Press review
The essentials of recent medical publications, unpacked by our newsroom into a clear, sourced digest, specialty by specialty.
PediatricsA child's neurodevelopment is influenced by diet during pregnancy
The development of a child's brain is a complex process involving the maturation of brain structures.A study explored the links between mothers' dietary habits during pregnancy and their children's neurodevelopment.The study included couples in early pregnancy. Inclusion criteria included maternal age of 18 or over, spontaneous pregnancy, and planned regular obstetric follow-ups.After excluding mu
Gastroenterology and HepatologyThe discovery of biomarkers for gastric cancer screening
Stomach cancer, or gastric cancer, is a rare tumor that develops from the mucosal cells lining the stomach. Over 400 participants, half of whom had gastric cancer, were included in a study designed to identify biomarkers that could improve gastric cancer screening and follow-up.Levels of vitamin B12, folic acid and homocysteine were measured using chemiluminescence.Results showed significant diffe
Endocrinology and MetabolismThe triglyceride-glucose index and the risk of frailty
Frailty is a geriatric syndrome associated with increased vulnerability to external stresses. It affects between 7% and 24% of the elderly and is associated with reduced muscle mass. Frailty increases the risk of falls, disability, hospitalization and mortality, representing a major threat to public health. Insulin resistance, characterized by reduced sensitivity to insulin, is implicated in the g
Endocrinology and MetabolismMetabolic syndrome associated with increased risk of kidney cancer
Kidney cancer accounts for over 13,000 cases per year in France, affecting men twice as much as women.Metabolic syndrome is characterized by the presence of several physiological disorders, including hypertension, obesity, dyslipidemia, hypertriglyceridemia and hyperglycemia.The researchers explored the link between metabolic syndrome and the risk of developing kidney cancer using data from the UK
Gastroenterology and HepatologyThe role of thiamine in the prevention and long-term management of constipation
Constipation may be evoked when the usual rhythm of bowel movements is disturbed: less than three bowel movements per week. The worldwide prevalence of constipation is estimated at around 14%. It affects women more than men. In this study, researchers investigated the relationship between dietary intake of vitamin B1 (thiamine) and the incidence of chronic constipation in adults. The study include
Urology-nephrologyCastration-resistant metastatic prostate cancer and first-line treatments
Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men over 50. Currently, the overall survival of a patient with castration-resistant metastatic prostate cancer is estimated at 36 months.Current first-line therapeutic approaches to this cancer include antiandrogens with abiraterone and chemotherapy with docetaxel and cabazitaxel.The study by Duojie Zhang et al examined these first-line therapeutic stra
Gastroenterology and HepatologyMigraine and gut microbiota
Migraine attacks are considered as neurological disease. In addition to genetic and environmental factors, gut microbiota may be involved in the onset of these attacks. Recent studies have shown that dysbiosis of gut microbiota can affect the release of neurotransmitters and inflammatory mediators. This dysbiosis could therefore increase the risk of migraine. In this study, researchers assessed th
Gastroenterology and HepatologyGut microbiota is involved in the progression of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is characterized by an accumulation of fat in the liver, irrespective of excessive alcohol consumption. The advanced stage of this disease is called non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH).In this study, changes in the gut microbiota associated with progression from NAFLD to NASH were analyzed with the aim of better understanding the differences between the m
Public Health and Social MedicineElderly women with depression have a higher prevalence of low back pain
Low back pain is a pain in the lumbar vertebrae at the base of the back, short or long duration. This pain has a strong impact on mobility, and can have quite negative consequences on quality of life.Here, researchers carried out a cross-sectional study on 17,084 people aged 15 and over. Binary multivariate logistic regression was used to study factors associated with the onset of low back pain. C
NeurologyThe renin-angiotensin system in the human brain
The renin-angiotensin system is a hormonal system that regulates blood pressure. In addition to controlling blood pressure, this hormonal system interacts in a complex way with the dopaminergic system. This interaction is of particular interest in the context of neurodegeneration, notably Parkinson's disease.The main protein of the renin-angiotensin system, angiotensin II, acts via two main G prot
HematologyMesenchymal stem cells, a therapeutic strategy to combat thymus aging
Mesenchymal stem cells play a crucial role in tissue regeneration and immune system modulation. They secrete bioactive factors involved in tissue repair and inflammation reduction. They are particularly important in the fight against thymus aging. With age, the thymus undergoes an involution characterized by reduced lymphocyte production. This is due to a reduced number of thymic epithelial cells.
Gastroenterology and HepatologyThe beneficial effects of an active lifestyle on digestive and liver health
Regular physical activity is highly recommended for a healthy heart, mind and body. Sufficient physical activity helps maintain a healthy body weight, reduce inflammation and improve metabolism. It helps prevent or better treat most illnesses, such as gastrointestinal and liver diseases. Conversely, a sedentary lifestyle encourages the onset of these diseases.In this study, researchers used a Mend