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Psychology research: Women more sensitive to cocaine

A recent study by researchers at the University of Texas at Arlington found that women are more susceptible to cocaine addiction than men due to fluctuations in sex hormones. The study discovered that the female sex hormone estradiol enhances the rewarding effects of cocaine, leading to increased sensitivity among females.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Arlington·JournalPharmacology Biochemistry and Behavior·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 29, 2024

More than 900 chemicals, many found in consumer products and the environment, display breast-cancer causing traits

Scientists have discovered a way to predict breast cancer risk based on specific chemical traits, identifying over 900 chemicals that could contribute to the disease. These chemicals are commonly found in consumer products, food, and workplaces, and can alter hormones or damage DNA.

SourceSilent Spring Institute·JournalEnvironmental Health Perspectives·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 10, 2024

Embargoed press release: Blood hormone levels key to identifying which post-menopausal women will benefit most from taking anastrozole to prevent breast cancer

A recent study published in Lancet Oncology has found that measuring blood hormone levels can identify post-menopausal women who are most likely to benefit from anastrozole, a medication used to prevent breast cancer. The study suggests that inexpensive blood tests could be used to personalize preventive therapy for these women.

SourceQueen Mary University of London·JournalThe Lancet Oncology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateDec 6, 2023

ER-positive breast cancer presents differing metabolic signatures in African American, white women

Researchers found that African American women with ER-positive breast cancer have decreased levels of amino acids and increased levels of fatty acids compared to non-Hispanic white women. This study may help explain the higher mortality rates in African American women with the disease, suggesting potential new screening strategies.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalScientific Reports·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateSep 11, 2023

Tracking the ol' mutation trail

Researchers at Kyoto University have discovered the mechanism by which breast cancer forms in mammalian epithelial cells. The team found that approximately 20 mutations accumulate annually in each cell until menopause, after which the rate decreases significantly.

SourceKyoto University·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 30, 2023

Estrogen and PARP inhibitor combination for advanced ER+ breast cancer shows promise in preclinical models

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.

SourceDartmouth Health·JournalClinical Cancer Research·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 13, 2023

NIH grant backs study focused on Alzheimer’s in women

Researchers aim to understand how estrogen levels and menopausal status interact with memory-related brain function and behavioral outcomes in women aged 35-80. The study could help identify physiological factors underlying sex differences in Alzheimer's incidence and improve early disease detection and preventive therapies.

Alternating estrogen and anti-estrogen therapies is effective in treating metastatic breast cancer

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.

SourceDartmouth Health·JournalClinical Cancer Research·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMay 15, 2023

Sex after menopause doesn’t need to hurt

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.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalMenopause·DateApr 18, 2023

Model suggests lowering hormone doses in contraceptives

A new computational model suggests that reducing hormone doses in contraceptives could effectively suppress ovulation. The model found that hormone doses could be lowered by up to 92% in estrogen-only contraceptives and 43% in progesterone-only contraceptives, while still preventing ovulation.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateApr 13, 2023

Estrogen possible risk factor in disturbed heart rhythm

Researchers from Linköping University found that estrogen impairs the function of a specific ion channel, Kv7.1/KCNE1, which is associated with long QT syndrome and arrhythmia. This suggests that estrogen may be a risk factor for certain types of heart rhythm disturbances in women with hereditary mutations.

SourceLinköping University·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 15, 2023

Who is more prone to recurrent UTIs? Bladder bacteria may be key

Researchers identified a strong association between beneficial bacteria and estrogen hormone therapy in postmenopausal women. The study found that estrogen may play a role in reducing susceptibility to recurrent UTIs by promoting the growth of good bacteria such as Lactobacilli in the bladder. Conversely, women with recurrent UTIs had ...

SourceUniversity of Texas at Dallas·JournalCell Reports Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateDec 12, 2022

This hormone may be the missing ingredient to heart-healthy cholesterol levels for menopausal women

A new study identifies anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) as a key factor in regulating cholesterol levels during the menopause transition. High AMH levels are associated with lower HDL-C, or good cholesterol, which may indicate cardiovascular risk despite its traditionally protective effects.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalJournal of Clinical Lipidology·TypeObservational study·DateDec 12, 2022

Study in mice suggests that expression of estrogen-related gene can impact post-menopausal breast cancer risk and prevention strategies

A study using a mouse model found that over-expression of the Esr1 gene increased the risk of developing estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer in older women. Giving anti-hormonal drugs to mice with Esr1 over-expression lowered or reversed this risk.

SourceGeorgetown University Medical Center·JournalAmerican Journal Of Pathology·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 1, 2022