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Leader gene targeted 

A gene coordinating 400 other genes involved in epilepsy has been revealed in the first study applying the 'systems genetics' approach to the condition. While examining brain tissue removed from patients operated on for epilepsy, researchers found the gene sestrin 3, or SESN3, was the main coordinator and confirmed its role in studies of mice and zebrafish. Dr Enrico Petretto, of the Medical Research Council clinical sciences centre, said medication that modified SESN3 might counter the epilepsy. He likened the approach to understanding a rival football team's tactics and targeting its captain or coach. The team will now use this method to investigate other brain disorders, including Alzheimer's.

Protected by veg

Foods based on broccoli and onions could be produced to accelerate natural cell defences and prevent heart disease and diabetes. Warwick University researchers found the protein Nrf2, which raises antioxidant levels and strengthens defence mechanisms by oscillating between cells, is stimulated by two food substances to move faster. They are now trialling supplements rich in these substances €“ sulphoraphane, derived from broccoli, and the flavonoid quercetin, from onions. The work is funded by the European Union, the UK's government-backed Biotechnology and Biosciences Research Council, and the private-public Diet and Health Research Industry Club.

Do-good disciplines

Men in a 35-year-long lifestyle study were observed to cut their risks of several chronic diseases through established healthy behaviours €“ exercising regularly, avoiding smoking, controlling weight, maintaining a balanced diet and drinking moderately. Adopting four of the recommendations reduced men's chances of diabetes by 70 per cent, heart attacks, strokes and dementia by 60 per cent, and cancer by 40 per cent. The results of the study, conducted locally by Cardiff University, were said to apply throughout Wales. The researchers are now examining more fully how lifestyle contributes to cognitive decline and prostate and bowel cancer, and will extend studies to 500,000 people UK-wide.

Migraines halved

Daily 300mg doses of coenzyme Q10 halved the number of migraines among sufferers in a clinical trial at hospitals in Zurich. CoQ10 is converted into ubiquinol, which is thought to work by increasing energy stores in brain cells. Alternative treatment was researched because many migraine-preventing prescription drugs are expensive and cause side effects, including fatigue and weight gain. The only side effect reported in the trial was an allergic skin rash in one patient.

Puffers' alternative

The incidence of tobacco-related deaths among Swedish men, the lowest in the European Union, seems largely due to the popularity of snus, a moist powder originating from a snuff variant, used instead of conventional cigarettes. The conclusions appear in a World Health Organisation report on tobacco-related illness.

Smoking and the mind

Smokers have been found to be four times as likely to suffer anxiety and depression. The researchers, at a smoking cessation clinic at Pamukkale University, Turkey, are nevertheless uncertain whether nicotine addictions cause or result from mental conditions. They observed that smoking was also related to being unmarried, a high income and drinking. They recommended that health professionals screen quitting smokers for mental disorders.