FAUlTY IMMUNE SYSTEM CAUSES DEPRESSION
Depression is a physical illness caused by a faulty immune system that may be treated using anti-inflammatory drugs, scientists say. Current treatments for depression focus on restoring serotonin and other mood-boosting chemicals in the brain. However, researchers in the UK have found that an overactive immune system triggers inflammation throughout the entire body, sparking feelings of hopelessness, unhappiness and fatigue. It may be a symptom of the immune system failing to switch off after a trauma or illness, and is similar to the low mood people experienced when they are fighting a virus, like flu. Recent studies and clinical trials have shown that treating inflammation seems to alleviate depression, researchers said. “It is pretty clear that inflammation can cause depression,” said Ed Bullmore, professor at University of Cambridge.
“In relation to mood, beyond reasonable doubt, there is a very robust association between inflammation and depressive symptoms.”
PNEUMONIA MAY UP ASTHMA CHANCES
Young people with respiratory tract infections may be at an increased risk of developing asthma and weak lung function in later life, as per a new study. Those who had upper respiratory infections, such as cold, sinusitis, tonsillitis, laryngitis and otitis by the age of five, had a 1.5-fold increased chance of developing asthma in later life. “These findings support the hypothesis that early-life respiratory tract infections may influence the development of respiratory illnesses in the longer term,” said Evelien Van Meel from Erasmus MC University Medical Centre, The Netherlands. “lower respiratory tract infections in early life seem to have the greatest adverse effect on lung function and the risk of asthma.”
NEW TREATMENT HAlTS MElANOMA IN TRACKS
Scientists have developed a combination of new treatments that can successfully stop melanoma in its tracks, preventing the deadliest form of skin cancer from spreading to other organs. Researchers conducted two clinical trials — COMBI-AD and CheckMate 238 — which proved successful in preventing the spread of disease in Stage III patients whose tumours had been surgically removed. Until now, these patients were at a high risk of the disease progressing to advanced and fatal melanoma. “These results will change the way we treat melanoma patients as well as their quality of life,” said Professor Georgina long, at Melanoma Institute Australia. “Until now, Stage III patients who have had their tumours surgically removed have simply had to play the waiting game to see if their melanoma would metastasise or spread.”