Cholesterol-lowering meds have potential to downgrade COVID-19's threat to that of the common cold

Could a simple drug that has been on the market for decades be used to treat COVID-19? A research team led by Hebrew University of Jerusalem (HU)'s Professor Yaakov Nahmias says that early research looks promising; their findings appear in this week's Cell Press Sneak Peak.
 

Over the last three months, Nahmias and Dr. Benjamin tenOever at New York's Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai have focused on the ways in which the SARS-CoV-2 changes patients' lungs in order to reproduce itself. Their major finding? This virus prevents the routine burning of carbohydrates. As a result, large amounts of fat accumulate inside lung cells, a condition the virus needs in order to reproduce. This new understanding of SARS CoV-2 may help explain why patients with high blood sugar and cholesterol levels are often at a particularly high risk to develop COVID-19.

Viruses are parasites that lack the ability to replicate on their own, so they take control of our cells to help accomplish that task. "By understanding how the SARS-CoV-2 controls our metabolism, we can wrestle back control from the virus and deprive it from the very resources it needs to survive," Nahmias explained.

With this information in hand, Nahmias and tenOever began to screen FDA-approved medications that interfere with the virus' ability to reproduce. In lab studies, the cholesterol-lowering drug Fenofibrate (Tricor) showed extremely promising results. By allowing lung cells to burn more fat, fenofibrate breaks the virus' grip on these cells, and prevents SARS CoV-2's ability to reproduce. In fact, within only five days of treatment, the virus almost completely disappeared.

"With second-wave infections spiking in countries across the globe, these findings couldn't come at a better time," said Nahmias, and global cooperation may provide the cure. "The collaboration between the Nahmias and tenOever labs demonstrates the power of adopting a multi-disciplinary approach to study SARS-CoV-2 and that our findings could truly make a significant different in reducing the global burden of COVID-19," tenOever added.

While there are many international efforts currently underway to develop a coronavirus vaccine, studies suggest that vaccines may only protect patients for a few months. Therefore, blocking the virus' ability to function, rather than neutralizing its ability to strike in the first place, may be the key to turning the tables on COVID-19. "If our findings are borne out by clinical studies, this course of treatment could potentially downgrade COVID-19's severity into nothing worse than a common cold," Nahmias concluded. 

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Man With a Suspected Bug Bite Was Diagnosed With Leukemia

When an Ohio resident went to the doctor with what he thought was an infected bug bite that wouldn’t go away, the last thing he expected was to be admitted to the ER and scheduled an urgent appointment with an oncologist. The harmless 'bug bite' turned out to be something a lot more serious, a truly dreaded diagnosis - leukemia.
 

This man was a 46-year-old, who got a small bump on his foot that he first thought was a mosquito or spider bite when he first noticed it in August of 2018. Some time has passed, but the bump hadn't diminished at all. On the contrary, it got bigger and looked inflamed, so he went to his physician, who, like him, suspected an infected bite and prescribed an antibiotic to treat the infection.

The antibiotic didn’t help, so the puzzled doctor prescribed a stronger antibiotic, which didn’t yield the expected relief either. That's when he was admitted to the emergency room, and the blood tests revealed that the lump was actually a symptom of acute myeloid leukemia, a rare, yet very dangerous type of cancer.

This type of cancer affects the blood and bone marrow. Abnormal blood cells affected by the cancer build up in the vessels and bone marrow, interfering with normal blood circulation. Acute myeloid leukemia is characterized by rapid growth and demands urgent treatment. Typically, this type of leukemia doesn’t express itself in skin growths, the most widespread symptoms being the following:

• Increased susceptibility to infections
• Shortness of breath
• Fatigue
• Easy bruising or bleeding
• Weight loss
• Loss of appetite
• Anemia
• Bone and joint pain.

At first, he couldn’t believe the diagnosis and thought the doctors confused him for someone else, but a subsequent confirmation by an oncologist followed. Immediately, he has undergone chemotherapy, and a subsequent bone marrow transplant as well.

Cleveland Clinic, where the man was treated, reported that he is currently in remission, and today, he took upon himself to raise awareness about health, especially among men, urging everyone to undergo preventative checks on a regular basis. “The hour it takes to go get a checkup could help prevent months of health problems,” he points out.

So remember, a bug bite that lingers for more than a week or two is a concern that requires medical attention, as it’s likely not a bug bite at all. Similarly, something that looks like a minor symptom that continues for a long time or any unusual symptoms, too, may point to a greater problem.

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Causes and treatment for internal vibrations

Internal vibrations, also known as internal tremors, can affect people with Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, or essential tremor. Internal tremors are not harmful, but they be can be worrying and may interfere with a person's daily life.

 

Internal tremors are shaking sensations felt inside the body. They occur without visible movement, which external tremors produce.

A person may experience internal tremors in the trunk, arms, legs, or internal organs.

In this article, we look at the causes and treatment of internal tremors.

Causes

Internal tremors can occur in the trunk or the limbs.

People with Parkinson's disease (PD), multiple sclerosis (MS), or essential tremor (ET) may experience internal and external tremors.

The causes of internal tremors are not well understood, and current research is limited. However, doctors tend to believe that these tremors stem from the same neurological causes of external tremors.
A study published in 2017 found a link between tremors and social anxiety. Some researchers have also suggested that internal tremors may produce physical movement too slight to detect.

Authors of a 2016 study have suggested that internal tremors are early, unusual symptoms of movement disorders, such as PD. Other researchers have proposed that anyone can experience internal tremors, but they are more pronounced in people with PD, MS, and ET.
Below, find more information about PD, MS, and ET, the three most common causes of internal tremors.

Parkinson's disease

PD is a neurological disease that results from the loss of dopamine-producing brain cells. It usually occurs in people over 60 years old.
People with PD may experience some of the following symptoms:

• slowness of movement
• external tremors, including visible trembling in the hands, limbs, face, and jaw
• internal tremors
• stiffness of the arms, legs, and trunk
• poor coordination and balance

These symptoms may progress quickly or slowly, and they can make daily activities difficult. Tremors are not always the most evident symptom of PD, though many people with the condition have tremors.
Initially, a person may only experience a tremor in one limb. As the condition progresses, the tremor can spread to both sides of the body. Strong emotions and stress can make tremors worse.

Treatments for PD

There is no cure for PD. It is a chronic condition that progresses over time. However, there are several treatment options.
A doctor may prescribe a combination of levodopa and carbidopa to replenish the brain's dopamine supply. This can help to treat advanced PD.
Other drug-related options include bromocriptine, pramipexole, and ropinirole.
A doctor may recommend surgery for people who do not respond to medication. The primary type is called deep brain stimulation (DBS).
During the procedure, a surgeon implants electrodes in a person's brain. These stimulate targeted areas to alleviate some symptoms of PD. DBS can also reduce the need for certain drugs, and this may especially benefit people experiencing unpleasant side effects.

Multiple sclerosis (MS)

Damage to the nerves characterizes multiple sclerosis.

MS is a chronic condition that affects the central nervous system (CNS).
Many experts believe that in a person with MS, the immune system attacks and damages the body's nerves.
This can affect many parts of the body, and it can have a significant impact on a person's quality of life.
Symptoms of MS usually develop between the ages of 20 and 40. They can include:

• blurred or double vision
• color blindness
• blindness in one eye
• muscle weakness
• poor coordination and balance
• a sensation of numbness or pins and needles
• pain
• speech difficulties
• internal and external tremors
• dizziness

Around half of the people with MS also experience difficulty with:

• memory
• attention
• concentration
• judgment

A person may also experience tremor.

Treatment of MS

There is currently no cure for MS, and its severity varies from person to person.
Disease-modifying therapies (DMTs)
In the past, doctors considered MS untreatable, but new drugs and treatment options are changing the outlook.
Current guidelines from the American Academy of Neurology (AAN) advise doctors to start prescribing a type of medication known as disease-modifying therapy (DMT) as soon as possible after a diagnosis.
With early use, these drugs appear to reduce the numbers of flares that a person experiences in relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS), and they may slow the progression of the disease.
Examples include:

• injectable interferon beta-1a and 1-b, such as Avonex and Extavia
• injectable glatiramer acetate, for example, Copaxone and Glatopa
• oral medications, such as siponimod (Mayzent) and fingolimod (Gilenya)
• infusions, including alemtuzumab (Lemtrada) and ocrelizumab (Ocrevus)

Mitoxantrone is an older DMT that can have severe adverse effects. A doctor will only prescribe it if a person has severe symptoms and if the possible benefits outweigh the risks for the individual.
Anyone who has been using mitoxantrone for some time should ask their doctor about newer drugs that may be safer and more effective.
Flares and symptoms
A person will take a DMT regularly, whether they are experiencing a relapse or not.
When flares occur, a doctor may prescribe:

• steroid injections to reduce inflammation and help manage severe symptoms
• specific medications to help with specific symptoms, such as weakness and muscle spasms

A doctor may prescribe muscle relaxers or tranquilizers for people with sustained muscle stiffness and spasticity.
Treatment for tremor
Drugs to help relieve tremor include:

• isoniazid, for example, Laniazid or Nydrazid
• clonazepam, for instance, Klonopin, Rivotril or Syn-Clonazepam

Non-drug therapies
Exercise, occupational therapy, and physical therapy can also help. A doctor can advise on an exercise plan to suit an individual's needs.
They may also advise on assistive devices that may help, such as a walking cane.
The symptoms and progress of MS vary widely between individuals. Each person will make a treatment plan with their doctor to suit their needs.

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Essential tremor

ET is the most common type of abnormal tremor.
The condition is sometimes associated with mild degeneration of some of the cerebellum. This is the part of the brain that receives information needed to regulate the quality of a person's movements.
The cerebellum receives this information from other parts of the brain, the spinal cord, and the body's sensory systems.
People with ET may experience unintentional, rhythmic movements, most commonly a hand tremor. The tremor may also affect the head, tongue, limbs, trunk, and the ability to speak.
Symptoms can develop at any age, but they usually become noticeable in people over the age of 40. Triggers of ET can include:

• stress and anxiety
• heightened emotions
• fever
• feeling physically tired
• low blood sugar

The tremor usually appears on both sides of the body, but it is often more noticeable in the dominant hand.

Treatment of ET

While there is no cure for ET, medications can help to reduce symptoms. These can include beta-blockers or anti-convulsants.
Some people with ET find physical, occupational therapy, and DBS helpful. Treatment plans often involve reducing triggers, such as caffeine and other stimulants.

Treatment

A doctor will prescribe treatment for internal tremors according to the cause.

There are currently no diagnostic tests for internal tremors. However, anyone experiencing a tingling sensation, shaking, muscle weakness, or poor coordination should speak with a doctor.
For people with internal tremors, doctors may recommend treatments similar to those for other movement or neurological disorders.
However, the severity of internal tremors can vary from person to person, and some may find that no treatment is necessary.
When PD, MS, or ET is responsible for internal tremors, doctors will aim to treat the underlying condition.
Treatments for internal tremors can include:

• reducing anxiety and stress
• avoiding dietary stimulants, such as caffeine
• avoiding intense exercise and heat

For some people, doctors may recommend DBS or medications similar to those for PD, MS, and ET.

Outlook
While internal tremors are not harmful, they can be disconcerting and may interfere with daily activities.
PD, MS, and ET are the most common causes of internal tremors. For many people, treatments for tremors will be similar to treatments for these neurological conditions.
Avoiding known triggers, such as stress or stimulants, can also help.

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Immune-boosting compound extends survival of pancreatic cancer in mice

Researchers have found a chemical compound that promotes a vigorous immune assault against pancreatic cancer.

The chemical compound extends survival by months in mice. The findings suggested a way to improve immunotherapy for the deadly disease in patients.

The researchers identified a compound, called ADH-503, that interferes with the migration of myeloid cells. Normally, pancreatic tumors are teeming with myeloid cells that suppress the immune response.

When the researchers gave the compound to mice with pancreatic cancer, the number of myeloid cells in and near the tumors dropped, and the remaining myeloid cells were of the kind that promoted, rather than suppressed, immune responses.

This environment translated into greater numbers of cancer-killing T cells in the tumor, significantly slower tumor growth and longer survival.

Then, the researchers investigated whether creating this same environment could make pancreatic tumors susceptible to standard immunotherapy. First, they treated mice with a so-called PD-1 inhibitor, a standard immunotherapy used to treat other kinds of cancer.

Unsurprisingly, they saw no effect. But when the researchers gave the mice the immunotherapy in conjunction with ADH-503, the tumors shrank and the mice survived significantly longer.

In some experiments, all the tumors disappeared within a month of treatment, and all the mice survived for four months, when the researchers stopped monitoring them. In comparison, all the untreated mice died within six weeks.

"Pancreatic cancer is a highly lethal disease, and we are in desperate need of new therapeutic approaches," said  an associate professor of medicine and of pathology and immunology. "In animal studies, this small molecule led to very marked improvements and was even curative in some cases. We are hopeful that this approach could help pancreatic cancer patients."

While pancreatic cancer is the third leading cause of cancer-related death in the United States, only about three percent of clinical trials for cancer immunotherapies target pancreatic cancer.

"You can't make a one-to-one translation between animal studies and people, but this is very encouraging,"the author said. "More study is needed to understand if the compound is safe and effective in people."

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Hypertension can hinder clearance of waste molecules of brain

As part of a recent study, researchers have found that high blood pressure may affect conditions such as Alzheimer's disease by interfering with the brain's waste management system.

According to the findings, hypertension causes stiffening and elasticity loss in blood vessels, which hinders the clearance of waste molecules from the brain. Using a rat model of hypertension, a team of researchers, studied how the condition affects the movement of cerebrospinal fluid into and interstitial fluid out of brain cells.

The researchers tracked the flow of cerebrospinal fluid and found that the hypertensive rats exhibited larger ventricles, decreased brain volume, and impaired fluid transport.

They concluded that hypertension interferes with the clearance of macro-molecules from the brain, such as the Alzheimer's pathology protein b-amyloid. Treatments targeting hypertension could, in turn, reduce b-amyloid buildup and delay the onset of Alzheimer's disease.

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Bullied at Workplace? It Can Change Behaviour for Worse

If you are bullied at the workplace, it may lead to counterproductive behaviour besides harming your health, warn researchers.
The study showed that in some cases this is characterised by a lack of problem-solving and high avoidance coping strategies like drinking alcohol when having a problem and experiencing very frequent negative emotions.

"Overall, our results show the need to consider not only exposure to and types of bullying but also their associated consequences," said a Prof.

"In particular, the findings highlight that victimisation is associated not only with health problems but also with a greater likelihood of not behaving in line with the expected social and organisational norms," the Prof.  added.

Bullying is one of the major occupational stresses for employees and the effects can compromise their development and health, as well as interfere with the achievement of both personal and professional goals.

In the study, the researchers identified different configurations of victims by considering not only exposure to and types of bullying but also health problems and bad behaviour.

The researchers asked more than 1000 Italian employees about their experiences of workplace bullying, counterproductive behaviour and health symptoms.

They were also asked about their coping strategies, negative emotions experienced at work and moral disengagement.

"The greater the intensity of bullying and the more the exposure to different types of bullying, the higher the likelihood of engaging in counterproductive workplace behaviour," said study lead author.

"In addition, it is essential to also promote behavioural regulation strategies to reduce moral disengagement, as well as negative compensating behaviour, such as drinking more alcohol and taking more risks," the Prof. added. 

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