Hearing loss is a partial or total inability to hear. Hearing loss may be present at birth or acquired at any time afterwards.  Hearing loss may occur in one or both ears. In children, hearing problems can affect the ability to learn spoken language, and in adults it can create difficulties with social interaction and at work. Hearing loss can be temporary or permanent. Hearing loss related to age usually affects both ears and is due to cochlear hair cell loss. In some people, particularly older ...

hearing loss

_-1_0

Author: Rositsa Тashkova, Master of Molecular Biology and Microbiology

_-1_1

_-1_2

The season of allergies is long gone, but we still have a runny nose, watery eyes, or cough, for no obvious reason. Seems that it is very likely that we have an allergy to household dust or mold, and it is time to take a good look at all possible sources of these allergens.

What-are-mold-and-mildew?

What are mold and mildew?

What-are-mold-and-mildew?_0_0

Molds and well-known black mold are microscopic fungi, and like other fungi, they reproduce through spores. We can safely imagine the spores as miniature seeds that float through the air until they fall into an environment conducive to their development. And this for the fungus means - moisture and nutrients.

What-are-mold-and-mildew?_0_1

In some species, spores are carried by dry air and currents, and in others - by droplets of moisture in the air.

What-are-mold-and-mildew?_0_2

Mold and mildew are an important part of the circle of life in living nature, as they break down dead organic matter and thus make the substances "locked" in it accessible to other living organisms. For example, by breaking down the fallen leaves, the useful substances from them are returned to the soil, and the surrounding plants can make use of them.

What-are-mold-and-mildew?_0_3

<figure><img class="tinyMCEImg" src="https://d20hztklr4qnvi.cloudfront.net/1d6c7811-bbf4-4e6c-a320-7a7fe7e6b1a8_middle.jpg" border="0" alt="aspergillus" title="aspergillus">
<figcaption>Mold of the species Aspergillus fumigatus under a light microscope. Credit: Wikipedia</figcaption>
</figure>

What-are-mold-and-mildew?_0_4

Unfortunately, microscopic fungi do not distinguish between nature and our home, and if the conditions at home are suitable, they will become our roommates without a doubt.

What-are-mold-and-mildew?_0_5

Few people know that mold and mucor are two different things, but we can learn to easily recognize them without a microscope:

What-are-mold-and-mildew?_0_6

<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">At the beginning of its development, mucor forms a white structure of air hyphae (threads), which is very similar to cotton. After a while, black dots begin to form on the tips of these strands - these are small bags in which black spores ripen and wait for the moment they will be released.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Molds form colored colonies that look more like a relief adhesive of blue, green, beige, or another color. The spores in mold are not in bags, but form directly on the tips of something like small "twigs".</li>
</ul>

When-mucor-and-mold-become-a-problem

When mucor and mold become a problem

When-mucor-and-mold-become-a-problem_1_0

Besides the aesthetically unpleasant damage that mold and mold cause to walls and other affected surfaces, their spores are those that cause allergic reactions and even asthma in some people.

When-mucor-and-mold-become-a-problem_1_1

One of the most common dangerous molds is Aspergillus niger, the color of which is black. It is often found on onions. It can cause otomycosis if it gets into and develops in the ear canal, which causes pain and leads to temporary deafness.

When-mucor-and-mold-become-a-problem_1_2

Spores of another species of the genus Aspergillus - Aspergillus fumigatus - can endanger the lives of people with compromised immune systems by causing aspergillosis [<a href="https://www.bioseek.eu/bg/eng/research/pubmed/Aspergillus_fumigatus_and_aspergillosis_10194462" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ref. 1</a>]entering the lungs.

When-mucor-and-mold-become-a-problem_1_3

<figure><img class="tinyMCEImg" src="https://d20hztklr4qnvi.cloudfront.net/060720ba-ff7e-46fd-8572-a770ce61ecce_middle.jpg" border="0" alt="Aspergillus niger">
<figcaption>Mold of the species Aspergillus niger under an electron microscope. Credit: Wikipedia</figcaption>
</figure>

When-mucor-and-mold-become-a-problem_1_4

It is also known that the consumption of molded foods (when it is not a noble mold) is also dangerous, since microscopic fungi secrete toxins in food that can damage the liver and other organs. Toxins dissolve well especially in liquid foods, so burying the mold from the jam or yogurt and cutting out the tomato does not solve our problem - if we have allowed fungi to develop on them, we should throw them away, as they are no longer edible.

What-are-the-symptoms-of-allergy-and-how-to-weaken-them

What are the symptoms of allergy and how to weaken them

What-are-the-symptoms-of-allergy-and-how-to-weaken-them_2_0

Symptoms of allergy to mold and mold are very similar to those of hay <a href="/p/siennata_khriema_kakvo_ia_prichiniava_i_ima_li_iefikasno_liechieniie_8d03ed12_7efb_4591_802c_8d89e97f3607" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer">fever </a> [ref. 2]: stuffy or flowing nose, laity and itching in the eyes and nose, sneezing, and even skin manifestations such as dry and flabby skin.

What-are-the-symptoms-of-allergy-and-how-to-weaken-them_2_1

If the spores reach the lung, the allergic reaction can also manifest itself there in the form of asthma.

What-are-the-symptoms-of-allergy-and-how-to-weaken-them_2_2

Unfortunately, the only way to combat this allergy and limit our contact with mold spores and mold. In nature, their amount is greatest in the summer months and autumn.

What-are-the-symptoms-of-allergy-and-how-to-weaken-them_2_3

If we like to work in the garden, this can also expose us to these spores. Therefore, it is advisable to wear a mask when mowing grass, planting, digging&nbsp;or collecting the leaves in the autumn. [<a href="https://www.aafa.org/mold-allergy/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ref. 3</a>] Molds develop perfectly on rotting and moist plant waste, so we need to handle them carefully, especially if we suffer from an allergy.

What-are-the-symptoms-of-allergy-and-how-to-weaken-them_2_4

Unfortunately, fighting mold at home is not at all easy, especially when we can’t properly remove moisture. It can be due to leaks in the building itself, poor ventilation of the premises. Even our attempts to make our home more energy efficient by placing aluminum or PVC joinery or insulation on the walls can lead to increased humidity in the home and condensation on windows and walls.

What-are-the-symptoms-of-allergy-and-how-to-weaken-them_2_5

What-to-do-to-reduce-the-danger-of-developing-mold-at-home

What to do to reduce the danger of developing mold at home

What-to-do-to-reduce-the-danger-of-developing-mold-at-home_3_0

Several steps can reduce the danger of developing mold and mold in the home:

What-to-do-to-reduce-the-danger-of-developing-mold-at-home_3_1

<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">If there are leaks - do all you can to remove them;</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">To ventilate the place as often as possible, including in winter;</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Do not put large furniture (cabinets, sections, libraries) to external walls, and if this is not possible - leave enough distance between the wall and the piece of furniture to have air circulation;</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">In case of probable condensation and moisture, leave the wardrobes open from time to time, bring the clothes forward, so that they are not at the back of the wardrobe;</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">To ensure moisture removal in rooms where washing machines and dryers operate - let fresh air in after each washing and drying and use dehumidifiers in the room. After each laundry, it is important to absorb the water from the tire around the opening of the washing machine, as well as wash and dry the detergent drawer - mold and mildew also develop there;</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">If possible, do not dry laundry indoors;</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">You can also resort to the use of air purification devices - some of them are combined and also capture excess moisture. It should be considered that both humidifiers and dehumidifiers have water containers, which can also become a mold kennel - it is necessary to empty and clean them thoroughly at least 2 times a week;</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Moisture in the bathroom is also a problem, and using a fan to take it away is an important but insufficient measure. It is necessary to ventilate the bathroom after bathing. Several holes can be installed at the bottom of the door, and after bathing the moisture can be removed from the walls with a window cleaning tool. Joints should be cleaned with detergent at least once a month, and the curtain should be left to dry - it often gets mold;</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Air conditioner filters must also be serviced as prescribed, that’s usually done by a technician.</li>
</ul>

What-to-do-to-reduce-the-danger-of-developing-mold-at-home_3_2

These rules apply not only to people suffering from allergy, but to anyone who wants to have a healthier environment and cleaner air in their home.

Mold and mildew - the hidden allergens

https://d20hztklr4qnvi.cloudfront.net/b7834a68-e726-4b84-9307-0be17a626d09_middle.jpg

 Mold and mildew - the hidden allergens

Rositsa Tashkova-Kacharova

Author: Yana Nencheva, Biochemist, PhD candidate in Biophysics

The criteria for beauty always remains unattainable. Smooth skin, a symbol of youth, however, is always desired, and let's face it: especially women (very rarely men) tend to obsess over the subject. Half of the population on Earth is of the fair sex, so there is a reason why the cosmetic industry is looking for all sorts of wrinkle smoothing solutions.

_-1_3

One of the most common substances declared to remove wrinkles is collagen, for which it is put everywhere - dietary supplements, creams, shampoos, etc.

_-1_4

However, when collagen levels drop, wrinkles turn out to be the least of our problems.

What-exactly-is-collagen

What exactly is collagen

What-exactly-is-collagen_0_0

Collagen is a protein that is a major structural component in connective tissues (skin and cartilage). The collagen share of proteins in the human body is between 1/3 and 1/4, making it the most common protein in our bodies.

What-exactly-is-collagen_0_1

What-exactly-is-collagen_0_2

There are 28 different types of collagen according to its amino acid composition. The most common are five types of collagen, which according to their structures are:

What-exactly-is-collagen_0_3

<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Collagen type 1: Located in skin, bones, tendons, internal organs, vascular ligature and makes up the highest percentage (90%) of all types of collagen in our body;</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Collagen type 2: In cartilage, as their main component;</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Collagen type 3: In the bone marrow and lymphatic tissues, which is often found together in structures with collagen type 1;</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Collagen type 4: In the basement&nbsp;membrane (thin sheets of collagen that surround most types of tissues and act as a protective shell);</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Collagen type 5: In the hair and surfaces of cells, as well as in the placenta [ref. <a href="https://www.livescience.com/collagen.html?utm_campaign=meetedgar&amp;utm_medium=social&amp;utm_source=meetedgar.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener">1</a>, <a href="https://www.bu.edu/aldolase/biochemistry/html_docs/CollagenTypes&amp;Disorders.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">2</a>].</li>
</ul>

Lack-of-collagen-leads-to-age-related-problems

Lack of collagen leads to age-related problems

Lack-of-collagen-leads-to-age-related-problems_1_0

Lack-of-collagen-leads-to-age-related-problems_1_1

The body's ability to produce collagen naturally decreases with age and this is normal. Factors that would speed up this process by adversely affecting natural collagen synthesis are excessive sun exposure, smoking and a uniform diet that does not provide the necessary amino acids [<a href="https://health.clevelandclinic.org/the-best-way-you-can-get-more-collagen/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ref. 3</a>].

Lack-of-collagen-leads-to-age-related-problems_1_2

When this happens, then our body changes to the appearance of:

Lack-of-collagen-leads-to-age-related-problems_1_3

<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Wrinkles and sagging skin;</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Firmer, less flexible tendons and ligaments;</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Weakening of muscles;</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Joint pain due to worn cartilage;</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Gastrointestinal problems due to thinning of the mucous membrane in the digestive tract.</li>
</ul>

Lack-of-collagen-leads-to-age-related-problems_1_4

10 curious facts about aging and how to slow it down

Lack-of-collagen-leads-to-age-related-problems_1_5

However, the lack of collagen may also be associated with multiple genetic mutations. With the help of genetically modified mice with mutations in the genes responsible for collagen in the body, many aspects of the associated diseases have been clarified.

Lack-of-collagen-leads-to-age-related-problems_1_6

It turns out that the role of collagen is critical for a wide range of diseases caused by over 1,000 mutations. These mutations are currently identified in 22 genes. Such diseases are:

Lack-of-collagen-leads-to-age-related-problems_1_7

<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;"><a href="https://www.bioseek.eu/en/eng/research/search?q=%D0%A5%D0%BE%D0%BD%D0%B4%D1%80%D0%BE%D0%B4%D0%B8%D1%81%D0%BF%D0%BB%D0%B0%D0%B7%D0%B8%D1%8F&amp;p=1&amp;st=1&amp;tp=9&amp;s=x" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Chondrodysplasia</a> - underdeveloped cartilage tissue,</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;"><a href="https://www.bioseek.eu/en/eng/research/search?q=%D0%9F%D1%80%D0%BE%D0%B3%D1%80%D0%B5%D1%81%D0%B8%D0%B2%D0%BD%D0%B0%20%D0%9C%D1%83%D1%81%D0%BA%D1%83%D0%BB%D0%BD%D0%B0%20%D0%94%D0%B8%D1%81%D1%82%D1%80%D0%BE%D1%84%D0%B8%D1%8F&amp;p=1&amp;st=1&amp;tp=9&amp;s=x" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Progressive muscular dystrophy</a> or so-called Bethlem myopathy,</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Some subtypes of <a href="https://www.bioseek.eu/en/eng/research/search?q=%D0%95%D0%BF%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D1%80%D0%BC%D0%BE%D0%BB%D0%B8%D0%B7%D0%B8%D1%81%20%D0%B1%D1%83%D0%BB%D0%BE%D0%B7%D0%B0&amp;p=1&amp;st=1&amp;tp=9&amp;s=x" target="_blank" rel="noopener">epidermolysis bullosis</a>,</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;"><a href="https://www.bioseek.eu/en/eng/research/search?q=%D0%9A%D0%BD%D0%BE%D0%B1%D0%BB%D0%BE%D1%85%20%D1%81%D0%B8%D0%BD%D0%B4%D1%80%D0%BE%D0%BC&amp;p=1&amp;st=1&amp;tp=9&amp;s=x" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Knobloch syndrome,</a>which affects the retina,</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Some types of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bioseek.eu/en/eng/research/search?q=%D0%BE%D1%81%D1%82%D0%B5%D0%BE%D0%BF%D0%BE%D1%80%D0%BE%D0%B7%D0%B0&amp;p=1&amp;st=1&amp;tp=9&amp;s=x" target="_blank" rel="noopener">osteoporosis</a> - bone damage,</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;"><a href="https://www.bioseek.eu/en/eng/research/search?q=%D0%9E%D1%81%D1%82%D0%B5%D0%BE%D0%B0%D1%80%D1%82%D1%80%D0%BE%D0%B7%D0%B0&amp;p=1&amp;st=1&amp;tp=9&amp;s=x" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Osteoarthrosis</a> - joint damage,</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Arterial aneurysms and others [<a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11310942/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ref. 4</a>].</li>
</ul>

Which-genes-are-related-to-lack-of-collagen

Which genes are related to lack of collagen

Which-genes-are-related-to-lack-of-collagen_2_0

There are 28 types of collagen for which multiple genes are responsible. Mutations in genes for the five most common types of collagen lead to the following diseases.

Which-genes-are-related-to-lack-of-collagen_2_1

Which-genes-are-related-to-lack-of-collagen_2_2

Mutations in the COL1A1, COL1A2 genes lead to diseases in type 1 collagen:

Which-genes-are-related-to-lack-of-collagen_2_3

<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Osteogenesis imperfecta - a congenital disease characterized by fragile bone structures and improperly structured connective tissue. There is a severe and mild form that can be deadly.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;"> Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS) - not only mutations in these two genes lead to this disorder, which is characterized by deformities in connective tissue. Some types of mutations can be deadly because they lead to rupture of the arteries.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Infantile cortical hyperostosis (Caffey disease) - a disease in children that affects bones and is characterized by inflammation.</li>
</ul>

Which-genes-are-related-to-lack-of-collagen_2_4

Mutations in the COL2A1 gene lead to disease in collagen type 2:

Which-genes-are-related-to-lack-of-collagen_2_5

<ul>
<li>Collagenopathy type 2 and 11 - large groups of diseases affecting collagen cartilage tissue.</li>
</ul>

Which-genes-are-related-to-lack-of-collagen_2_6

Mutations in the COL3A1 gene lead to diseases in collagen type 3:

Which-genes-are-related-to-lack-of-collagen_2_7

<ul>
<li>Ellers-Danlos syndrome is also caused by this gene;</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Dupuytren's disease (Dupuytren's contracture) - characterized by fibrous nodes under the skin of the palm.</li>
</ul>

Which-genes-are-related-to-lack-of-collagen_2_8

Mutations in the COL4A1, COL4A2, COL4A3, COL4A4, COL4A5, COL4A6 genes lead to diseases in collagen type 4:

Which-genes-are-related-to-lack-of-collagen_2_9

<ul>
<li>Alport syndrome - the disease develops in childhood or adolescent and is characterized by problems with the kidneys, eyes and deafness;</li>
<li>Goodpasture syndrome (anti-glomerular basement&nbsp;membrane disease)</li>
</ul>

Which-genes-are-related-to-lack-of-collagen_2_10

Mutations in the COL5A1, COL5A2, COL5A3 genes lead to disease in type 1 collagen:

Which-genes-are-related-to-lack-of-collagen_2_11

<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Ellers-Danlos syndrome is also caused by this gene, in this case its classic form.</li>
</ul>

Which-genes-are-related-to-lack-of-collagen_2_12

Foods-rich-in-collagen

Foods rich in collagen

Foods-rich-in-collagen_3_0

Foods-rich-in-collagen_3_1

Our body breaks down the protein food taken down to amino acids, after which from these amino acids it builds the necessary types of proteins, including collagen. For this, if you get collagen-specific amino acids by following a balanced diet, it is best.

Foods-rich-in-collagen_3_2

<h4>This type of meal includes:</h4>

Foods-rich-in-collagen_3_3

<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">proteins - chicken, beef, eggs, dairy products, legumes, nuts and whole grains;</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">a large amount of fresh vegetables and fruits - to provide a stable amount of antioxidants to protect the body from oxidative stress, which can negatively affect collagen [<a href="https://health.clevelandclinic.org/the-best-way-you-can-get-more-collagen/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ref. 4</a>].</li>
</ul>

Foods-rich-in-collagen_3_4

<h1>Collagen products - do they help</h1>

Foods-rich-in-collagen_3_5

Collagen is a popular ingredient among dietary supplements and creams, but as the scientific journal LiveScience says, few scientific sources unequivocally support its effectiveness.

Foods-rich-in-collagen_3_6

Foods-rich-in-collagen_3_7

Although collagen applied to a particular area has proven to work in wound treatment, Dr. Adelaide Hebert, professor of Dermatology and director of the Pediatric Dermatology Sector at the University of Texas Health Research Center, Houston, stresses that the evidence in favor of taking supplements is not conclusive when it comes to real benefits for hair, nails and skin.

Foods-rich-in-collagen_3_8

The use of collagen cream compared with the daily use of sunscreen and moisturizer with retinol or salicylic acid for example (according to the type of skin, the needs of a person) is weaker when maintaining the skin.

Foods-rich-in-collagen_3_9

Interestingly, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not regulate dietary supplements (in particular those with collagen) the same way as it does to medicines. Many dietary supplements with collagen claim that they can improve the strength of bones, muscles, skin and heart, relieve joint pain, improve bowel activity. However, experts warn that if you are considering taking collagen supplements it is important to first take into account your diet and lifestyle, because the supplement alone will not help [<a href="https://www.livescience.com/collagen.html?utm_campaign=meetedgar&amp;utm_medium=social&amp;utm_source=meetedgar.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ref. 1</a>].

Foods-rich-in-collagen_3_10

Read more:

Foods-rich-in-collagen_3_11

<a href="/p/zdravieto_ni_ie_v_opasnost_17_nachina_da_razpoznaiem_falshivata_informatsiia_5a170eb2_5bb9_4975_a3dc_aaf25af43989" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer">Our health is in danger: 17 ways to recognize false information</a>

Foods-rich-in-collagen_3_12

<a href="/p/7_stpki_v_izbora_na_kachiestviena_kozmietika_2b839f29_de72_4e6a_9285_13b57cc8d17a" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer">8+1 steps in choosing quality cosmetics</a>

Foods-rich-in-collagen_3_13

<a href="/p/10_liubopitni_fakta_za_starieienieto_i_kak_da_gho_zabavim_359c758c_61cf_45c5_9da2_e588e3e54d79" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer">10 curious facts about aging and how to slow it down</a>

Foods-rich-in-collagen_3_14

<a href="/p/iepighienietikata_ili_kak_nachint_na_zhivot_upravliava_ghienitie_ni_8ec805d0_069f_4823_89cd_c55d051a9610" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer">Epigenetics or how lifestyle governs our genes</a>

Foods-rich-in-collagen_3_15

<a href="/p/mutatsii_srieshchu_iestiestvien_podbor_e4a316a0_b5fd_4a51_8dc0_12a14405f8f2" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer">Mutations vs. Natural Selection</a>

hearing loss

What you need to know about collagen and how not to lose it