Medical Bulletin 01/September/2025

Eating late at night and skipping breakfast disrupt the body’s natural metabolic rhythms, which can negatively affect bone metabolism and overall health. These habits may lead to poorer nutrient absorption and increased inflammation, both of which are harmful to bone strength and density.

Researchers analyzed a large cohort of 927,130 adults from a Japanese health claims database, consisting of 45.3% males and 54.7% females. They examined the association between various lifestyle factors—such as smoking, alcohol consumption, physical inactivity, insufficient sleep, and eating habits—and the diagnosis of osteoporotic fractures in the hip, forearm, vertebra, and humerus.

The findings revealed that individuals with unhealthy habits, including skipping breakfast and having late dinners, were more likely to be diagnosed with osteoporosis. These eating behaviors were also linked with other risk factors, such as lack of exercise, smoking, and poor sleep.

Dr. Nakajima explained, “Preventing osteoporosis and fractures requires not only healthy eating habits but a broader effort to improve overall lifestyle behaviors.” The study highlights the importance of considering diet timing alongside other lifestyle factors in osteoporosis prevention strategies.

This research adds new insights into how dietary patterns intersect with osteoporotic risk, emphasizing the need for holistic health approaches beyond traditional factors like exercise and smoking cessation. Maintaining regular meal times along with a balanced lifestyle could reduce the likelihood of developing osteoporosis and associated fractures.

Reference: Nakajima, H., et al. (2025) Dietary Habits and Osteoporotic Fracture Risk: Retrospective Cohort Study Using Large-Scale Claims Data. Journal of the Endocrine Society. doi.org/10.1210/jendso/bvaf127

Tiny Gold Nanoparticles Show Promise For Early Parkinson’s Disease Detection: Study

A recent study published in the Nanoscale journal (Royal Society of Chemistry) reveals a promising nanotechnology-based tool for the early detection of Parkinson’s Disease (PD), led by Dr. Sharmistha Sinha at the Institute of Nano Science and Technology (INST), Mohali.

Parkinson’s, one of the fastest-growing neurological disorders globally, is projected to affect a growing number of people in India due to an aging population, creating a heavy burden on healthcare systems. Early diagnosis remains a challenge, as most cases are identified only after significant brain damage has occurred.

The research focused on detecting harmful changes in a protein called α-synuclein, known to be linked with PD. This protein transforms from a harmless form to toxic aggregates that damage brain cells. The team developed gold nanoclusters (AuNCs)—tiny, glowing particles only a few nanometers wide—coated with amino acids to selectively bind either the normal or toxic protein forms. Proline-coated clusters bound to the normal protein, while histidine-coated clusters attached to the toxic aggregates, enabling clear differentiation.

The scientists engineered and purified both normal and mutant forms of α-synuclein, then characterized the nanoclusters using advanced techniques such as UV-Vis spectroscopy, electron microscopy, and electrochemical methods. They tested the biosensor’s effectiveness in human neuroblastoma cells to confirm its safety and function in biological conditions.

Dr. Sinha emphasized that this label-free, cost-effective, and clinically adaptable platform could enable point-of-care diagnostics for PD, allowing early intervention and improved patient outcomes. The approach may extend to detecting other protein-misfolding diseases like Alzheimer’s, potentially transforming neurological disease management worldwide. This collaborative effort highlights how innovative nanotechnology can revolutionize early disease detection.

Reference: Harpreet Kaur, Arpit Tyagi, Ishani Sharma, Deepak Sharma, Sharmistha Sinha; Differentiating α-synuclein aggregates using charge-sensitive gold nanoclusters; Nanoscale -Royal Society of Chemistry; https://doi.org/10.1039/D5NR00887E

Depression And Schizophrenia Double Heart Disease And Mortality Risks: Lancet Report

A recent report published in The Lancet Regional Health-Europe and led by Professor Viola Vaccarino at Emory University has revealed a significant link between mental health conditions and cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk worldwide. The study highlights that disorders such as schizophrenia, depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can increase the risk of developing heart disease by nearly 50 to 100 percent.

Cardiovascular diseases continue to be the leading global cause of death, responsible for 17.9 million deaths annually, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Mental health disorders, meanwhile, affect roughly 13.9% of the global population as of 2021. This overlap calls for an integrated healthcare approach combining behavioral, mental, and cardiovascular health.

Researchers analyzed a broad range of mental health conditions and their impact on heart disease outcomes. Schizophrenia was found to raise the risk of cardiovascular disease by almost 100%, followed by major depression (72%), phobic anxiety (70%), bipolar disorder (61%), PTSD (57%), and panic disorder (50%). Moreover, these conditions were associated with poorer prognosis, increased hospital readmissions, and significantly higher mortality among patients with existing heart conditions. For instance, major depression more than doubles the mortality rate for those already diagnosed with CVD.

The study further emphasized a bidirectional relationship, with over 40% of individuals diagnosed with cardiovascular disease also having a mental health condition. According to Professor Vaccarino, mental health conditions often create barriers to effective healthcare—including affordability,

Professor Vaccarino advocates for a multidisciplinary clinical team involving specialists, social workers, and nursing staff to provide collaborative care and resources. Such an approach is vital to closing the health disparity gap and upholding the rights of those living with mental health conditions to achieve better cardiovascular and overall health.

Reference: Viola Vaccarino, Eva Prescott, Amit J. Shah, J. Douglas Bremner, Paolo Raggi, Olivija Dobiliene, Chris P. Gale, Raffaele Bugiardini; Mental health disorders and their impact on cardiovascular health disparities; The Lancet Regional Health – Europe; Volume 56, 2025, 101373; https://doi.org/10.1016/j.lanepe.2025.101373.