Lung cancer most prevalent worldwide, experts warn of high mortality rates

Experts during the lung cancer awareness talk at Livasa Hospital.

Lung cancer has emerged as the most prevalent cancer globally, raising significant concerns among health experts.

According to the latest global data, nearly 2.4 million new cases were diagnosed in 2022, making it the leading cancer in terms of both incidence and mortality. Countries such as China, the United States, Japan and India are among the top four nations with the highest number of cases.

Alarmingly, India is also listed as one of the countries with the highest number of lung cancer-related deaths.

Highlighting the severity of the issue, Dr Sonal, Consultant in Pulmonary Medicine at Livasa Hospital, stated, “One in five cancer-related deaths is attributed to lung cancer. It is one of the deadliest cancers, with smoking being the primary cause, responsible for nearly 80 per cent of all cases.” Dr Sonal explained that lung cancer typically originates in the lungs, often in the cells lining the air passages, and can spread aggressively if not detected in its early stages.

Addressing the signs and symptoms, Dr Kritarth, Consultant in Pulmonary Medicine, explained that lung cancer often presents as a persistent cough, chest pain, difficulty breathing, or coughing up blood. However, the real challenge, according to him, is that the disease often remains silent in its early stages. “By the time symptoms appear, the cancer has usually advanced, significantly reducing the chances of successful treatment,” he added.

Both experts stressed the importance of early detection through regular screenings. Dr Kritarth emphasised that detecting lung cancer in its early stages and initiating timely treatment can notably improve the five-year survival rate. “Screening is a vital preventive step and plays a crucial role in saving lives,” he asserted.

Dr Sonal also highlighted the challenge of limited access to lung cancer screening in many parts of the world, including India. “This lack of availability is a major barrier in the fight against lung cancer. Governments and health institutions must collaborate to make screening and early diagnostic facilities more accessible,” she urged.

Experts also noted that, besides smoking, air pollution, exposure to toxic chemicals, and genetic factors contribute to the rising incidence of lung cancer. With increasing urbanisation and pollution, risk factors are escalating, making it even more urgent to raise awareness about prevention.

https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/jalandhar/lung-cancer-most-prevalent-worldwide-experts-warn-of-high-mortality-rates/

Revised AHA guidelines on hypertension: What's new?

New AHA hypertension guidelines suggest diet is key to control.

• Hypertension, or high blood pressure, affects around one in every three adults worldwide.
• It is a risk factor for several health conditions, including heart attack, stroke, heart failure and kidney damage.
• The American Ηeart Association has recently updated its 2017 guidelines on the prevention and management of hypertension, including new research information for the 2025 guidelines.
• It advises that anyone can develop high blood pressure but that diet and lifestyle modifications can prevent or control the condition for many people.

The American Heart Association (AHA)Trusted Source has recently published revised its guidelines on hypertension. They state that the condition is the leading risk factor for stroke and a number of heart diseases, such as coronary artery disease, heart failure, and atrial fibrillation (AFib).

The World Health Organization (WHO)Trusted Source states that one in three adults, or 1.3 billion people, around the world have hypertension, so preventing, detecting and treating it could prevent 76 million deaths worldwide between now and 2050.

Blood pressureTrusted Source is recorded as systolic, referring to the maximum pressure when the heart contracts, over diastolic — the minimum pressure just before the next contraction. Ideally, it should be 120/80 millimeters of mercury (mmHg) or below.

The full guidelines, published in the journal HypertensionTrusted Source, aim to help medical practitioners detect and treat hypertension, but also contain valuable advice to help people control and manage their own blood pressure.

Cheng-Han Chen, MD, board certified interventional cardiologist and medical director of the Structural Heart Program at MemorialCare Saddleback Medical Center in Laguna Hills, CA, who was not involved in developing the guidelines, told Medical News Today that:

“The new blood pressure guidelines have several changes that emphasize earlier assessment and intervention of elevated blood pressure. In particular, it affirms the importance of lifestyle changes to help control blood pressure, such as with limiting sodium and alcohol intake, eating a heart healthy diet, maintaining physical activity, and managing weight and stress. This is a welcome message that will hopefully help us manage hypertension before it contributes to more serious cardiovascular disease.”

‘Adults should have blood pressure measured at least once a year’

To update their guidelines, the AHA carried out a comprehensive review of clinical studies, reviews and other evidence about hypertension published since February 2015.

They describe the guidelines as a “living, working document updating current knowledge in the field of high blood pressure aimed at all practicing primary care and specialty clinicians who manage patients with hypertension.”

Daniel W. JonesTrusted Source, MD, FAHA, volunteer chair of the guideline writing committee and a past-president of the AHA (2007-2008), dean and professor emeritus of the University of Mississippi School of Medicine in Jackson, MS, and a member of the writing committee for the 2017 high blood pressure guideline, told MNT that:

“All adults should have their blood pressure measured at least once a year, more often for patients with any level of high blood pressure. Patients with high blood pressure who have a reading above 180/120 mmHg should seek advice from their clinician, urgently if there are symptoms of chest pain, shortness of breath, paralysis or speech difficulty.”

New AHA hypertension guidelines: 5 key points

As part of the update, the AHA has also published a summary for patientsTrusted Source of the top 10 things that people should know about high blood pressure.

Jones highlighted the key updates for 2025, which include:

1.     the goal of achieving a systolic blood pressure of 130 mmHg or below, and ideally of 120 mmHg, for adults with high blood pressure

2.     more clear and robust evidence that intensive lowering of blood pressure reduces the risk of cognitive decline and dementia

3.     “in adults with an average blood pressure of 130/80 mm Hg [or more], and at lower 10-year cardiovascular dis­ease risk defined by the PREVENT risk calculatorTrusted Source of <7.5%, initiation of medication therapy to lower blood pressure in addition to lifestyle modification are recommended if average blood pressure remains 130/80 mmHg [or more] after an initial 3- to 6-month trial of lifestyle modification only”

4.     recommendations of “moving toward an ideal limit of 1500 mg/day [milligrams per day]” for sodium consumption

5.     the advice to stop consuming, “or at least to reduce alcohol intake to [less than] 1 drink/day for women and [less than] 2 drinks/day for men to prevent or treat elevated blood pressure and hypertension.”

To this he added that “patients with high blood pressure who have a reading above 180/120 mmHg should seek advice from their clinician, urgently if there are symptoms of chest pain, shortness of breath, paralysis or speech difficulty,” Jones advised.

How to keep your blood pressure at a healthy level

The AHA advises that anyone can develop high blood pressure, so it is important to have it checked regularly. It also states that although lifestyle and dietary changes can be effective in reducing blood pressure, many people will also need medications to get their blood pressure down to healthy levels.

“These new guidelines will hopefully encourage clinicians to further recommend lifestyle changes to patients with elevated blood pressure. They also promote the use of a specific risk calculator to help us determine which patients may benefit most from medical therapy for hypertension,” Chen told MNT.

“Some lifestyle recommendations for people trying to reduce blood pressure on their own include eating a heart healthy diet low in sodium, avoiding/eliminating alcohol intake, maintaining a healthy weight, getting regular physical activity, and managing their stress levels,” he added.

The guidelines also emphasize that losing at least 5% of your body weight if you have overweight or obesity can help lower or prevent hypertension, and advise that people can learn more about how to improve their heart and brain health from Life’s Essential 8Trusted Source, which is also published by the AHA.

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/revised-aha-guidelines-on-hypertension-whats-new

Could This Tiny Molecule Be Better Than Ozempic and Wegovy for Obesity?

Scientists have uncovered a hidden molecule in DNA that helps control fat storage, offering hope for a new kind of obesity treatment.

More than a billion people worldwide struggle with obesity, and popular treatments like Ozempic and Wegovy don’t work for everyone — and can cause unpleasant side effects.

Now, researchers have discovered a tiny, hidden molecule in our DNA that could help change that. Using cutting-edge genetic tools, they found this microprotein plays a role in how our bodies store fat, opening the door to a whole new type of weight loss treatment.

Global Obesity Crisis and Limited Treatments

Over the past three decades, obesity rates have more than doubled, now affecting more than one billion people worldwide. This widespread condition is closely tied to serious health problems, including type 2 diabetes, heart disease, chronic kidney disease, and various cancers. While existing treatments such as lifestyle changes, bariatric surgery, and GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic or Wegovy can be effective, many people face challenges in starting, completing, or sustaining these approaches, often regaining lost weight over time.

Researchers at the Salk Institute are exploring a promising new path involving microproteins. These small, often-overlooked molecules are found throughout the body and influence both health and disease. In a recent study, the team used CRISPR gene editing to analyze thousands of fat cell genes. They identified dozens of genes that appear to code for microproteins, and confirmed one that directly affects fat cell growth or the build-up of lipids (fat molecules) inside the cells.

CRISPR Unlocks New Therapeutic Possibilities

Published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS) on August 7, 2025, the study highlights microproteins that could one day become targets for new obesity and metabolic disorder treatments. It also demonstrates how valuable CRISPR screening can be for uncovering microproteins with medical potential.

“CRISPR screening is extremely effective at finding important factors in obesity and metabolism that could become therapeutic targets,” says senior author Alan Saghatelian, a professor and holder of the Dr. Frederik Paulsen Chair at Salk. “These new screening technologies are allowing us to reveal a whole new level of biological regulation driven by microproteins. The more we screen, the more disease-associated microproteins we find, and the more potential targets we have for future drug development.”

How Fat Cells Store and Harm the Body

When people take in more energy than they burn, fat cells can increase in both size and number. These cells store extra energy as fatty molecules called lipids. While the body can tolerate some extra storage, excessive fat can build up in different areas, triggering widespread inflammation and damaging organs.

Many biological factors control this intricate energy storage system. The challenge for scientists is figuring out how to identify all of them, and more importantly, how to pinpoint which ones could lead to safe and effective treatments.

Past Drug Targets and Their Limitations

This has been a longstanding question for Salk scientists. In fact, Salk Professor Ronald Evans has been working on it for decades. Evans is an expert on PPAR gamma, a key regulator of fat cell development and a potent target for treating diabetes. Several drugs have been developed to target PPAR gamma to treat obesity, but they resulted in side effects like weight gain and bone loss. An ideal PPAR gamma-based obesity therapeutic has yet to hit the market.

When PPAR gamma drugs fell short, GLP-1 drugs entered the scene. GLP-1 is a peptide small enough to be considered a microprotein, and it serves as a blood sugar and appetite regulator. But, like PPAR gamma, GLP-1 drugs have their own shortcomings, such as muscle loss and nausea. Nonetheless, the popularity of GLP-1 drugs demonstrates a promising future for microprotein drugs in the obesity therapeutic space.

Searching the Genome’s “Dark” Regions

Saghatelian’s team is now searching for the next microprotein therapeutic with new genetic tools that bring microproteins out of the “dark.” For many years, long stretches of the genome have been considered “junk” and thus left unexplored. But recent technological advances have allowed scientists to look at these dark sections and find a hidden world of microproteins—in turn, expanding protein libraries by 10 to 30 percent.

In particular, the Salk team is using innovative CRISPR screening to scour the “dark” for possible microproteins. This approach is enabling the simultaneous discovery of thousands of potential microproteins involved in lipid storage and fat cell biology, accelerating the search for the next PPAR gamma or GLP-1 drug.

Precision Discovery Through CRISPR Screening

CRISPR screens work by cutting out genes of interest in cells and observing whether the cell thrives or dies without them. From these results, scientists can determine the importance and function of specific genes. In this case, the Salk team was interested in genes that may code for microproteins involved in fat cell differentiation or proliferation.

“We wanted to know if there was anything we had been missing in all these years of research into the body’s metabolic processes,” says first author Victor Pai, a postdoctoral researcher in Saghatelian’s lab. “And CRISPR allows us to pick out interesting and functional genes that specifically impact lipid accumulation and fat cell development.”

This latest research follows up on a prior study from Saghatelian’s lab. The previous study identified thousands of potential microproteins by analyzing microprotein-coding RNA strands derived from mouse fat tissues. These microprotein-coding RNA strands were filed away to await investigation into their functions.

The new study first expanded this collection to include additional microproteins identified from a pre-fat cell model. Notably, this new model captures the differentiation process from pre-fat cell to a fully mature fat cell. Next, the researchers screened the cell model with CRISPR to determine how many of these potential microproteins were involved in fat cell differentiation or proliferation.

“We’re not the first to screen for microproteins with CRISPR,” adds Pai, “but we’re the first to look for microproteins involved in fat cell proliferation. This is a huge step for metabolism and obesity research.”

From Mouse Models to Microprotein Shortlist

Using their mouse model and CRISPR screening approach, the team identified microproteins that may be involved in fat cell biology. They then narrowed the pool even further with another experiment to create a shortlist of 38 potential microproteins involved in lipid droplet formation—which indicates increasing fat storage—during fat.

At this point, the shortlisted microproteins were all still “potential” microproteins. This is because the genetic screening finds genes that may code for microproteins, rather than finding the microproteins themselves. While this approach is a helpful workaround to finding microproteins that are otherwise so small they elude capture, it also means that the screened microproteins require further testing to confirm whether they are functional.

And that’s what the Salk team did next. They picked several of the shortlisted microproteins to test and were able to verify one. Pai hypothesizes this new microprotein, called Adipocyte-smORF-1183, influences lipid droplet formation in fat cells (also known as adipocytes).

Adipocyte-smORF-1183: A Verified Target

Verification of Adipocyte-smORF-1183 is an exciting step toward identifying more microproteins involved in lipid accumulation and fat cell regulation in obesity. It also verifies that CRISPR is an effective tool for finding microproteins involved in fat cell biology, obesity, and metabolism.

“That’s the goal of research, right?” says Saghatelian. “You keep going. It’s a constant process of improvement as we establish better technology and better workflows to enhance discovery and, eventually, therapeutic outcomes down the line.”

Next Steps: Human Trials and Expanded Screening

Next, the researchers will repeat the study with human fat cells. They also hope their success inspires others to use CRISPR screenings to continue bringing microproteins out from the dark—like Adipocyte-smORF-1183, which until now, was considered an unimportant bit of “junk” DNA.

Further validation or screening of new cell libraries will expand the list of potential drug candidates, setting the stage for the new-and-improved obesity and metabolic disorder therapeutics of the future.

https://scitechdaily.com/could-this-tiny-molecule-be-better-than-ozempic-and-wegovy-for-obesity/

Govt's 5-pronged strategy playing key role to eliminate Lymphatic Filariasis: Dr NK Ganguly

India is making significant strides in eliminating Lymphatic Filariasis by 2027 through a comprehensive health strategy. Dr NK Ganguly highlights the role of mass drug administration and community engagement in reducing transmission rates. Frontline health workers are crucial in overcoming myths and ensuring high coverage. The economic and social benefits of eliminating this disease are immense for India.

"Eliminating LF is a clear public health priority—not just for reducing disease burden but also for protecting livelihoods." – Dr NK Ganguly

Even as India aims to eliminate Lymphatic Filariasis (LF) by 2027, the five-pronged strategy led by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) is showing results, said Dr NK Ganguly, former Director General at Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR).

Key Points

1 India aims to eliminate Lymphatic Filariasis by 2027 with a 5-pronged MoHFW strategy

2 Over 143 districts report microfilarial rates below 1% threshold

3 MDA coverage exceeds 85%, nearing 95% target

4 Frontline workers like ASHAs drive community participation

Speaking to IANS, Ganguly highlighted the government’s efforts towards eliminating the painful and profoundly disfiguring disease, commonly known as elephantiasis.

With an estimated 67 crore people at risk -- accounting for nearly 40 per cent of the global disease burden -- LF continues to place a heavy toll on India’s health system.

“Around 7.5 lakh individuals in India live with debilitating LF-related conditions such as lymphoedema and hydrocele. These conditions not only cause physical discomfort but also subject patients to deep social stigma, limiting their ability to work and participate fully in community life,” Ganguly told IANS.

Notably, the economic cost of LF in India is significant, with the WHO estimating annual productivity losses of around Rs 8,000 crore. The disease’s long incubation period, often taking years to manifest symptoms, means that its impact is insidious yet sustained.

“Eliminating LF is therefore a clear public health priority -- not just for reducing disease burden but also for protecting livelihoods and economic productivity,” Ganguly said.

“Encouragingly, India’s five-pronged strategy led by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) is showing results. As of July 2025, over 143 districts have achieved microfilarial transmission rates below 1 per cent, meeting the threshold for halting Mass Drug Administration (MDA),” the noted microbiologist told IANS.

The five-pronged, launched earlier this year, included MDA campaign twice a year synchronised with National Deworming Day (NDD); morbidity management and disability prevention with early diagnosis and treatment; vector control with surveillance and management; high-level advocacy with different ministries; and innovative approaches by leveraging existing digital platforms for LF and exploring alternate diagnostics.

“MDA coverage rates, which now exceed 85 per cent in many areas, are steadily approaching the ambitious 95 per cent target. Once considered unrealistic, these are now within reach due to sustained efforts from frontline workers, policymakers, and community stakeholders,” Ganguly said.

He also pointed out a shift in community awareness and participation due to state-led information, education, and communication (IEC) campaigns that played a pivotal role in building awareness.

“Drawing from lessons learned during India’s successful polio eradication programme, health departments have deployed local influencers, community leaders, and innovative communication techniques to dispel myths and normalise participation. As a result, coverage rates in some districts have jumped from as low as 40-42 per cent to over 87 per cent, reflecting a substantial improvement in community participation,” the expert said.

Further, Ganguly acknowledged the role of frontline workers like ASHAs and ANMs and called them “the backbone of India’s LF elimination programme”. He stated that these workers conduct night campaigns and go door-to-door to ensure maximum drug uptake during MDA rounds, particularly among those who are absent during the day due to work.

Their role has been particularly effective in warding off fears and misconceptions by reaching mobile, marginalised, and geographically isolated populations, which has long been a challenge for LF elimination.

https://www.newkerala.com/news/o/govts-5-pronged-strategy-playing-key-role-eliminate-lymphatic-filariasis-192

Over 1.11 cr BP, 64 lakh diabetes cases diagnosed and under treatment from Jan to June: Govt

India has diagnosed over 1.11 crore hypertension and 64 lakh diabetes cases under treatment from January to June. The National Health Mission's screening program targets individuals aged 30 and above for early detection. Free medicines and follow-ups are provided through 770 District NCD Clinics and 6,410 CHC clinics. A nationwide screening campaign was also conducted earlier this year to expand coverage.

"Patients diagnosed with hypertension and diabetes under NP-NCD are provided free medicines and follow-up services" - Prataprao Jadhav

More than 1.11 crore hypertension or blood pressure, and 64 lakh diabetes cases were diagnosed and are actively under treatment from January to June, the government informed on Tuesday.

Key Points

1 Over 1.11 crore hypertension cases diagnosed under NHM screening

2 64 lakh diabetes cases reported in same period

3 Free medicines and follow-ups provided under NP-NCD

4 770 District NCD Clinics and 6,410 CHC clinics operational

5 Nationwide screening campaign held Feb-Mar for 30+ population

In a written reply in the Rajya Sabha, the Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare, Prataprao Jadhav, shared that nationwide screening and treatment for individuals aged 30+ has been implemented under the National Health Mission (NHM) as a part of Comprehensive Primary Health Care (CPHC).

"A total of 1,11,83,850 cases of hypertension have been diagnosed and under treatment between January and June, while 64,11,051 cases of diabetes have been diagnosed and under treatment during the same period,” the Minister said.

The National Programme for Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Diseases (NP-NCD) is a key component of CPHC.

“The Programme focuses on strengthening infrastructure, human resource development, screening, early diagnosis, referral, treatment, and health promotion for Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs), including hypertension and diabetes, as per need and proposal from the State and Union Territories. Under the programme, 770 District NCD Clinics, 233 Cardiac Care Units and 6,410 NCD clinics at Community Health Centres have been set up,” Jadhav said.

“Patients diagnosed with hypertension and diabetes under the NP-NCD programme are provided free access to medicines and regular follow-up services at different levels of health facilities,” he added.

While essential drugs for hypertension are available at all levels of care -- Ayushman Arogya Mandir (AAM), Primary Health Centres (PHCs), and Community Health Centers (CHCs).

Further, monthly follow-ups are also facilitated through the NCD portal, with scheduled visits recorded and medicines dispensed accordingly, and referral mechanisms are in place for patients needing specialised care.

Separately, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare launched a nationwide NCD screening campaign, including hypertension and diabetes, between February and March to achieve universal screening of individuals aged 30 years and above, the MoS said.

https://www.newkerala.com/news/o/111-cr-bp-64-lakh-diabetes-cases-diagnosed-treatment-787

Sickle Cell elimination mission tackling genetic disorder to ensure equity, dignity: PMO

The Indian government is aggressively tackling sickle cell disease with mass screenings in tribal regions. A new low-cost diagnostic tool has made testing more accessible. Over 6 crore people have already been screened, with 2.16 lakh cases identified. The mission represents a major healthcare push ahead of India's 2047 development goals.

"India's fight against sickle cell anaemia is a commitment to equity, dignity, and the health of our nation's most marginalised communities" – Jagat Prakash Nadda

New Delhi, Aug 12: The National Sickle Cell Anaemia Elimination Mission (NSCAEM) is aimed at tackling the genetic disorder to ensure equity and dignity to the people affected, the Prime Minister’s Office said on Tuesday.

Key Points

1 PM Modi launches mission to eliminate sickle cell disease by 2047

2 7 crore people to be screened in tribal areas by 2026

3 Low-cost diagnostic device cuts screening cost by 72%

4 Over 2 lakh cases identified in 17 states so far

In a post shared on the social media platform X, the PMO lauded a media article by Union Minister Jagat Prakash Nadda on NSCAEM, aiming for a Sickle Cell Disease-free India by 2047.

“From tackling a genetic disorder to ensuring equity and dignity, India’s National Sickle Cell Anaemia Elimination Mission marks a new era in public health,” the PMO India posted on the social media platform X.

Sickle Cell Disease is a chronic, single-gene disorder that causes a debilitating systemic syndrome characterised by chronic anaemia, acute painful episodes, organ infarction, and chronic organ damage, significantly reducing life expectancy.

The genetic blood disorder affects the entire life of the patient, as it leads to various severe health complications.

“India's fight against sickle cell anaemia is not just about addressing a genetic disorder, it is a commitment to equity, dignity and the health of our nation's most marginalised communities,” Nadda shared on X.

Calling NSCAEM a “landmark initiative”, the Union Health Minister said it not only aims “to stop the transmission of sickle cell disease but also to restore dignity and health to millions living with this condition”.

To eliminate the disease, the NSCAEM was launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in July 2023.

The mission aims to eliminate sickle cell disease as a public health problem in India before 2047 by universal screening of 7 crore individuals aged 0-40 years in affected tribal areas by FY 2025-26.

“As India moves with determination towards the 2047 goal of eliminating SCD, the NSCAEM stands as a beacon of hope, showing what can be achieved when the government, healthcare professionals, and communities work together for a common cause,” Nadda said.

Nadda’s article highlighted the government’s initiatives from mass screening and early diagnosis to awareness campaigns and improved treatment access with a focus on tribal communities most affected.

Earlier this month, Nadda informed the Parliament that more than 6 crore people have been screened for sickle cell anaemia in the country. Of this, 2.16 lakh have been identified as diseased. He noted that the screenings under the mission were conducted in 17 states.

Meanwhile, the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) in a post on X shared how its low-cost Point-of-Contact device is enabling wider screening of Sickle Cell patients.

“Validation of a low-cost PoC device for #SickleCellAnaemia screening cut the price from Rs 100 to Rs 28, enabling wider reach in tribal areas. Proud to contribute to advancing India’s commitment to health equity,” the ICMR posted on X.

https://www.newkerala.com/news/o/sickle-cell-elimination-mission-tackling-genetic-disorder-ensure-equity-523

Dirty Air Linked to Common Brain Tumor, 21-Year Study Finds

Long-term exposure to traffic-related air pollution may increase the risk of developing meningioma, a common noncancerous brain tumor, according to a large Danish study.

Air pollution, especially from traffic, may raise the risk of noncancerous brain tumors. Ultrafine particles appear particularly linked to meningioma.

Individuals who are exposed to elevated levels of air pollution could face a greater likelihood of developing meningioma, a usually benign brain tumor, according to a large-scale study published in Neurology Clinical Practice, a journal of the American Academy of Neurology.

Meningiomas commonly arise in the protective layers surrounding the brain and spinal cord. While the study identifies a connection between air pollution and meningioma, it does not establish a causal relationship.

Traffic-related pollutants under scrutiny

The research examined a range of air pollutants, particularly those associated with traffic, such as nitrogen dioxide and ultrafine particles, which tend to be most concentrated in urban areas.

“Many forms of air pollution have been linked to negative health outcomes, and ultrafine particles are small enough to penetrate the blood-brain barrier, potentially affecting brain tissue directly,” explained study author Ulla Hvidtfeldt, PhD, of the Danish Cancer Institute in Copenhagen. “Our findings indicate that prolonged exposure to traffic-related and other sources of air pollution may contribute to the development of meningioma, reinforcing existing evidence that air pollution can impact the brain as well as the heart and lungs.”

The study tracked nearly 4 million Danish adults, averaging 35 years of age, over a 21-year span. During this period, 16,596 individuals were diagnosed with central nervous system tumors, including 4,645 cases of meningioma.

Researchers used address histories and advanced modeling to estimate long-term exposure to air pollution.

Comparing exposure to tumor risk

The researchers estimated each participant’s average exposure over a 10-year period to several pollutants: ultrafine particles (less than 0.1 micrometers in diameter), fine particulate matter known as PM2.5 (2.5 micrometers or smaller), nitrogen dioxide (a gas primarily produced by traffic), and elemental carbon (an indicator of diesel emissions).

They then categorized participants into three groups for each pollutant, ranging from the lowest to the highest levels of exposure, to compare health outcomes across these exposure levels.

Elevated pollutant levels linked to higher risk

For example, for ultrafine particles, people in the lowest group had an average 10-year exposure of 11,041 particles per centimeter cubed (cm3) compared to people with the highest exposure of 21,715 particles/cm3. In these groups, 0.06% of people in the group with the lowest exposure developed meningiomas compared to 0.20% of people with the highest exposure.

After adjusting for factors like age, sex, education level, and neighborhood socioeconomic status, researchers found that people with higher exposure to air pollutants had a greater risk of developing meningioma:

A 10% increase in risk for meningioma was observed for every additional 5,747 ultrafine particles per cubic centimeter (cm³).

For fine particulate matter, risk rose by 21% for each 4.0 microgram per cubic meter (µg/m³) increase.

Nitrogen dioxide exposure was linked to a 12% higher risk for every 8.3 µg/m³ increase.

Elemental carbon exposure was associated with a 3% greater risk for each 0.4 µg/m³ increase.

The study did not find strong links between these pollutants and more aggressive brain tumors, such as gliomas.

“While research on the health effects of ultrafine particles is still in its early stages, these findings point to a possible link between traffic-related ultrafine particle exposure and the development of meningioma,” Hvidtfeldt said. “More research is needed to confirm these results, but if cleaning up our air can help lower the risk of brain tumors, that could make a real difference for public health.”

A limitation of the study is that pollution exposure was based on outdoor air quality near people’s homes, so it doesn’t capture all sources of personal exposure—like workplace air or time spent indoors.

https://scitechdaily.com/dirty-air-linked-to-common-brain-tumor-21-year-study-finds/

Is Ozempic Sapping Your Strength? Research Shows Surprising Muscle Loss

Mouse research suggests Ozempic may weaken muscles even when they don’t shrink, with most lean mass loss coming from organ size reduction. Credit: Shutterstock

Ozempic’s surge in popularity for weight loss has sparked new concerns over its potential effects on muscle mass and strength.

In mouse studies, the drug reduced lean mass primarily by shrinking organs like the liver rather than skeletal muscle. However, researchers found some muscles weakened even without shrinking, raising questions about functional loss, especially in older adults.

Side Effects of Ozempic and Lean Mass Loss

The widely used diabetes and weight-loss medication Ozempic has seen a rapid rise in popularity, and with it, mounting questions about its potential side effects. One concern is the reduction of “lean mass” (body weight that is not fat), which has led to speculation that the drug could be lowering muscle mass and strength.

A recent study in mice found that muscle size did not decrease as much as expected, yet some muscles still became weaker. This finding underscores the need for clinical trials to better understand the drug’s full impact in people.

“If we want to really help the individuals who may be losing muscle mass, then we need to know that they’re actually losing muscle mass,” says Katsu Funai, PhD, associate professor of nutrition and integrative physiology in the University of Utah College of Health and the senior author on the study. “We have data in mice that suggest that things are not as straightforward as they might seem.”

The results appear in Cell Metabolism.

Weight Loss Effects Beyond Muscles

In the mouse study, Ozempic use led to a roughly 10% drop in lean mass. Most of this loss came not from skeletal muscle, but from other tissues such as the liver, which decreased in size by nearly half. Researchers note that more work is needed to determine if these organ changes also occur in humans and whether they carry any health risks.

“Loss of mass in metabolically active organs, such as the liver, is expected as part of healthy weight loss,” says Ran Hee Choi, PhD, research instructor in nutrition and integrative physiology at U of U Health and co-first author on the study. In both mice and humans, weight gain and loss can affect the size of organs like the liver without affecting their function. “It’s unlikely that the observed lean mass loss represents a serious adverse effect,” says Takuya Karasawa, PhD, postdoctoral researcher in the U of U Molecular Medicine Program and co-first author on the study.

Some skeletal muscles did shrink, on average by about 6%, but this was not enough to account for the overall drop in lean mass. Other muscles remained the same size.

The researchers point out that some muscle reduction may simply be a return to normal levels. When a person gains fat, their skeletal muscle often grows as well because more muscle is needed to move the extra weight. Losing fat can therefore also reduce muscle size without harming day-to-day physical function.

Muscle Strength Decline Despite Size Maintenance

Interestingly, when the researchers tested the amount of force the mice’s muscles could exert, they found that, for some muscles, strength decreased as the mice lost weight, even when the size of the muscle stayed roughly the same. For other muscles, strength was unchanged. It’s unknown how weight loss drugs affect this balance in people, the researchers say.

A potential loss of strength when taking Ozempic may be of particular concern for adults over the age of 60, who are at higher baseline risk for muscle loss and reduced mobility. “The loss of physical function is a strong predictor of not just quality of life but longevity,” Funai adds.

Caution Against Direct Human Extrapolation

The researchers caution against extrapolating their results directly into humans, because mice and humans gain and lose weight in different ways. In people, obesity is associated with lower physical activity, but mice don’t tend to become less active when they gain weight. And the mice in this study became overweight because they ate a high-fat diet, whereas people become overweight for a wide variety of reasons that include genetics, diet, sleeping patterns, and age.

Instead of drawing a one-to-one parallel with humans, the researchers say their results emphasize the need for more clinical studies. “There remains a significant need for validation in humans, especially concerning muscle strength,” Karasawa says.

A Call for Future Studies on Muscle Strength

Funai adds that clinical trials should check for changes in muscle strength, not just for Ozempic, but also for future weight-loss drugs. “There are many additional weight loss drugs that are in clinical trials and coming out in the next three to five years,” Funai says. “But with all those clinical trials, if they’re interested in measuring lean mass loss, they need to consider physical function.”

“Our findings are really interesting, but this is a preclinical model,” he adds. “We need these data in people.”

https://scitechdaily.com/is-ozempic-sapping-your-strength-research-shows-surprising-muscle-loss/