Category: 8. Health

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) may not just be associated with, it may also directly cause, idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), suggest findings from a new study. Published in Med Research, the work also identifies 2 shared biomarkers that may help predict which RA patients are most at risk of developing the deadly lung disease.

According to the researchers, their study is the first to demonstrate a causal role for RA in the development of IPF, supported by genetic evidence and molecular profiling. For rheumatologists and pulmonologists, explain the group, the findings underscore the importance of cross-specialty collaboration.

RA is best known for damaging joints but is also capable of triggering complications beyond them, including pulmonary fibrosis, where progressive scarring of the lungs leads to respiratory failure. Up to 40% of RA patients show evidence of interstitial lung disease (ILD), and IPF is among the most severe outcomes. It’s been estimated that patients with RA-ILD have a 3-fold increase in mortality compared with patients with RA alone.²

“Observational studies suggest an association, yet causality remains unclear due to confounding and reverse causation,” noted the researchers, adding that distinguishing correlation from causation has been difficult due to overlapping risk factors and confounding variables.¹

To help mitigate this barrier, the group applied a genetic approach to their study. The team performed a bidirectional Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis, using genome-wide association study (GWAS) data from over 57,000 patients, with 14,000 RA and 43,000 controls, as well as 1028 patients with IPF and nearly 197,000 controls.

They found that RA was found to increase the risk of IPF by approximately 16% (OR, 1.156; 95% CI, 1.054-1.267; P = .002). Sensitivity analyses confirmed that the result was not due to genetic overlap or hidden confounders. Notably, the reverse was not true, meaning IPF did not appear to cause RA.

“The lack of reverse causality suggests IPF is a consequence, not a precursor, of RA,” described the researchers.

To probe biological mechanisms, the team integrated transcriptomic datasets, plasma samples, and single-cell RNA sequencing from RA patients. They identified 2 chemokines—CCL2 and CXCL2—as potential shared biomarkers of RA and IPF. Identifying these shared biomarkers, wrote the researchers, opens new avenues for early diagnosis and targeted therapy in patients with RA at risk for lung complications.

Both markers were elevated in RA plasma compared with healthy controls. CCL2 was particularly enriched in fibroblasts, pericytes, and endothelial cells, while CXCL2 was highly expressed in myeloid cells. These chemokines interact with the ACKR1 receptor on endothelial cells, a pathway that may promote immune cell infiltration and fibrosis in the lungs.

Diagnostic testing reinforced this finding, with ROC curve analysis showing that CXCL2, alone or combined with CCL2, had strong predictive accuracy (AUC 0.875 and 0.867, respectively) for distinguishing RA patients with fibrotic risk.

The discovery carries several important implications for clinicians, explained the researchers. First, patients with RA who have persistently elevated CCL2 or CXCL2 could be flagged for closer monitoring of lung function. Second, targeting these pathways therapeutically, by modulating chemokine signaling, may represent a strategy to slow or prevent fibrosis.

The study was limited by several factors, including reliance on GWAS datasets of predominantly European ancestry and a relatively small validation cohort of 40 patients with RA. Larger, multi-ethnic studies will be needed to confirm the generalizability of results. Moreover, functional studies are required to directly test how CCL2 and CXCL2 drive fibrosis.

References

1. Pan X, Jiang C, Chen J, Sun T, Wang X, Chen J. Causal link and shared biomarkers between rheumatoid arthritis and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. Med Res. Published online July 25, 2025. doi:10.1002/mdr2.70021

2. Rojas-Serrano J. Progressive pulmonary fibrosis in rheumatoid arthritis–associated interstitial lung disease. J Rheumatol. 2025;52(8). doi:10.3899/jrheum.2024-1333

Published on: August 31, 2025 2:25 AM

A nationwide polio eradication campaign is set to begin in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) on September 1st, targeting approximately 742,500 children under the age of five, the local correspondent of APP reported this from Mirpur on Saturday.

The AJK State Health Department sources told APP that the four-day drive, which will conclude on September 4th, aims to immunize children across all 10 districts of AJK through a comprehensive network of mobile teams and fixed centers.

To ensure the success of the campaign, the AJK State Health Department has made elaborate arrangements. Over 4,000 mobile teams, comprising more than 5,000 workers, will visit door-to-door to administer polio vaccine drops. Additionally, 448 fixed centers will be established at local government hospitals and subordinate health facilities, providing easy access to vaccination services. In Muzaffarabad, the metropolis of AJK, over 135,000 children under five years old will be targeted for vaccination.

In Mirpur district, District Health Officer Dr. Fida Hussain reported that 76,656 children under five years old will receive polio vaccinations. To achieve this, 431 mobile teams of paramedics will be deployed across 51 zones, visiting homes and serving at 41 fixed centers and 14 transit points.

A central polio control room has been set up in Muzaffarabad to monitor the campaign’s progress and receive complaints. Furthermore, 844 area in-charges will supervise the drive at the union council level across AJK’s 35 tehsils and 245 Union Councils.

When you’re living with diabetes or prediabetes, the foods you eat can have a tremendous impact on your blood glucose, not to mention your overall health and energy levels. The good news is you don’t have to overhaul your diet overnight for optimal blood sugar management. Dietitians say that small changes can make a meaningful difference in your blood sugar numbers. Like swapping certain foods for more blood sugar–friendly options. “Swapping ingredients in the kitchen is one of the simplest ways to upgrade the nutrient profile of your meals, and help keep blood sugar levels steadier,” says Katherine Brooking, M.S., RD. 

If that sounds good to you, read on to learn six dietitian-backed food swaps to help keep your blood sugar numbers in check. 

1. The Swap: 100% Whole-Grain Bread for White Bread 

“Whole and sprouted grains contain more fiber and nutrients than refined white bread,” says Brooking. “This slows carbohydrate absorption, keeps you full longer and helps stabilize blood sugar.” Whole grains are so effective that one systematic review and meta-analysis of 16 trials concluded that regularly consuming whole grains may lead to improved glucose metabolism in people with diabetes.  

So, why not trade white bread for 100% whole-grain bread on your next sandwich? When you do, keep in mind that there’s a wide spectrum of whole-grain breads to choose from. For the biggest benefits, look for the words “100% whole grains” on the label. That can be classic whole-wheat bread or a blend of whole grains like oats, spelt, millet and rye.

2.  The Swap: Avocado for Heavy Cream or Cheese 

Avocados make a wonderful alternative to heavy cream or cheese in high-fat sauces and spreads. You probably already know they’re fantastic mashed and spread on toast and sandwiches. But they’re also a win in pesto or even as a filling for Deviled Eggs. 

Swapping avocados in for higher-fat ingredients doesn’t just up your intake of heart-healthy unsaturated fats. It can also do good things for your blood sugar, says Erin Palinski-Wade, RD, CDCES. “This swap supports a feeling of fullness and unlike most other fruits, avocado contains zero grams of naturally occurring sugar per serving and does not affect the glycemic response,” she explains. That’s not all. One study found that people who regularly consumed avocados had a lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes than those who did not consume avocados. 

If you need more reasons to toss an avocado (or two!) into your shopping cart, they’re also nutritional goldmines, packed with fiber, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. 

3. The Swap: Pureed Fruit for Sugar in Baked Goods

Despite what you might have heard, fruit can be a healthy part of a blood sugar–friendly eating plan. So much so that research has found that people who eat more fruit tend to have lower fasting blood glucose levels. Not only is fruit packed with vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, it’s also a tasty way to score more blood sugar–leveling fiber. 

While fruit is delicious with snacks or as a healthy dessert, pureed fruit is an excellent way to add natural sweetness to muffins, quick breads or even cookies. “You can use options such as mashed banana, pureed prunes or unsweetened applesauce in a 1-to-1 ratio as a replacement for added sugar,” says Palinski-Wade. “This swap helps to reduce overall carbohydrates and calories while boosting fiber, all while maintaining the sweetness and texture of the original recipe.” 

4. The Swap: Hummus & Veggies for Chips 

When you’re craving a crunchy snack, trading the usual chips for crudités with hummus can provide some decided blood sugar benefits. “Crackers and chips are mostly refined carbs with little fiber,” says Brooking. “Hummus, made from a pulse, like chickpeas, provides fiber and protein. Pairing it with crunchy veggies gives extra nutrients without spiking blood sugar.”,

Considering that research links higher fiber intake to less inflammation, healthier blood sugar levels and lower cholesterol and body weight, this trade is a slam dunk.  

5. The Swap: Oatmeal for High-Sugar Cereals 

While oatmeal has made a name for itself thanks to its heart-healthy benefits, it’s also an A-lister for blood sugar management. Just 1 cup of cooked oatmeal provides 4 grams of blood sugar–steadying fiber. In fact, one systematic review and meta-analysis found that regularly eating oats may help lower both fasting glucose and post-meal blood glucose levels. This is likely because oats are rich in a gradually digested fiber called beta-glucan that helps slow the rate at which carbs are released into the bloodstream.

Compare that to sugary cereals. “Sugary cereals often cause a quick spike in blood sugar, but oats offer a more gradual rise since they are a good source of soluble fiber,” says Brooking. 

That said, switching from sweetened cereal to oatmeal can seem like a big leap. To help make the transition, try combining half unsweetened whole-grain oat cereal with your usual sweetened cereal. Once you get used to that, gradually scale back the amount of sweetened cereal until you’re comfortable with unsweetened oat cereal. Then give oatmeal with fresh fruit a try for a hearty, blood sugar–balancing breakfast.

6. The Swap: Pulse Pasta for Traditional Pasta 

If you haven’t jumped on the pulse pasta train yet, it’s time to give it a try. “This simple swap removes the refined carbohydrates and adds plant-based protein and fiber to boost satiety and reduce the overall impact on blood sugar,” says Palinski-Wade. “This swap can also help you to reach both your fiber and protein goals for the day.” 

The numbers speak for themselves. Just 2 ounces of uncooked chickpea pasta serve up 8 grams of fiber and 14 grams of protein. Since research has found that chickpeas are more effective at lowering blood glucose than wheat, pulse pastas—like chickpea pasta—are a no-brainer.

Our Expert Take 

The ticket to better blood sugar isn’t about cutting out foods you love. It’s about making small swaps that deliver higher-quality carbs that can help you better manage blood sugar without feeling like you’re overhauling your diet. Dietitians recommend small changes like swapping in 100% whole-grain bread for white bread, using avocados instead of cheese or cream, and cooking with fruit purees. They’re also big fans of trading chips and dip for hummus and veggies, swapping in oatmeal for sweetened cereal and using pulse pasta instead of traditional pasta. “These swaps help to cut added sugar and refined carbohydrates, both of which can spike blood sugar and insulin levels,” says Palinski-Wade. “Adding swaps that boost protein and fiber can help to boost satiety, making it easier to stay on track with your daily calorie goals and maintain a healthy body weight.”

When the tango begins to play, Lidia Beltran shrugs off the Parkinson’s that plagues her, takes hold of her therapist and dances, her body fluid and her steps precise, as part of an innovative treatment program in Buenos Aires.

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A new ESC Clinical Consensus Statement is calling for greater awareness of the multidirectional relationship between mental health conditions and cardiovascular disease to improve patient health. The first ever ESC Clinical Consensus Statement to be developed on this topic was published today at ESC Congress 2025.

The Consensus Statement recommends that mental health symptoms are systematically screened for during cardiovascular care, and cardiovascular risk is routinely assessed for those being treated for mental health conditions.

While poor mental health can be a contributory factor to cardiovascular disease, people living with cardiovascular disease are also at greater risk of poor mental health. Patients experiencing both cardiovascular disease and a mental health condition have worse health outcomes.

The Consensus Statement has been produced by an international panel of experts that includes co-Chairpersons Professor Héctor Bueno, from the National Cardiovascular Research Center (CNIC) and the Cardiology Department, Hospital Universitario 12 de Octubre, Madrid, Spain, and Professor Christi Deaton, Emerita Professor of Nursing at the University of Cambridge, UK.

We want to raise awareness of the multidirectional relationship between mental health and cardiovascular disease. Each increases the risk of the other, and individuals with both conditions have worse outcomes and the highest negative health burdens. In this consensus document we summarise what we know about how to prevent or minimise negative outcomes but also highlight significant gaps in our knowledge which need to be addressed urgently.”

Professor Christi Deaton, Emerita Professor of Nursing, University of Cambridge, UK

The new Consensus Statement also recommends that mental health and psychosocial risk factors become part of cardiovascular risk assessments for healthy individuals.

Significant changes to clinical cardiovascular care are advised by the Consensus Statement. This includes the establishment of Psycho-Cardio Teams, multidisciplinary teams to treat patients that include mental health professionals, such as psychologists or psychiatrists, working alongside cardiovascular care professionals. These teams should be integrated into standard care and tailored to local need.

The Consensus Statement proposes a cultural shift to treat the deadly combination of mental health conditions and cardiovascular disease.

This will involve improvements in patient care, such as professionals acknowledging the complex relationship between mental health and cardiovascular disease, working together to integrate both areas of care, therefore advocating for change to implement a better integrated person-centred care that is tailored to individual circumstances.

This would present a significant change as most current models of cardiovascular care do not currently consider mental health to be a main goal.

“Clinical cardiovascular practice often overlooks the impact of mental health and the importance of its inclusion in care. We need to see cardiovascular health professionals developing collaborations with mental health professionals in Psycho-Cardio Teams to help identify early mental health conditions in our patients and improve care and support for patients and their caregivers,” said Professor Héctor Bueno.

“We are advising that mental health is actively considered in clinical appointments and that screening for mental health conditions becomes part of the assessment of patients at regular intervals. We are also advocating psychological support for caregivers,” Professor Bueno concluded.

The Consensus Statement outlines problems including:

• Limited appreciation among healthcare professionals of the incidence and prevalence of mental health conditions in people with cardiovascular disease and the impact of this on quality of life, therapeutic adherence, and health outcomes.

  
  

The Consensus Statement also outlines substantial gaps in knowledge about the interplay between mental health, cardiovascular health and disease. This includes a lack of evidence-based protocols to:

The lack of evidence about how best to support people living with severe mental health conditions is particularly significant, including how best to prevent cardiovascular disease in people living with severe mental illness, and how best to care for people who have both severe mental health conditions and cardiovascular disease. There is also a need to recalibrate cardiovascular risk scores for those living with severe mental illness.

People with severe mental illness are at increased risk of developing supraventricular and ventricular arrhythmias, which may eventually lead to sudden cardiac death. Increased arrhythmia risk is caused by multiple factors, including distress resulting from their mental health condition, high prevalence of risk factors, unhealthy lifestyle and potentially some medications.

“We hope the Consensus Statement will spark a change that empowers patients to feel able to discuss their mental health with cardiovascular professionals, and that they will have a better chance of this being taken seriously. This means accessing timely assessment, management, and the support they need to improve their mental health,” concluded Professor Deaton.

The ‘2025 ESC Clinical Consensus Statement on Mental Health and Cardiovascular Disease’ was developed by the task force on mental health and cardiovascular disease of the European Society of Cardiology (ESC). The Statement has been endorsed by the European Federation of Psychologists’ Associations, the European Psychiatric Association, and the International Society of Behavioral Medicine.

Stethoscopes powered by artificial intelligence (AI) could help detect three different heart conditions in seconds, researchers say.

The original stethoscope, invented in 1816, allows doctors to listen to the internal sounds of a patient’s body.

A British team conducted a study using a modern version and say they found it can spot heart failure, heart valve disease and abnormal heart rhythms almost instantly.

The tool could be a “real game-changer” resulting in patients being treated sooner, the researchers say – with plans to roll the device out across the UK following a study involving 205 GP surgeries in west and north-west London.

The device replaces the traditional chest piece with a device around the size of a playing card. It uses a microphone to analyse subtle differences in heartbeat and blood flow that the human ear cannot detect.

It takes an ECG (electrocardiogram), recording electrical signals from the heart, and sends the information to the cloud to be analysed by AI trained on data from tens of thousands of patients.

The study by Imperial College London and Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust saw more than 12,000 patients from 96 surgeries examined with AI stethoscopes manufactured by US firm Eko Health. They were then compared to patients from 109 GP surgeries where the technology was not used.

Those with heart failure were 2.33 times more likely to have it detected within 12 months when examined with the AI stethoscope, researchers said.

Abnormal heartbeat patterns, which have no symptoms but can increase stroke risk, were 3.5 times more detectable with the AI stethoscopes, while heart valve disease was 1.9 times more detectable.

Dr Sonya Babu-Narayan, clinical director at the British Heart Foundation (BHF) and consultant cardiologist, said: “This is an elegant example of how the humble stethoscope, invented more than 200 years ago, can be upgraded for the 21st century”.

Such innovations are vital “because so often this condition is only diagnosed at an advanced stage when patients attend hospital as an emergency”, she said.

“Given an earlier diagnosis, people can access the treatment they need to help them live well for longer.”

The findings have been presented to thousands of doctors at the European Society of Cardiology annual congress in Madrid, the world’s largest heart conference.

There are plans to introduce the new stethoscopes to GP practices in south London, Sussex and Wales.

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Please chooseI’m not a medical professional.Allergy and ImmunologyAnatomyAnesthesiologyBiostatisticsCardiac/Thoracic/Vascular SurgeryCardiologyCritical CareDentistryDermatologyDiabetes and EndocrinologyEmergency MedicineEpidemiology and Public HealthFamily MedicineForensic MedicineGastroenterologyGeneral PracticeGeneticsGeriatricsHealth PolicyHematologyHIV/AIDSHospital-based MedicineI’m not a medical professional.Infectious DiseaseIntegrative/Complementary MedicineInternal MedicineInternal Medicine-PediatricsMedical Education and SimulationMedical PhysicsMedical StudentNephrologyNeurological SurgeryNeurologyNuclear MedicineNutritionObstetrics and GynecologyOccupational HealthOncologyOphthalmologyOptometryOral MedicineOrthopaedicsOsteopathic MedicineOtolaryngologyPain ManagementPalliative CarePathologyPediatricsPediatric SurgeryPharmacologyPhysical Medicine and RehabilitationPlastic SurgeryPodiatryPreventive MedicinePsychiatryPsychologyPulmonologyRadiation OncologyRadiologyRheumatologySubstance Use and AddictionSurgeryTherapeuticsTraumaUrologyMiscellaneous