Calcium and Vitamin D supplements not responsible for heart attack

New research from the University of Southampton has found no association between the use of calcium or vitamin D supplementation and cardiovascular events such as heart attacks. Calcium and vitamin D supplements, which usually come in the forms of tablets, are widely used and have been generally viewed as relatively safe, but some researchers have previously raised concerns over potential links with cardiovascular disease.

Investigators from the Medical Research Council Lifecourse Epidemiology Unit, University of Southampton (MRC LEU), used the internationally unique UK Biobank cohort, comprising over 500,000 men and women aged between 40 and 69 years, to explore relationships between use of calcium and vitamin D supplementation and the risk of cardiovascular events such as heart attacks.

The analysis accounted for a wide range of other potential influences, and did not detect any statistically significant associations between use of the supplements and events such as heart attacks, hospital admission for angina, or related deaths.

Calcium and vitamin D supplements are widely used in the population, and are particularly appropriate for those at risk of deficiency in either nutrient. In this situation there is good evidence that they provide a modest reduction in fracture risk, although do not replace medications specifically licensed for the treatment of osteoporosis.
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Juluca for treating virologically suppressed HIV-1 Infection

FDA Approves Juluca (dolutegravir and rilpivirine) for the maintenance and treatment of virologically suppressed HIV-1 Infection. This is the first complete treatment regimen containing only two drugs to treat certain adults with human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) instead of three or more drugs included in standard HIV treatment.

Juluca is a fixed-dose tablet containing two previously approved drugs (dolutegravir and rilpivirine) to treat adults with HIV-1 infections whose virus is currently suppressed on a stable regimen for at least six months, with no history of treatment failure and no known substitutions associated with resistance to the individual components of Juluca.

Limiting the number of drugs in any HIV treatment regimen can reduce toxicity for patients, HIV weakens a person’s immune system by destroying important cells that fight disease and infection. Juluca’s safety and efficacy in adults were evaluated in two clinical trials of 1,024 participants whose virus was suppressed on their current anti-HIV drugs.

 Participants were randomly assigned to continue their current anti-HIV drugs or to switch to Juluca. Results showed Juluca was effective in keeping the virus suppressed and comparable to those who continued their current anti-HIV drugs. The most common side effects in patients taking Juluca were diarrhea and headache.

Serious side effects include skin rash and allergic reactions, liver problems and depression or mood changes. Juluca should not be given with other anti-HIV drugs and may have drug interactions with other commonly used medications.
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New drug for hair loss

Increasing lactate production genetically increases the stem cells in dormant hair follicles to grow again.
Receding hairlines and thinning crowns can be caused by aging, genetics, hormone imbalance, stress, illness and medications. The metabolic process that takes place in hair follicle stem cells is different from that which takes place in other skin cells.

Cells convert glucose into pyruvate but this metabolite can take one of two paths; it can be sent to the mitochondria and used as energy, or the cells can convert it to a different metabolite known as lactate - the same substance produced during intense exercise that causes a burning sensation in muscles.

Changing the chemical course of the glucose metabolites could change the behavior of inactive follicles. Researchers examined mice that had been genetically engineered to not produce lactate along with those that had been altered to increase lactate production.

They discovered that blocking lactate prevented hair follicle stem cells from being activated while increasing lactate increased the production of hair. When the drugs - RCGD423 and UK5099 were applied to the skin of mice, both increased lactate production and
accelerate hair growth.
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Coffee can replace pain killer drugs

Caffeine intake is as effective as some commonly-used pain killer drugs like ibuprofen in easing pain, according to a recent animal study published in the journal Nature Medicine.

According to researchers at the Boston Children’s Hospital and Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, chronic sleep deprivation leads to increased pain sensitivity.

 The research team said that people who suffer from chronic pain may get relief from sleeping more or taking medications that promote wakefulness.

As part of the study, the research team tested the effects of acute or chronic sleep deprivation on mice and measured the animal models’ sleepiness and sensitivity to both painful and non-painful stimuli.

 The scientists also assessed the efficacy of standard pain medications such as ibuprofen and morphine against wakefulness-promoting agents like caffeine and modafinil.

 The research team also used tiny headsets that took electroencephalography and electromyography readings to monitor the animals’ sleeping patterns. In addition, the researchers induced sleep loss in the animals by “entertaining” them.

The researchers also found that participants who drank coffee prior to the sub-maximal exercise test exhibited a 26 percent reduction in pain.

Facts about Lupus

Lupus is a chronic autoimmune disease in which the body's immune system attacks it's tissues and organs.

Lupus erythematous is the most common type of lupus.

It can damage the skin, joints, brain, lungs, heart, kidneys and blood vessels.

Common symptoms are: headache, fatigue, inflammation, joints pain, memory loss and butterfly rash

It is not contagious.

It is common among women buy it can affects men and women. It can attack at any age but common between age 15 and 44.

It raises the risk of Infections, cancer and pregnancy complications.

Doctors believe that lupus results from both genetic and environmental stimuli.

Immunosuppressant is one of the treatments of lupus.

Presently, there is no cure for lupus, its symptoms can be controlled by medications.

Intensive medical attention can reverse type 2 diabetes

Diabetes mellitus DM is a group of diseases associated with high blood sugar, common symptoms are: increased thirst, increase hunger and frequent urination.

When pancreas failed to produce enough insulin - type 1 or when body failed to respond to insulin properly - type 2 are the common types of diabetes.

Correct combination of medications, insulin and lifestyle therapies for three to four months can reverse type 2 diabetes according to latest study on diabetes.

Bariatric surgery is not the only solution to type 2 diabetes, following standard lifestyle advice from your Doctor, will leads to achieving normal glucose level with the aid of medications.

The oral medication, insulin and lifestyle therapies will give your pancreas rest and decrease fat stores in your body; this will improve insulin production and make your pancreas active.