Research on hormone therapy and its effects. Covers menopause symptom relief, bronchiectasis risk, dementia links, and Alzheimer's risk.
A study has found that human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) reduces HIV viral protein production and protects against skin lesions in transgenic mice. The hormone may also explain the low rate of mother-to-infant HIV transmission, and has potential for treating wasting syndrome in children and adults.
Researchers found that ketoconazole slowed disease progression by 66% in patients with glomerular disease and 77% in those with diabetic nephropathy. However, the treatment accelerated disease rate in patients with polycystic kidney disease. Further studies are needed to confirm these findings.
Researchers investigate melatonin's potential to alleviate insomnia in patients with depression undergoing antidepressant treatment. The study aims to determine the optimal dose of melatonin to restore normal sleep patterns.
A study by Johns Hopkins researchers reveals that long-term estrogen replacement therapy can increase blood flow to the heart and cause blood vessels to stay open wider and longer. This leads to a reduced risk of heart attack and improved coronary circulation.
Researchers studied 1,947 women and found that taking progestin with estrogen therapy reduces risk of endometrial cancer by four-fold, but risks increase with shorter progestin cycles. Women who took combination therapy for over five years had a higher risk of endometrial cancer compared to non-users.
Scientists examining rat brains with underactive thyroid glands found differences in neuronal responses to serotonin, a neurotransmitter important for circulatory control. The study suggests thyroid hormones have an impact on mature brains, potentially affecting depression treatment.
A University of Washington study links hormone replacement therapy to an increased risk of temporomandibular disorders (TMD) among women. Researchers discovered that post-menopausal women using hormone replacement therapy were over 70% more likely to suffer from TMD, while those taking oral contraceptives also showed a 20% higher risk.
Duke researchers found that aging female rats treated with estrogen had more connections in a brain area associated with memory formation than did similar untreated rats. The study suggests that replacing estrogens may alleviate minor memory losses sometimes associated with aging.
Researchers studying small amphibians have discovered a hormone that can cause brain degeneration, similar to cortisol in humans. The study aims to develop a drug that can block this destructive effect, potentially leading to new treatments for Alzheimer's patients.
A recent study by Johns Hopkins Medicine has identified a genetic mutation that may be associated with an increased risk of osteoporosis. The mutation, found in the calcium-sensing receptor gene, was discovered in people with primary hyperparathyroidism and showed no link to this condition, but may play a role in other bone diseases.
A two-year study on wild baboons found that environmental factors such as social status and seasonal conditions significantly impact reproduction. The research suggests that understanding these natural processes can inform the development of new treatments for human infertility.
A new study by Johns Hopkins Medicine reveals that testosterone replacement therapy may improve visual and spatial skills, as well as verbal fluency and memory in men with low testosterone. The findings suggest a potential role for testosterone in cognitive function and brain function.