Chalk up another point for red wine: The compound resveratrol (found in red wine, grape skins, and nuts) prevents age-related problems in mice. A study funded by the National Institutes of Health’s National Institute on aging found that mice treated with the compound had stronger bones, fewer cataracts, better balance and motor skills, lower cholesterol, and less inflammation in the heart than mice that did not get the compound. Resveratrol also mimicked the effects of dietary restriction in slowing age-related gene changes in the liver, fatty tissue, and skeletal muscles. While quality of health improved for the mice taking resveratrol, their lifespan didn’t increase when resveratrol treatment was started midlife. But don’t count on a magic pill just yet. Scientists still need to study the compound’s effect in humans.

Source: Cell Metabolism, July 3, 2008

A Better Test

A recent analysis of several studies from around the world found that the Ankle Brachial Index (ABI)—a ratio of arm to ankle systolic blood pressure—can improve risk predictions for heart disease and stroke beyond the standard upper arm blood pressure check. The current protocol tends to overestimate risk in low-risk individuals and underestimate risk in high-risk individuals. Researchers hope the ABI will be adopted as a supplement to the standard measures of risk. So, in the future, don’t be surprised if the nurse asks you to roll up your sleeve and your pants.

Source: Journal of the American Medical Association, July 9, 2008

Better Baby Pictures for Bigger Moms

A special method of birth-weight prediction may be the best option for the fetuses of obese mothers, suggests recently published data. Accurately estimating newborn size is crucial, since high-birth-weight babies are at a greater risk for complications than normal-weight babies. But the standard prediction method of taking one ultrasound late in pregnancy gives fuzzy results in obese mothers due to visualization difficulties, which only get worse as a mother approaches her delivery date. The Gestation-Adjusted Projection (GAP) method involves taking several ultrasounds at 34–36 weeks of pregnancy—earlier than usual—and then using a formula to predict birth weight. Regardess of the mother’s size, the GAP method was able to predict birth weight within 20 percent about 90 percent of the time.

Source: Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology, July 2008