Research on hormone therapy and its effects. Covers menopause symptom relief, bronchiectasis risk, dementia links, and Alzheimer's risk.
Scientists at UCSF have developed an artificial kidney that can mimic key functions of a real kidney. The bioreactor keeps kidney cells alive for up to seven days and has shown promising results in animal trials. If successful, the device could improve treatment for kidney disease, making it more effective, tolerable, and comfortable.
A new study from the University of Copenhagen reveals that GDF15 improves insulin sensitivity in rodents, particularly in their liver and fatty tissue. This finding raises interesting perspectives for treating type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure, as increased insulin sensitivity is a critical indicator of health.
A study published in JAMA Network Open found that many websites selling fertility tests make misleading claims about their effectiveness and limitations. The researchers called for increased regulation and oversight on the marketing of home fertility tests, which can lead to false reassurance or worry among women.
A recent study by Pennington Biomedical Research Center identifies GDF15 as a protein that acts as a cellular signal to enhance insulin secretion. High-intensity exercise training in patients with type 2 diabetes was found to have elevated levels of GDF15, associated with improved glycemic control.
Researchers have identified a neoplastic fusion transcript RAD51AP1-DYRK4 in luminal B breast cancer, associated with higher ki67 expression and aggressive clinical characteristics. MEK inhibitor trametinib may be effective in blocking the MEK-ERK signaling driven by this fusion.
LSU Health researchers found combining an investigational oral drug with standard-of-care medications reverts hormone resistance and increases effectiveness in experimental models of ER+ and TNBC. The study's findings suggest a new approach for treating treatment-resistant breast cancers.
A new study reveals that rapid state law changes mean many families will need to drive longer distances to access gender-affirming care for their transgender children. The restrictions have led to 25% of Americans aged 10-17 living more than a day's drive away from a clinic offering such care.
Brigham researchers use induced pluripotent stem cells to restore hormone production and fertility in mice with premature ovarian failure. The study shows promise for treating incurable conditions and may lead to new therapies for patients with ovarian failure.
Researchers have discovered a mechanism leading to resistance in luminal breast cancer and propose using the approved osteoporosis drug denosumab to block RANK protein, promoting effectiveness of CDK4/6 inhibitors. This could lead to new treatment options for patients with metastatic breast cancer.
A new study by researchers at Dartmouth Cancer Center shows that a combination of estrogen and PARP inhibitors can effectively treat advanced ER+ breast cancer by damaging cancer cells and preventing DNA repair. The treatment strategy has been shown to be effective regardless of BRCA1 or BRCA2 genetic mutations.
A new study led by Sandra Casimiro and Luís Costa found a promising molecular target, the RANK signaling pathway, that could be used in combination with standard care to avoid resistance to treatment in metastatic breast cancer. High levels of RANK in cancer cells are associated with resistance to treatment with CDK4/6 inhibitors.
A new study reveals that preoperative hydroxyprogesterone administration can improve disease-free and overall survival in patients with node-positive breast cancer by modulating cellular stress response and negative regulation of inflammation. Non-coding RNAs, such as DSCAM-AS1, play a regulatory role in this process.
Researchers discovered that Nerofe and Doxorubicin can downregulate KRAS signaling, leading to enhanced apoptosis in colorectal cancer cells. The combination also activates the immune system against tumor cells, increasing immunostimulatory cytokines and recruiting NK cells and M1 macrophages.
A new special issue of Calcified Tissue International & Musculoskeletal Research explores how the skeleton functions as both a secretory organ and an endocrine target tissue. Researchers discuss key avenues in this area of research, including deciphering hormone messages encoded in bone cell secretory products.
Inflammatory breast cancer is a rare and aggressive form of breast cancer with poor outcomes. Research highlights the role of ERβ as a mediator of estrogen signaling, demonstrating its tumor suppressive effects in preclinical models. ERβ's antimetastatic activity may hold promise for improving treatment options for IBC.
A study of commercially insured adults with chronic noncancer pain found that state medical cannabis laws did not lead to a reduction in the use of opioid or nonopioid pain treatments. The researchers also suggested slow implementation and reluctance among healthcare leaders may have contributed to these findings.
A large Danish study found that use of menopausal hormone therapy is associated with an increased rate of dementia and Alzheimer's disease. The study revealed a significant increase in dementia risk among women who received treatment at the age of 55 years or younger, even for short-term users.
A new study has found that Progesterone (micronized, oral) is effective in decreasing night sweats and improving sleep in perimenopausal women. The study, conducted by researchers at the University of British Columbia, involved 93% of participants completing the three-month trial with no serious adverse events.
A new wearable device can track adrenal steroid levels in real-time, providing insights into hormonal rhythms and revolutionizing endocrine disease diagnosis. The U-RHYTHM technology offers a more accurate picture of hormone balance than traditional tests taken at one point, enabling earlier treatment interventions.
A recent single-hospital study found that among 82 transgender and gender-diverse adolescents treated between 2016-2018, only three chose to discontinue gender-affirming hormone therapy. The reasons for discontinuation were often due to external factors, not re-transitioning to the assigned sex at birth.
Researchers at UCLA Health have discovered that estriol, a pregnancy hormone, can repair damaged myelin in the brain's cortex of mice with multiple sclerosis. This finding offers hope for developing new treatments to address the disease's progression.
Researchers at Nagoya University have discovered that targeting Fusobacterium bacteria can reduce the formation of lesions associated with endometriosis. The study suggests an effective non-hormonal antibiotic treatment for this gynecological disorder, which affects one in ten women between 15 and 49 years old.
A new review paper suggests ACSL4 status as a biomarker for breast cancer subtype classification and predictor of response to hormone-based therapies. The enzyme may also serve as a target for developing new treatment modalities in quadruple negative breast cancer.
Researchers have made progress in generating stem cell-derived beta cells, but current methods are costly and labor-intense. A recent study has found a simple method to address these issues, enhancing maturation and functionality of sBCs.
A new study published in Journal of Leukocyte Biology found that age and sex differences contribute to increased inflammation in older female mice. The research team discovered that immune cells entering areas where they shouldn
A new study by Children's Hospital of Philadelphia found that the quality of life and self-esteem of children with short stature are associated with coping skills and social supports, rather than their height. The researchers suggest that addressing short stature through a broader, psychosocial approach might have a more positive impac...
A keto diet may help reduce body weight and slow tumor growth in cancer patients. However, research found that this diet can cause early-onset cachexia, a lethal wasting disease, in mice with pancreatic and colorectal cancer. Pairing keto with corticosteroids prevented cachexia in mice, allowing them to live longer.
A study has identified a potential treatment target for prostate cancer that is resistant to hormone therapy, a protein modification involving TRAF4. The researchers found that TRAF4 promotes the spread of cancer and may be associated with a new treatment option for patients.
Researchers found that rare brain tumor patients struggle to access therapy and experience devastating psychological impact after diagnosis. The study calls for improved mental health services and specialized support for these patients.
A new study published in Hypertension found that oral estrogen hormone therapy may increase the risk of high blood pressure in women, while transdermal and vaginal formulations appeared to have a lower impact. The research involved over 112,000 women aged 45 years and older who took estrogen-only hormone therapy.
Researchers at UCSF tested a nitroglycerin patch for treating menopausal women experiencing severe hot flashes. The study found short-term improvements, but benefits did not last past 12 weeks, with some side effects reported.
A study found that adding ribociclib to hormone therapy significantly improves invasive disease-free survival rates in patients with stage 2 or 3 HR positive/HER2 negative breast cancer. The combination therapy reduced the risk of cancer recurrence by 25%, with a three-year invasive disease-free survival rate of 90.4%.
The North American Menopause Society has issued its 2023 Nonhormone Therapy Position Statement, providing women with the most up-to-date, scientifically based recommendations for proven nonhormone therapies to treat hot flashes and other bothersome menopause symptoms. The statement recommends several nonhormone options, including cogni...
Dr. Kristin Rojas addresses quality of life concerns for breast cancer patients undergoing endocrine therapy, including sexual health, fertility preservation, and bone health. Her program, Music, has become a model for similar programs across the US, improving patient adherence to treatment.
Researchers at Weill Cornell Medicine have successfully converted human stomach stem cells into insulin-secreting cells, offering a promising approach to treating type 1 and severe type 2 diabetes. The transplants reversed disease signs in mouse models, suggesting good durability.
A systematic review of research on gender-affirming hormone therapy among transgender people found that the therapy reduces depressive symptoms and psychological distress. The study analyzed data from 46 relevant journal articles and identified inconsistent findings across other areas, warranting further investigation.
Women with short or long menstrual cycles are at increased risk of cardiovascular disease events such as heart attack or AFib. The study analyzed data from over 58,000 women and found that irregular menstrual cycle length was associated with higher risks of CVD, independent of other factors.
Researchers from the UCLA Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center are presenting findings on combination therapies for breast cancer and a potential new treatment for patients with recurrent glioma. A phase 3 study evaluating vorasidenib versus placebo in patients with residual or recurrent grade 2 glioma with an IDH1/2 mutation is also be...
Researchers at Dartmouth Cancer Center found that alternating estrogen stimulation and anti-estrogen therapy is an effective treatment for patients with metastatic or advanced ER+ breast cancer. The POLLY trial showed that 42% of patients experienced tumor stabilization, while no patients discontinued treatment due to side effects.
Menopausal hormone therapy is recommended as a first-line treatment for women without risk factors, offering relief from hot flashes and other symptoms. Non-hormonal therapies can also help alleviate symptoms in those with risk factors or preferring alternative options.
Researchers have created the first humanized mouse model for Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia, a rare genetic disease affecting 1 in 15,000 births. The mouse model accurately mimics human symptoms and allows for testing of novel treatments and stem cell therapies.
Researchers have demonstrated a clinically relevant oxytocin deficiency in patients with vasopressin deficiency, which could lead to new therapeutic approaches for conditions like autism.
A new study confirms that hormone therapies increase lumbar spine bone mineral density and protect against bone loss in postmenopausal women. The benefits of hormones on bone health persist even after therapies are discontinued.
Researchers discuss the importance of biomarkers in breast lump management, enabling patients to make informed decisions between proactive treatment and watchful waiting. The development of biomarkers could provide personalized risk assessments and guide treatment strategies for women with breast lumps.
A first-of-its-kind study has estimated that transgender women taking estrogen are at a higher risk for prostate cancer, with 14 cases per 10,000 people. The study found disparities in diagnosis rates among different racial groups.
Scientists have identified Norn cells as the primary source of erythropoietin (Epo) in humans, a crucial hormone for red blood cell production. This breakthrough could lead to the development of new treatments for anemia and other conditions related to impaired Epo production.
The FLASH system is a non-invasive and precise method to modulate hunger levels and treat metabolic and neurologic diseases. It utilizes electrodes on its surface to deliver electrical stimulation to stomach mucosal tissue, regulating the gut-brain axis.
A comprehensive review reveals that postmenopausal dyspareunia is a common condition with various causes, including lack of estrogen, cancer treatments, and musculoskeletal problems. Effective treatments are available, such as lubricants, vaginal estrogen, and fractional CO2 laser treatments.
A new study published in Metabolism reveals that the hormone neurotensin is released in greater amounts by people who successfully maintain weight loss after a low-calorie diet. This suggests that neurotensin may play a key role in regulating appetite and weight management.
Recent studies have highlighted the importance of tumor microenvironment in developing and controlling triple negative breast cancer progression. Researchers suggest that technological advancements like genomics and epigenomics hold promise for overcoming TNBC's current limitations.
A new study from Mass General Brigham researchers found that early menopause may be a risk factor for Alzheimer's disease dementia. However, women who received hormone therapy around the time of menopause onset did not experience an increased risk of dementia. The study suggests that timing is crucial when it comes to hormone therapy, ...
Researchers at the Mayo Clinic found that surgical removal of both ovaries in women under 43 increases their risk of developing Parkinson's disease and parkinsonism. The study used health record data from the Rochester Epidemiology Project to analyze over 2,750 women who underwent bilateral oophorectomy.
A large study of women with rheumatoid arthritis found that those taking oral contraceptives or hormone replacement therapy had a greater chance of achieving remission. The study suggests female sex hormones could play a major role in improving outcomes for these patients.
A clinical study published in the European Heart Journal found that ghrelin increases the heart's pump capacity in patients with heart failure, improving cardiac output by 28% after two hours of treatment. The treatment also showed a 10% higher pump capacity at follow-up.
Recent review article discusses clinical development in long-acting growth hormone (LAGH) therapy, which mimics natural GH release patterns. LAGH therapies reduce daily injection burden, improving patient compliance and treatment outcomes.
A research team from HKUMed developed thyroid hormone (TH)-encapsulated nanoparticles that selectively target adipose tissues, reducing obesity-related metabolic complications and atherosclerosis. The treatment converts 'bad' white fat to 'good' brown fat, burning calories and alleviating hypercholesterolemia.
Researchers discovered that androgen therapy alters the organization of cells within breast tissue, reducing signs of estrogen influence and changing protein production. The findings could lead to new therapies for estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer.
Researchers examine the effects of gender-affirming androgen therapy on breast tissue in transgender men with single-cell resolution. Gene expression is silenced, and male gene programs are activated. This work has implications for the treatment of breast cancer across all populations.
Researchers have identified a biomarker that can select breast cancer patients who may benefit from denosumab treatment. The study found that tumors with high RANK protein expression are associated with poor prognosis and response to chemotherapy, suggesting that denosumab may be effective in hormone-receptor negative tumors.
Research suggests that withholding gender-affirming hormone therapy from transgender individuals may have negative mental and physical effects. A new study provides comprehensive guidance for assessing, managing, and treating venous thromboembolism in transgender patients receiving feminizing hormone therapy.