Medical Bulletin 27/ August/ 2024
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Here are the top medical news for the day:
Protective Effect of Multiple Sclerosis Against Alzheimer’s Disease
The study published in the Annals of Neurology suggests that individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS) are significantly less likely to exhibit the molecular characteristics associated with Alzheimer’s disease compared to those without multiple sclerosis.
This finding opens up a new research path for exploring potential treatments for Alzheimer's disease. Researchers, through decades of treating patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) an immune-mediated disorder that affects the central nervous system discovered that despite their patients living long enough to be at risk for Alzheimer’s disease or having a family history of the neurodegenerative condition, they were not developing it.
Researchers enlisted 100 patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) to undergo a blood test, with 11 of these patients also receiving PET scans.
The findings from these multiple sclerosis patients were compared to those from a control group of 300 individuals without multiple sclerosis but similar in age, genetic risk for Alzheimer’s, and cognitive decline. The study revealed that the rate of amyloid pathology was 50% lower in the multiple sclerosis patients compared to their matched counterparts, according to the blood test results.
The connection between amyloid accumulation and the cognitive decline characteristic of Alzheimer’s disease remains unclear, though the buildup of plaques is generally considered an early event in the biological process leading to cognitive impairment.
Additionally, the researchers discovered that patients with a more typical MS history—considering factors like age of onset, severity, and overall disease progression—were less likely to have amyloid plaque buildup in their brains compared to those with atypical MS presentations. This finding suggests that certain aspects of the MS condition itself may offer some protection against Alzheimer's disease.
Reference: Brier, M. R., Schindler, S. E., Salter, A., Perantie, D., Shelley, N., Judge, B., Keefe, S., Kirmess, K. M., Verghese, P. B., Yarasheski, K. E., Venkatesh, V., Raji, C. A., Gordon, B. A., Bateman, R. J., Morris, J. C., Naismith, R. T., Holtzman, D. M., Benzinger, T. L. S., & Cross, A. H. (2024). Unexpected low rate of amyloid-β pathology in multiple sclerosis patients. Annals of Neurology. https://doi.org/10.1002/ana.27027
Role of Noncoding RNAs in Prostate Cancer Detection
A recent in-depth review published in Cyborg Bionic Systems outlines major advancements in the identification and use of biomarkers for prostate cancer (PCa).
This crucial insight is essential because prostate cancer is one of the most prevalent cancers among men worldwide, highlighting the pressing need for effective diagnostic and treatment approaches.
Prostate cancer is marked by numerous molecular abnormalities that make early detection and treatment challenging. The review explores different biomarkers, including molecular, cellular, and exosomal types, and highlights their potential to transform the diagnosis and management of prostate cancer.
A key focus of the review is the examination of gene fusions such as TMPRSS2-ERG, which are commonly found in prostate cancer and are crucial for diagnosis. Additionally, noncoding RNAs like SNHG12 and proteins such as PSA and PSMA show considerable promise in detecting the disease, understanding its progression, and guiding treatment.
The review also highlights the increasing importance of integrating multi-omics data and artificial intelligence in prostate cancer research. These technologies play a significant role in discovering new biomarkers and improving personalized medicine. For example, AI and genomics are enhancing the ability to predict disease outcomes and tailor treatment plans, marking a shift towards more accurate and individualized cancer care.
Additionally, the review highlights significant progress in developing specialized probes for biomarker detection. It discusses advancements in fluorescent, electrochemical, and radionuclide probes that improve the sensitivity and specificity of diagnostic methods.
The review further explores the potential impact of these discoveries on the future of prostate cancer treatment. With these new biomarkers and technological innovations, there is a promising avenue for more targeted therapies, which could result in improved patient outcomes and less invasive treatment.
Reference: Li, K., Wang, Q., Tang, X., Akakuru, O. U., Li, R., Wang, Y., Zhang, R., Jiang, Z., & Yang, Z. (2024). Advances in prostate cancer biomarkers and probes. Cyborg Bionic Systems, 5, 0129. https://doi.org/10.34133/cbsystems.0129
Advancements in Colorectal Cancer: Detecting and Addressing Rare Genetic Variants
A new research published in the journal Cancer Biology & Medicine which underscores the significance of targeted therapies in the treatment of advanced colorectal cancer (CRC) that involves rare genetic variants.
These mutations, which are frequently associated with a poor prognosis and limited effectiveness of standard treatments, are being tackled using advanced sequencing technologies and novel targeted therapies. This study examines clinical diagnosis and treatment approaches specifically designed for these distinctive genetic profiles.
Colorectal cancer (CRC) poses a major health challenge, particularly when rare genetic variations complicate treatment. Conventional therapies often prove inadequate for these unique genetic profiles, underscoring the need for personalized treatment approaches.
Recent advancements in sequencing technologies have revealed various rare genetic mutations associated with poor prognosis and limited response to standard treatments. These challenges underscore the critical need for detailed research to enhance diagnostic accuracy and create targeted therapies. Consequently, further exploration of customized treatment strategies for Colorectal cancer is crucial.
The study examines the clinical diagnosis and management of colorectal cancer (CRC) associated with rare genetic variations, including mutations, amplifications, and rearrangements in genes such as ERBB2, BRAF, ALK, ROS1, NTRKs, RET, FGFR2, and EGFR. These genetic changes frequently result in poor responses to standard treatments, highlighting the need for precise, personalized treatment strategies.
The study emphasizes the advantages of integrating targeted therapies with conventional treatments, which has led to notable improvements in progression-free and overall survival rates. Moreover, the research highlights the value of advanced sequencing technologies in detecting rare genetic variations, which facilitates the creation of more effective and personalized treatment plans for Colorectal cancer patients.
Reference: Chen, S., Gu, J., Wu, K., Zhao, X., & Lu, Y. (2024). Progress in clinical diagnosis and treatment of colorectal cancer with rare genetic variants. Cancer Biology & Medicine, 21(6), 473-483. https://doi.org/10.20892/j.issn.2095-3941.2024.0026
Effect of Pesco-Vegetarian Diets on Longevity in the Elderly
A new study published American Journal of Clinical Nutrition reveals that the pesco-vegetarian diet—which includes fish—offers the greatest protection against risk in very elderly individuals.
Researchers discovered that vegetarian diets are linked to a reduced risk of all-cause mortality and various specific causes of death, particularly among males and middle-aged individuals. However, very elderly vegetarians showed a slightly increased risk for neurological conditions like stroke, dementia, and Parkinson’s Disease.
Despite this, the pesco-vegetarian diet, which includes fish, still provided a modest but noticeable benefit compared to other vegetarian and non-vegetarian diets, even in older populations.
The study utilized data from the Adventist Health Study-2, which included nearly 96,000 participants. They examined data from over 88,000 participants and around 12,500 deaths within the cohort. Dietary information was gathered through a questionnaire and classified into five categories: non-vegetarian, semi-vegetarian, pesco-vegetarian, lacto-ovo-vegetarian, and vegan.
The findings indicate that Adventist vegetarians had an overall 12% lower risk of death compared to non-vegetarians.
Participants following a pesco-vegetarian diet, which includes fish, had an 18% reduced risk of death, while those on a lacto-ovo-vegetarian diet (which includes dairy and eggs) experienced a 15% lower risk. Vegans had less than a 3% decrease in risk of death overall, although male vegans showed significantly better outcomes compared to non-vegetarians, unlike their female counterparts.
Reference: Abris, G. P., Shavlik, D. J., Mathew, R. O., Butler, F. M., Oh, J., Sirirat, R., Sveen, L. E., & Fraser, G. E. (2024). Cause-specific and all-cause mortalities in vegetarian compared with nonvegetarian participants from the Adventist Health Study-2 cohort. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ajcnut.2024.07.028
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