Alzheimer’s breakthrough: genetic link to gut disorders confirmed

The gut-brain bidirectional communication is well-known, and studies suggest the potential roles of this concept in the risk of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). However, there is a longstanding debate on the likely relationship of AD with gut disorders. Using the genetic study approach, a new study (published in Communications Biology) provides new insights into this subject, revealing a risk increasing relationship between AD and several gut disorders including peptic ulcer disease, gastroesophageal reflux disease, irritable bowel syndrome, gastritis-duodenitis, diverticulosis but not inflammatory bowel disease.

 Findings also implicate shared but non-causal genetic susceptibility of gut disorders with the risk of AD, identifying many shared genes and regions in the genome. Further assessment highlights the likely roles of the immune system and mechanisms related to lipid metabolism (including those of lipid-lowering medications: lipase inhibitors and statins) in AD and gut disorders. 

Reference:

A large-scale genome-wide cross-trait analysis reveals shared genetic architecture between Alzheimer’s disease and gastrointestinal tract disorders, https://doi.org/10.1038/s42003-022-03607-2 (https://www.nature.com/articles/s42003-022-03607-2) 

Authors: Emmanuel O Adewuyi,Eleanor O’Brien, Dale Nyholt, Tenielle Porter, Simon Laws Edith 

Edith Cowan University 

QUT (Queensland University of Technology) 

Curtin University

Rural-urban differences on the rates and factors associated with early initiation of breastfeeding in Nigeria: further analysis of the Nigeria demographic and health survey, 2013

Early initiation of breastfeeding in Nigeria

Rural-urban differences on the rates and factors associated with early initiation of breastfeeding in Nigeria: further analysis of the Nigeria demographic and health survey, 2013

 

International Breastfeeding Journal.

Emmanuel Olorunleke Adewuyi
Yun Zhao
Vishnu Khanal
Asa Auta
and Lydia Babatunde Bulndi


Abstract
Background: This study investigates and compares the rates and factors associated with early initiation of breastfeeding (EIBF) within one hour of birth in rural and urban Nigeria.
Methods: Data from the 2013 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS) were analyzed. The rates of EIBF were reported using frequency tabulation. Associated factors were examined using Chi-Square test and further assessed on multivariable logistic regression analysis.
Results: The rates of EIBF were 30.8% (95% confidence interval [CI] 29.0, 32.6) and 41.9% (95% CI 39.6, 44.3) in rural and urban residences, respectively (p< 0.001). The North-Central region had the highest EIBF rates both in rural (43.5%) and urban (63.5%) residences. Greater odds of EIBF in rural residence were significantly associated with higher birth order (Adjusted Odds Ratio [AOR] 1.29, 95% CI 1.10, 1.60), large birth size (AOR 1.33, 95% CI 1.10, 1.60), and health facility delivery (AOR 1.46, 95% CI 1.23, 1.72). Rural mothers in the rich wealth index, not working and whose husbands obtained at least a secondary school education had significantly higher odds of early initiation of breastfeeding. Regardless of residence, greater odds of EIBF were significantly associated with non-cesarean delivery (Rural AOR 3.50, 95% CI 1.84, 6.62; Urban AOR 2.48, 95% CI 1.60, 3.80) and living in North-Central (Rural AOR 1.84, 95% CI 1.34, 2.52; Urban AOR 4.40, 95% CI 3.15, 6.15) region. Also, higher odds of EIBF were significantly associated with living in
North-East (Rural AOR 1.48, 95% CI 1.05, 2.08; Urban AOR 3.50, 95% CI 2.55, 4.83), South-South (Rural AOR 1.51, 95% CI 1.11, 2.10; Urban AOR 2.84, 95% CI 2.03, 3.97) and North-West (Urban residence only AOR 2.08, 95% CI 1.54, 2.80) regions.
Conclusions: Rural-urban differences in the rates and factors associated with EIBF exist in Nigeria with rural residence having significantly lower rates. Intervention efforts which address the risk factors identified in this study may contribute to improved EIBF rates. Efforts need to prioritize rural mothers generally, (particularly, those in rural North-West region) as well as mothers in urban South-West region of Nigeria.

Keywords:Breastfeeding initiation, Determinants, Infants feeding, Mothers, Rural-urban Nigeria

Access this article on the website of International Breastfeeding Journal.