Latest news with #eBioMedicine
NDTV
4 days ago
- Health
- NDTV
Sleeping Disorders May Signal Risk Of Parkinson's Disease, Dementia: Study
New Delhi: Sleeping disorders may act as an early indicator of neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson's disease and Lewy body dementia (LBD) -- a type of dementia, according to a study. The study focused on patients with Rapid eye movement behaviour disorder -- a sleep disorder where individuals physically act out their dreams during the rapid eye movement (REM) stage of sleep. "Normally, when we're asleep and dreaming, our muscles are paralysed, but around age 50, some people become very agitated during sleep and start punching, kicking and screaming," said Shady Rahayel, a medical professor at Université de Montréal in Canada. Unlike sleepwalking, which occurs during slow-wave sleep, RBD occurs during rapid eye movement (REM) sleep, he added, and it affects people of middle age. In the study, published in the journal eBioMedicine, the researchers said that nearly 90 per cent of people with the disorder will go on to develop either Parkinson's disease or LBD. "RBD is an early warning sign that certain mechanisms in the brain are no longer working as they should," said the team. "The people with RBD who come to see us are in good health... but of those who subsequently develop a disease, half will have Parkinson's and the other half LBD." Rahayel explained that with LBD, the second most common form of dementia after Alzheimer's, "patients are no longer able to function in everyday life". In addition to dementia, "they will have Parkinson's-like symptoms, vivid visual hallucinations, fluctuating attention and other symptoms." For the study, the team used data from 1,276 MRI scans of people at risk of, or with, Parkinson's disease or LBD, and also of healthy people. Using machine learning and computational models, the researchers identified two trajectories of brain atrophy progression. LBD seems to be associated with brain atrophy that begins in the cortex and then spreads to the interior of the brain, while in Parkinson's the atrophy progresses from the interior to the exterior of the brain. The team next aims to investigate the factors that lead to this deterioration in the cortex, such as vascular lesions, the effects of drugs, and of lifestyle choices. "Now that we have identified these new progression patterns, our goal is to be able to determine from an MRI whether a person has one of them so that we can provide the best possible care," said Rahayel.
Yahoo
27-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Scientists researching deadly snakebites make major discovery: 'It is hoped that this trial marks the beginning of an era'
Many people are aware that the changing climate is altering mosquito behavior and creating ideal conditions for mosquitoes to thrive where they never have before. But climate shifts are also increasing the likelihood of snakebites, which can be deadly and pose a new public health challenge. Fortunately, researchers are working on solutions to improve snakebite treatments and reduce these risks. As Science News reported, a team of researchers associated with programs in the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, and Kenya tested a drug commonly used for heavy-metal poisoning to treat venomous snakebites. They found that unithiol can block venom proteins from many dangerous snakes. The researchers conducted a Phase I clinical trial to see how various dosages affected people. They screened 175 subjects in the study and gave unithiol to 64 of them. As they reported in eBioMedicine, they found unithiol effective for snakebites and did not uncover any safety issues. Unithiol works by blocking proteins to prevent tissue damage and death. It has advantages over antivenom treatments because those medications are expensive, not readily available, and can cause severe allergic reactions. This new "speedy treatment" for snakebites is promising because it could improve health and safety in vulnerable communities, especially in low-income regions and remote places. "Unithiol is affordable, stable at room temperature, and has the potential to be given orally in remote rural clinics," the researchers wrote. With climate shifts contributing to 20,000 snakebites and 4,000 related deaths every year in Kenya, treatments such as this keep people safe. Unithiol could become a viable alternative to antivenom treatments in the future or an initial treatment to keep a patient stable until they can travel from a remote area to a hospital. Do you worry about getting diseases from bug bites? Absolutely Only when I'm camping or hiking Not really Never Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. The researchers noted the need to determine the precise dosage to treat snakebites in humans. They established a three-dose regimen for testing in future trials. "Future trials should be based in low-middle income settings, where the greatest burden of snakebite exists," the researchers wrote. "... It is hoped that this trial marks the beginning of an era of modernised therapeutics in the field of snakebite, which will be essential to achieving the World Health Organization target of reducing snakebite associated morbidity and mortality by 50%." Join our free newsletter for weekly updates on the latest innovations improving our lives and shaping our future, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
Observer
17-05-2025
- Health
- Observer
A new study raises alarms about plastics and heart disease
The news made for an alarming headline: Research showed that common chemicals in plastics were associated with 350,000 heart disease deaths worldwide in 2018. The statistic came from a study published last week in the journal eBioMedicine. The authors, a group of researchers at New York University's Grossman School of Medicine, estimated that roughly 13% 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. While experts agree that phthalates are harmful, they cautioned that the study relied on complex statistical modeling 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 center 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 such as 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,y 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 pediatrics and 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, 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, 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 behaviors, 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,' Huffman said. The study also relied on an earlier analysis by Trasande to estimate the risk of cardiovascular death from phthalate exposure, after controlling for other known risk factors. But that paper only examined U.S. patients, which means it might not be possible to generalize 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 randomized trial, in which one group of people was 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, 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. 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 program 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. This article originally appeared in
Yahoo
16-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Marea Therapeutics Announces Publication in The Lancet of Positive Data from Phase 2a Clinical Trial of MAR001 for Cardiovascular Disease
Publication follows late-breaking oral presentation of Phase 2a results at the 93rd EAS Congress; MAR001 demonstrated approximately 53% placebo-adjusted mean reductions in remnant cholesterol and triglycerides at 12 weeks Second publication of MAR001 preclinical results in eBioMedicine that demonstrate improved plasma lipid profiles SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO, Calif., May 16, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Marea Therapeutics, Inc., a clinical-stage biotechnology company harnessing the latest advances in human genetics to develop first-in-class, next-generation medicines for cardioendocrine diseases, today announced that positive results from a Phase 2a clinical trial of MAR001 were published in The Lancet entitled "Safety and efficacy of a novel ANGPTL4 inhibitory antibody for lipid lowering: results from phase 1 and phase 1b/2a clinical studies." The publication follows a recent late-breaking oral presentation of the Phase 2a results at the 93rd EAS Congress and can be accessed here. In addition, Marea announced a publication of MAR001 preclinical results in the peer-reviewed journal eBioMedicine entitled "A Novel ANGPTL4 Inhibitory Antibody Safely Improves Lipid Profiles in Non-Human Primates." The publication can be accessed here. MAR001 is a first-in-class monoclonal antibody that targets ANGPTL4, a protein that is highly expressed in adipose tissue. Results from Marea's Phase 2a clinical trial of MAR001 demonstrated approximately 53% placebo-adjusted mean reductions in remnant cholesterol and triglycerides at 12 weeks with a favorable safety profile. "We are excited to have our MAR001 Phase 2a clinical results and preclinical data recognized within the broader scientific community through these publications in The Lancet and eBioMedicine," said Ethan Weiss, M.D., chief scientific officer of Marea. "These findings validate ANGPTL4 inhibition and the ability of MAR001 to safely and effectively reduce remnant cholesterol and triglycerides, which align with genetic findings and support further development in addressing atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease risk. We look forward to initiating a Phase 2b trial of MAR001 in the second quarter of 2025." About Remnant Cholesterol Remnant cholesterol is carried by triglyceride-rich lipoproteins, is highly atherogenic, and drives cardiovascular events independent of classical risk factors like LDL cholesterol, diabetes, or obesity. There are currently no available targeted therapies to lower remnant cholesterol and improve metabolic function. About MAR001 MAR001 is a first-in-class monoclonal antibody that targets ANGPTL4, a protein that is highly expressed in adipose tissue. By inhibiting ANGPTL4 and thereby augmenting lipoprotein lipase (LPL) activity, MAR001 is designed to lower remnant cholesterol and improve adipose tissue function. Human genetic data has identified ANGPTL4 as a highly promising therapeutic target because loss of function alleles lead to lower remnant cholesterol, improved adipose distribution, improved insulin sensitivity, lower triglyceride levels, and protection from cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. MAR001 is being developed to reduce the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) in adults with established atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) plus elevated triglycerides and remnant cholesterol. Preclinical models with MAR001 demonstrated reduction in triglycerides, remnant cholesterol and ectopic fat, and improved insulin sensitivity. Results from a Phase 2a study of MAR001 demonstrated clinically meaningful reductions in remnant cholesterol and triglycerides. Marea plans to advance MAR001 into Phase 2b clinical development in the second quarter of 2025. About Marea Therapeutics Marea Therapeutics is a clinical-stage biotechnology company harnessing the latest advances in human genetics to develop first-in-class, next-generation medicines for cardioendocrine diseases. The company's lead therapy, MAR001, is in Phase 2 clinical development for adults with metabolic dysfunction and high risk for cardiovascular disease. The company is also advancing MAR002 for the treatment of acromegaly. To learn more, please visit and follow us on LinkedIn and X. View source version on Contacts Media Contact:Katie Engleman, 1ABkatie@
Business Wire
16-05-2025
- Business
- Business Wire
Marea Therapeutics Announces Publication in The Lancet of Positive Data from Phase 2a Clinical Trial of MAR001 for Cardiovascular Disease
SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Marea Therapeutics, Inc., a clinical-stage biotechnology company harnessing the latest advances in human genetics to develop first-in-class, next-generation medicines for cardioendocrine diseases, today announced that positive results from a Phase 2a clinical trial of MAR001 were published in The Lancet entitled 'Safety and efficacy of a novel ANGPTL4 inhibitory antibody for lipid lowering: results from phase 1 and phase 1b/2a clinical studies.' The publication follows a recent late-breaking oral presentation of the Phase 2a results at the 93rd EAS Congress and can be accessed here. In addition, Marea announced a publication of MAR001 preclinical results in the peer-reviewed journal eBioMedicine entitled 'A Novel ANGPTL4 Inhibitory Antibody Safely Improves Lipid Profiles in Non-Human Primates.' The publication can be accessed here. MAR001 is a first-in-class monoclonal antibody that targets ANGPTL4, a protein that is highly expressed in adipose tissue. Results from Marea's Phase 2a clinical trial of MAR001 demonstrated approximately 53% placebo-adjusted mean reductions in remnant cholesterol and triglycerides at 12 weeks with a favorable safety profile. 'We are excited to have our MAR001 Phase 2a clinical results and preclinical data recognized within the broader scientific community through these publications in The Lancet and eBioMedicine,' said Ethan Weiss, M.D., chief scientific officer of Marea. 'These findings validate ANGPTL4 inhibition and the ability of MAR001 to safely and effectively reduce remnant cholesterol and triglycerides, which align with genetic findings and support further development in addressing atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease risk. We look forward to initiating a Phase 2b trial of MAR001 in the second quarter of 2025.' About Remnant Cholesterol Remnant cholesterol is carried by triglyceride-rich lipoproteins, is highly atherogenic, and drives cardiovascular events independent of classical risk factors like LDL cholesterol, diabetes, or obesity. There are currently no available targeted therapies to lower remnant cholesterol and improve metabolic function. About MAR001 MAR001 is a first-in-class monoclonal antibody that targets ANGPTL4, a protein that is highly expressed in adipose tissue. By inhibiting ANGPTL4 and thereby augmenting lipoprotein lipase (LPL) activity, MAR001 is designed to lower remnant cholesterol and improve adipose tissue function. Human genetic data has identified ANGPTL4 as a highly promising therapeutic target because loss of function alleles lead to lower remnant cholesterol, improved adipose distribution, improved insulin sensitivity, lower triglyceride levels, and protection from cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. MAR001 is being developed to reduce the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) in adults with established atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) plus elevated triglycerides and remnant cholesterol. Preclinical models with MAR001 demonstrated reduction in triglycerides, remnant cholesterol and ectopic fat, and improved insulin sensitivity. Results from a Phase 2a study of MAR001 demonstrated clinically meaningful reductions in remnant cholesterol and triglycerides. Marea plans to advance MAR001 into Phase 2b clinical development in the second quarter of 2025. About Marea Therapeutics Marea Therapeutics is a clinical-stage biotechnology company harnessing the latest advances in human genetics to develop first-in-class, next-generation medicines for cardioendocrine diseases. The company's lead therapy, MAR001, is in Phase 2 clinical development for adults with metabolic dysfunction and high risk for cardiovascular disease. The company is also advancing MAR002 for the treatment of acromegaly. To learn more, please visit and follow us on LinkedIn and X.
