Medical Bulletin 09/October/2023

Here are the top medical news of the day:

Enhanced Deep Sleep May Boost Heart Health, Research Shows

Recent research conducted by ETH Zurich and the University of Zurich reveals that deep sleep, in particular, holds immense benefits for the cardiovascular system. The study, led by sleep expert Caroline Lustenberger and heart specialist Christian Schmied, demonstrates that targeted stimulation with brief tones during deep sleep can lead to more vigorous contractions and relaxations of the heart's left ventricle.

This effect results in improved blood pumping efficiency, enhancing the flow of oxygen-rich arterial blood to most organs, extremities, and the brain. The left ventricle functions as a crucial component of the cardiovascular system, supplying oxygenated blood to various parts of the body. When it contracts, it effectively wrings out the blood, increasing circulation and positively affecting heart health.

Reference: Auditory stimulation of sleep slow waves enhances left ventricular function in humans, European Heart Journal, DOI 10.1093/eurheartj/ehad630

Grapes: A tasty solution for preserving eye health in aging adults

A recent groundbreaking study has highlighted the remarkable potential of grapes in enhancing eye health, particularly in older adults. Published in the scientific journal Food & Function, this research is the first human study of its kind, shedding light on the benefits of regular grape consumption in safeguarding eye health.

As the global population ages, the risk of eye diseases and vision problems increases substantially. Two key risk factors for eye diseases are oxidative stress and high levels of ocular advanced glycation end products (AGEs). AGEs have been linked to various eye diseases, contributing to damage within the retinal vascular components, cellular dysfunction, and oxidative stress. The good news is that dietary antioxidants can counteract oxidative stress and inhibit AGE formation, potentially benefiting the retina, including improving Macular Pigment Optical Density (MPOD).

Reference: Impacts of regular consumption of grapes on macular pigment accumulation in Singapore older adults: a randomized, controlled trial, Food & Function, DOI 10.1039/d3fo02105j 

Low muscle mass doubles cardiovascular death risk in individuals with diabetes, new research reveals

Recent findings presented at the Annual Meeting of the European Association for the Study of Diabetes (EASD) in Hamburg, Germany, have illuminated a significant connection between low muscle mass and a doubled risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality in individuals with diabetes. Remarkably, this association remains independent of factors such as frailty, glycemic control, and microvascular complications, including retinopathy and nephropathy.

For the study, the researchers analyzed data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) involving 1,514 adults with diabetes in the US.The study followed these participants for an average of 9.3 years, during which 413 deaths occurred (106 in the low muscle mass group and 307 in the normal muscle mass group). Of these deaths, 147 were due to CVD (42 in the low muscle mass group and 105 in the normal muscle mass group).

Reference: Diabetologia

Meeting: Annual Meeting of The European Association For The Study Of Diabetes (EASD)

Running as good as antidepressants for mental health benefits, and a winner in physical health

A recent study comparing the effects of running exercises and antidepressants for the treatment of anxiety, depression, and overall health reveals that both approaches yield similar benefits for mental health. However, a 16-week running regimen outperforms antidepressants in terms of improving physical health, while the medication group experiences a slight decline in physical condition.

The study involved 141 patients grappling with depression and/or anxiety, who were offered the choice between a 16-week course of SSRI antidepressants or group-based running therapy. Of these, 45 individuals opted for antidepressants, while 96 chose running.

Reference: European College of Neuropsychopharmacology

Meeting: 36th European College of Neuropsychopharmacology (ECNP) conference