A to Z of Medical Conditions

Posted on A to Z of Medical Conditions, Gastrointestinal disorders

The Surprising Connection Between Crohn’s Disease and the Epstein-Barr Virus

Epstein Barr Virus
Epstein Barr Virus

Crohn’s disease, a debilitating inflammatory bowel disease, has long been known to have several contributing factors, including bacterial changes in the microbiome that foster an inflammatory environment. However, new research from Boston Children’s Hospital has uncovered a surprising link between Crohn’s disease and a virus—specifically, the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), best known for causing infectious mononucleosis (mono).

The Chicken and Egg Problem

Researchers had previously observed increased levels of EBV in the intestines of patients with Crohn’s disease and had found associations between EBV and other autoimmune diseases, such as lupus, multiple sclerosis, and rheumatoid arthritis. However, it was unclear which came first: EBV or Crohn’s disease. According to Anubhab Nandy, PhD, a research fellow in the Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition at Boston Children’s Hospital, “It was a classic chicken and egg problem.”

Longitudinal Study Findings

A recent longitudinal study published in Gastroenterology has provided strong evidence that EBV infection predisposes individuals to develop Crohn’s disease. Nandy and colleagues analyzed data from a cohort of initially healthy military recruits, aged 20 to 24, who provided periodic serum samples throughout their service. Using VirScan, a high-throughput assay developed by study coauthor Stephen Elledge, PhD, at Harvard Medical School, the researchers were able to detect antibodies against a wide range of viruses, offering insights into viral exposures.

Compared with healthy controls, military personnel whose samples tested positive for anti-EBV antibodies were three times more likely to eventually develop Crohn’s disease. Intriguingly, evidence of EBV exposure preceded their Crohn’s diagnosis by five to seven years. “We went into this study not looking for EBV; we were looking for any virus that might elicit inflammatory bowel disease,” says Scott Snapper, MD, PhD, the study’s senior investigator and director of the Inflammatory Bowel Disease Center at Boston Children’s. “Then, when EBV was a hit, we looked very specifically at immune responses to EBV with more detailed tests.”

Additional Insights

To further validate their findings, the team examined a second cohort of over 5,000 children (median age: 11 years) who were first-degree relatives of individuals with Crohn’s disease. In this cohort, EBV was not a statistically significant predictor of a subsequent Crohn’s disease diagnosis. Snapper speculates that having first-degree relatives with Crohn’s might already put these children at increased risk due to shared genetic or environmental factors, which could obscure the association with EBV.

EBV and the Immune System

Another possibility is that EBV affects children’s immune systems differently, as children are less likely to develop infectious mono when exposed. “Responding to certain organisms early in life may boost the immune system in a way that prevents immune-mediated disease,” Snapper explains.

Nandy and Snapper now aim to uncover the molecular mechanisms by which EBV increases susceptibility to Crohn’s disease. One hypothesis is that the virus has certain genes or molecules that interact with human genes involved in autoimmune susceptibility. Another possibility is related to an anti-inflammatory protein produced by EBV, which is remarkably similar to mammalian IL-10. Individuals exposed to this protein might produce antibodies against it, preventing their own IL-10 from working and making them susceptible to inflammatory disease.

Conclusion

“Mechanistically, we need to understand exactly how EBV alters the immune system leading to Crohn’s disease,” Snapper emphasizes. “If you could figure out the mechanisms, you could come up with new therapies.” This groundbreaking research not only highlights a surprising link between EBV and Crohn’s disease but also opens new avenues for understanding and potentially treating autoimmune conditions.

Posted on A to Z of Medical Conditions

UK Newsflash – New Opportunities to Reclassify Medicines: What You Need to Know

The landscape of medicines classification in the UK is set for a transformative change. The Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has announced new opportunities for reclassifying medicines, making it easier for certain medications to be available over the counter.

What Does This Mean for You?

This move means that some prescription-only medicines (POM) could become available as over-the-counter (OTC) drugs. This shift aims to make healthcare more accessible and convenient for everyone. Imagine picking up essential medications without needing a doctor’s prescription—saving time and reducing pressure on GP services.

The Process

The MHRA has laid out a clear pathway for the reclassification of medicines. This involves thoroughly evaluating the drugs’ safety, quality, and efficacy. The process ensures that only medicines meeting strict criteria will be reclassified, maintaining the highest standards of patient care.

Benefits

  1. Increased Accessibility: More medicines available OTC means quicker and easier access to treatment.
  2. Reduced GP Visits: Fewer trips to your doctor for prescription renewals can lead to less strain on NHS resources.
  3. Empowered Patients: Greater control over your healthcare options and the ability to manage minor ailments more effectively.

Get Involved

The MHRA invites input from the public and healthcare professionals on this initiative. Your feedback is crucial in shaping the future of medicine accessibility in the UK.

Posted on A to Z of Medical Conditions

[Shocking Truth] It Takes Longer Than 21 Days to Form Healthy Habits!

5 healthy habits that could add more than a decade to your life

Struggling with your New Year’s resolutions? Don’t worry, you’re not alone. New research from the University of South Australia reveals that forming new healthy habits takes a lot longer than the widely believed 21-day timeline. Turns out, it can take up to 335 days to establish a solid new routine!

Key Findings:

  • Forming New Habits: It starts around 2 months (59-66 days) on average.
  • Duration Varies: Some people may take as little as 4 days, while others might need nearly a year.
  • Why It Matters: This new understanding is crucial for creating effective health interventions to promote long-lasting healthy behaviours.

Expert Insight:

Dr. Ben Singh from the University of South Australia says, “Contrary to popular belief, adopting healthy habits takes much longer than three weeks. People mustn’t give up after 21 days when they don’t see immediate results.”

Tips to Succeed:

  1. Consistency: Integrate new habits into your daily routine.
  2. Enjoyment: You’re more likely to stick with habits you actually enjoy.
  3. Planning: Small strategies, like laying out gym clothes the night before, can make a big difference.

Don’t be discouraged if change doesn’t come instantly. With these strategies, you’re more likely to succeed in making healthier choices a permanent part of your life.

Stay determined and patient—because good things take time!

Posted on A to Z of Medical Conditions, Cardiovascular disease

Disney Princesses Face Hidden Health Risks, Experts Say

Fairy tale endings could use a dose of real-world wellness advice.
Fairy tale endings could use a dose of real-world wellness advice.

Disney princesses may enchant audiences with their happily-ever-afters. Still, health experts warn that these beloved characters face serious hidden dangers that could jeopardize their well-being in the real world. Writing in the Christmas issue of The BMJ, Sanne van Dijk and colleagues suggest strategies to help Disney’s heroines start living “healthily ever after.

“

Loneliness and Limited Social Interaction
Take Snow White, for example. Her time as a scullery maid under her wicked stepmother isolates her socially, putting her at risk for cardiovascular disease, depression, and anxiety. While the Seven Dwarfs provide some companionship, her infamous encounter with the poisoned apple proves that not all fairy-tale food choices are health-conscious.

Princess Jasmine faces similar risks growing up isolated within her palace walls. Experts note that her pet tiger, Rajah, adds a layer of danger, including potential zoonotic infections and the ever-present threat posed by living with a predator.

Environmental Hazards
Cinderella’s daily exposure to dust while cleaning leaves her vulnerable to occupational lung diseases. Matters worsen when her fairy godmother sprinkles “magical glitter,” essentially aluminium-coated microplastics, which can harm lung tissue. Instead of a prince, the authors wryly suggest, Cinderella might need respiratory therapy to breathe easily ever after.

Risky Adventures and Overexertion
Pocahontas’ daring cliff dive in pursuit of peace might look graceful on screen, but experts estimate the 252-meter leap would result in more fractures than harmony. Meanwhile, Sleeping Beauty’s long enchanted nap could lead to serious health issues like muscle atrophy, cardiovascular disease, and even pressure ulcers. Prince Philip’s kiss breaks the spell—but the authors note he overlooks the need for consent, raising eyebrows in a modern context.

Animal-Related and Occupational Risks
Belle, who cohabitates with the Beast, faces possible exposure to life-threatening diseases like brucellosis and rabies. Mulan, celebrated for saving China, endures immense family pressure to preserve their honor—a stressor linked to mental health challenges in real-life situations involving honor-based expectations.

And then there’s Rapunzel, whose endlessly long hair isn’t just a tool for escape but also a source of potential health issues. Repeated pulling on her braid could lead to traction alopecia, causing scalp pain, headaches, and even permanent hair loss.

A Call for Wellness Interventions
The authors argue that Disney princesses need more than just fairy-tale fixes. Interventions like mindfulness training, psychotherapy, and education about animal cohabitation could go a long way toward improving their health outcomes. Measures to combat exposure to toxic particles and prevent infectious diseases would also help these characters live more realistic, healthy lives.

“Disney must consider strategies to address these challenges,” the authors conclude. “Only then can its princesses truly enjoy their happily-ever-afters in good health.”

4o

Posted on A to Z of Medical Conditions, Cardiovascular disease, Exercise

Live well, think well: Research shows healthy habits tied to brain health

Type 2 diabetes and prediabetes are associated with accelerated brain ageing, according to a new study from Karolinska Institutet in Sweden published in the journal Diabetes Care. The good news is that this may be counteracted by a healthy lifestyle.

In middle-aged people, having risk factors like blood pressure, blood sugar and cholesterol that are not well-controlled, combined with not following certain healthy habits, including exercise, diet and sleep, are linked to a higher risk of stroke, dementia or depression later in life,. 

The eight cardiovascular and brain health factors, known as the American Heart Association’s Life’s Essential 8, are being active, eating better, maintaining a healthy weight, not smoking, maintaining healthy blood pressure, getting enough sleep, and controlling cholesterol and blood sugar levels.

“Brain health is paramount for the optimal well-being of every person, enabling us to function at our highest level and constantly adapt in the world,” said study author Santiago Clocchiatti-Tuozzo, MD, MHS, of Yale University in New Haven, Connecticut, and member of the American Academy of Neurology. “Our study found that making these healthy lifestyle choices in middle age can have meaningful impacts on brain health later in life.”

For the study, researchers evaluated data from 316,127 people, with an average age of 56, who were followed over five years.

Researchers analyzed participants’ scores across the eight essential cardiovascular health factors and organized them into three categories: optimal, intermediate, and poor.

Of the total group, 64,474 had optimal scores, 190,919 had intermediate scores, and 60,734 had poor scores.

Researchers then evaluated health records to identify who developed any of the following neurological conditions: stroke, dementia or late-life depression. Poor brain health was defined as developing these conditions during the follow-up years.

1.2% of participants met the definition for poor brain health, with 3,753 conditions. Of those with optimal Life’s Essential Eight scores, 0.7% met the definition of poor brain health, compared to 1.2% with intermediate scores and 1.8% with poor scores.

After adjusting for factors that could affect the risk of these three neurological conditions, such as age, sex, race and ethnicity, researchers found that people with poor scores on the healthy lifestyle factors were more than twice as likely to develop any of the three neurological conditions compared to those people with optimal scores. Researchers also found that people with an intermediate score had a 37% higher risk of having one of the three neurological conditions than those with an optimal score.

“Because the risk factors we looked at are all ones that people can work to improve, our findings highlight the potential benefits of using these eight cardiovascular and brain health factors to guide healthy lifestyle choices,” Clocchiatti-Tuozzo said. “More research is needed to understand this link between lifestyle habits and brain health, as well as how social factors like race and ethnicity can influence this connection.”