Alzheimer’s starts long before its symptoms. And we have discovered one of its first mechanisms

We generally associate Alzheimer’s disease with memory loss since this is probably its most visible symptom. However, it is still what we do not know about the biological processes that unleash these symptoms. Piece by piece, we are solving this immense puzzle. New mechanism. A team in which researchers from the Severo Ochoa Molecular Biology Center (CBM-CSIC-UAM) participate He has discovered A mechanism linked to the early development of Alzheimer’s disease. The key component of this mechanism is in a protein called SFRP1. Astrocytes and SFRP1. As described by the team responsible for the finding, in the origin of the mechanism are brain cells called astrocytes. Astrocytes They are glial cells (A type of nerve cell) that for a while we thought were “assistants” of neurons but whose relevance we are seeing grow. In a mice -based model, the new study has shown that these cells could play an important role in the appearance of Alzheimer’s through an “excessive” production of the SFRP1 protein. This protein is one of the compounds involved in the regulation of communication between different cells during development, but in later stages of life its excess may imply risks. A “jam” in the brain. As the equipment continues, the accumulation of the SFRP1 protein in the adult brain is associated with chronic inflammatory processes associated with aging, and also to Alzheimer’s own disease. The problem arises when this excess blocks the activity of the adam10 enzyme, which plays a key role in maintaining the proper functioning of neuronal connections. “This blockage generates an imbalance that deteriorates synaptic plasticity, an essential cell mechanism to form and consolidate memories that allows neurons to regulate their connectivity in response to different stimuli,” They explain in a press release. Long -term synaptic potentiation. The accumulation of the SFRP1 protein would thus be interfering with a process called LTP or long -term synaptic potentiation. This is a “fundamental” process for learning and memory, the team stands out. A vital process in brain plasticity, that is, that allows the neuronal connections that are most frequently used to be reinforced, something indispensable when consolidating new memories. The details of the study have been published In an article In the magazine Cell Reports. A possible trigger. The fight against Alzheimer’s is a fight against the clock. The appearance of its most easily noticeable effects is associated with lesions already irreversible in the brain, so the only remaining route of action is to delay the advance of the disease. The techniques focused on detecting the internal signs of the disease, mainly the accumulation of amyloid plaques in the brain can allow us to advance ourselves to the appearance of the external symptoms of the disease. Now, the new study Open a road To get into stages still prior to the disease. “The increase of SFRP1 in early stages seems to act as an active engine of pathology, not as a simple companion of other degenerative processes,” Explain in the press release Guadalupe Pereyra, co -author of the study. Beyond rodents. Like any study in mice, extrapolating its conclusions can be complicated, so studies that validate what you have learned and the degree to which it is applicable to the development of the disease in humans will be needed. Converting what has learned into new therapeutic pathways will not be simple either, but this type of advance can help us in different ways. First, because understanding the disease and its mechanisms is essential in order to find a future cure; and second, since in the fight against their symptoms, Early detection It is a very important advantage. In Xataka | If the question is how to hunt the Alzheimer Image | CSIC

The lack of protein represents a risk to our health. These are the key symptoms to identify it

We live perhaps in him historical context of greater food abundance. It is difficult to find an era in which we have had a greater variety of food at our disposal. This is especially true for meat and fish, two of the main sources of protein. In general, today We consume more proteins than we needbut the general does not always apply and The lack of protein It can also occur in some people, for example cases of certain diets or between people suffering from certain autoimmune diseases. That is why we can ask ourselves, how can we know if we are not consuming enough proteins? Proteins are one of the three macronutrients considered basic for the proper functioning of our body, the other two fats or lipids, and carbohydrates. We associate these nutrients to meatfish, milk products, but are present in one way or another (in their constituent blocks, for example) in a multitude of foods such as legumes or soy. Proteins, although we put them in the same group are not a homogeneous group of compounds: our body has thousands of protein types. Of course, all of them are composed of a series of amino acids chained 20 of these “blocks” are enough to form this myriad of proteins in our body. Our body is able to synthesize 11 of These amino acids But for the other nine, called essential amino acidswe must obtain them from food. For this we need proteins: our digestive system breaks them down in amino acids so that our body can rebuild them according to their need. We call “Complete proteins“To foods containing all essential amino acids. A list of food with complete proteins would include meats such as beef or chicken, fish, eggs, dairy, soy or quinoa. If our body does not consume enough proteins or other amino acid sources, we can fall into the lack of any of these nine essential amino acids, so that our body can lose the ability to generate its own proteins which results in problems such as the Hypooproteinemiathe lack of protein in the blood. Symptoms Before the lack of proteins becomes a problem, we can pay attention to some symptoms that alert us to lack. Health experts from the University of California in Los Angeles They prepared a time ago a list With six indications that can help us detect the lack of protein. In the article they explain that fragility in hair and nails is sometimes the first sign of a protein deficiency. Another sign is in the feeling of weakness and hunger. Hunger usually indicates the lack of food, sometimes it can also indicate a more concrete nutritional lack. A third indication is in our immune system. The lack of protein can limit our body’s ability to defend against external threats so we can find ourselves more sickly due to this lack. The lack of protein can also manifest in changes in humor or difficulties in thinking. This is due to fluctuations in blood sugar levels and the effect of proteins in brain neurotransmitters responsible for regulating our mood. The fifth indication indicated by these experts is muscle weakness. Proteins are indispensable to build and repair muscle mass, without it we can end up losing it. The last of these symptoms is in the Appearance of fractures by stress in the bones. The integrity of these also depends on this type of compounds. Proteins are fundamental to our body and the difficulty in creating new molecules can cause us problems of very diverse type. As usual in nutrition, excess can also be linked to some problems. Some estimates calculate that excessive protein consumption may appear if we take more than two grams daily per kg of body mass. A varied and healthy diet is key to avoiding problems both by excess as defaultin regards to proteins and with regard to any other nutrient. This is especially important for those who, by their own or for health, must eliminate some usual piece of their menu. No food is essential but there are nutrients that they are. In Xataka | Proteic fever has invaded supermarkets. The problem is how they suggest that we take proteins Image | Shayda Torabi

tricks to reduce symptoms and medications to avoid

After a month, constant rains in most of the country have risen. It will be enjoyed while lasting … And who can. Because after a month of rain, the sunrise too entails something very concrete: pollen. With the rain, the pollen stayed under but the sun makes it rise and the allergic suffer. Irritated eyes, congestion, sneezing, cough … one thousand and one symptoms that can be a real heaviness when we go out to take a walk but that becomes a real problem if we are behind the wheel when we start sneezing without brake. How to relieve the symptoms of allergy at the wheel It may seem banal but everything seems to indicate that there is a certain correlation between fatal accidents and plants pollination. Specifically, in the United States they calculated that Accidents with deceased increase around 6% When drivers suffer more allergy symptoms. Having this clear, what can we do to avoid the consequences of allergy and reduce risks? The tips before putting us behind the wheel The first and most recommended is, as for many other things, carrying good maintenance and cleaning of the car. First, the basics and what we can do more frequently: Clean the car. And do it conscientiously, taking special care in the places where dust and ventilation grilles usually accumulate. It is good to pass the crystals frequently and, in general, take the car as clean as possible. It is especially interesting to keep upholstery as clean as possible. Aspires the seats and so you will prevent possible remains of dust. It is especially important if, for example, you have an animal allergy. But in addition to this, you have to keep the car in the best possible state and, in this case, we talk about air filters. This component is recommended to change it once a year but if you do many kilometers or if where you live there is a lot of pollen and you leave the car parked on the street, it is a good idea to change them every six months. In this way, the air that is sneaked into the cabin will be of better quality and will be cleaner. The advice to drive When we have no choice but to put ourselves behind the wheel suffering the symptoms of allergy, it is best to Let’s prioritize the central hours of the day. The first hours and those of the sunset are the worst and in which there is the greatest concentration of pollen in the environment so the symptoms will also be more pronounced. In addition to because it facilitates driving, sunglasses They can be good allies because reduce eye irritation and their tear. It is convenient that we do not touch the same with dirty hands since we can increase the symptoms. For the rest, you can do little more if you have done the first step well. If the car is ready, go up the windows, activate the air conditioning and take advantage of the operation of the vehicle’s filters itself. Beware of antihistamines If the allergy forces you to medicate, always go to a specialist to tell you what you can take to reduce the symptoms and when. Some antihistamines can cause drowsiness so it is better not to take them if you have to drive. These medications They have a notice in the box With a car inside a red triangle. You must be clear, yes, that driving is not prohibited if you take one of them but advised. Keep in mind that some medications They can generate false positives In a drug control. DGT itself points out that the ideal is to opt for New Generation H1 antihistamines. In its composition it is indicated that they are formulated with Astemizol, Loratadine, Ebastina, Terfenadine, Cetirizins or Drays. Similarly, H2 antihistamines contain cimetidine, ranitidine and nizatidine and have low somnolence or fatigue risk. These medications have a sedative effect lower than first -generation H1 antihistamines, which are the most dangerous. These are formulated with dimenhydrine (biodramine) or doxilamine (sleepy). The latter is important since According to trafficthe effect of first -generation H1 antihistamines can resemble alcohol rates between 0.5 and 0.8 g/l in blood. Photo | OBI – @pixel9propics and Darwin Vegher In Xataka | Neither the DGT forbids leading celiacs nor has “prohibited medications”: the regulations are the same since 1997

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