Latest news with #WashUMedicine
CNA
10-05-2025
- Health
- CNA
A new study raises alarms about plastics and heart disease – here's what to know
The news made for an alarming headline recently: Research showed that common chemicals in plastics were associated with 350,000 heart disease deaths across the world in 2018. The statistic came from a study publishe d in the journal eBioMedicine. The authors, a group of researchers at New York University's Grossman School of Medicine, estimated that roughly 13 per cent of cardiovascular deaths among 55- to 64-year-olds worldwide that year could be attributed to phthalates, which are used in food packaging, shampoo, toys and more. Research on the effect of phthalates on cardiovascular disease is still emerging, but their link to metabolic risk factors like obesity suggests they could play a role in heart disease. While experts agree that phthalates are harmful, they cautioned that the study relied on complex statistical modelling and a series of assumptions and estimates that make it difficult to determine how many deaths might be linked to the chemicals. 'This is an early step of trying to understand the magnitude of the problem,' said Dr Mark Huffman, a cardiologist and a co-director of the global health centre at WashU Medicine in St Louis. But, he added, there's a need for far more studies to understand the relationship between phthalates and heart health, and what other factors might come into play. THE BACKGROUND Phthalates are found in personal care products like shampoos and lotions, as well as in food containers and packaging. It's possible to ingest them through food, absorb them through the skin from products containing them or breathe them in as dust. Studies have shown that phthalates are endocrine disrupters, meaning that they can interfere with our hormones. They have been associated with negative effects on reproductive health, pregnancy and birth issues. Some studies have shown an association between phthalates and cardiovascular disease, but there isn't strong evidence to show that the chemicals directly cause heart issues, said Sung Kyun Park, a professor of epidemiology and environmental sciences at the University of Michigan School of Public Health. There is evidence that phthalates increase the risk of metabolic disorders like obesity and Type 2 diabetes, which can cause cardiovascular disease. One way phthalates may do this is by increasing oxidative stress – cell and tissue damage that happens when there are too many unstable molecules in the body – and by promoting inflammation, said Dr Leonardo Trasande, senior author of the new paper and a professor of paediatricsand population health at NYU. THE RESEARCH In the latest study, researchers attempted to quantify global cardiovascular deaths attributable specifically to one type of phthalate, known as DEHP. One of the most widely used and studied phthalates, DEHP is found in vinyl products including tablecloths, shower curtains and flooring. The researchers relied on estimates from previous research for several measures: Phthalate exposures, the risk of such exposures on cardiovascular deaths and the global burden of cardiovascular disease. They then calculated the share of deaths attributable to phthalate exposures in different countries, Dr Trasande said. The Middle East, South Asia, East Asia and the Pacific accounted for nearly three-quarters of these deaths. THE LIMITATIONS This was an observational study that showed a correlation between estimated exposure to the chemical and disease at the population level. Experts said that the methods used were not unusual for studies that model global disease, but that such studies come with caveats. For example, Dr Huffman said, the estimates from the literature that the authors relied on in their calculations may themselves have incorporated some bias or confounding variables, such as socioeconomic status or dietary behaviours, that could relate both to plastic exposure and to cardiovascular disease rates. 'A pretty important part of the result of the model is what you put into the model,' Dr Huffman said. The study also relied on an earlier analysis by Dr Trasande to estimate the risk of cardiovascular death from phthalate exposure, after controlling for other known risk factors. But that paper only examined US patients, which means it might not be possible to generalise the results to a global population, where dietary habits, cigarette smoke exposure, physical activity and other cardiovascular risk factors may vary. WHAT'S NEXT What's clear from the study, experts said, is that we need more research on phthalate exposure and the associated health risks. Though it would be ethically impossible and impractical to do a classic randomised trial, in which one group of people were exposed to phthalates and others were not and they were followed for many years, other types of studies could help more clearly establish a link. One way, Dr Park said, would be to have researchers recruit a large, representative sample of patients, measure their levels of exposure and follow them for years, perhaps until death. Dr Huffman suggested it would also be worthwhile to try out strategies that might reduce exposure levels and then measure any changes in health outcomes. Tracey Woodruff, director of the programme on reproductive health and the environment at the University of California, San Francisco, said that despite the uncertainties in the estimates of the current paper, it is clear that phthalates can increase the risks of preterm birth, reproductive issues and metabolic disorders. To her, the findings only add to the list of reasons to reduce the amount of phthalates in the supply chain.
Yahoo
01-04-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
WashU could be paving path for delaying onset Alzheimer's symptoms
ST. LOUIS – Researchers at Washington University in St. Louis are making potential findings in delaying the onset of Alzheimer's symptoms according to a study released last month. This study recorded that those who removed an excess of amyloid plaques—which are 'unusual clumps of a protein…along with degenerating bits of neurons and other cells'—had a delay in Alzheimer's onset dementia. A hypothesis proposes that too much of amyloid plaques in the brain lead to the first developments of dementia, and the trial supports the theory. WashU noted that this was the first time this finding has occurred in a clinical trial. The study examined 73 individuals who were 'destined' to develop Alzheimer's between their 30s and 50s. According to a release, all participants had 'inherited genetic mutations that cause an overproduction of amyloid in the brain.' Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Of those in the trial, 22 began taking the drug gantenerumab over the course of eight years, while they were not experiencing any symptoms yet. Their risk of developing onset symptoms had been decreased from 100% to about 50%, WashU noted. 'We don't yet know how long they will remain symptom-free—maybe a few years or maybe decades,' Charles F. and Joanne Knight Distinguished Professor of Neurology at WashU Medicine Randall Bateman, MD, said. 'In order to give them the best opportunity to stay cognitively normal, we have continued treatment with another anti-amyloid antibody in hopes they will never develop symptoms at all. What we do know is that it's possible at least to delay the onset of the symptoms of Alzheimer's disease and give people more years of healthy life.' However, gantenerumab was discontinued and replaced for participants with a similar drug lecanemab, which the FDA approved in 2023. Data has not yet been analyzed as WashU awaits approval for a grant from the National Institutes of Health (NIH). 'These exciting preliminary findings hint very clearly at the potential role of lowering beta amyloid in prevention of Alzheimer's disease,' Dr. Maria C. Carrillo, Alzheimer's Association chief science officer and medical affairs lead, said in a release. 'Discoveries like this convincingly illustrate why it is so important for research into Alzheimer's and all diseases that cause dementia to continue, expand and accelerate.' To read the full details of the trial from WashU, click here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
12-03-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Latest Alzheimer's Drugs Can Add Years of Independence to Patient Lives
While researchers continue to work on a full cure for Alzheimer's disease, they're finding treatments that can help manage symptoms and delay their onset, including the recently approved next-gen therapies lecanemab and donanemab. Both treatments have been approved by US regulators in the last couple of years, and they work by clearing out some of the amyloid protein plaques in the brain that are linked to Alzheimer's. However, there's some debate over how effective they are. To quantify the effectiveness of lecanemab and donanemab in more meaningful terms, researchers from the Washington University School of Medicine (WashU Medicine) recruited 282 volunteers with Alzheimer's, analyzing the impacts of taking these drugs over an average of nearly three years. "What we were trying to do was figure out how to give people a piece of information that would be meaningful to them and help them make decisions about their care," says Sarah Hartz, a professor of psychiatry at WashU Medicine. "What people want to know is how long they will be able to live independently, not something abstract like the percent change in decline." The researchers measured two different types of independence: being able to live with day-to-day responsibilities (so dealing with appointments and bills, for example), and being able to care for yourself alone (for instance, the basics of washing and dressing). Those with very mild Alzheimer's symptoms, who may have difficulty remembering dates and medications, would live independently for another 29 months without treatment on average, the estimates showed. A person with this same level of dementia could expect around 10 additional months of independence on lecanemab and 13 months of independence on donanemab, the estimates suggest. However, it's important to note that these figures are averages, and different patients have different responses to these drugs. "My patients want to know, how long can I drive? How long will I be able to take care of my own personal hygiene? How much time would this treatment give me?" says Suzanne Schindler, a physician and a professor of neurology at WashU Medicine. "The question of whether or not these drugs would be helpful for any particular person is complicated and has to do with not only medical factors, but the patient's priorities, preferences and risk tolerance." It's important to mention that these therapies come with downsides too: they're expensive, require regular infusions, and can lead to potentially dangerous side effects such as brain swelling and brain bleeds. Those with Alzheimer's and their families therefore need to weigh up the potential pros and cons – and the possible implications later in life. "The purpose of this study is not to advocate for or against these medications," says Hartz. "The purpose of the paper is to put the impact of these medications into context in ways that can help people make the decisions that are best for themselves and their family members." The research has been published in Alzheimer's & Dementia: Translational Research & Clinical Interventions. COVID Was Declared a Pandemic 5 Years Ago. Are We Better Prepared Today? Humans Can Host a Variety of Parasitic Worms. Here's How to Spot The Signs. Scientists Discover a Trait in Speech That Foreshadows Cognitive Decline
Gulf Insider
30-01-2025
- Health
- Gulf Insider
United States: Weight-Loss Drugs Linked To Increased Risk Of 19 Health Conditions
Popular weight-loss drugs like semaglutides (Ozempic and Wegovy) may help protect against over 40 conditions, including Alzheimer's disease, drug addiction, and seizures, a new review has found. However, researchers warn that these benefits come with an increased risk of 19 health conditions, such as syncope (fainting), arthritic disorders, and kidney and pancreatic problems. In a study published in Nature Medicine on Jan. 20, researchers from Washington University's WashU Medicine in St. Louis systematically evaluated health outcomes among roughly 2 million veterans with diabetes who were taking the popular weight-loss medications known as glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) for about 3.5 years. The media, patients, and even some doctors have dubbed the medications 'miracle drugs' due to their profound weight-loss effects. Administered weekly via injection, GLP-1RAs simulate naturally produced hormones that suppress appetite and slow digestion, allowing people to feel full longer. However, data on these medications' comprehensive effects across the body's organ systems have been sparse. Health Benefits and Risks Disorders affecting the heart, blood vessels, liver, and respiratory system (such as pneumonia) were among the risks GLP-1RA use reduced the most. Studies have shown that GLP-1RAs may improve the health of cells lining the blood vessels. Improved endothelial function can lead to better regulation of blood flow and reduced platelet clumping, which could lower the risk of coagulation disorders and cardiovascular events. The research team also found that GLP-1RAs were linked to improved neurological and behavioral health outcomes. There was a reduced risk of seizures and addiction to substances such as alcohol, cannabis, stimulants, and opioids. This may be linked to how the drug affects neurological pathways related to reward and impulse control. Additionally, findings indicated a reduction in the risk of schizophrenia and suicidal thoughts, although it remains unknown why this is so. The study noted fewer instances of liver cancer, muscle pain, chronic kidney disease, bacterial infections, and fever. The risk of cognitive disorders such as Alzheimer's disease and dementia also decreased with GLP-1RA use. Insulin resistance has been associated with cognitive decline. By improving insulin sensitivity, GLP-1RAs may help support better cognitive functioning and emotional regulation in those taking them. While Alzheimer's pathology can begin over a decade before clinical symptoms emerge, the study suggested that a few years of treatment with semaglutide is enough to show a protective effect. Two large, phase 3 clinical trials (Evoke and Evoke+) are already being conducted to determine whether this effect is real. 'GLP-1RA drugs can have broad health benefits,' Dr. Ziyad Al-Aly, study co-author, clinical epidemiologist, and nephrologist at the WashU Medicine-affiliated John J. Cochran Veterans Hospital, stated in a press release. 'However, they are not without risks.' 'Our findings underscore the possibility for wider applications for these medications but also highlight important risks that should be carefully monitored in people taking these drugs,' he added. Known health risks associated with this drug class include low blood pressure, brief loss of consciousness that occurs when the brain doesn't receive enough blood (syncope), arthritic disorders, and kidney stones. A potentially severe side effect of GLP-1RAs is drug-induced swelling of the pancreas (pancreatitis) caused by the stimulation of the pancreas to produce insulin. This can lead to overstimulation of pancreatic cells, causing inflammation that could trigger the condition. In one out of five cases, pancreatitis could become life-threatening.
