GLP-1 drug shows little benefit for people with Parkinson’s disease: Study

The GLP-1 drug, exenatide, has no positive impact on the movement, symptoms or brain imaging of people with Parkinson’s, finds a new study led by UCL researchers.

The world’s largest and longest trial of exenatide in people with Parkinson’s disease was funded by the National Institute for Health & Care Research (NIHR) with support for sub-studies from Cure Parkinson’s and Van Andel Institute.

For their research, published in The Lancet, the team designed a randomised controlled phase 3 trial to definitively determine whether exenatide use was associated with any benefit in people with Parkinson’s and if it led to a slower rate of progression of the illness, after smaller studies had suggested the drug may be helpful.

194 people with Parkinson’s disease participated in the trial across six research hospitals in the UK, including in London, Oxford, Plymouth, Salford and Edinburgh. They either used exenatide injections on a weekly basis, or a visually identical placebo.

The trial ran for 96 weeks and was double blind, meaning that neither the participants nor researchers knew who was receiving the real treatment or placebo.

At the end of the study period, the researchers found that there was no advantage at any point over the course of 96 weeks in the group using exenatide. And no benefits were shown in the objective examination of patients’ movements, their own reports of symptom severity, or imaging findings.

Lead author, Professor Thomas Foltynie (UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology) said: “The results of this trial have been eagerly anticipated and the negative results will be a major disappointment to patients affected by Parkinson’s disease and the Parkinson’s disease research community.”

GLP-1 drugs – such as semaglutide (Wegovy) and Ozempic – have become increasingly popular over recent years and there has been an enormous interest in their potential health benefits.

For example, semaglutide (Wegovy) can be used as a treatment for Type 2 diabetes alongside being a licensed weight loss drug.

Meanwhile, older members of the drug class – such as exenatide and lixisenatide – have also been shown to be capable of penetrating into the brain and previous small trials have suggested potential benefits to people with Parkinson’s disease.

Professor Foltynie added: “It is not yet clear whether there may be a subgroup of people with Parkinson’s disease who may get benefit from the use of exenatide. We will continue to scrutinise the data to see whether abnormal blood test results such as having ‘pre-diabetes’ might predict a better response to exenatide, and whether there were more of these people in the earlier, smaller trials in which we found positive overall effects.”

The trial was supported by the UCL Comprehensive Clinical Trials Unit (UCL CCTU), the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR), UCLH Biomedical Research Centre and the NIHR UCLH Clinical Research Facility. The trial took place at the UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology and the UCLH National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery.

There was a high level of participant retention throughout the trial and the research team have confirmed high levels of compliance with the medication by the use of blood tests checking the levels of exenatide, so there can be a high level of confidence in the results.

Reference:

Vijiaratnam, Nirosen et al., Exenatide once a week versus placebo as a potential disease-modifying treatment for people with Parkinson’s disease in the UK: a phase 3, multicentre, double-blind, parallel-group, randomised, placebo-controlled trial, The Lancet, Volume 0, Issue 0.

Powered by WPeMatico

Late Extubation Yields Higher Success Rates, While Early and Immediate Strategies Prove More Cost-Effective and Safer: Study

Recent study discussed in the research paper focuses on different extubation protocols for adult cardiac surgery, aiming to compare the effectiveness of various extubation strategies following cardiac procedures. The primary outcome measured was the success rate of the extubation protocol, with secondary outcomes including time to extubation, ICU length of stay, complications, and mortality rate.

A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted by searching various databases for studies comparing different extubation strategies. Data from 12 studies involving 1454 participants were analyzed. The pairwise meta-analysis indicated that late extubation was more successful than immediate extubation strategies. The network meta-analysis further revealed that late extubation had a lower risk of extubation failure compared to early extubation. Late extubation was ranked as the most effective strategy for reducing extubation failure.

Comparison of Extubation Strategies

While late extubation showed higher success rates, early extubation strategies offered better cost-effectiveness and safety profiles. Immediate extubation after surgery was associated with a higher risk of complications and re-intubation due to factors like bleeding. The study emphasized the importance of selecting the appropriate extubation strategy based on individual patient characteristics and surgical circumstances. Subgroup analyses were performed regarding patient age, cardiopulmonary bypass (CBP) time, and opioid doses. Immediate extubation was found to be beneficial for younger patients and those with shorter CBP times. Early extubation showed advantages in reducing ICU stay duration and complications without a significant difference in mortality rates.

Optimal Extubation Protocol

Despite the positive outcomes of early and immediate extubation in terms of reducing ICU stay and complications, late extubation demonstrated a higher success rate. Safety considerations were essential in determining the optimal extubation protocol based on patient conditions. The study highlighted the need for further research through larger randomized clinical trials to provide more conclusive evidence on the effectiveness and safety of different extubation strategies in cardiac surgery.

Research Conduct and Ethics

The research was conducted ethically and in line with appropriate standards, with no patient images or specific personal information included, hence not requiring patient consent for publication. The authors declared no competing interests in the study.

Key Points

– The study focuses on comparing different extubation protocols in adult cardiac surgery, primarily examining the success rate of the protocols, time to extubation, ICU length of stay, complications, and mortality rate as outcomes.

– A systematic review and meta-analysis involving 12 studies and 1454 participants found that late extubation was more successful than immediate extubation strategies, with a lower risk of extubation failure.

– Late extubation was identified as the most effective strategy for reducing extubation failure, while early extubation strategies were noted to offer better cost-effectiveness and safety profiles despite lower success rates.

– Subgroup analyses indicated that immediate extubation might be beneficial for younger patients and those with shorter cardiopulmonary bypass (CBP) times, while early extubation showed advantages in reducing ICU stay duration and complications without a significant impact on mortality rates.

– The optimal extubation protocol was deemed to require consideration of individual patient conditions, with late extubation showing a higher success rate, and early/immediate extubation leading to reduced ICU stay and complications.

– The study highlighted the importance of further research, particularly larger randomized clinical trials, to provide more conclusive evidence on the efficacy and safety of different extubation strategies in cardiac surgery.

Reference –

Ruo-Yu Luo et al. (2025). Different Extubation Protocols For Adult Cardiac Surgery: A Systematic Review And Pairwise And Network Meta-Analysis. *BMC Anesthesiology*, 25. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12871-025-02952-z

Powered by WPeMatico

Omega-3 Fatty Acids May Lower Atopic Dermatitis Risk: Study

Researchers have found in a new study that higher plasma omega-3 levels are linked to a reduced risk of atopic dermatitis (AD), regardless of genetic predisposition. These findings suggest that increasing omega-3 consumption could serve as a preventive strategy against the condition. The study was published in the Molecular Research & Food Nutrition journal by Rui Mao and fellow researchers.

AD is an inflammatory skin disorder with both genetic and environmental etiology. Data from the UK Biobank were used in the study to assess the influence of fatty acid levels on the risk of AD, particularly with elderly-onset. The research also examined whether genetic susceptibility was influencing this connection. Plasma omega-3 levels were measured and participants were segregated based on genetic risk profiles. The research focused on genetic variants rs1692120 and rs174448, which have been associated with AD susceptibility. Hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were computed to establish the association between levels of omega-3, genetic risk, and AD occurrence.

Key Findings

  • Increased plasma levels of omega-3 were linked with decreased AD risk (HR: 0.93; 95% CI: 0.89-0.98), reflecting a protective effect.

  • Both high levels of omega-3 and low genetic risk were related to the lowest AD risk, reflecting a 38% decrease in risk as compared to the reference group.

  • Individuals with the GA/AA genotype on rs1692120 had a significantly increased risk of AD, whereas those with more A alleles on rs174448 had a significantly lower risk (both p<0.05).

  • The research indicates that omega-3 consumption can be a preventive factor against AD, specifically in individuals with lower genetic susceptibility.

These results underscore the possible role of dietary omega-3 fatty acids in lowering AD risk and indicate that the modulation of prevention methods according to genetic profiles could lead to better outcomes of intervention.

The study authors provide evidence of an association between increased circulating omega-3 concentrations and reduced atopic dermatitis risk, unaffected by genetic risk. Those who had both a low genetic risk and high concentrations of omega-3 had the largest decrease in AD risk. These results underscore the potential preventive value of intake of omega-3 and encourage further investigation in order to standardize dietary intervention according to susceptibility genes.

Reference:

Mao R, Meng X, Zhang T, Wang F, Zhong Y, Li J. Evaluating the Impact of Omega-3 Fatty Acids and Genetic Susceptibility on Atopic Dermatitis in Adults. Mol Nutr Food Res. 2025 Feb 23:e70002. doi: 10.1002/mnfr.70002. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 39988861.

Powered by WPeMatico

Iron replacement treatment help recover thrombocytosis in anemia patients: Study

A new study published in the journal of Hematology showed that about one-fifth of iron deficiency anemia (IDA) patients have thrombocytosis at baseline, and most of them should recover within 3 months after starting iron replacement treatment.

One-fourth of the world’s population suffers from anemia, which contributes 8.8% of the overall illness burden worldwide. The most prevalent cause of anemia in both sexes and across nations is iron deficiency, with women more likely to suffer from it. The lack of iron can also lead to infertility, exhaustion, poor quality of life, restless legs syndrome (RLS), and cognitive decline.

Although thrombocytosis is frequently seen in IDA patients, little is known regarding its severity, frequency, and reaction to iron replacement therapy. Yet, a few case studies have detailed the thrombotic side effects linked to IDA-induced thrombocytosis.

To avoid thrombotic consequences, patients with a high risk of thrombosis must be identified quickly and treated effectively. There is little published data on how iron supplementation influences the thrombocytosis brought on by IDA, despite the fact that iron replacement therapy has been demonstrated to lower platelet counts in this situation.

Since treatment is known to enhance physical condition and quality of life, there is strong evidence to encourage early treatment for all patients with iron deficiency anemia. Thus, Giampaolo Talamo and team conducted this study in order to assess the effects of iron replacement therapy on the platelet levels.

A retrospective analysis of 76 successive patients with anemia solely due to iron deficiency was carried out. Both at baseline and three months following intravenous or oral iron replacement therapy, laboratory results were gathered. Thrombocytosis was described as a platelet count more than 400 × 109/L.

A total of 59 out of 76 patients (78%) were female, and the average age of those receiving treatment was 54 years. Iron replacement treatment included intravenous iron (n = 33), oral iron (n = 13), or both (n = 30). At baseline, the median Hb and ferritin levels were 9.9 g/dL and 18 mg/dL, respectively, and 3 months after the iron replacement, they were 12.4 g/dL and 113 mg/dL.

There were 17 (22%) and 4 (5%) individuals with thrombocytosis prior to and following the iron therapy, respectively. 55 individuals (72%) saw a drop in platelet count regardless of thrombocytosis. At baseline, the median platelet level was 299 × 109/L and at 3 months after the iron replacement, it was 265 × 109/L. Overall, even when there is no underlying thrombocytosis, iron supplementation is linked to a drop in platelet counts.

Source:

Talamo, G., Oyeleye, O., Paudel, A., Tayyab, H., Khan, M., Meseeha, M. G., & Bhatta, G. (2025). Platelet levels before and after iron replacement therapy in patients with iron deficiency anemia. Hematology (Amsterdam, Netherlands), 30(1). https://doi.org/10.1080/16078454.2025.2458358

Powered by WPeMatico

Brass-V Drape and MaternaWell Tray may aid in early recognition of PPH, reveals research

Postpartum haemorrhage is the leading cause of preventable
maternal mortality worldwide. Early identification and prompt management of
postpartum haemorrhage improve outcomes. Objective assessment of postpartum
blood loss is an important step in identifying postpartum haemorrhage. The
Brass-V drape and MaternaWell tray have been designed for routine measurement
of postpartum blood loss. The perceived utility and acceptability of these
devices to the parturients and birth attendants still begged exploring.

The Brass-V drape™ has shown great promise for use in LMIC,
and its accuracy is proven with a 29–33% higher blood loss measurement compared
to visual estimation. The blood collection drape consists of a funnelled and
calibrated collecting pouch attached to a plastic sheet which is placed under
the woman’s buttocks immediately after birth. Two belts attached to the upper
end of the drape are tied around the woman’s abdomen, and the sheet folds out
to collect the placenta and blood loss. The MaternaWell tray™ (Maternova, Inc.)
is a novel reusable tray in which blood loss is collected in a visible,
calibrated 500 ml receiver for real-time monitoring and overflows to a second
receiver alerts to PPH. The wedge is slipped under the parturient’s buttocks so
that her perineum is over the first calibrated receiver (similar to a “slipper”
bedpan).

To assess the perceived usefulness and ease of use of a
Brass-V drape versus a MaternaWell tray for the collection of postpartum blood
loss. Authors conducted a prospective parallel randomised trial, employing a
questionnaire to assess the experiences of birth attendants and birthing women
who used these devices. The study was conducted at site B midwife obstetric
unit in Khayelitsha Cape Town. Pregnant women presenting in early labour were
approached for voluntary participation. After informed consent was obtained,
participants were randomly assigned to the Brass-V drape or the MaternaWell
tray, which the birth attendant placed after the birth of the baby.

There were 63 participants, of which 33 were assigned to the
MaternaWell tray and 30 to the Brass-V drape. Birth attendants indicated a
desire to use the MaternaWell tray (30 (90%)) or Brass-V drape (26 (87%)) in
future deliveries. The parturients were also in favour of the future use of
MaternaWell tray (33 (100%)) and Brass-V drape (28 (93%)). Ease of measurement
favoured the Brass V-drape, and ease of placement favoured the MaternaWell
tray. Five (8%) participants experienced postpartum haemorrhage, two with the
MaternaWell tray and three with the Brass-V drape. One parturient required
hospital transfer.

The aim was to assess and compare the utility and ease of
use of the Brass-V drape and the MaternaWell tray for the collection of
postpartum blood loss. Both devices were well-received by the birth attendants
and parturients, with no statistical difference found between the two devices.
Ease of measurement favoured the Brass-V drape with its calibrations making
direct measurement possible. The blood collected in the MaternaWell tray was
poured into a measuring jug to confirm the volume. In clinical use, the
calibrations on the tray itself are used for monitoring. Ease of placement favored
the MaternaWell tray. The Brass-V drape needs to be tied around the abdomen,
making it cumbersome. Neither of these differences was statistically
signifcant.

Both the MaternaWell tray and the Brass-V drape were
perceived as acceptable and useful to the birth attendants and parturients.
Both devices will lead to prompt and accurate diagnosis of postpartum blood
loss. The MaternaWell tray shows promise for LMIC as it is reusable, affordable,
and environmentally friendly. Its use in women with specific risk factors, such
as obesity, needs further investigation. The perceived utility and ease of use
of the Brass-V drape and the MaternaWell tray justify further research to
determine the accuracy of blood loss quantification and the impact of
monitoring and treatment bundles in both high- and low-risk participants.

Source: Jade Esau et al.; Wiley Obstetrics and Gynecology
International Volume 2024, Article ID 6605833, 7 pages

https://doi.org/10.1155/2024/6605833

Powered by WPeMatico

Cataract Surgery may increase risk of worsening of Diabetic Retinopathy, finds study

A new study published in the journal of Ophthalmology found cataract surgery to worsen diabetic retinopathy in adults with type 2 diabetes. Individuals with diabetes are more prone to complications following cataract surgery. While surgery should not be avoided, regular monitoring and follow-up care are crucial to managing potential complications.

Diabetic individuals can have great eyesight following cataract surgery, provided they have meticulous preoperative planning, phacoemulsification, and attentive postoperative management. Thus, this study evaluated the impact of contemporary cataract surgery on the development of proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) as opposed to non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy (NPDR).

A review of the TriNetX United States Collaborative research network aggregated health data from June 2004 to June 2024. This study looked at patients with T2D and NPDR who were at least 18 years old and had either regular cataract surgery or no cataract surgery. The propensity score matching (PSM) was utilized to balance baseline demographic and clinical factors after researchers analyzed data from US healthcare institutions using the TriNetX integrated analytics platform.

Prior to cataract surgery, individuals with at least 5 years of T2D were evaluated using a sensitivity analysis and hazard ratios (HR) with 95% confidence intervals (95% CI). Main outcomes were patients who had cataract surgery had a higher chance of developing tractional retinal detachment (TRD), combined tractional and rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (CTRD), vitreous hemorrhage (VH), and a composite result at one year when compared to those who did not.

For the right eye analysis, there were 7178 individuals in the study (n=3589) and control (n=3589) cohorts after PSM. Also, operated eyes had higher 1-year chances of PDR without complications, VH, and the composite outcome. A total of 7232 participants in the study (n = 3616) and control (n = 3616) cohorts after PSM were included in the left eye analysis. The operated eyes had higher 1-year probabilities of PDR without difficulties, VH, and the composite outcome.

Nearly, 4976 patients in the trial (n=2488) and control (n=2488) cohorts post-PSM were included in the sensitivity analysis of those with at least 5 years of T2D. Also, operated eyes showed higher 1-year risks of PDR without difficulties, VH, and the composite outcome. In every analysis, there was no discernible difference between the risk for TRD and CTRD. Overall, within a year following modern cataract surgery, there was a correlation between the transition from T2D NPDR to PDR.

Reference:

Loya, A., Hussain, Z. S., Muayad, J., Chauhan, M. Z., Soliman, M. K., & Sallam, A. B. (2025). Risk of progression of non-proliferative to proliferative diabetic retinopathy following cataract surgery. Ophthalmology. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ophtha.2025.02.006

Powered by WPeMatico

Fresh Embryo Transfer May Offer Higher Live Birth Rates Than Freeze-All Strategy in Low-Prognosis IVF Patients: Study

China: A recent multicenter randomized controlled trial has provided new insights into embryo transfer strategies for women with a low prognosis undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF). The findings, published in The BMJ, indicate that fresh embryo transfer may offer a higher likelihood of live birth than a freeze-all approach, challenging the growing trend of frozen embryo transfers in assisted reproduction.

“In our randomized controlled trial, women with a low prognosis for successful pregnancy through in vitro fertilization had a higher live birth rate with fresh embryo transfer than frozen embryo transfer,” the researchers wrote. “Women with a low prognosis for IVF may benefit more from fresh embryo transfer and should consider it as a preferred option in the future.” 

The researchers note that despite advancements in IVF technology, managing women with a low prognosis remains a clinical challenge. Defined by the POSEIDON criteria as those with fewer oocytes retrieved (≤9) or poor ovarian reserve, nearly 40% of women undergoing IVF fall into this category, experiencing significantly lower cumulative live birth rates. While embryo cryopreservation was initially developed to preserve surplus embryos, the elective freeze-all strategy has gained popularity to optimize pregnancy outcomes and reduce ovarian hyperstimulation risks. However, its benefits for low-prognosis women remain unclear. Daimin Wei, Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology, Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, China, and colleagues determined whether frozen embryo transfer improves live birth rates compared to fresh transfer in this population.

For this purpose, the researchers conducted a pragmatic, multicenter, randomized controlled trial across nine academic fertility centers in China. A total of 838 women with a low prognosis for IVF, defined by ≤9 oocytes retrieved or poor ovarian reserve, were enrolled. Participants were randomly assigned (1:1) to undergo fresh or frozen embryo transfer. In the frozen embryo transfer group, all embryos were cryopreserved for later transfer, while the fresh embryo transfer group received embryos immediately after oocyte retrieval.

The primary outcome was live birth at ≥28 weeks gestation, with secondary measures including pregnancy outcomes, birth weight, and maternal or neonatal complications.

The following were the key findings of the study:

  • The live birth rate was lower in the frozen embryo transfer group (32%) than the fresh embryo transfer group (40%), with a relative ratio of 0.79.
  • The clinical pregnancy rate was also lower in the frozen embryo group (39%) than in the fresh embryo group (47%), with a relative ratio of 0.83.
  • The cumulative live birth rate was lower in the frozen embryo transfer group (44%) compared to the fresh embryo transfer group (51%), with a relative ratio of 0.86.
  • There were no significant differences in birth weight, incidence of obstetric complications, or risk of neonatal morbidities between the two groups.

The researchers conclude that the trial, along with previous studies, highlights that the benefits and risks of the freeze-all strategy vary based on ovarian response. Future research should focus on identifying clinical characteristics and biomarkers in serum or the endometrium to better predict the optimal transfer strategy for women undergoing IVF. Further studies are needed to determine the ideal number and stage of embryos for fresh transfer in low-prognosis patients to achieve a singleton pregnancy.

The findings suggest that fresh embryo transfer may offer a higher live birth rate than frozen embryo transfer in this group. Strategies that prevent fresh transfers, such as accumulating embryos through back-to-back cycles or routine preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy, require further investigation.

“Unlike previous findings in women with a good prognosis, this study indicates that a freeze-all strategy results in lower live birth rates for those with a low prognosis. Therefore, the routine use of the freeze-all approach in this patient group is not supported,” the researchers wrote.

Reference: BMJ 2025;388:e081474

Powered by WPeMatico

Breastfeeding may prevent early childhood caries by altering oral microbial count and proportion: Study

Breastfeeding may prevent early childhood caries by altering oral microbial count and proportion suggests a new study published in the Journal of Dentistry

Early childhood caries (ECC) is a highly prevalent disease. Breastfeeding is a beneficial feeding method, but existing studies lack consensus on its association with the occurrence of ECC. This study aimed to analyse the effect of breastfeeding on ECC occurrence and possible microbiological mechanisms. The participants included in this prospective study were divided into a bottle-feeding group and an exclusive breastfeeding group immediately after birth. At the age of two, saliva and dental plaque were collected to test the oral pH and microbial count. At the age of three, the primary dentition were examined for caries. Questionnaires were distributed to the infants’ mothers before enrolment and after observation. Potential risk factors affecting ECC occurrence were screened and further clarified. Results: The incidence of ECC in the bottle-feeding group was 63.5%, whereas that in the breastfeeding group was 54.1% (P < 0.05). In addition, the incidence rates of severe ECC (S-ECC) in the non-exposure group and the exposure group were 28.7% and 22.2%, respectively (P < 0.05). Breastfeeding reduced the incidence of ECC (OR = 0.63, 95% CI = 0.46–0.86) and S-ECC (OR = 0.70, 95% CI = 0.49–0.99). In addition, feeding and dietary habits also had a significant effect on ECC occurrence. Breastfeeding might affect ECC occurrence by altering the microbial count of plaque and saliva, as well as the proportion of Streptococcus mutans. Exclusive breastfeeding for six months after birth is a protective factor against ECC at the age of three. Exclusive breastfeeding may decrease the later occurrence of ECC. Medical workers, including dentists, are responsible for promoting breastfeeding initiatives and providing mothers or other caregivers with accurate and up-to-date evidence-based information.

Reference:

Xiaofan Bai, Zhifei Zhou, Jing Gong, Yimeng Zhao, Siyuan Sun, Tongqiang He, Zhibin Li, Ying An, Fen Liu. The effect of breastfeeding on early childhood caries: A prospective cohort study of 3-year-old Chinese children, Journal of Dentistry, 2025, 105627, ISSN 0300-5712,

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jdent.2025.105627.

(https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0300571225000727)

Keywords:

Breastfeeding, prevent, early, childhood, caries, altering, oral, microbial, count, proportion, study, Xiaofan Bai, Zhifei Zhou, Jing Gong, Yimeng Zhao, Siyuan Sun, Tongqiang He, Zhibin Li, Ying An, Fen Liu

Powered by WPeMatico

Fasinumab significantly improves pain scores among difficult-to-treat patients of OA of knee or hip: study

Osteoarthritis (OA) causes significant musculoskeletal pain. The study by DiMartino et al assessed the efficacy and safety of fasinumab, an investigational nerve growth factor inhibitor, in patients with moderate-to-severe OA pain of the knee/hip.

In this Phase 3, randomized, double-blind, placebo- and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID)- controlled study, patients with OA (Kellgren-Lawrence grade ≥ 2; Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index [WOMAC] pain score ≥ 4) received (2:1:1:1) fasinumab 1 mg every 4 weeks, diclofenac 75 mg twice daily, celecoxib 200 mg daily, or placebo for 24 weeks. Co‑primary endpoints were change in WOMAC pain and physical function scores to Week 24 versus placebo. For safety, joints were imaged in all patients at pre‑specified times, regardless of symptoms.

Key findings of the study were:

Of 4531 patients screened, 1650 were randomized. At Week 24, greater improvements were observed for fasinumab versus placebo; least-squares mean difference: –0.63 (p = 0.0003) for WOMAC pain and –0.64 (p = 0.0003) for physical function. Improvements were numerically greater for fasinumab versus NSAIDs for physical function (–0.64 versus –0.31; nominal p < 0.05) and pain (–0.63 versus − 0.39; p = NS). Adjudicated arthropathies occurred in 1.6% of placebo-treated, 1.5% of NSAID-treated, and 5.6% of fasinumab-treated patients; joint replacements occurred in 3.6% of placebo-treated, 4.8% of NSAID-treated, and 3.4% of fasinumab-treated patients.

The authors concluded that – “In this difficult-to-treat population of patients with moderate-to-severe pain due to OA of the knee or hip, fasinumab 1 mg Q4W for 24 weeks resulted in statistically significant greater improvements in WOMAC pain and physical function subscale scores than placebo, and numerically greater improvements in WOMAC pain scores and nominally statistically significant greater improvement in WOMAC physical function scores than NSAIDs. The safety profile was consistent with that previously reported for fasinumab and the class of anti-NGF compounds in general. An increased risk of AAs was observed in the fasinumab group compared with the NSAIDs and placebo groups.”

Further reading:

Efficacy and safety of fasinumab in an NSAID-controlled study in patients with pain due to osteoarthritis of the knee or hip

DiMartino et al.

BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders (2025) 26:192

https://doi.org/10.1186/s12891-025-08402-8

Powered by WPeMatico

Metabolic Syndrome independently associated with increased susceptibility to renal cell carcinoma, finds study

Metabolic Syndrome independently associated with increased susceptibility to renal cell carcinoma, finds study published in the BMC Nephrology.

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) has been demonstrated to be associated with various types of cancer, but its specific relationship with kidney cancer remains inconclusive. Therefore, this study conducts a Meta-analysis to systematically evaluate the potential link between metabolic syndrome and the risk of kidney cancer development. Observational studies were retrieved from PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science. Two independent reviewers extracted study characteristics and assessed the quality of the studies. A random-effects model was employed to account for heterogeneity, and subgroup analyses were conducted to explore the impact of study characteristics on the results. Publication bias was evaluated using funnel plot symmetry and Egger’s regression test. Results: Six studies were included, with 10 results extracted for the Meta-analysis. The findings indicated that MetS is an independent risk factor for kidney cancer (HR: 1.44, 95% CI: 1.31–1.59, P < 0.001). Heterogeneity between studies was significant (Cochran’s Q test, P < 0.001; I2 = 83.7%), indicating substantial variability. Subgroup analyses revealed consistent associations across gender, follow-up duration, and MetS diagnostic criteria (P > 0.05), but significant variations by race and study design (P < 0.05). The funnel plot appeared symmetrical, and Egger’s regression test (P = 0.425) confirmed a low risk of publication bias.

MetS is independently associated with an increased susceptibility to RCC in the adult population, although the strength of this association varies across different study designs and regions due to the observed heterogeneity.

Reference:

Zhou, Y., Chen, Y., Yang, H. et al. Metabolic syndrome and increased susceptibility to renal cell carcinoma – a meta-analysis. BMC Nephrol 26, 102 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12882-025-04013-6

Keywords:

Zhou, Y., Chen, Y., Yang, H, BMC Nephrology, Metabolic syndrome, Renal cell cancer, Meta-analysis

Powered by WPeMatico