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Do you consume fatty, sugary foods? It may impair brain function, finds study
In a significant study, researchers have linked fatty and sugary diets to impaired cognitive function. The team from University of Sydney looked at the relationship between high-fat, high-sugar (HFHS) diets, particularly those high in refined sugar and saturated fat, and first-person spatial navigation. Spatial navigation is the ability to learn and remember a path from one location to another, a process that can approximate the health of the brain’s hippocampus, said the study published in the International Journal of Obesity. Dr Dominic Tran from the Faculty of Science’s School of Psychology led the research, which found HFHS diets have a detrimental effect on some aspects of cognitive function. It is likely those effects centre on the hippocampus, the brain structure important for spatial navigation and memory formation, rather than acting across the entire brain. “The good news is we think this is an easily reversible situation,” Dr Tran said. “Dietary changes can improve the health of the hippocampus, and therefore our ability to navigate our environment, such as when we’re exploring a new city or learning a new route home.” The research team recruited 55 university students aged between 18 and 38. Each participant completed questionnaires capturing their intake of sugary and fatty foods. They also had their working memory tested in a number recall exercise, and their body mass index (BMI) recorded. The experiment itself required participants to navigate a virtual reality maze and locate a treasure chest six times. The maze was surrounded by landmarks that participants could use to remember their route. Their starting point and the location of the treasure chest remained constant in each trial. If participants found the treasure in less than four minutes, they continued to the next trial. If they failed to find the treasure in this time, they were teleported to its location and given 10 seconds to familiarise themselves with that location before the next trial. Those with lower levels of fat and sugar in their diets were able to pinpoint the location with a higher degree of accuracy than those who consumed these foods multiple times a week. “After controlling for working memory and BMI, measured separately to the experiment, participants’ sugar and fat intake was a reliable predictor of performance in that final, seventh, test,” Dr Tran said. Dr Tran said the results highlight the importance of making good dietary choices to maintain healthy brain function. We’ve long known eating too much refined sugar and saturated fat brings the risk of obesity, metabolic and cardiovascular disease, and certain cancers. We also know these unhealthy eating habits hasten the onset of age-related cognitive decline in middle age and older adults. “This research gives us evidence that diet is important for brain health in early adulthood, a period when cognitive function is usually intact,” Dr Tran said. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
22 April,2025 04:10 PM IST | Mumbai | IANS
Key enzyme to fight deadly brain cancer identified
Targeting an enzyme can help stop the growth of glioblastoma, the most dangerous type of brain tumour, researchers have found. This enzyme called PGM3 plays a vital role in the hexosamine synthesis pathway, which is involved in the processes of protein and lipid glycosylation that allow tumours to rapidly grow. Lipid glycosylation is a process where sugar molecules attach to fats (lipids) in the body. Researchers with The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center – Arthur G. James and Richard J. Solove Research Institute believe that targeting PGM3 can reduce tumour growth and eliminate glioblastoma cells. “This research is important because it has found a new target called PGM3. Blocking the PGM3 enzyme can break the connection between sugar and fat creation in cells, which helps stop tumours from growing,” said lead author Deliang Guo, the founding director of the Center for Cancer Metabolism, in a study published in the journal Science Advances. Glioblastoma is a fast-growing brain tumour that develops from glial cells in the brain. An estimated 15,000 people each year are diagnosed with this lethal brain tumour, according to the Glioblastoma Foundation. The study highlights a promising new approach to fight glioblastoma, giving hope for future advancements in cancer treatment, said Guo. “Glioblastoma is the most lethal primary brain tumour, with a median survival of only 12-16 months from diagnosis despite extensive treatments,” said Huali Su, the first author of the paper, and a researcher with the Department of Radiation Oncology and Center for Cancer Metabolism at OSUCCC-James. “New molecular targets for glioblastoma are urgently needed,” Su added in the paper. The research team included scientists from France, along with the University of California-Los Angeles, University of California-Irvine and University of Louisville. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever.
21 April,2025 08:11 PM IST | New York | IANS
Pinworm medication may treat aggressive skin cancer: Researchers
A team of US scientists has found that a common pinworm medication may stop and reverse cancer growth in Merkel cell carcinoma, an aggressive form of skin cancer. The research led by University of Arizona Cancer Center and published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation, found that in laboratory models of Merkel cell carcinoma, pyrvinium pamoate inhibited cancer cell growth and reversed the cancer’s neuroendocrine features. In mouse models of Merkel cell carcinoma, pyrvinium pamoate reduced tumour growth. Merkel cell carcinoma is a rare but fast-growing neuroendocrine cancer that is three to five times more likely than melanoma to be deadly. Response rates to current therapies – surgery, radiation and immunotherapy – are limited, resulting in a need for effective and broadly applicable therapeutics. “Merkel cell carcinoma is increasing in incidence. Even though it’s a rare cancer type, it mimics a lot of properties that other cancers have,” said senior author Megha Padi, assistant professor at the university. Pyrvinium pamoate, a medication approved by the Food and Drug Administration in 1955 to treat pinworms, has been shown to have antitumour potential in several different cancers, including breast, colorectal, pancreatic and bladder cancers. This is the first time it has been studied in models of Merkel cell carcinoma. Padi and the research team found that in laboratory models of Merkel cell carcinoma, pyrvinium pamoate inhibited cancer cell growth and reversed the cancer’s neuroendocrine features. In mouse models of Merkel cell carcinoma, pyrvinium pamoate reduced tumor growth. “This is a hypothesis, but some people think the reason an antiparasitic agent could be effective against cancers is because tumours are a little bit like parasites in our body,” Padi said. “Parasites and tumours must develop ways to use scarce resources in their host to feed themselves and allow for unlimited multiplication. If the pathways that they have hijacked to feed themselves are the same, then you get lucky, and you have a tumour type that could be amenable to killing by these antiparasitic drugs.” This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever.
21 April,2025 08:04 PM IST | New York | IANS
Scientists create novel method to identify healthy and cancerous cells
Researchers from Tokyo Metropolitan University in Japan on Saturday said they have found that the motion of unlabelled cells can be used to tell whether they are cancerous or healthy. They observed malignant fibrosarcoma cells and healthy fibroblasts on a dish and found that tracking and analysis of their paths can be used to differentiate them with up to 94 per cent accuracy. Beyond diagnosis, their technique may also shed light on cell motility related functions, like tissue healing, according to the study published in the journal PLOS One. The team of researchers, led by Professor Hiromi Miyoshi, came up with a way of tracking cells using phase-contrast microscopy, one of the most common ways of observing cells. Phase-contrast microscopy is entirely label free, allowing cells to move about on a petri dish closer to their native state, and is not affected by the optical properties of the plastic petri dishes through which cells are imaged. Through innovative image analysis, they were able to extract trajectories of many individual cells. They focused on properties of the paths taken, like migration speed, and how curvy the paths were, all of which would encode subtle differences in deformation and movement. As a test, they compared healthy fibroblast cells, the key component of animal tissue, and malignant fibrosarcoma cells, cancerous cells which derive from fibrous connective tissue. They were able to show that the cells migrated in subtly different ways, as characterised by the “sum of turn angles” (how curvy the paths were), the frequency of shallow turns, and how quickly they moved. In fact, by combining both the sum of turn angles and how often they made shallow turns, they could predict whether a cell was cancerous or not with an accuracy of 94 per cent. The team’s work not only promises a new way to discriminate cancer cells, but applications to research of any biological function based on cell motility, like the healing of wounds and tissue growth, said the study. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever.
21 April,2025 07:31 PM IST | Tokyo
Kids exposed to paternal depression may have behavioural issues later: Study
A team of researchers at Rutgers University in the US has found that five-year-olds exposed to paternal depression are more likely to have behavioural issues in grade school. In a study published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine, Kristine Schmitz, an assistant professor of pediatrics at Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School (RWJMS), together with other researchers from RWJMS and from Princeton and Rider universities, reported that children exposed to paternal depression when entering kindergarten are far more likely to have teacher-reported behavioural difficulties and poor social skills at age 9. “We need to consider depression in both parents, not just mothers,” said Schmitz. “Depression is treatable, and to support the whole family, paediatricians must start talking with dads about it and developing father-focused interventions that meet their needs.” On average, between 8 per cent and 13 per cent of fathers in the United States will be affected by some form of depression during their child’s early years, and the prevalence increases to 50 per cent when the mother is also experiencing postpartum depression. Schmitz and colleagues analysed data from the Future of Families and Child Wellbeing Study (FFCWS), a national birth cohort that randomly sampled births in 20 large U.S. cities from 1998 to 2000. The study continues to track changes in participants’ lives. Two FFCWS data points were key to Schmitz’s assessment: When the children were age 5, their fathers were screened for depressive symptoms in the past year; and when they were 9, the children’s teachers completed a survey that included behavioural assessments. “Kindergarten entry is an important developmental milestone, and adversities faced at that time can lead to poorer engagement and behaviours in grade school that may persist or magnify through middle and high school,” the researchers wrote. By comparing data from 1,422 fathers, the researchers were able to map a clear link between paternal depression and child conduct. For instance, kids whose fathers reported depressive symptoms, such as feeling sad, blue or depressed when they were age 5 were, by age 9, significantly more likely to exhibit restlessness, defiance and anger as well as present lower levels of cooperation and self-esteem. Schmitz said several reasons could explain the connection. For one, depression has been found to lead to difficulty parenting and less emotional support for the child. It can also cause conflict or other stress in the home. While paternal depression is connected to challenging child behaviours, there is reason for hope. Identifying and intervening early can help improve not only fathers’ well-being but also the well-being of the children, Schmitz said. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
21 April,2025 09:27 AM IST | Mumbai | IANS
Researchers use AI to decode how brain processes language during conversations
By combining artificial intelligence (AI) with electrical recordings of brain activity, researchers have been able to track the language exchanged during conversations and the corresponding neural activity in different brain regions, according to a new study. The team from Department of Neurosurgery at Massachusetts General Hospital in the US investigated how our brains process language during real-life conversations. “Specifically, we wanted to understand which brain regions become active when we're speaking and listening, and how these patterns relate to the specific words and context of the conversation,” said lead author Jing Cai in a paper published in Nature Communications. They employed AI to take a closer look at how our brains handle the back-and-forth of real conversations. The team combined advanced AI, specifically language models like those behind ChatGPT, with neural recordings using electrodes placed within the brain. This allowed them to simultaneously track the linguistic features of conversations and the corresponding neural activity in different brain regions. “By analysing these synchronised data streams, we could map how specific aspects of language–like the words being spoken and the conversational context–were represented in the dynamic patterns of brain activity during conversation,” said Cai. They found that both speaking and listening during a conversation engage a widespread network of brain areas in the frontal and temporal lobes. What's interesting is that these brain activity patterns are highly specific, changing depending on the exact words being used, the context and order of those words. “We also observed that some brain regions are active during both speaking and listening, suggesting a partially shared neural basis for these processes. Finally, we identified specific shifts in brain activity that occur when people switch from listening to speaking during a conversation,” said the authors. The findings offer significant insights into how the brain pulls off the seemingly effortless feat of conversation. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
21 April,2025 09:26 AM IST | Mumbai | IANS
Rising liver ailments concerning; diet crucial to maintain liver health: Experts
Amid a spike in fatty liver disease, hepatitis and cirrhosis across all age groups, experts have raised concerns over the consumption of sugary and processed foods, stressing that diet plays a direct role in liver health and overall wellness. Besides satisfying hunger, wholesome food also has the power to heal, restore and protect, they said. “Currently, youngsters aged 23-30 are getting diagnosed with fatty liver due to constant consumption of sugary, fatty, junk, canned and processed foods," Greeneagles Hospital director (HPB surgery, pancreas, intestine and liver transplant) Dr Anurag Shrimal said. "It is, therefore, imperative that individuals begin to pay close attention to their eating habits. What we eat plays a direct role in how well our liver functions,” he said in a statement on Saturday. Symptoms such as fatigue, jaundice, swelling and abdominal pain often go unnoticed, he stated. Hence, conditions like fatty liver, hepatitis and cirrhosis are on the rise in people of all age groups, the expert said. It is crucial to prioritise liver health and help people understand the value of regular check-ups, preventive care and lifestyle modifications, said Dr Ameet Mandot, director of the department of hepatology and liver transplant medicine at the Mumbai-based hospital. “In our fast-paced lives, it's easy to overlook the silent workhorse of our body - the liver. It doesn't complain much, yet it performs over 500 vital functions daily, from filtering toxins to regulating nutrients,” Dr Chetan Kalal, associate director (hepatology and liver transplant) at the hospital said. Food should not be consumed just to satiate hunger, as it has the power to heal, restore and protect, said the expert. “Our diet plays a key role in preventing and managing liver conditions like fatty liver disease, hepatitis and cirrhosis. Unfortunately, many people only start caring about their liver when symptoms arise. But by then, it may already be under strain,” he noted. A liver-loving diet is not a complex prescription, he said. “It's simple, wholesome food – rich in fibre, abundant in fruits and vegetables, balanced with whole grains and healthy fats, and supported by proper hydration,” Kalal added. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
20 April,2025 11:51 AM IST | Mumbai | PTI
VR, AR tech may help people manage everyday stress: Study
The virtual and augmented reality (VR/AR) technology could simulate stressful situations and help people practice stress-relief strategies, a new study has revealed. Everyday situations can sometimes feel like big stressors, whether it's delivering an important work presentation, attending a party full of strangers or confronting a partner. Talking to a friend or a therapist can help. But so can practice. A new project from Carnegie Mellon University researchers in the US aimed to make that practice easier by using VR/AR technology. The research team, led by Anna Fang in the School of Computer Science's Human-Computer Interaction Institute, tested their stress simulation technology on a group of 19 participants, the majority of whom overwhelmingly supported it. "For the past 10 to 20 years, virtual reality and augmented reality have taken a really big hold on the health and mental health space," said Fang, noting the many meditation apps available for download. The team built eight prototypes with different design elements for each of the three scenarios, for a total of 24 prototypes. Those prototypes took various forms — virtual reality, mixed or augmented reality, or a text-based environment without visual cues — and offered different degrees of interaction. Overall, Fang and her team found that people liked using the technology to gain more awareness about themselves. "They wanted technology that would help them learn self-sufficiency skills that they didn't feel they had," she said. Participants also noted that they preferred being able to decide when the large language model suggested guidance instead of receiving that guidance automatically. They also wanted to take the headsets to other locations to help them become immersed in and more comfortable with the stressful setting. In this next version, the team plans to upgrade the avatars to look more realistic and to include more text-to-speech features so the avatars can speak to users more naturally. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
20 April,2025 11:27 AM IST | Mumbai | IANS
Early exposure to air, light pollution may raise paediatric thyroid cancer risk
Early-life exposure to small particle air pollution and outdoor artificial light at night could increase the risk of paediatric thyroid cancer, a new study led by researchers at Yale University in the US has suggested. The team found a “significant association” between exposure to ambient fine particulate matter air pollution (PM2.5) and outdoor artificial light at night (O-ALAN) and increased risk of papillary thyroid cancer in children and young adults up to 19 years old, according to the study published in Environmental Health Perspectives. The exposures occurred during the perinatal stage of life, typically defined as the time from when pregnancy occurs up to a year after birth. “These results are concerning, especially given how widespread both of these exposures are,” said Dr Nicole Deziel, an environmental epidemiologist with the Yale School of Public Health (YSPH) and the study’s lead author. Fine particulate matter is found in urban air pollution due to automobile traffic and industrial activity, and artificial light at night is common, particularly in densely populated urban areas, Deziel added. The research team analysed data from 736 individuals diagnosed with papillary thyroid cancer before age 20 and 36,800 matched control participants based on birth year. Using advanced geospatial and satellite modelling, the team assessed individual-level exposure to PM2.5 and O-ALAN based on residential location at birth. All of the study participants were from California. The findings showed that for every 10 micrograms per cubic meter increase in PM2.5 exposure, the odds of developing thyroid cancer rose by 7 per cent overall. The strongest association between exposure and thyroid cancer was found among teenagers (15–19 years of age) and Hispanic children. Similarly, children born in areas with high levels of exposure to outdoor light at night were 23–25 per cent more likely to develop thyroid cancer, according to the study. "Thyroid cancer is among the fastest growing cancers among children and adolescents, yet we know very little about what causes it in this population," said Deziel, an associate professor of epidemiology (environmental health sciences) and co-director of the Yale Center for Perinatal, Pediatric, and Environmental Epidemiology. The study is the first large-scale investigation to suggest that these exposures early in life — specifically to PM2.5 and outdoor light at night —may play a role in this concerning trend. The researchers emphasised that more work is needed to replicate and expand on their findings, ideally using improved exposure metrics and longitudinal designs. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
19 April,2025 02:07 PM IST | Mumbai | IANS
Boy who couldn't poop for 2 yrs finds relief, and other Mumbai medical miracles
Every other week, we hear of people suffering from terminal diseases and that can often be difficult for many beyond the families to deal with, as they know of someone close who may have also suffered similarly. Even as they stories come to light, there are others that give us hope as they are nothing short of medical expertise and in many cases miracles for the families, who were dealing with tough times. Here are some inspiring medical stories from the week: Boy who couldn't poop finds reliefA two-year-old child suffering from a congenital condition that made him unable to pass stool naturally since birth has been successfully treated at a Mumbai hospital recently. The child, who had been solely dependent on daily enemas for over two years due to Hirschsprung’s disease, is now leading a normal life after the procedure. He is free from abdominal pain and swelling, without any external stitches, and no longer needs further medical intervention. The case came to light a few months ago when Mr and Mrs Vaidya (name changed), who were overjoyed with the birth of their first child, Aryan (name changed), but soon found out that he was facing difficulty passing stool. While he was a cheerful and playful baby, after he turned one month, they began noticing that he was struggling with severe constipation, which soon became a constant cause of concern. He was unable to pass stool for as long as 8 days. Despite multiple medications and daily enemas given by their family doctor at Nashik, his condition never improved. His tummy often swelled with gas, and his weight gain remained poor. The family travelled from Nashik to Mumbai in December 2024 and consulted Dr Vibhor Borkar who suspected Hirschsprung’s disease. A few diagnostic tests like barium enema, endoscopy biopsy, and manometry confirmed the condition. Dr Borkar, paediatric gastroenterologist at Gleneagles Hospital in Parel, said, “Hirschsprung’s disease occurs when nerve cells (ganglion cells) in the lower part of the large intestine fail to develop, causing stool to accumulate, causing blockage and leading to chronic constipation. Hirschsprung’s disease affects 1 in 5,000 to 10,000 children. There is no medical management for this condition, and it can even become life-threatening due to infections. In very young babies, delayed passage of the first green potty (meconium) can be an early sign. Older children usually suffer from swollen stomachs, vomiting, poor weight gain, and constant constipation while some may suffer from infections. Standard treatment requires major surgery that is either open or laparoscopic where the affected part of the intestine is removed and rejoined. However, in this child’s case, we used a minimally invasive technique called Per-rectal Endoscopic Myotomy (PREM), which avoids any external scarring. The child is free of symptoms, eating well, and passing stools without the requirement of enema. Not treating the child at the right time could have led to complications like enterocolitis, infection, and poor weight gain. Though this is a congenital condition, antenatal diagnosis is extremely difficult and the child becomes symptomatic after birth only. Dr. Shankar Zanwar, who is interventional gastroenterologist on the case, added, “The child had a congenital condition called Hirschsprung’s disease, where the last part of the intestine lacks the necessary nerve cells, preventing stool from passing. As a result, the portion above it keeps enlarging, like a blocked pipe building pressure. When the child came from Nashik to us in Mumbai, he was extremely uncomfortable, his stomach was swollen, and he couldn’t pass stool without daily enemas. After confirming the diagnosis through manometry and biopsy, we treated the child using an advanced endoscopic technique known as Per-Rectal Endoscopic Myotomy (PREM). Dr Zanwar added, "This procedure is done under general anesthesia where we were helped by Dr Aditya Prabhudesai and Dr Dhanashree Karkhanis. The whole procedure is done endoscopically where a small cut is made just inside the anus of the patient. From this cut a tunnel was made within the layers of the intestine and a nonfunctional segment of the intestine which lacks nerves was cut internally. The entry cut is then closed with clips. As the procedure is done endoscopically no scar or cut is seen on the body surface and the patient is pain-free after the procedure. The entire procedure lasted 3 hours. This procedure allowed us to manage the condition without traditional open surgery. Globally, only 13 such procedures have been reported, and this is the first case to be treated by the endoscopic method in Mumbai. Everything was done internally through an endoscope and there were no cuts or stitches outside. Within two days, the child was discharged and no longer needed enemas. His stomach has flattened, and he now passes stool normally. This procedure has truly changed his life.” "My son Aryan was fine after birth. However, after a year, he started having constipation and was in pain. Our family doctor referred us to Dr Vibhor. His biopsy revealed Hirschsprung’s disease. After successful treatment, my son is fine now and is able to pass his bowels without any difficulty. We thank Dr Vibhor and Dr Shankar for their timely intervention," said Mrs Vaidya. Dutch woman treated with Cell-based therapy for Parkinson’s Disease in Navi MumbaiA woman from Holland had been living with the painful symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease for years such as stiffness, tremors, slurred speech, and balance issues for 11 years before she was diagnosed two years ago. Now, she has been successfully treated at a Navi Mumbai hospital to lead a healthy life. A team led by Dr Pradeep Mahajan, regenerative medicine researcher and founder of StemRx Hospital & Research Centre has successfully treated the woman with advanced cell-based therapy. Despite trying traditional treatments back home, her symptoms only grew stronger with time. Her health deteriorated as buttoning a shirt, pouring a glass of water, or simply standing up became daily challenges. She often found herself withdrawing from social gatherings, unable to keep up with conversations or the pace of others. She came to India in 2023, and under the guidance of Dr Mahajan, was introduced to a holistic approach that aimed not just to mask her symptoms but to treat the root cause of her condition. Dr Mahajan explained, “Parkinson’s affects people deeply physically, emotionally, and socially. Our approach through regenerative medicine focuses on reviving the dopamine-producing cells in the brain that have been damaged over time. We use a combination of stem cell therapy, neuro-rehabilitation, and physiotherapy to help patients regain control of their movement and improve overall brain function. The treatment uses stem cells to repair damaged brain tissue and growth factors to boost dopamine production, the chemical most impacted in Parkinson’s. This approach differs from conventional therapies, which offer only temporary symptom relief. Instead, regenerative medicine aims at long-term recovery and improved quality of life.” Dr Mahajan added, “In Anne’s case, the results were transformative. After starting physiotherapy and cell therapy, her balance improved, her pain reduced, and even the persistent cramps she once endured began to fade. Her journey from fear and physical exhaustion to renewed strength and hope has become a beacon for other Parkinson’s patients seeking alternative therapies. Today, Anne is walking steadier, speaking clearer, and living with renewed confidence and proof that with the right care and innovation, even the toughest challenges can be met with courage and healing."
18 April,2025 03:44 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Liver Day: Docs say young adults with diabetes at greater risk of liver diseases
Liver diseases like hepatitis, fatty liver and cirrhosis are increasingly being seen in young adults aged 23-35, especially those with Type 2 diabetes. Every year, World Liver Day is observed on April 19 around the globe to raise awareness and promote liver health, as well as educate people about liver diseases, risk factors, and how to prevent them, according to the World Liver Day organisation. According to experts, the growing number of liver-related complications in diabetic youth is a major cause for concern and requires timely intervention. There is a surge in cases of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and liver cirrhosis in younger adults, a shift from the older age group that traditionally battled these diseases. Doctors explain that diabetes is silently damaging the Liver, leading to scarring (fibrosis) and, eventually, irreversible cirrhosis if left unmanaged. Hence, early screening, lifestyle changes, and proper diabetes control to prevent long-term liver damage and improve the quality of life. Dr Vibha Varma, consultant and head of liver transplant and hepato-biliary-pancreatic surgeon, Lilavati Hospital in Bandra said, "Obesity, diabetes, fatty liver, and high cholesterol are on the rise to the extent that it is becoming an epidemic as over 1/3rd of the global population is affected by them. Liver disease is no longer a disease of the elderly. Young, productive workforce, involved in economic growth are getting affected by liver disease. Metabolic dysfunction-associated liver disease (MASLD) is the name given to fatty liver disease linked to these health problems. MASLD can lead to advanced liver disease (cirrhosis, scarring of the liver), and become a precursor for liver cancer if remains untreated. Unfortunately, in the early stages, this disease does not present with symptoms. However, it is preventable and reversible in the early stages. It is a matter of healthy lifestyle, healthy nutrition, and awareness. Some of the reasons attributed to this rise in liver disease in the young population are related to the lifestyle (sedentary, chair work, no physical activity, lack of adequate sleep), food habits (ultra-processed food, high in carbohydrates, quick fix diets), and addictions (alcohol intake). What you eat today decides your liver health in the future. Small achievable changes in diet and nutrition can reverse even years of liver damage in the early stage of the disease. Dr Tushar Rane, consulting cardio-diabetes physician at Apollo Spectra in Chembur, said, "Youngsters aged 23-35 with Type 2 diabetes are more likely to develop liver-related complications. One of the major concerns is Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD), which silently damages the liver over the years. If not treated in time, NAFLD can progress to liver cirrhosis, which is permanent and dangerous. 50 per cent of youngsters are known to have abnormal blood sugar levels and diabetes. There is around a 20 per cent surge in liver problems in youngsters with diabetes. In a month, 5 out of 10 patients with liver damage have diabetes and are advised treatment inclusive of medication, and lifestyle changes such as maintaining an optimum weight, eating a nutritious diet, and exercising daily. Early lifestyle intervention is the key to avoiding liver problems in those with diabetes.” Dr Neeta Shah, diabetologist, Zynova Shalby Hospital in Ghatkopar West, highlighted, “Diabetes doesn’t just affect the pancreas but even the liver as well. Pancreas and liver are two wheels of a cycle reinforcing each other in development and progression of diabetes each wheel accelerating the other in the vicious circle. High blood glucose, poor diet, and sedentary habits cause fat to build up in the liver and pancreas, which leads to inflammation and scarring. Over time, this results in cirrhosis, a stage where the liver cannot heal itself. 30 per cent of youngsters aged 23-35 are struggling with abnormal blood sugar levels and diabetes. There is about a 15 per cent surge in liver problems in youngsters with pre-existing diabetes. In a month, 3 out of 10 patients with liver damage have diabetes. So, young diabetics must follow the treatment and management as suggested by the doctor." So, what steps can people take? Dr Vibha recommends, "A diet that has high fibre, low in sugar and saturated fats, rich in fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats like olive oil will support a healthy liver. If you are heavy around your waist, seeking healthy food habits along with lifestyle changes (physical activity, exercise) and losing even 5-10 per cent of body weight can cause a significant reduction in the grade of fatty liver and potentially reverse early changes of liver damage. Also, adopting healthy meals can cut down about 50 per cent of the risk of developing liver disease in the future. Silent liver diseases like fatty liver are associated with obesity, and ever-increasing incidence of diabetes, hence needs attention by adopting healthy lifestyle and food habits." "It is essential to spread awareness about mindful eating, healthy food for the liver, and screening in case you have diabetes, fatty liver, and obesity. If you feel you are suffering from any signs of liver disease (easy fatiguability, yellowish discolouration of eyes, or weight loss) act, seek help, and screen, you might be in a stage where simple measures could reverse the disease. You will also be able to prevent future distressing liver health issues, where the medications might not help and liver transplant (replacing bad liver with a new liver) becomes your only chance to get cured,” Dr Vibha concludes.
18 April,2025 12:03 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent