Here are the top medical news for the day:
Dolo 650: Popular Painkiller or Silent Liver Threat?
Dolo 650, a popular paracetamol brand, is commonly used to treat pain and fever in India. While it’s generally safe when taken properly, overuse, especially without medical guidance, can harm the liver and kidneys. Paracetamol overdose is a leading cause of acute liver failure globally, with major medical journals warning that it accounts for more than half of liver failure cases in some countries.
“If you’ve ever had a fever in India, chances are someone handed you a strip of Dolo 650 without blinking,” says Dr. Naveen Polavarapu, a senior gastroenterologist. Its widespread use, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, has led to growing concerns among doctors about misuse.
Dr. Polavarapu explains, “Paracetamol is processed by the liver. In normal doses, it’s safe. But when taken in excess, it can lead to liver damage as it depletes an enzyme called glutathione, leading to toxic buildup.”
Excessive doses can lead to acute liver failure. “Anything over 8 grams a day—around 15 to 20 tablets of 650 mg is potentially lethal,” he warns. The safe dose for an average adult is 4 grams per day.
“People often take Dolo 650 for pain relief without understanding the risks,” Dr. Polavarapu adds. While fatty liver is indirectly linked to repeated paracetamol use, it’s important to avoid overuse of painkillers like Dolo 650, which can harm the liver over time.
Dr. T. Ravi Raju, a nephrologist, reassures, “Paracetamol doesn’t typically cause kidney damage unless combined with NSAIDs over long periods.”
Experts agree that while Dolo 650 is effective, it should be taken responsibly to avoid serious health risks.
References: Bernal W, Wendon J. Acute liver failure. N Engl J Med. 2013;369:2525–2534. doi: 10.1056/NEJMra1208937. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
Endometriosis Raises Risk of Premature Menopause, Study Finds
A recent study published in Human Reproduction by researchers at the University of Queensland has found that women with endometriosis face an increased risk of premature and early menopause, both naturally and surgically. The international study reveals that women with endometriosis are seven times more likely to experience surgical menopause, where both ovaries are removed, and also have a higher chance of natural menopause occurring before age 40 or between 40-44.
Dr. Hsin-Fang Chung from UQ’s School of Public Health said, “While it's known that endometriosis and its treatments can affect egg quality and quantity, research on its impact on menopause timing has been limited." The study showed that surgical menopause occurred 19 months earlier on average, while natural menopause happened five months earlier for women with endometriosis.
Professor Gita Mishra, senior author of the study, added, “Early and surgical menopause are linked to negative outcomes such as cardiovascular disease and premature death, highlighting the importance of proactive management.”
The study, analyzing data from nearly 280,000 women across Australia, the UK, Sweden, and Japan, is the largest to date on menopause timing in women with endometriosis. Researchers suggest that women with the condition should monitor their health closely for long-term risks and consult their GP regularly.
The findings, part of the InterLACE study, will be presented at the 16th World Congress on Endometriosis in Sydney.
References: Chung, H.-F., et al. (2025). Association between endometriosis and type and age of menopause: a pooled analysis of 279 948 women from five cohort studies. Human Reproduction. doi.org/10.1093/humrep/deaf068.
Researchers Identify Blood Biomarkers Linked to Long COVID Symptoms
A groundbreaking study from Karolinska Institutet, Sweden, and Cardiff University, UK, Published in Nature Immunology has identified specific blood biomarkers associated with Long COVID, particularly severe respiratory disorders. The findings, published in Nature Immunology, could pave the way for new diagnostic tools and targeted therapies for the condition.
"These proteins are linked to inflammatory pathways involved in cell death and lung damage, commonly seen in severe pulmonary disorders," explained Dr. Marcus Buggert, docent at Karolinska Institutet. The researchers discovered that elevated protein levels were mainly found in patients with Long COVID experiencing severe breathlessness, a hallmark symptom.
The study analyzed blood samples from 265 patients who contracted COVID-19 early in the pandemic. Unlike those who had recovered without Long COVID, the affected individuals exhibited a distinct biomarker pattern. The research also utilized advanced techniques, including flow cytometry, to analyze immune responses and protein levels.
"The identification of these biomarkers provides a foundation for developing diagnostic tools and new treatments for Long COVID," Dr. Buggert said.
Future research will focus on understanding the biological processes behind these biomarkers, particularly by examining lung and gastrointestinal tissue, to explore if lingering inflammation or damage is present. The study was funded by several institutions, including the Swedish Research Council and Karolinska Institutet.
References: Gao, Y., et al. (2025). Identification of soluble biomarkers that associate with distinct manifestations of long COVID. Nature Immunology. doi.org/10.1038/s41590-025-02135-5.
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