Research on hormone therapy and its effects. Covers menopause symptom relief, bronchiectasis risk, dementia links, and Alzheimer's risk.
Researchers Darío Acuña-Castroviejo and Germaine Escames found that melatonin is an effective sleep regulator, regulating the biological clock and synchronizing the body's circadian rhythms. Taking melatonin at specific hours can correct chronobiological alterations of the cycle sleep/wakefulness.
A phase III study found that short-term hormone therapy given prior to and during intermediate dose radiation treatment significantly increases the chance of living longer (51 percent) compared to those who receive radiation alone. The benefit appeared to be greatest for men at medium-risk for disease failure.
Researchers found proton therapy to have excellent early tolerance with minimal urinary and rectal toxicity. The study showed a low rate of Grade 3 genitourinary and gastrointestinal side effects, with the most common being minor rectal bleeding.
A phase III study found that short-term hormone therapy added to radiation treatment significantly increases survival in medium-risk prostate cancer patients by 51% compared to those receiving radiation alone. In contrast, low-risk patients showed no significant benefit from this combination.
Researchers have identified a molecular mechanism underlying DES-induced male infertility in mice, which may be linked to increased incidence of human reproductive disorders. The study found that neonatal exposure to DES disrupts the protein NR0B2, leading to reduced fertility and protected males against negative effects.
The American College of Physicians recommends initiating therapy with a PDE-5 inhibitor in men with ED unless there's a contraindication. Treatment with PDE-5 inhibitors results in statistically significant improvements in sexual intercourse and erectile function, regardless of cause or baseline severity.
Researchers from Boston University School of Medicine recommend that women on hormone therapy continue their treatment before annual mammogram screenings. The increase in breast density due to hormone therapy is unlikely to mask early cancer detection, making it unnecessary to stop treatment prior to screening.
Research identifies women who entered menopause recently may be at higher risk of joint pain caused by breast cancer drugs. Electro-acupuncture proves helpful for alleviating symptoms, improving fatigue and anxiety.
A new study found that hormone therapy for prostate cancer increases the risk of developing heart problems, including coronary heart disease and heart attacks. The study suggests that doctors should consider heart-related side effects when prescribing endocrine therapy and refer patients to a cardiologist before starting treatment.
A large study on adjuvant endocrine treatment for postmenopausal, hormone-positive breast cancer found that patients who continued to take exemestane or tamoxifen had significantly better outcomes than those who stopped taking the medication. Non-compliance was higher in countries with less stringent guidelines.
A large trial found that hormone replacement therapy (HRT) increases the risk of death from lung cancer, especially non-small-cell lung cancer. Women taking HRT were 71% more likely to die from lung cancer than those on placebo, with higher risks also seen in current and long-term past smokers.
New research from Purdue University raises concerns about estrogen supplements claiming to improve bone health in postmenopausal women. While some plant-derived isoflavones show modest effects, many supplements lack efficacy or are less effective than current treatments for osteoporosis.
A new molecule has been discovered that can treat type 2 diabetes and reduce weight gain by activating the protein TGR5. The study found that INT-777, a selective TGR5 activator, increases GLP-1 secretion and energy expenditure, leading to improved blood sugar control and weight loss.
Men with coronary artery disease-induced congestive heart failure or heart attack who receive hormone therapy before or along with radiation therapy for prostate cancer have a higher risk of death, according to a study. However, in men without comorbidities, hormone therapy was not associated with an increased risk of all-cause mortality.
Research by Christopher Li and colleagues found a more than four-fold increased risk of ER-negative second cancers among breast cancer survivors taking long-term tamoxifen. The study confirms earlier findings suggesting a link between tamoxifen use and increased risk of aggressive second breast cancer.
The PLOS Medicine journal has made all 1500 ghostwriting documents publicly available, revealing a coordinated campaign by Wyeth and medical writing companies to promote hormone drugs. The editors call for action to eradicate ghost-writing, including retraction of papers and investigation by academic institutions.
A recent study found that low-dose estrogen treatment can stop disease progression in patients with metastatic breast cancer, with 87% of those without PET flare reactions showing no response. The treatment was also well-tolerated, with fewer severe side effects compared to high doses.
A two-week course of erythropoietin injections has shown promising results in preventing brain damage in oxygen-deprived newborns. The treatment, which can be started up to two days after birth, improves the prognosis and reduces side effects compared to cooling.
A new study found that denosumab significantly increased bone density at all monitored sites and reduced new vertebral fractures by 62% in men receiving androgen-deprivation therapy for prostate cancer. The treatment also showed improvements in bone density at the radius, one of the bones in the forearm.
Oral sodium clodronate reduces death by 23% and increases overall survival to 30% at 5 years for patients with advanced prostate cancer. However, in men with localized disease, clodronate shows no improvement in overall survival.
Studies found that botanicals were safe, but did not have a significant effect on reducing hot flashes or improving cognitive function compared to hormone therapy. The studies enrolled over 150 women and followed them for 12 months.
A new study by Louis Potters and colleagues found that permanent prostate brachytherapy is an effective treatment option for younger patients diagnosed with prostate cancer, with success rates comparable to older patients. The study analyzed data from 2,119 patients and showed that age didn't impact the long-term therapeutic outcome of...
Researchers at Northwestern University use nanodiamonds to deliver insulin for wound healing, demonstrating a method for localized release of therapeutic proteins. The nanodiamond-insulin clusters show promise for wound-healing applications and could be integrated into various treatments.
Researchers at Thomas Jefferson University identified DACH1 as a protein that prevents cancer cell proliferation by repressing estrogen receptors in ER+ breast cancer. As DACH1 expression decreases in breast cancer, estrogen receptor presence increases, suggesting its potential as a therapeutic target.
Women taking hormone therapy have a 38% increased risk of ovarian cancer, with risks increasing by 44% for epithelial tumors. The absolute risk is approximately 1 extra ovarian cancer for every 8,300 women taking hormone therapy annually.
Researchers found that curcumin delays tumor development and reduces multiplicity of progestin-accelerated tumors. Curcumin inhibits VEGF secretion from breast cancer cells, potentially reducing breast cancer risk for women exposed to hormone replacement therapy.
Sexual medicine experts focus on treating causes of sexual dysfunction beyond physical issues, exploring relationship dynamics and hormonal imbalance. New treatments and options for women and men are being developed to address complex sexual health needs.
Researchers discovered a potential new treatment for muscle atrophy, a debilitating condition characterized by loss of muscle mass and function. Des-acyl ghrelin, an appetite-stimulating hormone, shows anti-atrophic activity on skeletal muscle in mice with muscular atrophy.
A new study found that hormone therapy combined with physical activity significantly reduces belly fat and body fat percentage in postmenopausal women. The research, which included 34 healthy women, showed that active women had lower waist measurements and better cholesterol levels after 4 months of hormone replacement therapy.
A recent study found that hormone therapy can alter prostate tumor properties, making them more aggressive and prone to metastasis. The treatment reduces male sex hormone production, but also increases levels of proteins enabling cancer cells to spread.
Versartis has presented positive preclinical data on its two product candidates, VRS-317 and VRS-826, which have the potential to extend half-life of drugs. The company's compounds have shown in vivo potency equal to daily hGH and sustained plasma levels without toxicity.
A new study suggests that natural hormone angiotensin 1-7 may help treat the metabolic syndrome, a cluster of risk factors increasing heart disease and diabetes risk. Angiotensin 1-7 lowered fasting insulin levels and improved triglycerides and blood sugar in fructose-fed rats.
Researchers discovered that a nicotine receptor inhibitor, α-CbT, can double survival time in non-small cell lung carcinoma mice. The treatment showed significant antitumor activity by inducing apoptosis and had limited toxic effects on unaffected cells.
A new study found that taking a short break from postmenopausal hormone therapy does not lower the risk of false-positive mammogram results. However, it may help reduce breast density, making tumors harder to detect on X-rays.
Researchers used PET scanning to assess estrogen receptor positive breast cancer patients' response to standard aromatase inhibitor therapy after just two weeks. The results showed significant declines in glucose analogue FDG values, similar to earlier studies using needle biopsies.
A new study reveals that nearly one in four African American women with late-stage breast cancer refuse chemotherapy and radiation therapy. The authors emphasize the need for improved healthcare access and education to encourage treatment adherence. Further research is necessary to understand the factors contributing to this disparity.
A recent study published in Epidemiology found that hormone replacement therapy does not increase breast cancer risk for women with or without a family history. The research analyzed data from the Women's Health Initiative randomized trial and suggests that estrogen sensitivity may not be the causal pathway based on family history.
A study by Duke University Medical Center found that only 64% of low-income women with hormone receptor-positive breast cancer filled any prescriptions for hormonal therapy within 12 months after diagnosis. The researchers also discovered that 40% of the women stopped taking their medication regularly, and 20% stopped using it altogether.
A proteomic analysis of 50 participants from the Women's Health Initiative hormone replacement therapy trial reveals estrogen upregulates proteins involved in major body processes. The study found changes in serum levels of proteins affecting coagulation, metabolism, osteogenesis, and blood vessel morphogenesis.
A new analysis finds that prostate cancer patients who undergo testosterone-lowering therapy are at higher risk of bone fractures and heart-related deaths. The study highlights the need for preventive measures and careful health scrutiny to mitigate these risks.
A large study found that hormone therapy use was associated with a 28% lower incidence rate of colorectal cancer in older women. However, the mechanisms behind this protective effect are still unclear. The study also found no associations between hormone use and specific molecular markers or DNA methylation patterns.
Early diagnosis and treatment of achondroplasia's manifestations can produce better outcomes for patients later in life. This includes addressing stenosis of the foramen magnum and thoracolumbar kyphosis, which can cause developmental delays and spinal deformities.
A new study published in Menopause: The Journal of the North American Menopause Society found that transdermal estrogen delivery may not increase the risk of blood clots in postmenopausal women, unlike oral delivery. The study suggests that transdermal HT delivery may be a safer alternative for some women.
Researchers are developing new classes of anti-androgen therapies, including MDV3100, abiraterone, and OGX-427, to treat castrate-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC). Angiogenesis inhibitors like bevacizumab target vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) to slow tumor growth and metastasis.
New research suggests kisspeptin can activate release of sex hormones in women with infertility, leading to increased luteinising hormone production. The study found a 48-fold increase in LH and 16-fold increase in FSH in women treated with kisspeptin compared to controls.
Researchers found that estrogen activates genes encoding nitric oxide synthases, leading to enhanced lung function and reduced ventilation support needs. Estrogen also prevented low blood pressure and closed the ductus arteriosus, a shunt that connects the pulmonary artery to the aorta.
A study published in Journal of Psychopharmacology found that MDMA, a pharmaceutical version of Ecstasy, can enhance the effectiveness of exposure therapy for PTSD. By increasing oxytocin levels and reducing fear responses, ecstasy may help patients overcome traumatic memories and reduce stress.
Researchers used a six-gene model to stratify patients with castration-resistant prostate cancer, predicting survival and accuracy rates. The study found the model accurate in predicting low-risk patients' survival and high-risk patients' mortality.
A new study found that women with a longer fertile lifespan and more years of exposure to their own sex hormones may be protected from Parkinson's disease. Women with four or more pregnancies were at greater risk of developing the disease compared to those with fewer pregnancies.
A new study found that women with a longer fertile lifespan, resulting in higher levels of naturally produced estrogen, had a lower risk of developing Parkinson's disease. However, hormone therapy did not offer protection against the disease, and may even have harmful neurological effects.
Primary ovarian insufficiency is a menopause-like condition affecting girls and young women, characterized by loss of menstrual periods, infertility, and hot flashes. A comprehensive plan provides recommendations for diagnosis and treatment, including hormone replacement therapy and counseling.
A new study by Stanford researchers finds that combined estrogen plus progestin hormone therapy increases the annual risk of breast cancer in postmenopausal women, with a doubling of risk after five years. Stopping hormone therapy can quickly reduce this risk, as observed in a follow-up study.
A new study published in The Endocrine Society's Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism found that growth hormone treatment after weight loss surgery reduces lean body mass and skeletal muscle mass losses. Researchers discovered that short-term growth hormone treatment during a standardized diet and exercise program increased l...
A study published in JAMA found that using N-terminal brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) to guide therapy did not improve overall clinical or quality of life outcomes for older patients with heart failure. In contrast, the study showed improved survival rates and reduced hospitalizations for patients receiving BNP-guided therapy.
A Canadian/U.S. research team has reported a therapeutic model exploiting the natural dynamics of the 'fight or flight' system to stimulate recovery from chronic stress disorders. The HPA axis dysfunction may become chronic if driven far from its natural homeostatic rest point, leading to disorders like CFS, depression, and PTSD.
Key epigenetic abnormalities in endometriosis have been identified, including the presence of aromatase, which produces excessive estrogen in affected tissue. Aromatase inhibitors are now being tested for treatment options.
Experts warn that while hormonal contraceptives may be safe for many women, gaps in knowledge remain. The article highlights the need for further research on low-dose oral contraceptives and alternative forms of contraception for high-risk individuals.
New studies have found a link between hormone therapy and brain shrinkage in postmenopausal women, with smaller brain volumes in areas involved in thinking and memory skills. However, hormone therapy was not linked to an increase in small vascular lesions or 'silent strokes' that are often the first sign of cerebrovascular disease.
Two new studies link hormone therapy to reduced brain volume in critical memory areas, accelerating loss of cognitive function in postmenopausal women. Researchers found no correlation between hormone therapy and increased brain lesions, contradicting previous hypotheses.
Researchers have discovered a key difference in hormone receptors on prostate cancer cells in patients who no longer respond to hormone deprivation therapy. The finding, published in Cancer Research, could lead to new targets for treating prostate cancer and monitoring disease progression.