
Poverty – color – Brown
Though the color brown denotes encouragement, hope and faith, the origin is from a dark and dusky shade. Poverty, too, implies darkness. Poverty stems from a condition of obscurity – for humans in poverty have no access to water, food, clothing and shelter. Hence, poverty is being given the colour brown – that someday things will change, and people in poverty will have access to the basic needs. With the support and collaboration of numerous organizations helping and reaching the poor in the form of providing funds and basic needs, education and employment, many will move above the poverty line. The spiral of lack of money, therefore no means to buy food to feed the stomach, many children go hungry. But the food and education programs led by the UN for children and adults, will lead to an escape from hunger and poverty.
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Fond memories
Prompt: The Daily Topic: Who taught you the best? Write a memory involving your favorite teacher.
I have never had any favourite teacher but I do remember two teachers from childhood who have been especially nice to me in those growing years.
One was Mrs. N. Sen and the other was Mrs. L. Chandra. I remember Mrs Sen because she gave me a big zero in one of my class tests. When my parents went to find out the reason, she simply said, Payal helped someone else copy from her. She completed her test and then helped another student which was wrong. Though I was innocent, she wanted me to understand that copying and helping someone else copy is wrong. To this day, I remember this incident. I still help friends but yes, not for tests anymore…
Mrs. L. Chandra was a very sweet person. She helped me when I did not understand anything. Once when I was ill, she was more worried than anyone else. She helped me get home and asked about me from my parents for a very long time till I completely recuperated. She had a heart of gold and was always in reach whenever I needed anyone in school for help.
Though I don’t know where my teachers are now, I do remember them with immense fondness, love and respect.
I have never had any favourite teacher but I do remember two teachers from childhood who have been especially nice to me in those growing years.
One was Mrs. N. Sen and the other was Mrs. L. Chandra. I remember Mrs Sen because she gave me a big zero in one of my class tests. When my parents went to find out the reason, she simply said, Payal helped someone else copy from her. She completed her test and then helped another student which was wrong. Though I was innocent, she wanted me to understand that copying and helping someone else copy is wrong. To this day, I remember this incident. I still help friends but yes, not for tests anymore…
Mrs. L. Chandra was a very sweet person. She helped me when I did not understand anything. Once when I was ill, she was more worried than anyone else. She helped me get home and asked about me from my parents for a very long time till I completely recuperated. She had a heart of gold and was always in reach whenever I needed anyone in school for help.
Though I don’t know where my teachers are now, I do remember them with immense fondness, love and respect.
Monday, January 25, 2010
January 26
Republic Day of India
Falling on January 26 of every year, the Republic Day of India marks the implementation of the Indian constitution, and the shift from the British Dominion to a Republic.
Midnight of December 31, 1929 to January 1, 1930, at the Lahore Session of the Indian National Congress, the Tri-Colour Flag was unfurled by the nationalists. The constitution stated that the people would incessantly work towards the establishment of a Sovereign Democratic Republic of India. On January 26, 1950, the pledge was amended and the Constitution of India created by the Constituent Assembly of India came into power. This constitution abides for the desires and objectives which ‘the common man of India’ treasures.
A national holiday, it begins with a Presidential address to the nation and homage is paid to all those freedom fighters who gave their life for the country. It is celebrated with great patriotic fervour with a parade by the Army, Navy and Air Force in the capital of India - Delhi. Many school children take part in drills and spectacular displays by people showcasing their state’s traditions in the form of dance and music is exhibited.
This day brings together the people of the whole country and hence, is one of the most celebrated festivals of India.
Falling on January 26 of every year, the Republic Day of India marks the implementation of the Indian constitution, and the shift from the British Dominion to a Republic.
Midnight of December 31, 1929 to January 1, 1930, at the Lahore Session of the Indian National Congress, the Tri-Colour Flag was unfurled by the nationalists. The constitution stated that the people would incessantly work towards the establishment of a Sovereign Democratic Republic of India. On January 26, 1950, the pledge was amended and the Constitution of India created by the Constituent Assembly of India came into power. This constitution abides for the desires and objectives which ‘the common man of India’ treasures.
A national holiday, it begins with a Presidential address to the nation and homage is paid to all those freedom fighters who gave their life for the country. It is celebrated with great patriotic fervour with a parade by the Army, Navy and Air Force in the capital of India - Delhi. Many school children take part in drills and spectacular displays by people showcasing their state’s traditions in the form of dance and music is exhibited.
This day brings together the people of the whole country and hence, is one of the most celebrated festivals of India.
Monday, January 18, 2010
Cooking
Prompt: The Daily Topic: "What is the most boring or tedious thing you do on a daily basis? Using great verbs, write about this activity so that it seems incredibly INTERESTING."
Cooking has always been a tedious task for me. I generally don’t enjoy cooking, as I would enjoy reading a book which can be so mentally refreshing. But the fact is that I simply have to cook on a daily basis. At our home, we eat home-cooked food - eating out everyday can not only be expensive, it can create a problem for the stomach as well. Hence, I find myself in the kitchen everyday trying to cook something or the other for my daughter or us. Though I must state here that over the 8 yrs of marriage, my culinary skills have improved a whole lot and I have become a decent cook, but that hasn’t turned my dislike of cooking towards love. Ok, it maybe a slight liking but certainly not enjoyment. Anyhow, over the years I have started cooking a variety of dishes from starters to the main course and finally dessert. Infact, its ironical but I have even taught some of my friends some dessert or a main dish which has actually turned out pretty well especially at a get-together. So I guess I can advice all the people who hate cooking, that’s its actually not so bad. Just that when you get down to cooking, put your heart and soul into it for that short period of time. Believe me, your recipe will certainly turn out very well. Also, when you end up cooking for the ones you love and the dish has turns out well, you get immense satisfaction in watching them eat heartily.
Cooking has always been a tedious task for me. I generally don’t enjoy cooking, as I would enjoy reading a book which can be so mentally refreshing. But the fact is that I simply have to cook on a daily basis. At our home, we eat home-cooked food - eating out everyday can not only be expensive, it can create a problem for the stomach as well. Hence, I find myself in the kitchen everyday trying to cook something or the other for my daughter or us. Though I must state here that over the 8 yrs of marriage, my culinary skills have improved a whole lot and I have become a decent cook, but that hasn’t turned my dislike of cooking towards love. Ok, it maybe a slight liking but certainly not enjoyment. Anyhow, over the years I have started cooking a variety of dishes from starters to the main course and finally dessert. Infact, its ironical but I have even taught some of my friends some dessert or a main dish which has actually turned out pretty well especially at a get-together. So I guess I can advice all the people who hate cooking, that’s its actually not so bad. Just that when you get down to cooking, put your heart and soul into it for that short period of time. Believe me, your recipe will certainly turn out very well. Also, when you end up cooking for the ones you love and the dish has turns out well, you get immense satisfaction in watching them eat heartily.
Thursday, January 14, 2010
Minutiae on Skin care
Cold and Dry: Skin in winters
During winters, dry skin is the most common amongst people. The cold makes the skin dry which is a result of low moisture. It is important to take care of the skin so that it does not get chapped or cracked. A good moisturizer applied regularly, everyday in the morning and night prevents the skin from getting dull and itchy. The skin can be kept healthy by drinking of lots and lots of water. Use a scrub or pumice stones at least once a week to remove the dead cells off your skin. Set up humidifiers around the house to ensure a stable humidity. Coat, hat and gloves should be used while going outdoors and wear socks instead of going barefoot at home.
During winters, dry skin is the most common amongst people. The cold makes the skin dry which is a result of low moisture. It is important to take care of the skin so that it does not get chapped or cracked. A good moisturizer applied regularly, everyday in the morning and night prevents the skin from getting dull and itchy. The skin can be kept healthy by drinking of lots and lots of water. Use a scrub or pumice stones at least once a week to remove the dead cells off your skin. Set up humidifiers around the house to ensure a stable humidity. Coat, hat and gloves should be used while going outdoors and wear socks instead of going barefoot at home.
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
It's Pet Time
Prompt: The Daily Topic: "What might pets really do when left alone for the day? Write a story about the mischievous or incredible activities your pets might engage in when they have the house to themselves."
In a few words, the whole house will surely be upside down.
The food on the dining table and from the refrigerator will be all over the floor, half eaten, half beaten (with legs ofcourse)…
The sheets, pillows and cushions would be again all over the house.
Any paper found would have faced teeth as a shredder.
The show pieces would not be standing smart and neat at their place. They might have found a new place - dustbin.
Utensils would have banged against each other well.
The food in the kitchen cabinets might have found their place apart from the kitchen - in the bedrooms or drawing room.
I can’t even explain what would happen in case the pet feels the need to visit the loo.
Finally, when the pet is exhausted from the household chores, the TV might be on, with the pet sprawled on the sofa…………….and once you return, you would certainly want to scream and throw your pet right out of the house!
Nothing too serious in case the pet is found outside. In anger, it would only be destroying the garden completely!!!
In a few words, the whole house will surely be upside down.
The food on the dining table and from the refrigerator will be all over the floor, half eaten, half beaten (with legs ofcourse)…
The sheets, pillows and cushions would be again all over the house.
Any paper found would have faced teeth as a shredder.
The show pieces would not be standing smart and neat at their place. They might have found a new place - dustbin.
Utensils would have banged against each other well.
The food in the kitchen cabinets might have found their place apart from the kitchen - in the bedrooms or drawing room.
I can’t even explain what would happen in case the pet feels the need to visit the loo.
Finally, when the pet is exhausted from the household chores, the TV might be on, with the pet sprawled on the sofa…………….and once you return, you would certainly want to scream and throw your pet right out of the house!
Nothing too serious in case the pet is found outside. In anger, it would only be destroying the garden completely!!!
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