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Time of India
11 hours ago
- Time of India
Human fetal kidney development mimicked in test tubes
Researchers are a step closer to learning how congenital kidney defects develop in the fetus and how they might be prevented, a new report shows. For the first time, they can watch miniature human fetal kidneys develop in test tubes over periods that simulate the course of a pregnancy. So-called kidney organoids have been grown in test tubes before, but only starting with pluripotent stem cells - immature cells found in early embryos that can differentiate into any cell type in the body but without the tissue-specific characteristics that would allow them to perform an organ's specialized functions. In contrast, the new organoids are grown in test tubes using the same fetal progenitor stem cells that are destined to develop into human kidneys. These cells are capable of building, maintaining and repairing specific organs - in this case, the kidneys. While kidney organoids grown from pluripotent stem cells have survived in test tubes for weeks, the new organoids built from the human fetal kidney stem cells can survive and grow for six to eight months, essentially allowing researchers to observe human kidney development as it would happen during a pregnancy, the research team reported in The EMBO Journal. "Once we had the tissue stem cells coming from the developing human kidney in the Petri dish, they did the job because this is what they do in nature," said Dr. Benjamin Dekel of Safra Children's Hospital at Sheba Medical Center and Tel Aviv University, who led the research. "The cells are self-assembling. They know how to self-organize and how to self-renew, (that is) make copies of themselves," Dekel said. At the same time, Dekel continued, the cells begin to differentiate, developing qualities that make them appropriate for different roles. Researchers can watch as kidney tubules, ducts, blood vessels and other renal tissues are formed. In his clinical practice, Dekel treats children with kidney diseases. He hopes eventually to use the organoids to study kidney malformations and to isolate genes that lead to birth defects, develop new treatments in the field of regenerative medicine and test the toxicity of drugs during pregnancy on fetal kidneys. In the meantime, he said, it's frustrating to watch as patients' chronic kidney disease worsen into end-stage renal disease. "Then we need to give them a kidney transplant or to put them on dialysis, which is really a very poor solution," he said. MOVING CLOSER TO EFFECTIVE VACCINES FOR HPV-RELATED CANCERS New findings help explain why experimental treatments for cancers caused by human papillomavirus infections have been less than effective, researchers say. The most common cancer-causing strain of HPV undermines the body's defenses by reprogramming immune cells surrounding the tumor, earlier research has shown. Blocking this process can boost the ability of experimental treatments for HPV to eliminate cancer cells, according to a report published in the Journal for ImmunoTherapy of Cancer. While vaccines exist to prevent HPV infections, researchers have failed to develop effective " therapeutic vaccines " for use after HPV infections have occurred - and the new study helps explain why. Experimental therapeutic vaccines target HPV-infected cells with immune cells known as T-cells. But in tests in mice and cell cultures, researchers found that two HPV proteins, E6 and E7, prompt nearby cells to release a protein called IL-23 that prevents the body's T-cells from attacking the tumor. "In order to eliminate the cancer, T-cells need to proliferate and destroy infected cells. But IL-23 stops them from working effectively, so the tumor keeps growing," study leader W. Martin Kast of the Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California said in a statement. Drugs that inhibit IL-23 are already approved for treating psoriasis and other conditions, the researchers said. "The fact that these antibodies are already FDA-approved for something else makes this approach promising - and it also allows for rapid translation into the clinic," Kast said. He and his team are now developing their own therapeutic vaccine, which they will test in combination with antibodies that block IL-23. IL-23 is also found at high levels in testicular and bladder cancers, the researchers noted, adding that further research is needed to clarify what role IL-23 plays in those diseases. EARLY HEARING AID USE MAY HELP STAVE OFF DEMENTIA Hearing loss is a known risk factor for dementia, but early intervention might lower that risk, a new study suggests. Researchers performed hearing tests in nearly 3,000 volunteers without dementia who were at least 60 years old. Over the next 20 years, the researchers saw a 61% lower risk for eventual dementia among those with newly diagnosed hearing loss who started wearing hearing aids before age 70, compared to participants diagnosed with hearing impairment at a similar age who did not get hearing aids, they reported in JAMA Neurology. Hearing aid use did not appear to protect against dementia in people diagnosed with a hearing problem after age 70, however. "Only 17% of individuals with moderate to severe hearing loss use hearing aids," the researchers noted. "Our study underscores the importance of early intervention" to reduce the risk of dementia associated with hearing loss, they concluded.
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Business Standard
11 hours ago
- Business Standard
Why men are more likely to die from diabetes, hypertension and HIV
Despite medical advances, men are more likely than women to die from common diseases like hypertension, diabetes, and HIV/AIDS, a new global study has revealed. Researchers linked this to higher-risk behaviours—such as smoking, alcohol use, and unsafe sex—and men's lower engagement with healthcare, including fewer check-ups, late diagnoses, and poor adherence to treatment. Published in PLOS Medicine, the research titled Sex-disaggregated data along the gendered health pathways: A review and analysis of global data on hypertension, diabetes, HIV, and AIDS examined data from 204 countries to uncover why men continue to die younger than women worldwide. What makes men more vulnerable to diseases like hypertension and diabetes? The study shows men smoke more than women in 86 per cent of countries, putting them at greater risk for hypertension, diabetes, and cardiovascular complications. Men also drink more alcohol, engage in unsafe sex more often, and tend to ignore early warning signs of illness. Women, on the other hand, had higher obesity rates in about two-thirds of countries, but were still more likely than men to get diagnosed and treated for chronic conditions. Which diseases are driving higher male mortality? Hypertension High blood pressure is a silent killer, often without symptoms until it's too late. Men not only develop hypertension earlier, but in over half of countries, they also had higher death rates from it compared to women. Diabetes Men in 30 per cent of countries had higher diabetes prevalence, and in nearly half the world's nations, they faced higher diabetes-related deaths. Late diagnosis and poor treatment adherence were key factors. HIV and AIDS Men were more likely to contract HIV in 56 per cent of countries and had higher AIDS-related deaths in 64 per cent of countries. Reluctance to get tested, fear of stigma, and lower engagement in treatment programs worsened outcomes. Why men avoid healthcare The study highlighted that men are less likely to seek medical advice, attend routine screenings, or continue treatment compared to women. Cultural factors, work commitments, and even traditional ideas of masculinity discourage men from prioritising health. Role of biology and gender roles The study said biology plays a role as women's higher estrogen levels protect them against heart disease, while testosterone in men may increase cardiovascular risk. But gender norms matter too. Societal expectations often push men towards risky behaviours while discouraging preventive care. How can men's health outcomes be improved? The researchers recommended several key steps: Encouraging regular screenings – early diagnosis can save lives. Promoting healthier lifestyles – cutting down smoking, alcohol, and poor diets. Making healthcare accessible – with flexible hours and male-friendly clinics. Designing gender-sensitive health policies – recognising men's unique risks and barriers. The researchers in the current global analysis stressed that being male itself has become a health risk factor, not biologically, but behaviourally and socially and so, tackling the gender health gap requires not just better medical care but also cultural shifts that encourage men to look after their health before it's too late.
Hans India
14 hours ago
- Hans India
Ayush sector moving towards 200 bn dollar target: Jadhav
New Delhi: The Ayush industry is steadily moving towards the 200 billion dollar target aided by a strong network of research councils, statutory bodies and national institutes, Union Ayush Minister Prataprao Jadhav said. He made the remarks at a meeting of the Parliamentary Consultative Committee for the Ministry of Ayush held here on Tuesday. Jadhav, who chaired the meeting, highlighted that for the first time since the Ministry of Ayush became an independent ministry in 2014, a dedicated Parliamentary Consultative Committee has been established, according to a statement. He said this important step will help ensure focused discussions, better attention to Ayush-related matters, and stronger policy direction. It will further enhance the ministry's role in promoting a more holistic and globally recognised healthcare system, the statement said. Highlighting the growth of Ayush, he said, 'Under the leadership of Prime Minister, Ayush has grown rapidly with a strong network of research councils, statutory bodies and national institutes'. 'Through Ayushman Arogya Mandirs and the National Ayush Mission, health services are reaching millions, while the Ayush industry is steadily moving towards the 200 billion dollar target.' Speaking on global outreach and innovation, Jadhav said, 'The International Day of Yoga 2025, held under the theme 'Yoga for One Earth, One Health,' marked a remarkable milestone with over 3 lakh participants joining in Visakhapatnam this year. 'This powerful display of unity and wellness reflects the growing global embrace of yoga. Alongside, initiatives such as Prakriti Parikshan and moringa-based Ayush diets showcase our commitment to evidence-based research, preventive healthcare, and the promotion of healthy, sustainable lifestyles,' he said.
