Study shows spinal muscular atrophy may raise risk of liver damage

People living with the neurodegenerative condition Spinal Muscular Atrophy SMA could be at a higher risk of developing fatty liver disease according to an international study by researchers from the US Singapore and ScotlandThis finding suggests that SMA patients may face additional health problems over time and that its impact extends beyond the nervous system potentially affecting other organs such as the liverSMA is a rare genetic condition that prevents the body from producing Survival Motor Neuron SMN a protein essential for nerves that control movement The damage in motor neurons makes them unable to send messages to the muscles resulting in progressive muscle weaknessOur findings show that SMA patients may be at higher risk of additional health problems over time as the SMA gene mutation also affects other organs in the body including the liver said Crystal Yeo ClinicianScientist from ASTARs Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology IMCB SingaporeThe study published in the prestigious Journal of Clinical Investigation revealed that a genetic mutation which causes SMA further reduces SMN protein levels in liver cells This leads to liver impairment and their ability to break down and use fat effectivelyIn fatty liver disease fat builds up in the liver leading to inflammation and damage The disease usually linked to heart conditions diabetes and obesity is particularly concerning for SMA patients the team saidImportantly the study showed that editing the faulty gene in patients stem cells to increase SMN production reversed the liver dysfunction caused by the mutation This establishes a direct link between the genetic defect and liver problems in SMAEarlier we also publishedMaintain hygiene urges doctor amid rising cholera casesHygiene is crucial to curb the cholera outbreak currently seen in Kerala and Gujarat said a medical expert on Sunday Cholera is a waterborne bacterial infection due to the bacterium Vibrio cholerae that is transmitted from one infected person to another due to contaminated water or food especially seafoodOnce ingested the bacteria multiply within the small intestine and produce the cholera toxins that are responsible for the symptoms of severe watery diarrhoea also called rice water loose stools and severe dehydrationrdquo Dr Sujatha Thyagarajan senior consultant ndash Paediatrics amp Paediatric Intensive care Aster RV Hospital in Bengaluru saidKeralarsquos capital Thiruvananthapuram has seen a severe outbreak of cholera with reportedly one suspected death and 12 confirmed cases and 17 suspected cases are undergoing treatment Several cases of cholera have also been reported from Gujarat and an area in a 2kilometer radius has reportedly been declared as a choleraaffected area under the Epidemic Diseases ActThe rapid loss of fluids and electrolytes if not replaced quickly can cause death The spread can be rapid especially when there is limited clean water supply and unsanitary conditions reaching epidemic proportions very quickly Dr Thyagarajan saidShe noted that cholera prevention is of utmost importance and requires a multipronged approach adding that children and the elderly are highly vulnerable to severe dehydration complications and even death and hence warrant prompt recognition and treatmentThe focus must be on improving personal hygiene and ensuring access to clean potable water It is important to ensure there are adequate sanitation practices to avoid contamination of sewage and safe water is provided at all times she saidShe also recommended proper cooking and safe handling of seafoodIn general adequate personal hygiene must be maintained at all times hand washing with soap after the toilet and before eating foodFurther Dr Thyagarajan said once an outbreak is identified the rapid spread must be contained aggressively through regular surveillance and prevention methods The main treatment of Cholera is timely rehydration through ORS oral rehydration solution or intravenous rehydration to replace the rapid fluid and electrolyte loss she said adding that antibiotics can help in severe casesThis story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed agencies Midday accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability trustworthiness reliability and data of the text Midday managementmiddaycom reserves the sole right to alter delete or remove without notice the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever