Medical Bulletin 04 January/ 2025

Here are the top medical news for the day

Understanding Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy: Study Unveils Critical Protein Interactions

A new study has shed light on the complex interactions between dystrophin, a protein critical to muscle stability, and its partner protein, dystrobrevin, offering new pathways for understanding and treating Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD).

Published in the December issue of the Journal of Biological Chemistry, researchers characterize the mysterious C-terminal (CT) domain of dystrophin and its role in stabilizing cellular membranes across various tissues.

DMD, a severe genetic disorder that causes muscle weakness and shortens lifespans, arises from mutations in the gene encoding dystrophin.

While current treatments can extend patients' lifespans, their high cost and limited efficacy underscore the urgent need for broader therapeutic approaches.

The study reveals that dystrophin's C-terminal domain interacts differently with the two major dystrobrevin isoforms, which bind to dystrophin.

Variations in the amino acid composition of dystrobrevin proteins drive differences in binding affinity and interaction modes, influencing the stability of the dystrophin-associated protein complex across tissues, a key indication of DMD.

These findings offer a molecular explanation for the wide-ranging symptoms experienced by DMD patients, which extend beyond skeletal muscles to affect organs such as the heart and brain.

Reference: https://news.cuanschutz.edu/news-stories/new-study-uncovers-key-insights-into-protein-interactions-in-duchenne-muscular-dystrophy-paving-way-for-more-targeted-therapies

Standards of Care in Diabetes 2025: American Diabetes Association

Notable updates to the Standards of Care in Diabetes-2025 include:

• Consideration of continuous glucose monitor (CGM) use for adults with type 2 diabetes on glucose-lowering agents other than insulin.

• Guidance on actions to take during circumstances of medication unavailability, such as medication shortages. 

• Additional guidance on the use of GLP-1 receptor agonists beyond weight loss for heart and kidney health benefits.

• Guidance on continuation of weight management pharmacotherapy beyond reaching weight loss goals.

• Guidance for treatment of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) with moderate or advanced liver fibrosis using a thyroid hormone receptor-beta agonist.

• Emphasis on the use of antibody-based screening for presymptomatic type 1 diabetes in those who have a family history or known genetic risk.

• Guidance on the use of recreational cannabis for type 1 diabetes and those with other forms of diabetes at risk for diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA).

• Key updates highlighting potentially harmful medications in pregnancy and guidance for appropriately modifying the care plan.

• Expanded nutrition guidance to encourage evidence-based eating patterns, including those incorporating plant-based proteins and fiber, that keep nutrient quality, total calories, and metabolic goals in mind.

Reference: https://diabetes.org/newsroom/press-releases/american-diabetes-association-releases-standards-care-diabetes-2025#:~:text=Notable%20updates%20to%20the%20Standards,unavailability%2C%20such%20as%20medication%20shortages.

Can Breastfeeding for One Year Reduce Risk of Respiratory Tract Infection in Infants?

A new study published in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that infants aged 12 to 24 months had a significantly lower incidence of respiratory tract infections (RTIs) and associated hospitalizations when exclusively breastfed for 6 months and then continued to be breastfed for at least a year.

To investigate the relationship between nursing behaviors during the first year of life and subsequent baby respiratory tract infections, Weiming Wang and her colleagues carried out this study.

The Tongji Maternal and Child Health Cohort research included a secondary analysis. The data on breastfeeding was gathered at 3, 6, and 12 months of age. Hospitalization for respiratory tract infection during 12 to 24 months and pediatrician-diagnosed baby respiratory tract infection were collected 24 months after delivery.

A total of 13% of the 5242 babies in the study were breastfed exclusively for 6 months and for at least a year (F6-L). Formula-fed (FF) infants expressed a greater incidence of respiratory tract infection, including upper respiratory tract infection and lower respiratory tract infections when compared to infants in the F6-L group.

Overall, a decreased incidence of recurrent baby respiratory tract infections and hospitalization from respiratory tract infections was linked to full breastfeeding for 6 months and maintained nursing for at least a year.

Reference: Wang, W., Tu, M., Huang, L., Zhang, X., Chen, X., Lin, L., Yang, X., Hao, L., & Yang, N. (2024). Association of breastfeeding practices during the first 12 months and subsequent infant respiratory tract infections: a prospective cohort study. In European Journal of Clinical Nutrition. Springer Science and Business Media LLC. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41430-024-01558-x