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Ongoing Research and Development in Health

At Medical News Bulletin, we are committed to keeping you informed about the latest advancements aimed at enhancing health and well-being. Recent studies have shed light on significant progress in areas such as arthritis, diabetes, and cancer treatments.

Arthritis

Osteoarthritis Breakthrough Links Condition to Genes

Researchers in Britain have identified eight new genes associated with osteoarthritis, the most prevalent form of arthritis. These genes are believed to play a role in cartilage production, which is often compromised in osteoarthritis. This discovery enhances our understanding of the condition’s development and progression, potentially paving the way for targeted drug therapies. Currently, there is no cure for osteoarthritis.

Rheumatoid Arthritis Drugs May Improve Longevity

New findings indicate that anti-TNF drugs, such as Humira, not only alleviate symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis but may also reduce the risk of heart attacks and mortality. These biologic medications suppress the immune system’s inflammatory response, which is known to influence atherosclerosis and heart disease. However, it is important to note that the use of anti-TNF drugs may heighten the risk of shingles.

Diabetes

Common Diabetes Drugs May Lower Cancer Risk

Metformin, a widely prescribed anti-diabetic medication, appears to decrease cancer risk among diabetics when compared to those not taking the drug. This conclusion stems from a thorough review of numerous studies on long-term Metformin use. The medication seems particularly protective against breast and colorectal cancers, which are more prevalent in diabetics than in the general population.

Diabetes Drug Linked to Bladder Cancer

Research has indicated that the anti-diabetic medication Actos may increase the likelihood of developing bladder cancer. One study reported a 22% increased risk of bladder cancer associated with the drug, while other studies suggest that prolonged use may double this risk. Even without medication, individuals with type 2 diabetes face a 40% higher risk of this cancer.

Anti-Psychotic Drugs May Increase Risk of Gestational Diabetes

A Swedish study has found that medications used to treat mental health conditions, such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, may elevate the risk of gestational diabetes. Common side effects of some antipsychotic drugs include weight gain, higher cholesterol levels, and impaired insulin function, all of which contribute to gestational diabetes. However, it remains unclear whether the increased risk is directly due to medication use or related to other factors like poor diet and lack of exercise.

Cancer

Using Skin Moisturizers to Treat Cancer

Researchers at Northwestern University in Chicago are exploring the use of skin moisturizers to deliver gene regulation technology into the skin effectively. The skin’s protective barriers usually impede treatment for conditions like skin cancer. By utilizing nanotechnology to create molecules that the body can recognize, these treatments can be applied topically through moisturizers to target the affected areas.

Female Smokers at Increased Risk for Blood, Immune, and Bone Marrow Cancers

A recent study published in the British Journal of Cancer indicates that women who smoke face a higher risk of developing cancers affecting the blood, immune system, and bone marrow. The study tracked approximately 1.3 million women from 1996 to 2009, confirming the association between smoking and an increased risk of Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, a cancer affecting white blood cells, among other cancers.

References

arcOGEN Consortium; arcOGEN Collaborators, Zeggini E, et al. Identification of new susceptibility loci for osteoarthritis (arcOGEN): a genome-wide association study. Lancet. 2012;380(9844):815-823. doi:10.1016/S0140-6736(12)60681-3

3rd Annual European Congress of Rheumatology. July 6-9th, 2012. http://www.eularcongressnews.eu/mediabucket/eular_congress_news_2012_wed.pdf

Medical Press. In News. Retrieved July 3, 2012, from http://medicalxpress.com/news/2012-06-metformin-cancer-people-diabetes.html

Colmers, IN; Bowker, SL; Majumdar SR; Johnson JA. Use of thiazolidinediones and the risk of bladder cancer among people with type 2 diabetes: A meta-analysis. doi:https://doi.org/10.1503%2Fcmaj.112102

Bodén, R.; Lundgren, M; Brandt, L; Reutfors, J; Kieler, H. Antipsychotics during pregnancy: Relation to fetal and maternal metabolic effects. https://doi.org/10.1001/archgenpsychiatry.2011.1870

Dan Zheng, D; Giljohann, DA; Chen, DL; Massich, MD; Wang, XQ; Iordanov, H; Mirkin, CA; Paller, AS. Topical delivery of siRNA-based spherical nucleic acid nanoparticle conjugates for gene regulation. PNAS 2012 109 (30) 11975-11980; published ahead of print July 6, 2012, doi:10.1073/pnas.1118425109

Kroll, M.E; Murphy, F; Pirie, K; Reeves, G.K; Green, J; Beral, V. Alcohol drinking, tobacco smoking and subtypes of haematological malignancy in the UK Million Women Study. British Journal of Cancer. doi:10.1038/bjc.2012.333