Medical Bulletin 24/March/2026

Here are the top medical news for today:

Study Finds Lower Protein Intake May Slow Liver Tumor Growth in Damaged Livers

A new study published in Science Advances suggests that reducing dietary protein may slow the progression of Liver Cancer by limiting ammonia buildup, particularly in individuals with impaired liver function. The findings highlight how a normal metabolic byproduct can become a driver of tumor growth under certain conditions.

In a healthy liver, ammonia—produced during protein breakdown—is converted into urea and safely excreted through the Urea Cycle. However, when this process is disrupted, ammonia accumulates in the liver and bloodstream. Researchers led by Wei-Xing Zong at Rutgers University found that this excess ammonia can be repurposed by tumor cells.

Instead of being eliminated, ammonia provides nitrogen that cancer cells use to produce amino acids and nucleotides—key components required for DNA synthesis and rapid cell division. This effectively turns a toxic waste product into fuel for tumor growth.

To test this mechanism, researchers fed mice prone to liver tumors a low-protein diet. Reduced protein intake lowered ammonia production, which significantly slowed tumor growth and improved survival rates across multiple models. Additional experiments confirmed that disabling ammonia-detoxifying enzymes led to increased tumor progression, reinforcing the role of ammonia in cancer development.

Despite these findings, experts caution that protein restriction is not universally recommended, especially for cancer patients who require adequate nutrition to maintain strength and recovery. The results are most relevant for individuals with compromised liver function, such as those with hepatitis or fatty liver disease.

Overall, the study reveals a critical link between ammonia metabolism and cancer progression, opening new avenues for targeted dietary and therapeutic strategies.

REFERENCE: Xinlu Han, Jianliang Shen, Junrong Yan, Rahul Tacke, Weiwei Dai, Qingqing Mao, Heineken Queen Daguplo, Shuyang Liu, Ariful Islam, Tong Liu, Mark C. Koch, Richard Z. Lin, Hong Li, Tracy Anthony, Ping Xie, Lanjing Zhang, Shenglan Gao, M. Celeste Simon, Xin Chen, Jiekun Yang, Xiaoyang Su, Wei-Xing Zong. Impaired nitrogenous waste clearance promotes hepatocellular carcinoma. Science Advances, 2026; 12 (2) DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.aec0766

Balancing Sitting and Movement May Reduce Risk of Hypertensive Disorders in Pregnancy: Study

Preliminary research presented at the American Heart Association EPI|Lifestyle Scientific Sessions 2026 suggests that balancing daily movement and limiting sedentary time during pregnancy may significantly reduce the risk of Hypertensive Disorders of Pregnancy. The findings highlight the importance of overall daily activity patterns rather than just structured exercise.

The study, led by Kara Whitaker from the University of Iowa, analyzed 470 pregnant women from early pregnancy through postpartum. Researchers found that nearly 18.6% developed hypertensive disorders, a major cause of maternal and fetal complications.

Results showed that women who limited sedentary time to under eight hours daily and engaged in at least seven hours of light physical activity—such as walking or standing—had nearly a 30% lower risk of developing high blood pressure–related conditions.

The lowest-risk group followed a daily pattern of approximately six hours of sitting, eight hours of light activity, minimal intense exercise, and adequate rest. This group had an 8% risk compared to 16.9% in those with typical routines.

Importantly, excessive sitting—more than 10 hours per day—or low activity levels increased the risk significantly. These findings suggest that light, consistent movement throughout the day may be more impactful than short bursts of intense exercise alone.

Experts note that high blood pressure during pregnancy is linked to future cardiovascular disease, reinforcing the need for preventive strategies. The study aligns with American Heart Association recommendations encouraging regular movement, healthy diet, and blood pressure monitoring.

Although further research is needed, the findings provide practical, achievable guidance to support healthier pregnancies and long-term heart health.

REFERENCE: More activity and less sitting may reduce risk of hypertensive disorders in pregnancy; American Heart Association’s EPI|Lifestyle Scientific Sessions 2026; American Heart Association; https://newsroom.heart.org/news/more-activity-and-less-sitting-may-reduce-risk-of-hypertensive-disorders-in-pregnancy

Study Finds Age-Related Loss of Y Chromosome in Men May Increase Mortality Risk

Recent research shows that age-related loss of the Y Chromosome in men may have significant health consequences, challenging earlier beliefs that it had limited importance beyond male development. This phenomenon, known as mosaic loss of Y, becomes increasingly common with age, affecting nearly 40% of men in their 60s and over half by age 90.

Rather than occurring in all cells, the loss creates a mix of normal and Y-deficient cells. Once the chromosome is lost in a cell, all subsequent copies lack it. Studies suggest these altered cells may proliferate faster, potentially contributing to tissue changes and disease progression.

Growing evidence links Y chromosome loss to serious conditions, including Cardiovascular Disease, Alzheimer’s Disease, and various cancers. Men with higher levels of Y-deficient cells show increased risks of heart attacks, neurodegeneration, and poorer cancer outcomes. It has also been associated with worse outcomes in COVID-19.

The underlying mechanisms may involve disrupted gene regulation. Although the Y chromosome contains relatively few genes, some act as tumor suppressors or regulate immune and cellular functions. Losing these genes may impair normal biological processes, including inflammation control and tissue repair.

Environmental factors such as smoking and exposure to toxins can accelerate Y chromosome loss, while genetic predisposition also plays a role. Experimental studies further suggest a causal link, with Y-deficient cells contributing to heart dysfunction and disease progression.

Overall, the findings indicate that the Y chromosome plays a broader role in maintaining health than previously thought. Understanding its loss could open new avenues for disease prediction, prevention, and targeted therapies in aging men.

REFERENCE: The Conversation. "Men are losing a key chromosome with age and it may be deadly." ScienceDaily. ScienceDaily, 20 March 2026. .