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Comment by Dr. Krishna Kumari Challa on August 30, 2024 at 10:11am

Women with endometriosis at greater associated risk of heart attack and stroke, research finds

According to research presented at ESC Congress 2024, women with endometriosis have a 20% greater risk of significant cardiac outcomes compared with women without endometriosis.

The study used Danish nationwide registries of all women with a diagnosis of endometriosis between 1977 and 2021. They were matched with women from the background population without endometriosis in a 1:4 ratio based on year of birth. The primary outcome was a composite of acute myocardial infarction and ischemic stroke. The secondary outcomes were the individual components of the primary outcome, as well as arrhythmias, heart failure and mortality.

There were 60,508 women with endometriosis and 242,032 matched controls included in the analysis (median age, 37.3 years) who were followed for a median of 16 years and a maximum of 45 years.

Women with endometriosis had around a 20% increased risk of the composite endpoint of acute myocardial infarction and ischemic stroke compared with those without endometriosis (unadjusted hazard ratio [HR] 1.18; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.14−1.23; adjusted HR 1.15; 95% CI 1.11−1.20). The 40-year cumulative incidence of the composite of acute myocardial infarction and ischemic stroke was 17.5% (95% CI 16.6−18.2%) and 15.3% (95% CI 15.0−15.7%) in women with and without endometriosis, respectively (p<0.0001).

When this was broken down to the individual components, women with endometriosis had around a 20% increased risk of ischemic stroke (adjusted HR 1.18; 95% CI 1.12−1.23) and around 35% increased risk of acute myocardial infarction (adjusted HR 1.35; 95% CI 1.31−1.40) compared with those without endometriosis. Moreover, women with endometriosis also had increased risk of arrhythmias (adjusted HR 1.21; 95% CI 1.17−1.25) and heart failure (adjusted HR 1.11; 95% CI 1.05−1.18) compared with those without endometriosis.

Growing evidence suggests there is a close relationship between endometriosis and the cardiovascular system and that they may share common disease pathways. 

Researchers suggest that women with endometriosis undergo CVD risk assessment, and it is now time for female-specific risk factors—such as endometriosis, but also gestational diabetes and pre-eclampsia—to be considered in cardiovascular risk prediction models. 

Havers-Borgersen, E. Endometriosis, a prevalent disease, is associated with significant cardiac disease, esc365.escardio.org/ESC-Congress/sessions/11951

Comment by Dr. Krishna Kumari Challa on August 30, 2024 at 10:04am

Scientists discover how the body's killer cells attack cancer

Scientists are on the verge of a cancer breakthrough after working out how the body's immune system targets cells devastated by the disease.

A new study has discovered that our natural killer cells, from the immune system which protect against disease and infections, instinctively recognize and attack a protein that drives cancer growth. The experts say that by hijacking this protein, known as XPO1, they may be able to activate more killer cells to destroy the disease.

These findings actually show how our body's immune system recognizes and attacks these cancer cells.

Killer cells are an emerging form of immunotherapy that shows huge promise. They don't attack healthy tissue in the way chemotherapy and other immunotherapies do, so are safer and have less side-effects than traditional forms of cancer treatment.

The XPO1 protein examined by the scientists is essential for normal cell function. However, in many cancers, it becomes overactive and allows malignant cells to multiply unchecked. The scientists found that a peptide—short chains of amino acids—derived from the XPO1 protein attracted the natural killer cells. This, they say, triggers the body's immune response against the cancerous cells.

Patients with cancer who had both active killer cells and high levels of XPO1 had significantly better survival rates. This holds true for a range of cancers including those with higher rates of death such as liver cancer, which has an average survival rate of only 18 months. As well as liver cancer, killer cell treatment in the future could be used to treat head and neck cancers, endometrial, bladder or breast cancer.

Matthew D. Blunt et al, The nuclear export protein XPO1 provides a peptide ligand for natural killer cells, Science Advances (2024). DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.ado6566

Comment by Dr. Krishna Kumari Challa on August 30, 2024 at 9:41am

How star fish perform Autotomy - the ability of an animal to detach a body part to evade predators.

Researchers have made a discovery about how starfish manage to survive predatory attacks by shedding their own limbs. The team has identified a neurohormone responsible for triggering this remarkable feat of self-preservation. The study is published in the journal Current Biology.

Autotomy, the ability of an animal to detach a body part to evade predators, is a well-known survival strategy in the animal kingdom. While lizards shedding their tails are a familiar example, the mechanisms behind this process remain largely mysterious.

Now, scientists have unveiled a key piece of the puzzle. By studying the common European starfish, Asterias rubens, they identified a neurohormone akin to the human satiety hormone, cholecystokinin (CCK), as a regulator of arm detachment.

Furthermore, the scientists propose that when this neurohormone is released in response to stress, such as a predator attack, it stimulates the contraction of a specialized muscle at the base of the starfish's arm, effectively causing it to break off.

Remarkably, starfish possess incredible regenerative abilities, allowing them to grow back lost limbs over time. Understanding the precise mechanisms behind this process could hold significant implications for regenerative medicine and the development of new treatments for limb injuries.

Discovery of a neuropeptide that acts as an autotomy-promoting factor, Current Biology (2024). DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2024.08.003. www.cell.com/current-biology/f … 0960-9822(24)01079-0

Comment by Dr. Krishna Kumari Challa on August 30, 2024 at 9:32am

Nanoplastics put stress on trees and impair photosynthesis

It is well known that more and more plastic waste is ending up in soil and bodies of water. Researchers are particularly concerned about tiny micro- and nano-sized particles. It remains unclear how and to what extent they are able to enter living organisms—and what effect they may have on metabolism.

Researchers now been able to show how trees take up nanoplastics contained in water through their roots. They have demonstrated for the first time that this has a negative effect on photosynthesis. 

The team then added different concentrations of model metal-doped nanoplastics to the water and analyzed the content of plastic particles in different parts of the trees at varying intervals. They also determined photosynthesis activity throughout the study, which has now been published in Environmental Science: Nano.

Within just a few weeks, the researchers were able to detect 1 to 2 milligrams of nanoplastics per gram of plant material in the roots. The plastic content was around 10 to 100 times lower in the trunks, leaves and needles.

There were no significant differences between the two tree species.

The researchers also succeeded in proving that nanoplastics in the leaves and needles can affect important physiological processes. Their measurements showed that the effectiveness of photosynthesis in the wild service tree decreased by a third within two weeks, and in the Norway spruce by about 10% within four weeks—in each case they were compared with trees growing in water without the addition of nanoplastics.

The result indicated that some of the energy from sunlight is no longer used for photosynthesis, but is instead dissipated as heat. This is a typical stress reaction in trees.

Maria Elvira Murazzi et al, Uptake and physiological impacts of nanoplastics in trees with divergent water use strategies, Environmental Science: Nano (2024). DOI: 10.1039/D4EN00286E

Comment by Dr. Krishna Kumari Challa on August 30, 2024 at 9:28am

Fluid 'stickiness' in female reproductive tract could influence fertility

In a study providing important new insights into the development of the female reproductive tract and fertility, researchers have revealed how the thickness of fluid surrounding the egg can impact the cellular structure of the fallopian tube and how well the egg or embryo travels along it.

Published in Nature Communications, the Monash University study sheds light on how variations in the "stickiness" or viscosity of the fluid in the female reproductive tract influence how cells are modified to facilitate the transport of eggs for fertilization.

This study highlights the potential for new treatments that could mimic or modify the natural stickiness of fluids in the reproductive system, offering hope for advancements in fertility therapies.

When the fluid is thicker, the extra resistance causes the cells to change their behavior. Some cells start growing tiny hair-like structures called cilia, which help move things like eggs along the reproductive tract. The thicker the fluid, the more cilia these cells produce, and the more coordinated their movements become. This coordinated beating pattern can facilitate the formation of metachronal waves, essential for the transport of eggs and embryos.

The findings suggest that the natural stickiness of fluid in our bodies could play a key role in processes like fertilization.

The study suggests that the elevated viscosity at certain stages of the menstrual cycle could be a natural mechanism to enhance the formation and coordination of cilia, thus facilitating fertilization. This important aspect of natural fertilization and the role of higher viscosity fluid in the reproductive tract may need more careful evaluation as part of infertility diagnosis and assisted reproduction practices.

It provides insights into how the viscosity (thickness, stickiness) of extracellular fluid influences the behavior of epithelial cells lining the fallopian tubes and could be key to understanding and potentially treating fertility issues.

Melati S. Abdul Halim et al, Fallopian tube rheology regulates epithelial cell differentiation and function to enhance cilia formation and coordination, Nature Communications (2024). DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-51481-9

Comment by Dr. Krishna Kumari Challa on August 30, 2024 at 8:45am

Researchers map 50,000 of DNA's mysterious 'knots' in the human genome

Researchers have mapped 50,000 of DNA's mysterious "knots" in the human genome. The innovative study of DNA's hidden structures may open up new approaches for treatment and diagnosis of diseases, including cancer.

DNA is well-known for its double helix shape. But the human genome also contains more than 50,000 unusual knot-like DNA structures called i-motifs, researchers  have discovered.

Published recently in The EMBO Journal is the first comprehensive map of these unique DNA structures, shedding light on their potential roles in gene regulation involved in disease.

In a landmark 2018 study, the same  scientists were the first to directly visualize i-motifs inside living human cells using a new antibody tool they developed to recognize and attach to i-motifs. The current research builds on those findings by deploying this antibody to identify i-motif locations across the entire genome.

In this recent study, they mapped more than 50,000 i-motif sites in the human genome that occur in all three of the cell types they examined.

That's a remarkably high number for a DNA structure whose existence in cells was once considered controversial. These findings confirm that i-motifs are not just laboratory curiosities but widespread—and likely to play key roles in genomic function.

I-motifs are DNA structures that differ from the iconic double helix shape. They form when stretches of cytosine letters on the same DNA strand pair with each other, creating a four-stranded, twisted structure protruding from the double helix.

The researchers found that i-motifs are not randomly scattered but concentrated in key functional areas of the genome, including regions that control gene activity.

They discovered that i-motifs are associated with genes that are highly active during specific times in the cell cycle. This suggests they play a dynamic role in regulating gene activity.

They  also found that i-motifs form in the promoter region of oncogenes, for instance the MYC oncogene, which encodes one of cancer's most notorious 'undruggable' targets. This presents an exciting opportunity to target disease-linked genes through the i-motif structure.

The widespread presence of i-motifs near these 'holy grail' sequences involved in hard-to-treat cancers opens up new possibilities for new diagnostic and therapeutic approaches. It might be possible to design drugs that target i-motifs to influence gene expression, which could expand current treatment options.

Human genomic DNA is widely interspersed with i-motif structures, The EMBO Journal (2024). DOI: 10.1038/s44318-024-00210-5

Comment by Dr. Krishna Kumari Challa on August 29, 2024 at 11:06am

"There is weaker evidence for castor oil improving hair quality by increasing hair luster, and no strong evidence supporting its use for hair growth. Argan oil, or Moroccan oil, also does not have any significant evidence to improve hair growth or quality."

These oils might help with overall scalp health but are not substitutes for proven treatments prescribed by dermatologists.

Hair loss treatment is dictated by the type of hair loss. For the most common type of hair loss, pattern alopecia, or androgenetic alopecia, minoxidil is an over-the-counter topical treatment approved by the FDA for hair regrowth for both men and women. Platelet-rich-plasma can also be performed by dermatologists, which can help in certain hair-loss diseases. Hair transplants are a surgical option for more permanent results.

"Eating a balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals is essential for hair health.
Practicing stress-reducing activities such as meditation and regular physical activity, as well as getting enough sleep are all important for a healthy scalp. Other important points are avoiding tight hairstyles, and harsh chemicals and treatments that can damage the hair and minimizing the use of heat styling tools like blow dryers, curling irons and straighteners.
Claim: Botox now means younger looking skin later
Botox is a type of neuromodulator that can prevent the formation of wrinkles that form from facial movements by temporarily paralyzing the muscles responsible for these movements. Starting Botox in your 20s might be a preventive measure to reduce the appearance of fine lines later in life; however, it's important to consider the cost, potential side effects and the fact that it's not a permanent solution.

Regular injections will be needed, and the long-term effects of early use are still being studied. Other non-cosmetic uses for Botox can be to treat medical conditions such as chronic migraines or excessive sweating.

Social media trends are endless. The key to healthy skin is consistency, simplicity and working with a dermatologist who can provide expert advice that is specific for your skin needs.

Social media provides immediate access to information and often features visually engaging content. People are drawn to it because it offers convenience and relatability. Navigating social media advice with a critical eye and a focus on evidence-based practices will help you make better-informed decisions about your skin, nail and hair care. Visiting a dermatologist will allow for a proper consultation for skin conditions.
Source: Baylor College of Medicine

Part3

Comment by Dr. Krishna Kumari Challa on August 29, 2024 at 11:03am

Claim: Darker skin means no sunburn
While melanin, the pigment that gives skin its color, provides some natural protection against harmful rays, it is not a complete barrier against UV damage. Populations with darker skin can and do get sunburned, though it may take longer exposure to the sun compared to those with lighter skin. Although sunburn on darker skin might not always be as visibly red, a person will still experience pain and peeling. If left unprotected, people with darker skin will still experience premature aging, sunburn and an increased risk of skin cancer.

Claim: Toothpaste clears up acne
It is suggested that toothpaste can dry up pimples and other acne spots and make them disappear; however, it is not a recommended or effective treatment. Different toothpastes contain different types of ingredients that can irritate the skin, cause dryness and potentially make acne worse. But sticking to over-the-counter treatments that contain acne-fighting ingredients such as benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid that are safer and more effective.
Claim: Hair loss can be stopped or restored with different naturally occurring oils
Hair loss can be caused by numerous diseases, which is why it is important to see a dermatologist to uncover what it may be. There is anecdotal support that some oils can help with hair health, but there's limited scientific evidence backing their effectiveness for significant hair regrowth.
In one study, rosemary oil was shown to be effective in promoting hair growth after six months of use, and there are studies showing coconut oil can improve brittle hair, but there is limited evidence regarding its impact on hair growth.
Part2

Comment by Dr. Krishna Kumari Challa on August 29, 2024 at 11:01am

Social media skin tips debunked

With an endless feed of influencers, doctors and everyday people giving skincare advice, it can be difficult to separate fact from fiction. Dermatologists now are breaking down some of the most prominent social media skincare claims that can be simply ineffective or even dangerous.

Social media often encourages short, catchy tips rather than comprehensive, personalized advice. Even if an account is run by a board-certified dermatologist, social media advice can sometimes be overly simplified or generalized. Individual skin needs and conditions vary greatly, and what works for one person might not be suitable for another, say these experts.

Claim 1:  All adolescents need a product-intensive skincare regimen

With social media accessible to all ages, it is easy to find social media content directed at children and teens that make it seem like an intensive skin regimen is necessary for kids. However, using anti-aging products at a young age might be unnecessary and could potentially irritate kids' skin. Younger skin typically does not require advanced treatments, and overuse of certain products can disrupt its natural balance.

Children may benefit from using products formulated for sensitive skin, which are free from harsh chemicals and fragrances, and some children may require products specifically designed to address acne.

A recommended skincare routine is the same as one for most adults—a gentle cleanser to remove dirt and oil followed by a non-comedogenic moisturizer to keep the skin hydrated and finished with a daily use of sunscreen to protect from ultraviolet (UV) damage.

Claim: You can skip sunscreen

Baylor dermatologists stress that skipping sunscreen is not advisable. Sunscreens are defined by whether they have physical or chemical agents to protect against UV rays, which can lead to skin cancer.

Physical sunscreens, either zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, act as a physical barrier that reflects and scatters UV rays away from the skin, while chemical sunscreens contain carbon-based compounds such as avobenzone, oxybenzone, octocrylene, octinoxate and others to absorb UV rays and convert them into heat, which is then released from the skin.

Some patients may have sensitive skin that could be agitated by certain sunscreens or reservations about the effects of chemical sunscreen on the skin; however, Visiting a board-certified dermatologist will help patients find the right sunscreen and answer questions patients may have about sunscreens.

Part1

Comment by Dr. Krishna Kumari Challa on August 29, 2024 at 10:53am

Women with higher levels of educational attainment tend to move delivery up in order to avoid the holiday, she explained, adding that this decision, which prioritizes the convenience of both mother and obstetrician, artificially shortens the pregnancy and may put the baby at risk.

Although the study focused on the Carnival period, Melo believes the tendency to opt for an earlier delivery is general and not confined to holidays.

The WHO recommends at least 39 weeks for a healthy pregnancy.

The authors of the article stress the need for public policy to limit preterm deliveries without medical justification in order to minimize the risks associated with premature birth and low birth weight.

Footnotes: 

1. https://www.newindianexpress.com/hyderabad/2017/Feb/11/c-sections-f...(measure%20of%20time).

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Carolina Melo et al, The effect of birth timing manipulation around carnival on birth indicators in Brazil, Health Economics (2024). DOI: 10.1002/hec.4858

Part 2

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