Medical Bulletin 28/November/2023

Here are the top medical news of the day:

Y-chromosome and its impact on digestive diseases

A major breakthrough in human genetics has been achieved with the complete decoding of the human Y chromosome, opening up new avenues for research into digestive diseases. This milestone, along with advancements in third-generation sequencing technologies, is poised to revolutionize our understanding of the genetic underpinnings of digestive disorders and pave the way for more personalized and effective treatment strategies.

The Y chromosome, the smallest of the human chromosomes, has long been shrouded in mystery due to its complex repetitive structure. However, recent advancements in sequencing technologies have enabled researchers to unravel the intricate details of this genetic region, shedding light on its role in sex determination and its potential impact on various diseases, including those affecting the digestive system.

Reference: Y-chromosome and its impact on digestive diseases; eGastroenterology, DOI: 10.1136/egastro-2023-100029

Premature death of autistic people in the UK scientists report for the first time

A new study led by UCL researchers confirms that autistic people experience a reduced life expectancy, however the number of years of life lost may not be as high as previously claimed.

The research, published in The Lancet Regional Health – Europe, is the first to estimate the life expectancy and years of life lost by autistic people living in the UK.

Reference: Premature death of autistic people in the UK investigated for the first time; The Lancet Regional Health – Europe; DOI: 10.1016/j.lanepe.2023.100776

Smaller hippocampus linked to cognitive decline

A new study shows that shrinkage in the hippocampus area of the brain is associated with cognitive decline, even in people who don't have amyloid plaques in the brain. The hippocampus plays a role in memory. In the online issue of Neurology, the medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology.

Reference: Bernard J Hanseeuw, Heidi I Jacobs, Aaron P Schultz, Rachel F Buckley, Michelle E Farrell, Nicolas J Guehl, John A Becker, Michael Properzi, Justin S Sanchez, Yakeel T Quiroz, Patrizia Vannini, Jorge Sepulcre, Hyun-Sik Yang, Jasmeer P Chhatwal, Jennifer Gatchel, Gad A Marshall, Rebecca Amariglio, Kathryn Papp, Dorene M Rentz, Marc Normandin, Julie C Price, Brian C Healy, Georges El Fakhri, Reisa A Sperling, Keith A Johnson. Association of pathological and volumetric biomarker changes with cognitive decline in clinically normal adults: Harvard Aging Brain Study. Neurology, 2023; 10.1212/WNL.0000000000207962 DOI: 10.1212/WNL.0000000000207962