Browsed by
Author: blogadmin

Are brain fog, sleep, and pain improved by Cannabis?

Are brain fog, sleep, and pain improved by Cannabis?

Comments 0 Comment

Cannabis, according to researchers, may be able to lessen the negative effects of chemotherapy as well as cancer discomfort. In a recent study, cancer patients said that using cannabis helped them feel less pain, sleep better, and think more clearly.

According to experts, federal rules need to be altered so that more studies may be done on cannabis’ advantages and impacts on medical ailments.

According to a study conducted at the University of Colorado at Boulder and published in the journal Exploration in Medicine, people with cancer who use cannabis to alleviate symptoms experience less pain, sleep better, and have clearer thinking.

This is one of the first observational studies to examine the potential effects of cannabis products obtained from a dispensary on chemotherapy side effects and cancer symptoms.

University researchers are only permitted to possess and distribute cannabis products that are authorized by the government or that meet pharmaceutical standards in the United States, which makes it challenging to conduct studies on dispensary goods.

The researchers at the University of Colorado, however, developed a novel strategy. When 25 cancer patients bought their products, they watched how they responded.

During a baseline visit, the researchers evaluated the patient’s pain tolerance, sleep quality, and cognitive function. After that, the participants went to a dispensary and bought a cannabis edible product of their choice. They selected several different products, such as:

  • Chocolates
  • Gummies
  • Tinctures
  • Pills
  • a baked good

Additionally, the THC and CBD potencies varied widely.

Information from the cannabis and cancer pain study

The researchers traveled to each person’s residence in a mobile lab.

Before being asked to consume the cannabis product they had chosen at home, each person had their physical and mental capabilities evaluated in the van. After consuming medical marijuana, they completed another test.

Within an hour of using the items, the patients claimed that their pain levels had greatly decreased. Additionally, it made them feel “high” and affected their cognitive function. They claimed to feel higher the more THC was present.

After two weeks of consistent use, the individuals underwent a follow-up examination. At that time, the patients indicated that their pain, sleep, and cognitive abilities had all decreased. Improvements were evident in various cognitive domains, including reaction times, according to objective measurements.

The researchers found that lower levels of pain led to an improvement in cognitive performance. The improvement in cognition increased as the discomfort decreased.

Patients who consumed more CBD reported significant reductions in pain and better sleep. CBD reduces inflammation. The authors of the study point out that while cognition was temporarily reduced, it can be enhanced by treating pain.

How cannabis might benefit cancer patients

Some dosages and cannabis types, according to experts, may be beneficial for persons receiving cancer therapy.

Dr. Wael Harb, a hematologist and medical oncologist at Memorial Care Cancer Institute at Orange Coast Medical Centre in California who was not involved in the study, said, “This study adds to the growing body of research that examines the potential benefits of cannabis use in cancer patients.”

According to Harb, “the results highlight the potential for cannabis to reduce pain, enhance cognition, and improve the overall quality of life for patients.” These findings have important therapeutic ramifications since they imply that cannabis may be used as an auxiliary or alternative therapy for cancer patients, particularly those who are in pain or have cognitive deficits.

However, “it is important to note that the study has limitations, such as a relatively small sample size, which may not represent the larger population of cancer patients,” the author continued.

The study also uses self-reported information, which is prone to bias. To validate these results and investigate any potential hazards or negative consequences related to cannabis usage in cancer patients, additional research with bigger, more diverse samples and more objective assessment technologies is required.

What do you need to understand about medical marijuana?

The director of the UCI Centre for the Study of Cannabis, Daniele Piomelli, Ph.D., stated that “this small study supports what oncologists have known for a long time: many cancer patients (half of them, according to some surveys) use cannabis to cope with nausea, pain, and sleeplessness caused by cancer drugs“.

He informed us that the National Cancer Institute, a division of the National Institutes of Health, is aware of this and that urgently required larger investigations are about to begin.

According to the National Institutes of Health, the cannabis plant has two major compounds (cannabinoids) that are employed in medical procedures. THC and CBD are these.

These have not been given use approval by the Food and Drug Administration. The group has, however, approved a small number of drugs that do:

  • Cannabidiol (Epidolex)
  • Dronabinol (Marinol, Syndros)
  • Nabilone

Currently, marijuana use is either decriminalized or legal in 46 states. Anyone considering using medical items should first examine the regulations in their locality as each state has different legislation.

Dr. Olivia Seecof, clinical assistant professor of medicine and attending physician in supportive oncology at NYU Langone Perlmutter Cancer Centre in New York, said she was “very excited” about the study because it was “one of the first studies to address some of the issues surrounding recommending medical cannabis products in an evidence-based way.”

During outpatient supportive oncology appointments, I do certify patients for medical cannabis. I had to enroll in the New York State Medical Cannabis Programme and complete further training/certification to be able to do that,” she explained to us.

The market for medical marijuana is expanding.

Its US market value in 2021 was close to $27 billion. Market Research Future estimates that by 2030, it would reach $248 billion.

According to a Reuters article, some proposed measures in Congress would decriminalize or legalize marijuana.

It would be decriminalized under one statute, leaving state regulation to their discretion. More research will be possible thanks to the regulation reform, giving doctors and other healthcare providers the data they need to treat patients.

Because of cannabis’ murky legal status and negative connotations, many doctors are still uneasy about marijuana, according to Piomelli. “But the profession can no longer bury its head in the sand with so many patients using it. To better meet the requirements of their patients, doctors, nurses, and other medical professionals need to have more knowledge about the advantages and drawbacks of cannabis.

REFERENCES:

For Mental disease medications that have been suggested by doctors worldwide are available here https://mygenericpharmacy.com/index.php?cPath=77_478

Children marked packaged food are higher in sugar.

Children marked packaged food are higher in sugar.

Comments 0 Comment

According to researchers, packaged foods targeted toward children had more sugar content and fewer critical elements than other goods. Among the products they looked at, they claimed that cereal and toaster pastries had the most kid-friendly marketing.

According to experts, governments need to regulate product marketing to youngsters and provide greater parental education.

Foods marketed towards children often include more sugar and fewer essential nutrients than foods with less kid-friendly packaging. That is supported by a Canadian study that was just published in the journal PLOS ONE.

Nearly 6,000 distinct food items that were important to kids’ diets were examined by researchers, and they found that 13% of them had marketing targeted towards kids, with the potency of such marketing ranging from product to product.

Although there was a generally poor association between marketing effectiveness and general nutrient levels, the researchers found that the meals that were considered to be the most appealing to children had more sugar content than those in conventional packaging, with an average of 14.7 grams compared to 9 grams.

“While this study found variability in nutritional quality and composition depending on the food category and the nutrient, results showed that in many cases, products with child-appealing packaging were higher in nutrients of concern in particular, total sugars, free sugars, and sodium than products with non-child-appealing packaging,” the University of Toronto and the University of Ottawa researchers wrote in a press release.

Only two food categories—cereal and toaster pastries—had more than 50% of their marketing targeted at children out of all the foods examined. These were some of the goods that were actively sold to children.

Is marketing important?

How does one distinguish between “child-appealing” and unappealing content?

With a formalized system based on a dozen distinct categories, the researchers aimed to overcome this fundamental problem.

“The current lack of standardization in terms of definitions and methodologies for evaluating child-appeal is concerning,” the researchers stated.

According to them, “the specific marketing strategies that were advertised on product packages varied across food categories.” However, fundamental strategies that have historically been utilized in child-friendly marketing, such as using characters and appealing to fun or coolness, were still widely adopted across the sample.

Of course, kids don’t typically buy cereal or pastries for themselves, but kids’ interests often have an impact on their parents’ purchasing decisions.

“The ‘nag factor’ or ‘pester power’ is a term used to describe the influence that children, especially toddlers, and preschoolers, have on their parents’ purchasing decisions,” Agbai said. “Marketers are aware that kids can persuade their parents to buy a product they want by bothering or nagging them all the time. The theory is that the more a youngster requests a product, the more probable it is that the parent will cave and buy it.”

Children may influence their parents’ purchasing decisions, making them a desirable demographic to target for businesses, she continued. “This phenomenon is a potent force in the retail industry,” she said.

Need for more children’s product regulation and education

The researchers recommended that politicians enact more strenuous marketing rules to safeguard children to assist in reducing the promotion of less healthful foods directly to youngsters.

Paediatrician Dr. Daniel Ganjian, FAAP, of Providence Saint John’s Health Centre in California concurred, pointing out that physicians too have a part to play.

Ganjian advised us that parenting and pediatric organizations should publish a best-practices guide for marketing to children. “Parents should only patronize businesses and organizations that adhere to this philosophy.” Asking the government to control the promotion of unhealthy foods to children is another option.

Parents also have a responsibility

For parents, it’s learning what is actually healthy and unhealthy for their children, according to Florida-based dietitian Jesse Feder, RDN, who spoke with us.

“Learning what these foods can do to your kids can help parents understand the severity of the situation,” he continued. “It’s crucial to inculcate healthy eating habits in children and to teach them why some foods are unhealthy and others are beneficial.”

Successful initiatives include, among others, adding nutritional information on menus in American restaurants, expanding access to healthy food in underserved areas, lowering the number of food swamps, and limiting the amounts of drinks and other goods sold at fast food restaurants.

Processed and packaged food safety

Dr. Christine Mulligan, the study’s principal author, claims that packaged foods for kids are extremely harmful and have minimal nutritional value.

“A lot of the products in our grocery stores are highly advertised to youngsters and have quite strong marketing campaigns. Christine Mulligan stated, “Unfortunately, we also discovered that these items are typically much more nutritionally inferior and highly unhealthy than those that aren’t being marketed to children.

Additionally, according to the researchers, the packaged goods that were found to be the most enticing to children were the ones with the highest sugar content, with an average of 14.7 grams as opposed to 9 grams for items with ordinary and unattractive packaging.

Researchers believe that things may get worse.

Given that the study only looked at packaged goods, researchers think that the issues with packaged foods may be even more severe. However, it is concerning because it is unknown how much marketing children actually encounter in daily life.

Kids learn about these items from social media, television, community centers, and other sources. As a result of all these marketing strategies, children become more aware of these products, which hurt their eating habits and contribute to the global epidemic of childhood diabetes, obesity, and other diet-related ailments.

More control of packaged foods for kids.

The researchers claim that to lessen the marketing of packaged goods directly to children, greater regulation and information on kids’ items are required.

To safeguard children’s health and general well-being, researchers contend that tougher regulations should be put in place today against the marketing of packaged foods.

According to Christine Mulligan, these regulations must be strict and all-encompassing to shield kids from these damaging marketing techniques wherever they go to live, play, and eat.

She advised parents to take charge in the interim and make some adjustments at home. Cooking and eating more meals at home can help parents monitor their child’s sugar and calorie intake.

There should be more control over packaged foods for kids. Mulligan also advises discussing with kids how the long-term health effects of companies and marketing strategies can affect them.

REFERENCES:

For high blood sugar medications that have been suggested by doctors worldwide are available here https://mygenericpharmacy.com/index.php?therapy=13

Ultrasonic sound helps chemo drugs might treat brain cancer

Ultrasonic sound helps chemo drugs might treat brain cancer

Comments 0 Comment

Because chemotherapy medications cannot cross the blood-brain barrier, brain cancer can be challenging to treat. According to researchers, an ultrasound device has the potential to momentarily remove that barrier and allow chemotherapy medications to get through.

According to experts, this technique could revolutionize the way brain cancer is treated. The most lethal type of brain cancer, glioblastoma, may now be treatable according to recent studies.

Treatment for brain tumors is very challenging. The blood-brain barrier, which regulates what can travel from the bloodstream to the brain, is a contributing factor in that the majority of chemotherapy medications are inhibited by this barrier.

The issue was overcome by Northwestern Medicine doctors who implanted an ultrasonic device in the brain to momentarily break down the blood-brain barrier, enabling chemotherapy medications to be injected intravenously into the brain.

“Finding that a new technology can safely and effectively open the blood-brain barrier to deliver chemotherapy is potentially a game-changing step forward in brain cancer research and treatment,” Dr. Jason Salsamendi, the lead interventional radiologist at the City of Hope Orange County Lennar Foundation Cancer Centre in California, told us.

Throughout a 4-month period, the 4-minute procedure which is performed on awake patients was repeated once every few weeks for a total of six sessions.

According to the study, which was written up in the journal Lancet Oncology, the surgery caused the concentration of chemotherapy medications in the brain to virtually multiply by four to six.

New brain cancer treatments importance

Dr. Adam Sonabend, a neurosurgeon at the Feinberg School of Medicine at Northwestern University in Illinois, is the study’s primary investigator and neurosurgeon. He also serves as an associate professor of neurological surgery. “While we have concentrated on brain cancer, this provides an opportunity to explore novel drug-based therapies for the millions of patients who are affected by a variety of brain diseases,” the authors write.

Dr Albert Kim, director of the brain tumour centre at Washington University in St. Louis’ Siteman Cancer Centre, who was not involved in this trial, told us that systemic distribution via IV is typical and simple to carry out.

Although the blood-brain barrier had previously been opened with ultrasound, Kim stated that “the implantable device allows for repeated openings, which could enable the delivery of multiple cycles of systemic drugs.”

The trial included paclitaxel and carboplatin, two powerful chemotherapy medications that are typically ineffective in the treatment of glioblastoma.

Temozolomide, the major chemotherapeutic agent now being used to treat glioblastoma, can cross the blood-brain barrier, however it is somewhat ineffective.

Injecting paclitaxel directly into the brain has been shown in prior studies to be beneficial, but it also carries the risk of meningitis and irritated brain tissue.

The five-year survival rate for glioblastoma is now at around 10%, and patients have not benefited from recent developments in cancer treatment, such as targeted medicines and immunotherapy, according to Salsamendi. An option to administeradminister medication directly into the brain each time a dose is needed is the ability to distribute chemotherapy across the blood-brain barrier.

Blood-brain barrier being opened

The blood-brain barrier quickly closed after being forced open, often within 30 to 60 minutes, according to the study’s researchers.

Salsamendi noticed that there is a greater possibility of dangerous substances entering the brain if the blood-brain barrier is breached for a longer period. In terms of treatment planning and risk minimization, it would be important to know how long the barrier may be open with as much accuracy as feasible.

The French biotech company Carthera created the ultrasound device, which breaks down the blood-brain barrier via a stream of tiny bubbles.

One hour later, the blood-brain barrier recloses.

The researchers found that the blood-brain barrier may be temporarily opened in people using ultrasound and microbubble technology and that most of its integrity returns an hour later.

The brain is permeable to medications circulating in the bloodstream for a critical period of time following sonification, according to Sonabend, who is also a member of Northwestern University’s Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Centre.

The blood-brain barrier is fully restored 24 hours after brain sonication, according to prior human investigations. However, the field previously made the assumption that the blood-brain barrier is open during the first six to eight hours. According to the Northwestern study, this window may be smaller.

Another first is that the blood-brain barrier is opened in a brain volume that is nine times greater than the initial device (a modest single-ultrasound emitter implant) when a revolutionary skull-implantable grid of nine ultrasound emitters created by the French biotech company Carthera is used. This is crucial because for this method to be effective, a sizable area of the brain close to the cavity that remains after the excision of glioblastoma tumours must be covered.

REFERENCES:

For Cancer disease medications that have been suggested by doctors worldwide are available here https://mygenericpharmacy.com/index.php?therapy=10

Can low-carb or fat diets prolong life in middle-aged?

Can low-carb or fat diets prolong life in middle-aged?

Comments 0 Comment

A healthy low-fat diet has been shown to reduce the risk of cancer, cardiovascular disease, and early death in middle-aged and older persons, according to research.

A healthy low-carbohydrate diet, according to experts, may marginally reduce the risk of early mortality in that age group.

According to experts, as you get older, weight and diet become more crucial, therefore choosing a healthy eating strategy is essential.

A recent study found that the health of middle-aged and older persons can be improved by diets reduced in fat and carbohydrates.

Low-carbohydrate and low-fat diets are healthy choices for weight loss and heart health in short-term research trials.

The most recent research, which was released in the Journal of Internal Medicine, looks at how such diets affect mortality in middle-aged and older persons.

The study examined 371 159 individuals between the ages of 50 and 71. 165,698 of the participants passed away over the study’s 23-year duration.

According to the researchers, low-saturated-fat diets that are high in plant protein and high-quality carbs are linked to lower risks of death from all causes, including cancer and cardiovascular disease.

A general low-carb diet and a bad low-carb diet, however, were linked to considerably greater rates of overall, cardiovascular, and cancer death. However, a low-carb, healthful diet was linked to somewhat decreased death rates.

“Our results support the importance of maintaining a healthy [low-fat diet] with less saturated fat in preventing all-cause and cause-specific mortality among middle-aged and older people,” the study’s authors said.

Fats and carbohydrates as you get older

The consensus among experts is that as people age, low-carb diets are typically the healthiest option.

However, when it comes to fat, experts advise limiting only the dangerous types of fat and carbohydrates rather than all of them.

It’s critical to distinguish between a healthy carbohydrate or healthy fat and an unhealthy one, according to Kailey Proctor, a dietitian at the City of Hope Orange County Lennar Foundation Cancer Centre in California who specialises in cancer nutrition.

Many people are unaware of the distinctions between basic and complex carbs, as well as saturated and unsaturated fats, according to Proctor, who observes cancer patients daily. “Complex carbs, such those found in whole wheat bread, quinoa, brown rice, and sweet potatoes, can be healthy to consume“. Compared to simple carbs, which have absolutely little nutritional value, including white bread, breakfast cereals, and pastries, these foods are all high in fiber, antioxidants, and micronutrients.

Low-carb, low-fat diets explained

Both diets have been proven to be beneficial for middle-aged people’s health, according to Trista Best, a certified dietitian at Balance One Supplements.

For instance, several low-carb diets encourage the consumption of protein and healthy fats. Not all carbohydrates are created equal, and some healthy carbohydrates like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can be a crucial component of a balanced diet, according to Best.

She continued, “Low-fat diets have also been found to offer health benefits, including improving cholesterol levels and lowering the risk of heart disease. Low-fat diets typically restrict fat intake and emphasize carbs and protein. But it’s crucial to pick good fats, such as those in nuts, seeds, avocados, and fatty fish.“

Registered dietitian Robert Lafelice works for the fitness brand Set For Set. He claimed that understanding a healthy diet is made simple by seeing it through the perspective of evolution.

All adults should follow a low-carb diet, according to the overwhelming body of research, Lafelice said. “Humans developed over hundreds of thousands of years on a diet high in protein and fat, not carbohydrates. The government’s proposal that we obtain more than half of our energy from carbohydrates is in direct opposition to the original human diet.”

According to Lafelice, a high-carb diet has been linked to everything from diabetes to cancer to dementia. He added that low-fat diets by themselves may not be healthful.

There are needed proteins and fatty acids, but no essential dietary carbohydrates, he claimed. “Eating low fat and high carb is particularly harmful and unhealthy for older folks. We naturally grow more insulin resistance as we get older. Therefore, eating a lot of carbs will only make things worse.”

Middle age diet

Dietician and author Heather Dyc told us that she is a “big fan of low carb, but not low fat, diets for the middle-aged.”

When it comes to aging, “good fats, or omegas, have so many health benefits, it might do more harm than good to cut these out of your diet,” the expert advised. For instance, they enhance mood, reduce cognitive decline, and maybe prevent metabolic disease. Healthy fats like those found in nuts, seeds, seafood, and olive oil are also very satisfying, causing you to consume fewer calories overall. Middle-aged people frequently have more belly fat than their younger counterparts, thus this is advantageous.

Dyc advised being selective about the sources of carbohydrates around middle age.

Our metabolism slows down and hormone production decreases in our 40s and 50s, she explained. “We have more aches and pains than usual, and weight gain is simpler. Fruits and vegetables that are high in nutrients have fibre, antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that promote healthy ageing.

The licensed dietician and nutrition adviser for the weight-loss app Lasta, Barbara Kovalenko, told us that as individuals become older, they need to make educated decisions about their health.

Both low-fat and low-carb diets, according to Kovalenko, may be able to improve the health of middle-aged and older persons, however, the precise advantages may vary.

In the end, Kovalenko claimed that there is no universally effective diet; what works best for one individual might not work for another. “However, this new research offers insightful information about how making straightforward dietary changes can have favorable effects on overall health outcomes.”

What food experts have to say

According to Lon Ben-Asher MS, RD, a nutritionist, and instructor at Pritikin Longevity Centre, the quality of food consumed as part of a person’s diet has the greatest impact on whether or not that person develops a disease or increases their chance of developing one.

For instance, he claims that the majority of evidence-based research supports adopting an eating pattern that is consistent with a low-carbohydrate or low-fat diet that is centered around high-quality carbohydrates and plant protein sources that are rich in vitamins, minerals, phytonutrients, and dietary fiber as a means of preventing or reducing the risk of chronic diseases like:

As examples of foods higher in fiber, he lists the following: peas, potatoes, beans, lentils, and other legumes; muesli; whole grains; and foods low in saturated fats and dietary cholesterol.

According to him, “This way of eating supports good bacteria in the gut microbiome, reducing inflammation throughout the body.” Ben-Asher continues by saying that this is advantageous for maintaining a healthy weight as well as for the brain.

According to a nutritionist and author of “Skinny Liver,” Kristin Kirkpatrick, MS, RDN, while she has many patients who have successfully managed their non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and type 2 diabetes by following moderate- and low-carb dietary patterns, the most crucial aspect of any dietary pattern is making sure it contains lots of vegetables, protein, and low-glycemic foods.

She adds that it’s crucial to make sure your diet includes good fats like olive oil and nuts because they frequently form the basis of studies on healthy diets.

REFERENCES:

For Vitamins and nutrients medications that have been suggested by doctors worldwide are available here https://mygenericpharmacy.com/index.php?therapy=83

Migraines increase the chance of problems during pregnancy.

Migraines increase the chance of problems during pregnancy.

Comments 0 Comment

A sizable prospective study was carried out by scientists at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston to learn more about the link between migraines and unfavorable pregnancy outcomes.

According to their findings, women with pre-pregnancy headaches had a 40% increased risk of preeclampsia, a 28% increased risk of gestational hypertension, and a 17% increased risk of premature delivery.

These findings, according to the researchers, point to the potential advantage of greater monitoring for pregnant women who have a history of migraines.

Compared to men, women have a 2 to 3 times higher lifetime risk of developing migraines, which are most prevalent in women between the ages of 18 and 44.

Before a migraine attack, some people see an “aura” that frequently consists of flashing lights in their range of vision.

An aura-specific migraine, in particular, has been linked to a two-fold increased risk of myocardial infarction and stroke, according to a recent meta-analysis.

The molecular factors linked to cardiovascular risks in migraine sufferers may also raise the chance of pregnancy difficulties, according to a research hypothesis.

Meanwhile, little research has examined the connection between migraine and difficulties during pregnancy. Small study populations, a lack of knowledge about potential confounding variables, and the migraine phenotype (with or without aura) are the limitations of these investigations.

To fill in these knowledge gaps, scientists from Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston created a significant prospective study to calculate the correlations between pre-pregnancy migraine and the risk of gestational diabetes, gestational hypertension, pre-eclampsia, pre-term delivery, and low birth weight.

The researchers also looked at potential effect modification by aspirin use and examined whether these relationships varied by migraine phenotype in the study, which was published in the journal Neurology.

Study on migraines and pregnancy

Data from the Nurses’ Health Study II (NHSII) were used by Brigham instructors Alexandra Cari Purdue-Smithe, Ph.D., and her team to achieve these goals.

In 1989, 116,430 registered nurses in the United States between the ages of 25 and 42 participated in this study. Questionnaires about participants’ lifestyles and health were given out. Every two years, participants in this study were required to answer questions on their lifestyle and general health.

In 2009, participants submitted information on each pregnancy they had ever had, including any unfavorable results. In 2007, participants in the NHSII were asked if they had ever experienced aura along with their migraine headaches.

Any self-reported medical diagnosis of migraine on the 1989, 1993, and 1995 NHSII questionnaires was considered a migraine for the purposes of this study, according to Purdue-Smithe’s team.

They restricted their studies to 30-555 pregnancies in 19,694 women who had no history of cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, or cancer. These pregnancies had to be at least 20 weeks long.

Using log-binomial and log-Poisson models, the researchers determined the relative risk and 95% confidence interval for each unfavorable pregnancy outcome. These models were adjusted for several confounding variables, including age at conception, age at menstruation’s onset, race and ethnicity, body mass index, chronic hypertension, alcohol use, physical activity, smoking status, analgesic use, oral contraceptive use, infertility diagnosis, and the number of births.

Important results of the migraine study

11% of the 19,694 female participants at baseline had ever been diagnosed with a migraine by a doctor.

According to the statistical studies, migraine was not linked to gestational diabetes or low birth weight, but it was linked to a higher risk of preterm delivery by 17%, gestational hypertension by 28%, and preeclampsia by 40%.

For migraine with and without aura, the risk of preterm birth and the risk of gestational hypertension were comparable. However, compared to women who had migraines without aura, those who had migraines with aura had a slightly increased chance of developing preeclampsia.

The researchers also discovered a 45% decreased risk of preterm birth in migraine-prone women who consistently (more than twice a week) took aspirin before becoming pregnant. Although this particular investigation had limited statistical power, the researchers did find that women who reported regularly taking aspirin before becoming pregnant had a qualitatively decreased risk of preeclampsia.

Understanding pregnancy and migraine

The results are significant, according to Dr. Matthew Robbins, an associate professor of neurology at Weill Cornell Medicine in New York who was not involved in the study.

“We already knew that the relative risk of stroke and overall cardiovascular comorbidity is higher in individuals who have migraine with aura,” he told us. “This is based on large, population-based epidemiological studies.” “Now, we know that this risk may also extend to pregnancy-related complications, such as a higher incidence of pregnancy-specific cardiovascular diseases like gestational hypertension and preeclampsia.”

He continued, “The results of this investigation imply that migraine history and, to a lesser extent, migraine phenotype, are therapeutically helpful predictors of pregnancy risks.

Likewise not taking part in the study was Dr. Sarah E. Vollbracht, an associate professor of neurology at Columbia University in New York.

“Given the high prevalence of migraine in women of childbearing age, these findings suggest that migraine screening should be included in initial obstetrical assessments to determine if a woman is at risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes and women with migraine should be closely followed throughout pregnancy and monitored for the development of hypertensive disorders in pregnancy,” she said in a statement to us.

Aspirin use during pregnancy may reduce the risk of preterm birth and preeclampsia, according to the study’s findings, but Vollbracht cautioned that “this finding should be interpreted cautiously” and that “more data, including placebo-controlled studies, is needed to determine the role of aspirin use in pregnant women with migraine.”

Limitations and upcoming studies

The definition of migraine utilized in this study may have understated the actual prevalence of migraine in the study population and, consequently, the relative risks, according to Purdue-Smithe and her co-authors.

Confounding effects from additional factors, such as heredity and drugs specifically designed to treat migraines, cannot be completely ruled out despite the statistical studies taking numerous potential confounding factors into account.

The Nurses’ Health Study II cohort’s limited generalizability is due to the majority of non-Hispanic white study participants.

Future research should focus on including a patient population that is more diverse in terms of racial, cultural, and socioeconomic origins, according to Vollbracht.

She went on to say that “further prospective studies are needed to determine more clearly the difference in risk based on migraine phenotype as well as understanding the influence of attack frequency on the risk of these adverse pregnancy outcomes.”

Additional study is required to better understand how aspirin alters effects, especially in terms of dosage and initiation time.

Future research may need to evaluate the use of daily aspirin during the second and third trimesters as a preventive intervention against preeclampsia for pregnant women with migraine with aura, according to Robbins.

The researchers concluded by saying that further investigation should aim to shed light on the mechanisms behind the connections found in this study.

REFERENCES:

For Migraine medications that have been suggested by doctors worldwide are available here https://mygenericpharmacy.com/index.php?therapy=17

long time beta-blockers use doesn’t enhance heart health.

long time beta-blockers use doesn’t enhance heart health.

Comments 0 Comment

Following a heart attack, beta-blockers are frequently prescribed to patients to treat high blood pressure and heart conditions.

According to a recent study, taking drugs over the long term after a heart attack doesn’t seem to benefit cardiovascular health.

The observational study, according to experts, offers useful data, but they also point out that beta-blockers continue to be helpful for a large number of people.

Research in the journal Heart found no evidence that long-term beta-blocker use improved cardiovascular health or decreased the risk of further heart attacks.

Researchers looked at the medical records of persons who had a heart attack between 2005 and 2016 and required hospital treatment using the Swedish national registry for coronary heart disease.

Records from 43,618 persons, with an average age of 64, were included in the study. There were about 1 in 4 women. None of them had left ventricular systolic dysfunction or cardiac failure.

One year after being hospitalized for a heart attack, of the participants, 34,253 (78%) were using beta-blockers, whereas 9,365 (22%) were not.

For an average of 4.5 years following their hospitalisation, the researchers followed up with the participants.

Researchers evaluated the two groups in terms of:

  • Death rates from all causes
  • Additional heart attacks
  • Getting re-vascularized, a procedure to bring back blood flow to certain areas of the heart
  • Heart attack

2,028 (22%) and 6,475 (19%) of the beta-blocker users had one of these occurrences during the observation period.

There was no noticeable difference in the rates between the two groups, according to the researchers, who took demographic factors and pertinent co-morbid disorders into account.

According to real-time data, the use of long-term beta-blockers after a heart attack in persons without heart failure or left ventricular systolic dysfunction was not linked to better cardiovascular outcomes.

Physician response to beta-blocker research

The interventional cardiologist at MemorialCare Heart & Vascular Institute at Orange Coast Medical Centre in California, Dr. Hoang Nguyen, recommended beta blockers for patients with left ventricular dysfunction since they had a demonstrable mortality benefit.

According to him, beta blockers are a lifetime in this patient population. “Beta blockers are necessary for patients with a history of coronary artery disease who are not candidates for bypass surgery or stents to lower angina symptoms and hospitalizations for this symptom. I might try to wean them off of beta blockers, especially if they have serious adverse effects if they have undergone revascularization (either with stents or bypass surgery) or have normally left ventricle function.“

This study has prompted some doctors to reconsider their methods, but not all of them are presently prepared to do so.

According to Dr. Devin Kehl, a non-invasive cardiologist at Providence Saint John’s Health Centre in California, “this study suggests that a long-term continuation of beta-blockers following myocardial infarction may not be of significant benefit in patients without any of those factors and with normal cardiac function.” However, because it was an observational study, the results might have been impacted by unrecognized confounders.

To be more clear about whether beta-blockers should be continued or stopped after one year following myocardial infarction, randomized trials are required, according to Kehl, who spoke to us. “Caution is needed in interpreting the results of this type of analysis and applying this clinical practice,” Kehl said.

In conclusion, it is still necessary for a patient’s cardiologist to exercise careful clinical judgement when deciding how long beta-blocker therapy should be administered after myocardial infarction.

Beta-blockers

Beta-blockers are used to treat high blood pressure and heart conditions.

They accomplish this by preventing the negative effects that stress hormones have on the heart and can lower heart rate. They are also beneficial for migraines.

Beta-blockers are typically regarded as secure and efficient. However, there are some adverse effects, such as:

  • Fatigue
  • easily running out of breath
  • Unsteadiness or faintness
  • Depression

Nguyen notes that side effects of the drugs include memory loss and impaired sexual function.

“Perhaps we should try to wean patients off beta blockers if a beta blocker is not needed after one year, especially if the patient’s heart function is normal,” Nguyen suggested.

Some people might not be able to take them or might quit taking them because of the negative effects.

The use of beta-blockers

After the first year of treatment, Miller typically stops prescribing beta-blockers to heart attack survivors with intact cardiac function.

They are only kept on the drug if there is another condition, like hypertension, that calls for it.

Those with heart failure, irregular cardiac rhythm, hypertension, and recurring palpitations that happen without a known trigger (like caffeine), are candidates who can benefit from beta-blockers.

“The patient should always discuss with their physician whether or not a beta-blocker is a suitable treatment and/or should be discontinued,” he said.

Reduce the dosage gradually rather than stopping the drug all at once if a patient decides to stop taking it.

Considering the future

Medication observation studies examine participants’ responses to a drug or treatment without changing their circumstances.

Observational studies are not regarded by medical practitioners as being as reliable as randomised, controlled trials. However, when prescribing medications, they provide important information for doctors and other medical professionals.

“Beta-blockers have long been and will continue to remain a cornerstone medical therapy following a myocardial infarction as they have been clearly demonstrated to reduce the risk of recurrent events and death,” said Kehl. However, clinical trials have not examined the benefit of beta-blockers in patients with normal cardiac function beyond three years after a myocardial infarction, and their benefit is strongest in the early period post-myocardial infarction, according to the study.

Additionally, patients with and without cardiac dysfunction were included in a mixed cohort in clinical trials looking at the benefits of beta-blockers, the author continued. “It is unclear if long-term use of beta-blockers after myocardial infarction benefits people with normal cardiac function. Due to a lack of data from clinical research, the American College of Cardiology guidelines do not directly address the issue. Currently, a long-term continuation of beta-blockers depends on carefully examining the patient’s cardiac history and determining whether there are any other distinct indications for using beta-blockers, such as arrhythmias, angina, cardiac dysfunction, heart failure, or hypertension.”

REFERENCES:

For Heart disease medications that have been suggested by doctors worldwide are available here https://mygenericpharmacy.com/index.php?cPath=77_99

A new method may help forecast chronic renal illness risk.

A new method may help forecast chronic renal illness risk.

Comments 0 Comment

Heart disease is more likely to strike those with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Researchers created a model to predict cardiovascular risk in CKD patients using proteomics, the study of proteins.

The model was proven to be more reliable than the standard techniques for determining risk. Additionally, scientists found several proteins that might be used in future treatments.

People with chronic kidney disease (CKD) die from cardiovascular disease (CVD) more frequently than any other cause.

Stage 1 of CKD, when there is visible evidence of kidney loss but viable kidney tissue is still present, progresses to stage 5, often known as end-stage renal disease, where dialysis or a kidney transplant is required.

A 2021 study found that stage 4 and stage 5 CKD patients suffer CVD in about half of cases.

The techniques available to medical professionals to assess patients with CKD’s cardiac risk are limited. The Pooled Cohort Equation (PCE), designed by the American College of Cardiology and the American Heart Association in 2013, was created to evaluate cardiovascular risk.

The original version did not, however, account for measurements for chronic kidney disease. Researchers have issued a warning that risk prediction techniques made for the general population may not be as reliable for CKD patients.

A new risk model for cardiovascular disease in CKD patients has been established as a result of an initiative coordinated by scientists at the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania. According to the researchers, it is more accurate than the methods currently used to assess these people’s cardiac risk.

Protein biomarkers were discovered by researchers.

The extensive study of proteins known as proteomics was used by the researchers to create a model to predict cardiovascular risk. A particular protein may function as a biomarker, a marker for a particular illness in the body.

The Chronic Renal Insufficiency Cohort (CRIC), a prospective study of adults with CKD conducted at seven U.S. clinical centers, and a cohort from Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC), a prospective epidemiologic study carried out in four U.S. communities, provided the researchers with nearly 5,000 proteins from 2,667 participants with CKD.

According to Bansal, who was not engaged in the study but cited the model’s and study’s usage of numerous people from various areas throughout the county as one of their advantages

32 proteins were chosen by the researchers to be part of their proteomic risk model using machine learning techniques. These proteins were shown to be the ones that most accurately predicted the risk of cardiovascular disease in CKD patients.

They employed a broad-based approach to identify proteins that may reveal novel biological pathways that increase the risk of cardiovascular disease in individuals with renal illness, focusing on biology and disease mechanisms, according to Bansal.

Research of chronic kidney disease

Cryopreserved plasma samples from the participants chosen for this study from the CRIC were available for proteomic evaluation. The chosen participants had CKD and ranged in age from 21 to 74.

Dialysis patients and participants with end-stage renal disease were excluded. People who at the start of the study self-reported having had coronary heart disease, a myocardial infarction, a stroke, or heart failure were excluded. They were also excluded if they had a documented history of those events.

There were 2,182 participants in the last batch.

Participants in the CRIC were slightly younger, more likely to be men and Black than those in the ARIC. In addition, CRIC participants were less likely to be active smokers and more likely to have a history of diabetes and hypertension.

In comparison to CRIC participants, participants in ARIC had higher total cholesterol levels. There were 459 cardiovascular events throughout a 10-year follow-up period in the CRIC cohort and 173 cardiovascular events in the ARIC cohort.

The risk indicator’s precision

Researchers created a proteomic risk model for incident cardiovascular risk in the participants and used 390 ARIC cohort members, all of whom had CKD, to verify the model.

Researchers also determined the participants’ 2013 PCE. Additionally, they noted the history of hypertension in the participants, as well as their diastolic blood pressure, proteinuria, and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eFGR), a score that represents kidney function.

“They were trying to look at how these biological pathways compare with clinical prediction models, in terms of predicting cardiovascular events,” Bansal said.

The proteomic cardiovascular risk model, according to the researchers, was more accurate in predicting a CKD patient’s risk for having a cardiac event than the PCE and a modified PCE that took into account eFGR scores.

Bansal said, “I believe the study does progress the field.” Over ten years, participants with the highest measure of predicted risk experienced a 60% observed incident cardiovascular event rate.

Nancy Mitchell, RN, a registered nurse with more than 37 years of experience treating patients with chronic renal illness and chronic cardiovascular problems, is optimistic that the study could result in “improving the treatment options for heart disease.”

Researchers may look at how the proteins found in bloodwork relate to cardiac disease and how they may use these discoveries to develop more specialised drugs for the condition, she said.

REFERENCES:

For Renal disease medications that have been suggested by doctors worldwide are available here https://mygenericpharmacy.com/index.php?therapy=82

Reduce the Dementia risk by strict blood pressure control.

Reduce the Dementia risk by strict blood pressure control.

Comments 0 Comment

The effects of intensive versus routine hypertension treatment on brain lesions were examined by researchers at the University of Texas Health Science Centre in San Antonio.

The researchers discovered that intensive therapy that maintains blood pressure within normal bounds is associated with a slowed progression of lesions using data from a previous study.

The study results could influence treatment strategies for hypertensive patients to lower the likelihood of lesions that can result in diminished cognitive performance with further research and trials.

Millions of people have hypertension, which can lead to strokes and brain lesions and compromise brain health.

An aggressive blood pressure regimen can slow the growth of white matter lesions in the brain, according to a recent study headed by UT Health San Antonio.

In contrast to patients with systolic blood pressure readings of 140 mm Hg, the researchers compared the MRI scans of individuals who maintained blood pressure levels below 120 mm Hg.

What is considered hypertension?

Millions of Americans suffer from the medical disease known as hypertension, sometimes known as high blood pressure. Nearly half of American adults have hypertension, which the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention claim contributed to more than 670,000 deaths in 2020.

Blood vessel damage and other health issues can result from high blood pressure. Heart attacks and strokes are two conditions brought on by hypertension.

The following blood pressure ranges are described by the American Heart Association:

For individuals, a normal blood pressure reading is defined as an upper number (systolic) less than 120 over a lower number (diastolic) of 80 mm Hg.

  • Blood pressure that is elevated is 120 to 129 over 80 or less.
  • Hypertension in stage 1 is defined as 130-139 above 80-89.
  • 140 over 90 or higher indicates stage 2 hypertension.

When the systolic and/or diastolic values exceed 180 and 120 respectively, a hypertension crisis ensues.

As the cardiologist, Dr. Kershaw Patel points out in the Houston Methodist podcast On Health, “When we talk about high blood pressure, we must realise it affects not just the heart, but also the brain, the kidneys, and other organs in the body.”

Although doctors frequently prescribe prescription drugs to treat high blood pressure, patients can also try to lower or normalise their blood pressure by making changes to their lifestyle.

Dr. Patel stated that lifestyle changes and then drugs are commonly used to manage high blood pressure. And it really comes down to two-thirds lifestyle and one-third medicine. By adjusting a few aspects of our lifestyle, we can significantly lower our blood pressure.

Blood pressure can be normalised by giving up smoking, consuming less alcohol, exercising, eating a low-sodium diet, and eating more fruits and vegetables.

lowering one’s blood pressure to 120

The American Academy of Family Physicians’ (AAFP) standard of care for hypertensive patients is to lower their systolic blood pressure to 140 mm Hg. This goal lowers the risk of cardiovascular death, according to the AAFP.

To assess the effect on white matter lesions (WMLs), the UT Health San Antonio researchers compared the normal treatment target to a more rigorous therapy. The goal of the rigorous treatment program was to lower participants’ systolic blood pressure to under 120 mm Hg.

The researchers examined data from 458 participants using information from the Systolic Blood Pressure Intervention Trial (SPRINT), which tracked participants for 4 years. Participants in the study were “aged 50 years or older with hypertension and without diabetes or a history of stroke,” according to the study’s authors.

At the start and conclusion of their trials, the researchers matched each participant’s treatment to their MRI images. They were searching for WMLs, a type of injury to the brain’s white matter that can result in cognitive impairment.

Treatment that is intensive lessens brain damage

According to the study’s findings, the intensive treatment group’s WML volume progression and fractional anisotropy (FA) declines were slower than those of the conventional treatment group.

The FA result is noteworthy since it represents a “measure of connectivity in the brain.” The right splenium, right tapetum, and left anterior corona radiata are a few of the brain areas that saw slower WML growth.

The study also demonstrates that aggressive blood pressure management may be able to maintain some myelin structure, which, according to the scientists, “ultimately slows the progression of injury patterns associated with dementia.”

According to research author Dr. Tanweer Rashid, who works with the Biggs Institute at UT Health San Antonio, “our study shows that specific areas have greater benefit, representing sensitive regions to track in future trials evaluating small-vessel disease.”

How white matter is impacted by blood pressure?

The study’s findings were discussed by Dr. Arun Manmadhan, a cardiovascular disease expert at Columbia University Irving Medical Centre in New York City.

“White matter lesions are abnormally damaged regions of tissue in the white matter of the brain. According to Dr. Manmadhan, they are frequently brought on by anomalies in the tiny blood arteries that provide oxygen and nutrients to the brain.”

Dr. Manmadhan provided more information on the study’s findings, namely how blood pressure may affect WMLs.

“The current report, which is a SPRINT-MIND substudy, examined the impact of stringent blood pressure management on changes in the brain’s white matter as determined by MRI.”

According to Dr. Manmadhan, the results here point to a potential benefit of tight blood pressure control in slowing the development and progression of white matter lesions, which are linked to a higher risk of dementia and cognitive decline.

Overall, according to Dr. Manmadhan, the study is an asset to the field of hypertension.

This study “adds to the already substantial body of literature that managing blood pressure is very important for not only preventing cardiovascular events but also in maintaining memory and cognition,” the author added.

REFERENCES:

For Dementia disease medications that have been suggested by doctors worldwide are available here https://mygenericpharmacy.com/index.php?cPath=77_478

Japanese Diet May Slow Progression Of Fatty Liver Disease.

Japanese Diet May Slow Progression Of Fatty Liver Disease.

Comments 0 Comment

According to a new study, a Japanese diet can reduce the progression of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in those who already have the condition.

According to the study, soy products, shellfish, and seaweed have the strongest links to slowed liver fibrosis progression. The Japanese diet encourages eating high-quality foods and consuming less sodium, sugar, and saturated fat.

According to a recent study, persons with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) may be able to reduce the illness’s progression by adopting a Japanese-style diet.

136 patients with NAFLD were being treated at the Osaka Metropolitan University Hospital in Japan when the study’s authors followed their diet and the development of their illness.

Each person’s diet was evaluated by researchers based on how closely it adhered to the 12-component Japanese Diet Index or mJDI12. High mJDI12 scores were linked to a slowing of the NAFLD-related liver fibrosis development.

There are 12 different foods and dietary groups in the Japanese diet:

  • rice
  • Miso broth
  • pickles
  • soy-based goods
  • yellow and green vegetables
  • fruits
  • seafood
  • mushrooms
  • seaweed
  • emerald tea
  • coffee
  • pork and beef

About the Japanese diet, those who ate more soy, seafood, and seaweed experienced the greatest inhibition of the development of liver fibrosis.

The impact of food on muscle mass was also monitored by the researchers. They discovered that individuals who consumed more soy products did so in addition to having lower rates of fibrosis advancement.

What precisely is non-alcoholic fatty liver disease?

Although it doesn’t directly harm the liver, NAFLD is a condition in which fat deposits there can potentially affect how well the organ functions.

The risk of non-liver malignancies, such as colon cancer, chronic kidney disease, gastric reflux, obstructive sleep apnea, hypothyroidism, periodontitis, polycystic ovarian syndrome, psychiatric issues, and growth hormone issues, is increased in those with NAFLD.

To better understand how the disease progresses, we spoke with Dr. Muhammad Nadeem Aslam, an assistant research scientist in the Department of Pathology at the University of Michigan who was not involved in the study.

Utilizing excessive amounts of fat, especially saturated fat, processed carbohydrates like fructose, glucose, and sucrose. Also, consuming too many calories, causes an imbalance between fat accumulation and breakdown in the liver, with the result being fat buildup in the liver.

Dietitian for heart health Michelle Routhenstein, who was also excluded from the study, stated:

“Foods high in refined sugars, saturated fat, salt, or trans fat can all contribute to fatty liver disease. This is done by causing the body to become more oxidatively stressed and inflammatory.”

While fatty infiltration is typically tolerated, Dr. Aslam added that an excessive buildup of lipids in the liver. This includes triglycerides, free fatty acids, and cholesterol, which can cause cellular stress and the production of reactive oxygen species.

According to Rosenstein, some items that encourage NAFLD include hydrogenated oils, fried foods, drinks, soda, and processed foods.

What makes Japanese cuisine wholesome?

Fresh, unadulterated foods with little refined ingredients, saturated fats, and added sugar make up the majority of the Japanese diet.

Due to their diet’s high soy and fish content, previous studies have shown that those who follow the Japanese diet had a lower risk of cardiovascular disease and stroke.

The largest population of centenarians is found on the island of Okinawa, which is located in southernmost Japan. The extended life expectancy and decreased incidence of obesity among Japanese people may be due to their low-calorie, nutrient-dense diet.

According to studies, Japanese people have the lowest risk of developing age-related illnesses such as diabetes, cancer, arthritis, and Alzheimer’s.

Some advantages of the Japanese diet include the following:

It enhances digestion – Fiber-rich foods that help with digestion include fruits, vegetables, seaweed, soybeans, and soy products. Fruits and vegetables that have been pickled are a wonderful source of probiotics.

It is a nutrient-rich diet – Japanese cuisine naturally contains a lot of minerals, vitamins, and nutrients including omega-3 fats.

Natural low-calorie foods and the Japanese practice of eating until 80 percent full assist prevent overeating. Also, provide the calorie deficit necessary for weight loss, which contributes to maintaining a healthy weight.

The Japanese eating style, in addition to the food, aids in keeping good health. The senses are stimulated when food is consumed from a tiny bowl with numerous different dishes rather than a large plate. They adhere to the “flexible restraint” philosophy, which permits occasional small-portion consumption of snacks and treats.

The following three Japanese foods

The study’s top three foods each have their own advantages, but they also have at least one thing in common: they are low in fat. Dr. Aslam cited soybeans as an example of a plant protein that is high in fiber and low in saturated fat.

Given that soy is a complete protein that contains all necessary amino acids to support the synthesis of muscle proteins, soy is “associated with higher muscle mass,” according to Rosenstein.

“Seafood, especially fish, is a good source of vitamins D and B2 (riboflavin), as well as omega-3 fatty acids. In addition to being a fantastic source of minerals like iron, zinc, iodine, magnesium, and potassium, fish is also high in calcium and phosphorus, according to Dr. Aslam.

According to Routhenstein, seafood may have a suppressive influence on the evolution of fibrosis because of its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant qualities.

Japanese seaweed is a good source of vitamins, minerals, and polyphenols. Dr. Aslam continued, “In addition to vitamins, the majority of edible algae have a special blend of nutrients.

Additional foods that lower NAFLD

The Mediterranean diet is another eating plan with a good reputation for helping those with NAFLD. Lean meats, fruits, vegetables, nuts, legumes, whole grains, and other plant-based foods are highlighted.

According to Routhenstein, green tea is one food in the mJDI12 index that is particularly beneficial for NAFLD because of its antioxidant content.

It “is protective against fatty liver disease because it contains about 200-300 mg of epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) in one cup,” claimed Routhenstein.

Dr. Aslam noted that coffee beans high in antioxidants are also linked to a generally lower risk for NAFLD.

“Raspberries are rich in insoluble fiber that helps create a short chain fatty acid in the gut called butyrate which studies have shown to be helpful in the reversal and prevention of fatty liver disease,” Routhenstein noted.

Including Japanese food and culture in one’s diet

This study highlights the chance to take charge of your health by including therapeutic foods to help stop the advancement of fatty liver disease, according to Routhenstein.

Dr. Aslam voiced alarm over the fact that so many Americans continue to consume a diet that is “far below dietary guidelines recommendations for healthy dietary patterns.”

“The lack of these nutrient-dense foods in the daily diets can cause diet-related chronic diseases, such as cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, obesity, and fatty liver disease,” claimed Dr. Aslam.

Dr. Aslam praised nutrient-rich diets, which are lower in sodium, sugar, and saturated fat:

“Nutrient-dense foods are those that are prepared with no or little added sugars, saturated fat, and sodium,” said Dr. Aslam. “These foods include vegetables, fruits, whole grains, seafood, eggs, beans, peas, and lentils, unsalted nuts and seeds, fat-free and low-fat dairy products, and lean meats and poultry.”

REFERENCES:

For Alzheimer’s disease medications that have been suggested by doctors worldwide are available here https://mygenericpharmacy.com/index.php?generic=192

Can Alzheimer’s be cured with a new genetic therapy?

Can Alzheimer’s be cured with a new genetic therapy?

Comments 0 Comment

There is presently no cure for Alzheimer’s disease, which is thought to be the root cause of dementia in 32 million individuals worldwide.

The majority of experts think that aberrant amyloid and tau protein buildups in the brain trigger alterations that lead to Alzheimer’s disease.

An experiment using a brand-new gene silencing treatment for Alzheimer’s disease that aims to reduce the body’s level of tau protein was carried out by a multidisciplinary team of researchers.

The most widely accepted explanation regarding the origins of Alzheimer’s disease is that it results from aberrant accumulations of the proteins amyloid and tau, which alter the brain. However, scientists are still unsure of the exact mechanism by which this disease develops.

Alzheimer’s disease, which is believed to afflict 32 million people worldwide, has no known cure, although doctors can treat its symptoms to enhance a patient’s quality of life.

A new gene silencing therapy for Alzheimer’s disease has now being tested by an international team of experts. The treatment turns off the tau protein-coding gene, which reduces the body’s production of the protein.

What impact does tau protein have on Alzheimer’s?

The core cells of the neurological system, called neurons, are where tau is most frequently found. Tau aids in maintaining the tube-like interior shape of nerve cells in a healthy brain.

Microtubules are structures that resemble tubes that aid in maintaining cell shape and guarantee that other proteins and chemicals move around the entire neuron with ease.

The tau protein in an Alzheimer’s patient’s brain separates from the microtubules and instead binds to other tau proteins inside the brain cell. As a result, the microtubules break down and aberrant tau protein accumulations occur.

These tau protein accumulations come together to form “tangles” within the brain cells. As a result, the neurons are unable to communicate with one another.

We spoke with Dr. David Merrill, an adult, and geriatric psychiatrist and the director of the Pacific Brain Health Centre at Providence Saint John’s Health Centre in Santa Monica, California, who was not involved in this study. “We know that tau tangles track with the progression of Alzheimer’s, meaning the worse that Alzheimer’s gets, the more tau tangles there are throughout more and more of the brain,” he said.

And ultimately, he continued, “those lead to neuron dysfunction and death.”

Blocking the gene that codes for tau

In this investigation, scientists developed a medication intended to silence the tau protein-encoding gene. The microtubule-associated protein tau (MAPT) gene is the one in question.

Antisense oligonucleotide BIIB080 is the name of the investigational medication. Small bits of RNA or DNA are used in this type of therapy to prevent a particular RNA from carrying out its intended function. In this instance, those are to act as guidelines for the creation of the tau protein.

Researchers included 46 patients with mild Alzheimer’s disease, with an average age of 66 years, in this phase 1 clinical research. The experiment was held between 2017 and 2020.

Throughout a 13-week treatment period, the trial compared four doses of the experimental medication injected into the nervous system through the spinal canal to a placebo.

Researchers discovered that 24 weeks after therapy, levels of both total tau and phosphorylated tau had decreased by more than 50% in trial participants in the treatment groups that had received the highest dose of the medication.

Over 90% of participants finished the post-treatment period, and 94% of those who received the drug and 75% of those who received a placebo reported mild or moderate side effects. The most frequent side effect of the experimental medication was headaches upon injection.

A ‘plausible’ therapy strategy

Dr. Merrill described this study’s ability to mute the expression of the gene that causes tau tangles in the brains of Alzheimer’s patients as “amazing” when asked about it.

Dr. David Merrill stated that this study “is the first step in demonstrating that this is a safe approach with a plausible biologic mechanism that can then be tested to see if it indeed does what we would expect, which is slow down the progression of Alzheimer’s disease and be a disease-modifying therapy that results in people’s cognition being better for longer.”

Non-participant in this study, Dr. Raphi Wald is a board-certified neuropsychologist at the Marcus Neuroscience Institute, established at Baptist Health South Florida’s Boca Raton Regional Hospital.

According to him, “a great deal of research is currently being conducted on preventing or destroying the abnormal proteins that appear on the brains of people with Alzheimer’s disease.”

“Compared to those without the disease, people with Alzheimer’s tend to have higher levels of the two proteins tau and amyloid in their brains. The majority of Alzheimer’s research has been devoted to preventing these diseases from spreading throughout the brain. This research suggests what might be a useful strategy for doing that,” he said.

The Alzheimer’s Association’s senior director of scientific programs and outreach, Dr. Claire Sexton, commented on this study.

While Alzheimer’s disease anti-amyloid therapies have gotten a lot of attention, the drug development landscape is much bigger, with a variety of targets and approaches being researched, she said. This is a positive report on phase 1 research that targets tau, one of the main indicators of Alzheimer’s disease, using a gene silencing strategy.

What comes next?

Dr. Wald stated that when it comes to the next steps in this research, the most crucial factor with these treatments is how they impact the daily lives of those at risk for or dealing with Alzheimer’s disease.

“Reducing tau is not a guarantee that people will not go on to have worsening cognitive functioning,” he advised. According to Dr. Merrill, the next logical step would be a phase 2 experiment to assess side effect tolerance and safety.

He continued, “And then the actual phase 3 trial would be to really look at treatment efficacy.” “Does memory get better? Does Alzheimer’s patients’ memory deterioration slow down over time? I’d want to see this medication investigated in later-stage clinical trials to determine whether it improves or maintains memory function in Alzheimer’s.

Dr. Sexton emphasized that more research with varied populations will be required to adequately assess the safety, target engagement, and clinical effect in all populations because the study’s subjects were all white.

“However, given the role of tau in not only Alzheimer’s but other dementias — known as tauopathies these results are a significant development and a further cause for optimism in the field,” she continued.

“The therapeutic study aimed against tau is funded by the Alzheimer’s Association Part the Cloud research grant programme, including a project by Dr. Ross Paterson at University College London. According to Dr. Sexton, the subject of his research is a unique substance that is intended to lessen tau formation in Alzheimer’s patients that is associated to dementia.

REFERENCES:

For Alzheimer’s disease medications that have been suggested by doctors worldwide are available here https://mygenericpharmacy.com/index.php?therapy=31