Gut microbiota dysbiosis tied to progression of chronic kidney disease

Diet, drugs, and toxins affect gut bacteria, which can contribute to chronic kidney disease. Understanding the gut microbiota may lead to new ways to slow CKD progression.

According to a recent original paper on Nephrology published in International Urology and Nephrology, gut microbiota dysbiosis significantly affects CKD progression. CKD patients exhibit distinct microbial profiles, indicating the potential for microbiota-based interventions to slow CKD progression.”

Gut microbiota dysbiosis significantly contributes to the development and complications of chronic kidney disease (CKD). By comprehending the intricacies of the intestinal microbiota, this research endeavor holds the potential to offer novel perspectives on strategies to mitigate CKD progression.

This study analyzed the gut microbiota composition of 44 stage 3-4 CKD patients and 132 healthy volunteers. Faecal samples were collected, and 16 s rDNA sequencing was conducted to examine the gut microbiota composition.

The key points of this study are:

  • Researchers reported altered diversity of intestinal microbiota in faecal samples in stage 3–4 CKD patients.
  • Among the 475 bacterial genera, 164 were shared, while 242 dominant genera were exclusive to healthya subjects and 69 to CKD stages 3–4 samples.
  • Healthy volunteers had a prevalence of intestinal Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes.
  • CKD patients had a higher abundance of Proteobacteria and Actinobacteria.
  • The presence of uncultured Coprobacillus sp. significantly aided the distinction between the two groups.
  • ROC curve analysis distinguished microbiota with high diagnostic accuracy for differentiating CKD stage 3-4 patients from healthy people.
  • Metabolic dominant pathway analysis found that healthy individuals had NADH dehydrogenase pathways, while stage 3-4 CKD patients had a phosphate acetyltransferase pathway. Additionally, CKD patients had more Gram-negative bacteria and facultative anaerobes.
  • CKD cohort had a higher proportion of Gram-negative bacteria and facultative anaerobes.

Von et al. and colleagues said, “Our research emphasizes the significant impact of gut microbiota imbalances on chronic kidney disease (CKD) progression. The unique microbial patterns identified in CKD patients suggest that microbiota-focused interventions could effectively slow down CKD progression.”

Reference:

Yang, X., Cai, S., Gong, J. et al. Characterization of gut microbiota in patients with stage 3–4 chronic kidney disease: a retrospective cohort study. Int Urol Nephrol (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11255-023-03893-7

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Study Suggests Genetic Factors Influence Dementia-Linked Mortality

New insights into the link between dementia and mortality have emerged from a comprehensive investigation utilizing case-control and co-twin control models. Conducted by researchers using data from the Swedish Twin Registry, the study explored the interplay of genetic and environmental influences on the association between dementia and increased mortality risk. This study was published in the journal Alzheimer’s & Dementia by Jung Yun Jang and colleagues.

The study encompassed 987 twins diagnosed with dementia and 2938 age- and sex-matched controls. Results revealed that individuals with dementia exhibited a significantly greater mortality risk compared to their matched controls, with a hazard ratio (HR) of 2.02. However, the mortality risk, while still elevated, was notably lower in twins from discordant pairs—where one had dementia and the other did not—particularly in identical twins. For instance, comparing identical twins with dementia to their non-dementia co-twin controls yielded an HR of 1.48.

The findings, based on twin pairs discordant for dementia, suggest that genetic factors might play a significant role in influencing the association between dementia and mortality. Interestingly, identical twins with dementia and their non-dementia co-twins displayed a similar survival time, implying a potential genetic basis influencing the link between dementia and mortality.

Participants: 987 twins diagnosed with dementia and 2938 matched controls

Co-twin Control Design: Analyzed 90 monozygotic (MZ) and 288 dizygotic (DZ) twin pairs discordant for dementia

Mortality Risk Comparisons:

Twins with dementia had a higher mortality risk compared to matched controls (HR = 2.02)

Mortality risk was notably lower in discordant twin pairs, particularly among identical twins (HR = 1.48)

These intriguing findings prompt further exploration into the genetic underpinnings influencing the association between dementia and mortality. Understanding the role of genetic factors in this link may open avenues for more targeted interventions or personalized approaches in managing dementia-related mortality risks.

The study, shedding light on the potential genetic influence on dementia-related mortality, underscores the need for continued research to elucidate the intricate mechanisms driving this association.

Reference:

Jang, J. Y., Beam, C. R., Karlsson, I. K., Pedersen, N. L., & Gatz, M. Dementia and mortality in older adults: A twin study. Alzheimer’s & Dementia: The Journal of the Alzheimer’s Association,2023. https://doi.org/10.1002/alz.13553

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KEA Releases List Of Candidates With Incorrect Bank Details Along With Details Related To NEET UG Refund Process

Karnataka: Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) has released the list of candidates with incorrect bank account details along with details related to the NEET UG refund process.

The list of candidates who have not filled the correct bank account details has been released. These candidates will have to fill in the correct details till 31.12.2023. They must fill in the details online using their user ID and password. The list includes the Application, CETNO, and Candidate Name. The detailed list is enclosed in the notice below.

As per the notice, the refund process is under process. The refund money will be transferred directly to the bank account of the candidates who are eligible to get the refund as per the rules and who have cancelled their seats or paid excess fees or deposited the caution fee amount. The money will be transferred to the account mentioned in the application form.

Also Read:KEA Releases 1st Round Of Seat Allotment Schedule For MSc Nursing Courses

Karnataka Examinations Authority is governed by the Governing Council headed by the Honourable Minister of Higher Education. The Government of Karnataka established the Common Entrance Test Cell in the year 1994 for conducting entrance tests and determining the eligibility/merit for admission to the first year or first semester of full-time professional courses for Government share of seats in Medical, Dental, Indian systems of medicine and Homeopathy, etc.

Recently Medical Dialogues team reported that KEA has released the schedule for the BSc Allied Health Sciences mop-up round schedule. The process will begin on 28th December 2023 and be carried out till 5th January 2023. The process will begin with a document verification process and end with reporting to the allotted college. On 1st January 2023, the allotment result will be published, and the last day to report to the allotted college is 5th January 2023 before 5.30 pm.

To view the notice, click on the link below –

https://medicaldialogues.in/pdf_upload/refundpublishmergedenglish-228718.pdf

Also Read:KEA Releases Schedule For BSc Allied Health Sciences Mop-Up Round

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Negligence: Doctor suspended by Gujarat Medical Council for 3 months

Taking action against a Surat-based doctor from Guru Nanak Hospital, the Gujarat Medical Council (GMC) has suspended his licence for three months for his alleged negligent approach while treating a patient, who ultimately died.

Even though the patient, who was initially taken to the hospital for treatment of common cold and fever, was physically weak, saline bottles were administered to her. Consequently, her condition worsened resulting in heart failure.

For more details, check out the link given below:

Negligence: Gujarat Medical Council Suspends Doctor For Three Months

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Northeast’s Folk medicine prowess to be harnessed with sustained effort at NEIAFMR: Shri Pema Khandu

New Delhi: Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways and Ayush, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal, and the Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh, Shri Pema Khandu laid the foundation stones for capacity expansion at the North Eastern Institute of Ayurveda and Folk Medicine Research (NEIAFMR) at Pasighat, Arunachal Pradesh today.

With a total investment of ₹53 crores, additional infrastructure will be developed at the institute.

The event was also graced by the Speaker of Arunachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly, Pasang Dorjee; the Minister of Health & Family Welfare, Women & Child Development and Tribal Affairs, Govt of Arunachal Pradesh, Alo Libang; the MP (Lok Sabha) for Arunachal East, Tapir Gao; MLA of 38 Pasighat East, Kaling Moyong; MLA of Pasighat West, Ninnog Ering; State Information Commissioner of Arunachal Pradesh, Gumjhum Haider; the Vice Chancellor of Arunachal Pradesh State University, Prof Tomo Riba among other dignitaries.

Also Read:Ayurveda boon in the era of nuclear power, pesticides, toxic environment: AYUSH Minister

Speaking on the occasion, the Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways and Ayush Shri Sarbananda Sonowal said, “Folk medicine has a rich heritage of healing humanity for thousands of years. It has remained among our communities helping generations to enrich their lives. Under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji, a sincere effort has been made to rejuvenate the traditional medicine including the folk medicine to bolster our healthcare system and provide people with an experience of enriched life experience.

Supplementing this effort, the Modi government has committed investment to build additional infrastructure at the North Eastern Institute of Ayurveda and Folk Medicine Research (NEIAFMR) which will build its capacity to act as a catalyst to strengthen its research and development in Ayurveda and folk medicine from the region. I am also happy to share with you all that a new centre on Sowa Rigpa will be set up in Arunachal Pradesh soon.”

The institute has also been working towards scientifically document, record, research as well as validate the folk medicine of the Northeast. The capacity expansion at the institute include an Academic building, hostels for boys and girls students, staff quarters as well as director’s bungalow. The hostels will accommodate 70 boys and 70 girls students from the institute.

The investment will cater to develop of additional infrastructure for opening of Ayurveda college for imparting quality in undergraduate course in Ayurveda, Bachelor of Ayurveda Medicine and Surgery (BAMS) as well as Post Graduate courses in due course of time. The new Ayurveda college at NEIAFMR, Pasighat will promote and develop Ayurveda through Education, Research and Extension Services. The Engineering Projects (India) Limited, a Government of India enterprise, is the executing agency for the project.

Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh, Pema Khandu said, “We are very happy that an institution of Arunachal Pradesh – North Eastern Institute of Ayurveda and Folk Medicine Research (NEIAFMR) – is working towards harnessing the richness of folk medicine of the Northeast. Under the inspiring leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji, institute capacity is being expanded that will not only help the traditional medicine from the region but also is an opportunity to document our age old folk medicine in a scientific manner for wider application in patient care beyond its traditional geographical reach.

Modi ji has always laid emphasis on the rejuvenation of India’s traditional medicine as it has proven its effectiveness to treat various ailments and enabling a better life experience. The region’s rich variety of medicinal plants with great commercial potential for Pharmaceutical, Ayurvedic & aromatic sectors unlocking commercial avenues for the state as well as for the Northeast.”

Elaborating on the role of NEIAFMR, the Shri Sarbananda Sonowal said, “Under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, the Government is working towards rejuvenating the traditional form of medicines like Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha, Homoeopathy, Sowa Rigpa and Naturopathy. As the nation cruise towards becoming an Atmanirbharta, the Ayush ministry is working relentless towards enabling our rich traditional medicinal system with scientific validation for wider usage in the pharmaceutical and patient care areas of medical science.

This is going to not only benefit our traditional healers community but also expand the scope of folk medicine, allowing it to reach greater number of people to heal and enrich their lives. The NEIAFMR is a leading institute of India that has been dedicatedly working towards reviving the folk medicine from the region. Our rich heritage of Ayurveda can also flourish from the local rich traditional medicinal practices. With this idea, the institute incorporated Ayurveda to further rejuvenate with a wider range of patient care solutions. In order to further bolster its effort, we are committed to develop this institute as the national hub of folk medicine.”

The North Eastern Institute of Ayurveda & Folk Medicine (NEIAFMR), Pasighat was established to strengthen and develop traditional healthcare, with special focus on the Northeast. It is functioning as the apex Research Centre for all aspects of Local Health Traditions (LHTs) and Ethno Medicinal Practices (EMPs). The Institute has also been working as a common ground for traditional healers, Ayurvedic researchers as well as scientific community in order to scientifically prove & validate the efficacy of traditional medicine towards enrichment of human lives.

The Govt aims to further strengthen NEIAFMR with infrastructure like (Regional Raw Drug Repository (RRDR) & Museum, Sophisticated Analytical Instrument Facility (SAIF), State of Art Panchakarma Treatment & Research Center, Paramedical Teaching Center, etc at NEAIFMR, Pasighat in the near future.

Also Read:Strenghthen AYUSH programmes to enhance quality of lives of people: Shri Sarbanand Sonowal

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Delhi fake drugs row: AAP govt issues direction to replace failed drugs

Delhi Cabinet Minister Saurabh Bharadwaj on Sunday directed the health secretary to make alternative arrangements for the five drugs that failed quality standard tests and will be withdrawn.

In an official communication, the minister also asked the official to prepare within a fortnight a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) to ensure that drugs and consumables procured by the Central Procurement Agency and through the Government e-Marketplace (GeM) portal are of standard quality.

For more details, check out the link given below:

Make Alternative Arrangements For 5 Failed Drugs To Be Withdrawn: Delhi Cabinet Minister To Health Secretary

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Maiden Pharma denies tampering with tests in probe of cough syrup deaths

India’s Maiden Pharmaceuticals, whose cough syrups have been linked to the deaths of children in Gambia, on Saturday denied it had tampered with test samples or bribed officials to do so, as alleged in a complaint under investigation by local health officials.

An investigator with the state of Haryana’s Food and Drug Administration told Reuters on Friday he was close to finishing a probe into whether a state drug regulator was bribed to switch samples, tested by the Indian government, that contradicted the World Health Organization’s findings of toxic substances in the cough syrups.

For more details, check out the link given below:

Maiden Pharma Denies Tampering With Tests In Probe Of Cough Syrup Deaths

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Prediabetes treatment may reduce heart and kidney risks in childhood cancer survivors

A study from St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital sheds light on the incidence of prediabetes and diabetes in childhood cancer survivors for better prevention and treatment. At a younger age, childhood cancer survivors can experience chronic conditions such as diabetes, typically associated with older individuals. Researchers found survivors have twice the risk of developing prediabetes than the general public, which increases their risk of other life-threatening diseases. In the general population, prediabetes can be modified with lifestyle and other interventions, suggesting the potential to improve survivors’ life- and health-spans. The results were published today in the Journal of Clinical Oncology.

“One of the striking features was the very high prediabetes prevalence at such a young age in survivors,” said first and corresponding author Stephanie Dixon, M.D., MPH, St. Jude Department of Oncology. “The problem is over time, more and more people continue to progress to diabetes, so if you develop prediabetes at 20 years old, your lifetime risk of diabetes and associated comorbidities, including atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease or kidney disease, is going to be much higher than if you develop prediabetes at age 40 or 50 years, commonly seen in the general population.”

Prediabetes occurs when a person has higher than normal blood sugar levels but not high enough to be considered diabetic. A large percentage of people with prediabetes will later develop diabetes, which is associated with an increased risk of heart and kidney disease. In the general public, prediabetes can be managed through lifestyle changes, such as a healthy diet and exercise, as well as medication to prevent progression to diabetes and downstream conditions. The study suggests this approach may benefit survivors; however, optimal strategies to reduce the progression toward diabetes among prediabetic survivors remain unknown.

Preventing diabetic disease to protect cancer survivors

Blood sugar levels are well-known to vary naturally. Therefore, physicians may not discuss small elevations with survivors. The findings suggest that even small increases in blood sugar levels should be taken as a sign to start lifestyle interventions in survivors to protect their hearts and kidneys. The key to preventing disease will be identifying survivors with prediabetes as early as possible.

“We need to help survivors understand that prediabetes is really an early warning sign that says you need to do something, whether that’s changing lifestyle, starting medication or following up with primary care,” Dixon said. “But that has to start with physicians identifying when a survivor has developed prediabetes and then counseling the survivor on the importance of diabetes prevention and follow-up.”

Prediabetes associated with heart and kidney problems in survivors

Cardiovascular disease commonly occurs in people with diabetes, but it was unclear if that risk was the same in younger survivors. The findings showed survivors with diabetes are at twice the risk of a heart attack event compared to those with normal blood sugar levels. This impact remained even when accounting for potential organ damage during cancer treatment.

“For cardiovascular disease overall, diabetes alone was associated with a statistically significant increase in risk,” Dixon said. “But when we broke it down, we found a significant increase in risk for heart attack in people with prediabetes, and then for cardiomyopathy (or heart failure) and stroke in people with diabetes.”

In addition to cardiovascular risk, chronic kidney disease was particularly concerning. The researchers observed a three times greater risk of chronic kidney disease in survivors with prediabetes or diabetes.

The study is a first step in identifying the consequences of prediabetes in survivors, which will galvanize future research into adapting approaches to protect these patients.

“We should be considering interventions to mitigate risk in this population of prediabetic and diabetic survivors so they can live longer, healthier lives,” Dixon said.

Reference:

Stephanie B. Dixon, Fang Wang, Lu Lu, Carmen L. Wilson, Daniel M. Green,Thomas E. Merchant, Prediabetes and Associated Risk of Cardiovascular Events and Chronic Kidney Disease Among Adult Survivors of Childhood Cancer in the St Jude Lifetime Cohort, DOI: 10.1200/JCO.23.01005.

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Make alternative arrangements for 5 failed drugs to be withdrawn: Delhi Cabinet Minister to health secretary

New Delhi: Delhi Cabinet Minister Saurabh Bharadwaj on Sunday directed the health secretary to make alternative arrangements for the five drugs that failed quality standard tests and will be withdrawn.

In an official communication, the minister also asked the official to prepare within a fortnight a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) to ensure that drugs and consumables procured by the Central Procurement Agency and through the Government e-Marketplace (GeM) portal are of standard quality.
It should also ensure that all essential medicines are available at hospitals, Aam Aadmi Party Mohalla Clinics and dispensaries, Bharadwaj said.
The Directorate of Vigilance of the Delhi government has written to the health department to withdraw the drugs that failed the quality tests after Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena recommended a CBI inquiry into the matter.
Saxena had recommended the probe into the alleged supply of drugs that “failed quality standard tests” and have the “potential of endangering lives” in Delhi government hospitals.
In the communication to the health secretary, Bharadwaj said he had learnt that the vigilance department issued directions to immediately remove the five drugs, Amlodipine, Levetiracetam, Pantoprazole, Cephalexin and Dexamethasone, from the stock where they have been supplied.
“Since the aforementioned five drugs which are to be removed from the stock, are also essential in nature and required for treatment of hypertensive disorder, seizure disorder, gastritis infections and respiratory diseases, hence, alternative arrangements should immediately be in place to make them available…,” the communication read.
Bharadwaj also directed the health secretary to inform him within a week about the arrangements made by the Directorate General of Health Services and the hospitals for making five medicines of standard quality available to replace the ones withdrawn and their fresh stock position in the healthcare facilities.
He further said that in the recent past, certain essential consumables like absorbent cotton wool and rolled bandages were found to be “not of standard quality” and were removed from the stock.
“The hospital authorities then did not make any alternative arrangement for the same and consequently, patients were inconvenienced since they were required to buy these consumables out of their own pockets,” the minister said.

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NExT now mandatory after BAMS, BSMS, BUMS courses

After MBBS and BDS, the National Exit Test (NExT) has also been mandatory for AYUSH courses. This has been confirmed in the newly introduced National Commission for Indian System of Medicine (National Examinations for Indian System of Medicine) Regulations, 2023, which were published in the Gazette notification dated 20.12.2023.

The AYUSH NExT will be held for Ayurveda, Siddha, Unani, and SowaRigpa courses, and without passing the exam, any graduate of Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery or Bachelor of Unani Medicine and Surgery or Bachelor of Siddha Medicine and Surgery or Bachelor of SowaRigpa Medicine and Surgery, shall not be eligible for enrollment in the State Register or National Register, mentioned the Gazette notification.

For more details, check out the link given below:

NEXT Now Mandatory After BAMS, BSMS, BUMS Courses Regulations Released

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