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Recent research has revealed a concerning link between the artificial sweetener aspartame and an increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). A study conducted on mice found that aspartame triggered significant insulin spikes, leading to the accumulation of fatty plaques in the arteries, a precursor to heart attacks and strokes. While aspartame is widely used in various food products, including diet sodas, the study indicated that its consumption may contribute to insulin resistance and chronic hyperinsulinemia, both of which are risk factors for metabolic disorders. Researchers observed that after four weeks on an aspartame diet, the mice began developing atherosclerotic plaques, with further progression noted over 12 weeks. Experts urge caution, particularly for individuals at risk of CVD, recommending a moderation of artificial sweeteners in favor of whole foods until further human studies confirm these findings. 
Published: Feb 20 2025, 8 pm ISTeznews.inA recent study published in *The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology* suggests that sotagliflozin, a medication already used to treat type 2 diabetes and chronic kidney disease, may also significantly reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes. Researchers analyzed data from nearly 10,600 participants in the SCORED trial, which included individuals with type 2 diabetes, chronic kidney disease, and cardiovascular risk factors. The findings revealed a 23% reduction in the risk of heart attack, stroke, and cardiovascular-related death among those taking sotagliflozin compared to a placebo. Notably, there were reductions of 32% for heart attacks and 34% for strokes within just three months of treatment. Experts emphasize the importance of developing new therapies for patients at high cardiovascular risk, highlighting sotagliflozin's unique mechanism that targets multiple receptors, potentially offering broader protective benefits. Further research is needed to explore its efficacy in other high-risk populations. 
Published: Feb 19 2025, 9 pm ISTeznews.inResearchers have investigated the potential benefits of tricaprin, a medium-chain triglyceride found in coconut oil, for patients suffering from a newly identified heart condition known as triglyceride deposit cardiomyovasculopathy (TDCV). This condition impairs the heart's ability to break down triglycerides, leading to heart failure. A recent study revealed that participants receiving tricaprin exhibited significant improvements in cardiac function, including enhanced fat breakdown, recovery from heart failure, and better left ventricular performance. Notably, the tricaprin group achieved 100% survival rates at both three and five years, compared to 78.6% and 68.1% in the control group, respectively. While the study focused on a small cohort, its findings suggest that tricaprin may offer a promising treatment avenue not only for TDCV but potentially for broader heart failure cases. Future research is needed to explore its effects across diverse populations and in conjunction with emerging heart failure therapies. 
Published: Feb 19 2025, 1 pm ISTeznews.inRecent studies spotlighted by a health and medical website focus on crucial topics including heart health, cholesterol, and the effects of GLP-1 medications for type 2 diabetes. A notable study challenges longstanding beliefs about the link between egg consumption and high cholesterol, suggesting eggs do not significantly affect overall cholesterol levels and are rich in essential nutrients. Meanwhile, research into GLP-1 drugs reveals potential eye health risks, with some patients experiencing serious vision issues, prompting calls for careful monitoring. Additionally, a study indicates that ketone drinks may improve heart function in older adults with type 2 diabetes, although findings should be interpreted cautiously due to the small sample size. Overall, these articles aim to provide insights into evolving health guidelines and the implications of current medications, encouraging further exploration of these critical health issues. 
Published: Feb 18 2025, 11 pm ISTeznews.inA recent study has revealed that the antibody treatment bimagrumab can help prevent muscle mass and bone density loss associated with glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) drugs, such as Wegovy and Zepbound, often used for weight loss. Conducted on mice, the research demonstrated that bimagrumab significantly increased both muscle mass and bone mineral density, even in models of muscle and bone loss induced by immobilization. The study's authors, including Frederik Duch Bromer from Aarhus University, highlighted that while there are existing treatments for osteoporosis, options for muscle loss remain limited. Bimagrumab's ability to inhibit the activin signaling pathway, which is linked to muscle and bone health, positions it as a promising candidate for preventing the adverse effects of rapid weight loss. However, further research is required to assess its safety and efficacy in humans, particularly in those affected by obesity. 
Published: Feb 18 2025, 7 pm ISTeznews.inA recent study suggests that semaglutide, the active ingredient in diabetes medications Ozempic and Wegovy, may help reduce alcohol cravings in individuals with Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD). With approximately 400 million people worldwide affected by AUD, which is linked to a heightened risk of diseases, including cancer, this finding is significant. The study involved 48 adults who received either semaglutide or a placebo over nine weeks. Results indicated that those on semaglutide significantly reduced their heavy drinking days and cravings compared to the placebo group, with about 40% reporting no heavy drinking in the last month of treatment. Experts emphasize the need for larger, longer studies to confirm these promising results and explore the drug's potential as a new treatment option for AUD, particularly given the low adoption rates of existing medications. The findings could pave the way for more individualized treatment strategies in addressing alcohol dependency. 
Published: Feb 17 2025, 10 pm ISTeznews.inA recent study published in *Gut Microbes* suggests that consuming live yogurt may reduce the risk of certain colorectal cancers, particularly those positive for *Bifidobacterium*, a beneficial gut bacteria. Researchers from Mass General Brigham found that individuals who consumed two or more servings of live yogurt weekly had a 20% lower incidence of *Bifidobacterium*-positive bowel tumors. While the study highlights a correlation between yogurt intake and reduced cancer risk, experts caution that further research is needed to establish causation and understand the underlying mechanisms. The findings add to existing knowledge about the health benefits of probiotics found in live yogurt, which may enhance gut health and immune function. However, not all yogurts are equally beneficial; flavored varieties often contain high sugar levels. Nutritionists recommend incorporating natural, live yogurt into a balanced diet to maximize health benefits, alongside other fermented foods like kimchi and sauerkraut. 
Published: Feb 16 2025, 1 pm ISTeznews.inA recent study highlights the potential of GLP-1 and SGLT-2 medications to lower the risk of exacerbations in patients with both type 2 diabetes and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Researchers analyzed data from nearly 394,000 adults aged 40 and older, revealing that those treated with GLP-1 or SGLT-2 drugs experienced fewer moderate to severe COPD flare-ups compared to those on DPP-4 medications. With projections suggesting that 600 million people globally will suffer from COPD by 2050, the findings underscore the importance of prioritizing these treatments for patients with diabetes. Experts suggest that these drugs may offer additional health benefits, such as reducing systemic inflammation and improving lung function, which could significantly enhance respiratory health. Future research is necessary to confirm these outcomes and explore the long-term safety of these medications, particularly given the rising prevalence of both conditions. 
Published: Feb 15 2025, 1 pm ISTeznews.inA recent study published in *Nature Medicine* has identified potential biomarkers that could enable earlier detection of Alzheimer’s disease by focusing on neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs), a key indicator of the disease's progression. Current diagnostic methods often reveal amyloid-beta plaques too late in the disease's course, limiting treatment effectiveness. Researchers aimed to detect early signs of NFT development by measuring soluble tau assemblies in brain samples, discovering specific phosphorylation sites—p-tau-262 and p-tau-356—that could predict future NFT production. This advancement may allow for interventions up to a decade before traditional brain scans indicate significant damage. Experts emphasize the importance of early detection for treatment planning, although they caution that the study's findings are based on post-mortem analyses, raising ethical concerns about the implications of positive test results in asymptomatic individuals. Further research is needed to validate these findings for clinical application. 
Published: Feb 15 2025, 1 am ISTeznews.inResearch published in *JAMA Cardiology* suggests that substituting regular salt with potassium-enriched salt may significantly reduce the risk of recurrent strokes and stroke-related deaths. The study found a 14% decrease in recurrent stroke rates and a 21% reduction in mortality among participants who used the salt substitute, composed of 75% sodium chloride and 25% potassium chloride. Conducted over five years in northern China, the study involved 15,249 individuals with a history of stroke. Experts emphasize that while these salt substitutes can be a low-cost intervention, they should be part of a broader strategy that includes a healthy diet and lifestyle. Additionally, caution is advised for individuals on certain medications or with kidney issues regarding potassium intake. Overall, the findings underscore the importance of managing sodium and potassium levels to mitigate stroke risks and promote cardiovascular health. 
Published: Feb 14 2025, 11 pm IST