Medical Bulletin 10/October/2023

Here are the top medical news of the day:

Green tea and black tea effective against Omicron variants of the COVID-19 virus: study

In a recent study published in Scientific Reports, it was revealed that green tea, Matcha, and black tea were effective in inactivating Omicron subvariants. The findings build upon previous research demonstrating the efficacy of these compounds in inactivating conventional SARS-CoV-2 by binding to the receptor binding domain (RBD) of the S-protein.

(−)-epigallocatechin gallate or EGCG and theaflavin-3,3’-di-O-digallat or TFDG, which are tea catechins exhibited strong inhibitory effects on the BA.1 and XE subvariants, while their impact on BA.2.75 was comparatively weaker. Further investigation through a neutralization assay unveiled that EGCG and TFDG hindered the interaction between the BA.1 receptor binding domain and ACE2, a crucial receptor for viral entry.

Reference: Shin-Ya, M., Nakashio, M., Ohgitani, E. et al. Effects of tea, catechins and catechin derivatives on Omicron subvariants of SARS-CoV-2. Sci Rep 13, 16577 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-023-43563-3

Can surgery enhance survival rates in metastatic breast cancer?

A recent review published in The Oncologist showed that surgery of the primary breast tumor in patients with de novo metastatic breast cancer does not significantly prolong overall survival, except for potential benefits in younger/premenopausal individuals, highlighting the need for further clinical trials to guide decision-making.

The research team meticulously analyzed data from multiple sources, including the Cochrane Library, Embase, Medline (OVID), and Web of Science, with the latest update in July 2023. They also manually searched conference proceedings for relevant information.Can surgery enhance survival rates in metastatic breast cancer?

Reference: Guillermo Villacampa, Andri Papakonstantinou, Irma Fredriksson, Alexios Matikas, Impact of Primary Breast Surgery on Overall Survival of Patients With De Novo Metastatic Breast Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis, The Oncologist, 2023, oyad266, https://doi.org/10.1093/oncolo/oyad266

COVID-19 linked to increased risk of autoimmune and autoinflammatory disorders, study shows

A recent study published in JAMA Netw Open has shown that COVID-19 is associated with a heightened risk of autoimmune and autoinflammatory connective tissue disorders, suggesting the importance of evaluating such conditions in long-term COVID-19 management. The study, which utilized nationwide data, aimed to quantify the occurrences of these disorders after COVID-19 infections.

The research spanned from October 8, 2020, to December 31, 2021, using data from the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency COVID-19 National Health Insurance Service cohort.

Reference: Lim SH, Ju HJ, Han JH, et al. Autoimmune and Autoinflammatory Connective Tissue Disorders Following COVID-19. JAMA Netw Open. 2023;6(10):e2336120. doi:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2023.36120