Category: 8. Health

  • Prevalence and related factors of comorbid suicide attempts and psychotic symptoms in first-episode drug-naïve patients with major depressive disorder | BMC Psychiatry

    Prevalence and related factors of comorbid suicide attempts and psychotic symptoms in first-episode drug-naïve patients with major depressive disorder | BMC Psychiatry

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  • Pharmacists Welcome Mental Health Interventions for Long-Term Condition Patients

    Pharmacists Welcome Mental Health Interventions for Long-Term Condition Patients

    Community pharmacists expressed positive feelings toward offering mental health interventions to improve depression and anxiety among long-term condition (LTC) patients, according to a study published in Exploratory Research in Clinical and Social Pharmacy.1

    “Subthreshold depression (sDep) and anxiety (sAnx) represent conditions in which people experience signs and symptoms that are significant enough to affect their lives but do not meet the threshold for a clinical diagnosis and are common conditions in the general population,” wrote authors of the study. “The prevalence of sDep is estimated to be between 10% to 24%, and sAnx is estimated to be up to 13.7%.”

    While not serious enough to warrant targeted interventions at first, 35% of sDep and sAnx cases develop into clinical depression and anxiety. Cases of sDep and sAnx are especially detrimental to patients living with LTCs, such as diabetes or cardiovascular disease (CVD), since poor mental health has been known to exacerbate chronic conditions.

    Chronic diseases have been found to significantly impact mental health outcomes, while poor mental health has also been known to impact long-term conditions. | image credit: VadimGuzhva / stock.adobe.com

    READ MORE: Inflammation Linked With Depressive Moods for Older Adults With Insomnia

    Researchers have uncovered significant evidence that links depression, anxiety, and mental health conditions with many chronic diseases. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, chronic diseases can lead to depression and vice versa. Indeed, aside from diabetes and CVD, depression has been known to lead to stroke, chronic pain, osteoporosis, Alzheimer disease, and more.2

    “It has been suggested that intervention may be warranted for up to 80% of those affected by subthreshold conditions. However, the mental health system is under pressure,” the authors continued.1 “There is a key opportunity for primary care services to potentially meet the general mental health needs of the population with subthreshold needs.”

    However, with primary care physicians reporting some of the highest burnout rates among any medical specialty,3 experts are looking to pharmacists to carry the load for potential mental health interventions. Over 90% of patients with mental health conditions seek care in a community setting. With the high levels of access and trust community pharmacists have garnered over the years, researchers believe they may be perfectly positioned to administer mental health interventions, especially among patients with LTCs.

    “No study has explored the views of community pharmacists on delivering interventions for LTC patients with sDep and sAnx,” they wrote.1 “The aim of this study is to explore the views and attitudes of community pharmacists on providing a brief intervention for LTC patients with sDep and sAnx and the barriers and facilitators for providing such an intervention.”

    Researchers conducted 1-on-1 interviews with community pharmacists in New Zealand from diverse backgrounds and experiences. Led by the study’s primary author, interviews were conducted either in person or through video conference. They lasted approximately 45 minutes long and occurred between May and August of 2023.

    The final analysis consisted of 11 total participants (45.5% between 25 and 34 years old; 63.3% in urban practices) that conducted interviews during the study period.

    Regarding participants’ willingness to adapt a mental health intervention in community pharmacy practices, they welcomed the idea. Pharmacists participating in the study saw significant value in benefits like early interventions, meeting a gap in services, and reducing the burden of the health care system. Furthermore, commonly noting themselves as accessible and approachable providers, participants also mentioned the sheer availability of community pharmacies multiple times in their responses.

    Aside from their willingness and opinions on providing mental health interventions, they also discussed approaches to implementing such services in a community pharmacy setting. The participants identified 4 key themes in introducing a mental health intervention: existing support mechanisms, perceptions and attitudes, barriers and facilitators, and design and implementation.

    Serving as an overarching framework for implementation, participants provided researchers with a detailed approach to identifying existing support, filling in gaps in providers’ perceptions on these services, overcoming barriers and utilizing facilitators, and finally, implementing the new service.

    “If a pharmacist-led service were to be successfully implemented in practice, it would have the potential to reduce the number of individuals progressing from subthreshold to clinical depression and anxiety, therefore reducing the overall prevalence of LTC patients with depression and anxiety,” the authors said.1 “Furthermore, this research will also inform future primary care mental health services/interventions by highlighting key elements that need to be considered in the service design process.”

    Like many other necessary patient services, pharmacists have shown both their capabilities and passion for improving health outcomes for patients in their communities. As mental health becomes yet another area of exploration for patient-facing pharmacists, further research will be conducted to test these services and adopt them in more communities.

    “Many participants saw the value of such an intervention and described a range of factors that need to be considered when designing an intervention,” they concluded.1 “These findings can be used to inform the future design of an intervention, with the potential to address sDep and sAnx in a community pharmacy setting.”

    READ MORE: Mental and Behavioral Health Resource Center

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    REFERENCES
    1. Cabasag P, Beyene K, Sundram F, et al. A qualitative exploration of community pharmacist views on providing a mental health and well-being intervention for long-term condition patients. Explor Res Clin Soc Pharm. 2025;19:100629. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rcsop.2025.100629
    2. Understanding the link between chronic disease and depression. National Institute of Mental Health. 2024. Accessed July 29, 2025. https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/chronic-illness-mental-health
    3. White N. Reducing primary care provider burnout with pharmacist-delivered comprehensive medication management. Am J Lifestyle Med. 2020 Dec 10;15(2):133-135. doi: 10.1177/1559827620976539.

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  • Wasps May Hold the Secret to Slowing Aging

    Wasps May Hold the Secret to Slowing Aging


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    A new study has found that jewel wasps can extend their lifespan by undergoing a developmental pause known as diapause. Researchers from the University of Leicester report that this process significantly slows biological ageing in the species Nasonia vitripennis, an emerging model for aging studies.

    Diapause

    A natural state of suspended development in insects, allowing them to survive unfavorable conditions. 

    The findings, published in PNAS, show that this delay in larval development extends the insects’ adult lifespan by over one-third and slows molecular aging by nearly 30%.

    Tracking molecular ageing through DNA changes

    Ageing can be measured by changes to DNA methylation – chemical modifications that regulate gene expression without altering the DNA sequence. These changes are used to calculate the “epigenetic clock,” a molecular marker of biological age.

    Epigenetic clock

    A biological marker that estimates an organism’s age by measuring specific patterns of DNA methylation.

    DNA methylation

    A chemical modification where a methyl group is added to DNA, often affecting gene activity. Methylation changes over time and is used to track aging and disease progression.

    In the study, the team induced diapause by exposing pregnant female wasps to cold and darkness. This prompted their offspring to enter a dormant state during development. Once resumed, these wasps not only lived longer but also exhibited a slower rate of change in their DNA methylation patterns, indicating a delay in biological aging.

    A simple insect with a complex methylation system

    Unlike many invertebrates, N. vitripennis possesses a functional DNA methylation system similar to that of humans. Its short lifespan and genetic tractability make it suitable for studies on aging.

    Following diapause, researchers found alterations in biological pathways associated with insulin signaling and nutrient sensing – mechanisms that are also implicated in human longevity. These shared pathways suggest that insights from this model may inform broader biological questions, though the study does not imply direct applicability to humans.

    Insulin signaling pathway

    A cellular communication system that regulates metabolism and energy use. 

    Lifelong effects from early-life interventions

    While other animals can enter dormant states to survive harsh conditions, this study is among the first to show that such a pause can have long-lasting effects on aging after development resumes. The results suggest that early-life environmental factors may shape aging trajectories, at least in invertebrate models.

    Reference: Foley EEB, Thomas CL, Kyriacou CP, Mallon EB. Larval diapause slows adult epigenetic aging in an insect model, Nasonia vitripennis. Proc Natl Acad Sci USA. 2025;122(31):e2513020122. doi: 10.1073/pnas.2513020122

    This article has been republished from the following materials. Note: material may have been edited for length and content. For further information, please contact the cited source. Our press release publishing policy can be accessed here.

    This content includes text that has been generated with the assistance of AI. Technology Networks’ AI policy can be found here.

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  • Updated COVID-19 mRNA Vaccine Did Not Increase Risk for Adverse Events

    Updated COVID-19 mRNA Vaccine Did Not Increase Risk for Adverse Events

    In a study published in JAMA Network Open, the updated COVID-19 mRNA vaccine that contained the Omicron JN.1 lineage did not increase the risk of adverse events (AEs) observed postvaccination. Investigators analyzed 29 AEs of special interest for COVID-19 vaccinations.1

    The 2024-2025 updated COVID-19 vaccine containing the Omicron JN.1 lineage did not increase the risk of 29 adverse events of special interest. | Image Credit: Jesse B/peopleimages.com – stock.adobe.com

    In the study, eligible patients from Denmark received the 2024-2025 JN.1 booster vaccination who previously had 3 or more COVID-19 doses. The study took place from May 1, 2024, to March 31, 2025. The investigators analyzed each AE separately, and individuals were followed up until the first outcome event. Outcomes during the first 28 days after vaccination were compared with outcome rates during the remaining period, according to the study authors.1

    Investigators included 1,585,883 individuals, with a mean age of 66.8 years and 54.4% being women, and 1,012,400 individuals received the updated COVID-19 vaccine during the follow-up period. They found that there was no statistically significant increased rate for any of the 29 AEs during the 28-day risk period after receiving the vaccination. Specifically, the incidence rate ratio was 0.84 for ischemic cardiac events, 0.92 for intracranial bleeding, and 1.12 for myocarditis.1

    Other AEs included anaphylaxis (IRR of 0.85), cerebrovascular event (0.84), arterial thromboembolism (0.84), deep venous thrombosis (0.80), pulmonary embolism (0.75), pericarditis (0.42), traumatic coagulopathy and coagulative disorders (0.58), Guillain—Barré syndrome (0.57), Bell palsy (0.93), encephalomyelitis or encephalitis (1.2), appendicitis (0.96), aseptic arthritis (0.87), type 1 diabetes (0.95), subacute thyroiditis (0.26), heart failure (0.78), acute liver failure (0.78), acute kidney failure (0.67), acute pancreatitis (0.67), erythema multiforme (1.05), seizure (0.95), arterial aneurysm (1.01), and uveitis (0.69).1

    In another study published earlier in July 2025, investigators found that the 2023-2024 COVID-19 vaccines were associated with fewer medically attended cases of COVID-19, but the effectiveness waned over time, which supported recommendations of a booster dose in the 2024-2025 season. They found that 69% of cases occurred during a period of JN.1 predominance. The vaccine effectiveness was 24% in 7 to 299 days post-vaccination. During 7 to 59 days post vaccination, vaccine effectiveness was 49%, decreasing by 7% at day 180 to 299.2

    The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) discussed COVID-19 epidemiology and safety and efficacy for vaccination. For the 2025-2026 formula, the FDA Vaccines and Related Biological Products Advisory Committee recommended that the COVID-19 vaccines closely match currently circulating viruses, and the vaccine should include monovalent JN.1 lineage, preferably with the LP.8.1 strain.3

    ACIP has not yet held a vote on the COVID-19 vaccine recommendations, despite confusing and conflicting information about who is eligible for the additional dose this upcoming respiratory season. However, the committee did discuss efficacy, including that 89% of children who were eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine and were hospitalized with the virus did not receive the most recently recommended COVID-19 vaccines.4

    “The majority of children hospitalized with COVID-19 in October 2024 to March 2025 did not receive the most recently recommended COVID-19 vaccine,” Adam MacNeil, PhD, MBA, deputy branch chief for epidemiology in the respiratory viruses branch of the CDC said in the panel.4 “Roughly 10% of children across all pediatric age groups have received their recommended COVID-19 [20]24-[20]25 dose.”

    Recommendations for who should receive the newest dose are still conflicting, with the Department of Health and Human Services and the CDC having different recommendations. HHS stated that healthy children and healthy pregnant women should be removed from the CDC’s recommended immunization schedule, but the CDC has different recommendations.5

    “This particular change for pregnant individuals is the most perplexing and confusing. We know that pregnant and non-pregnant women who are healthy have the same risk for getting an infection,” Lauren Angelo, PharmD, MBA, associate dean of academic affairs at Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, said.5 “However, should a pregnant person get infected with the SARS-CoV-2 virus, there’s a much higher risk for severe infection and hospitalization when compared to nonpregnant individuals who got COVID had higher rates of ICU [intensive care unit] admission, requiring a ventilator, and death.”

    READ MORE: COVID-19 Resource Center

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    REFERENCES
    1. Andersson NW, Thiesson EM, Hviid A. Safety of JN.1-Updated mRNA COVID-19 Vaccines. JAMA Netw Open. 2025;8(7):e2523557. Published 2025 Jul 1. doi:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2025.23557
    2. Gallagher A. 2023-2024 COVID-19 Vaccine Efficacy Wanes Over Time. Drug Topics. July 21, 2025. Accessed July 29, 2025. https://www.drugtopics.com/view/2023-2024-covid-19-vaccine-efficacy-wanes-over-time
    3. FDA. COVID-19 Vaccines (2025-2026 Formula) for Use in the United States Beginning in Fall 2025. May 22, 2025. Accessed July 29, 2025. https://www.fda.gov/vaccines-blood-biologics/industry-biologics/covid-19-vaccines-2025-2026-formula-use-united-states-beginning-fall-2025
    4. Gallagher A. ACIP Votes Against Thimerosal Vaccines for Prevention of Influenza. Drug Topics. June 27, 2025. Accessed July 29, 2025. https://www.drugtopics.com/view/acip-votes-against-thimerosal-vaccines-for-prevention-of-influenza
    5. Gallagher A. New COVID-19 Vaccine Recommendations Cause Confusion Among Public, Health Care Providers. Drug Topics. June 10, 2025. Accessed July 29, 2025. https://www.drugtopics.com/view/new-covid-19-vaccine-recommendations-cause-confusion-among-public-health-care-providers

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  • ACS Study Finds Firefighters Face Increased Cancer Risk and Mortality, Especially for Skin and Kidney Cancers

    ACS Study Finds Firefighters Face Increased Cancer Risk and Mortality, Especially for Skin and Kidney Cancers

    According to the International Association of Fire & Rescue Services, there are more than 15 million firefighters protecting the inhabitants of 60 countries around the world. And while hazardous exposures from fires encountered by firefighters vary, potential risks include several known or suspected carcinogens. The results from a new study by the American Cancer Society (ACS) analyzing the link between being a firefighter and cancer risk and mortality show that being a firefighter increased the mortality risk for most cancers, especially for skin and kidney cancers. Increased mortality risk for prostate, colorectal, and lung cancers was also observed after more years working as a firefighter. Continued efforts to protect firefighters and increase access to cancer screenings, and research on how to prevent cancer and intervene early, are a necessity, concluded the study authors. The study by Teras et al is published in the International Journal of Epidemiology.

    Study Methodology

    The researchers used data from more than 470,000 male firefighters enrolled in the American Cancer Society Cancer Prevention Study-II cohort to assess associations between occupation as a firefighter and cancer mortality. Multivariable hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were used to compare survival time among firefighters to that of other male participants in the study.

    Data were obtained from surveys taken by cancer-free individuals with 36 years of mortality follow-up (from 1982 to 2018). Occupations were categorized according to 1980 Census Bureau groups, and cancer deaths according to the International Classification of Disease.

    Results

    • Being a firefighter is associated with increased risk of mortality from skin and kidney cancers.
    • Increased mortality risk for prostate, colorectal, and lung cancers was also observed after more years working as a firefighter.
    • Research on the efficacy of novel screening tools in this population and how to prevent cancer and intervene early is needed.

    The researchers found that occupation as a firefighter compared with career professionals, defined as those who reported only executive, managerial, or professional specialty occupations, was associated with most cancers, but strongest for skin (HR = 1.72, 95% CI = 1.14–2.60) and kidney (HR = 1.39, 95% CI = 0.92–2.09) cancer mortality. Suggestive increases in prostate and colorectal cancer mortality were observed with more years as a firefighter, and an association with lung cancer was only apparent after 3 decades of follow-up.

    Most associations attenuated with control for confounders and changes in referent group to include all nonfirefighter occupations, but associations with skin and kidney cancers persisted.

    “These results support additional associations for occupation as a firefighter and cancer mortality beyond those reported in the most recent International Agency for Research on Cancer evaluation,” concluded the study authors.

    Understanding the Long-Term Cancer Risks of Firefighting

    “Although this isn’t favorable news, this study shines a spotlight on the long-term risks firefighters face beyond the immediate dangers of fighting a fire,” said Lauren R. Teras, PhD, Senior Scientific Director for the American Cancer Society and lead author of this study, in a statement. “Continued efforts to safeguard the health of firefighters by increasing access to cancer screening, early detection, and prevention are paramount. This population plays a crucial role in our communities as first responders and protectors of life and property.”

    Disclosure: Conflict of interest disclosures of all study authors may be found at academic.oup.com/ije.

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  • New blood markers predict kidney disease and mortality in diabetes

    New blood markers predict kidney disease and mortality in diabetes

    Kidney complications in diabetes often progress silently, putting patients at risk of life-threatening outcomes long before any symptoms appear. Identifying individuals with diabetes who are at risk of rapid kidney function decline or early death has challenged doctors for decades, with traditional markers like serum creatinine and urinary albumin falling short of accurately predicting these risks.

    Fortunately, a new study that was made available online on July 23, 2025, and published in Volume 16, Issue 4 of the Journal of Cachexia, Sarcopenia and Muscle on August 1, 2025, offers a promising solution. A team of researchers led by Associate Professor Tomohito Gohda from the Department of Nephrology, Juntendo University Faculty of Medicine, Japan, found that two simple blood markers-estimated glomerular filtration rate difference (eGFRdiff) and growth differentiation factor-15 (GDF-15) levels-can independently predict kidney disease progression and mortality in people with diabetes. “Currently, eGFR and urinary albumin, which are commonly used in routine clinical practice, are not sufficient to accurately predict kidney outcomes in individuals with diabetes,” says Dr. Gohda. “The development of novel biomarkers that complement these existing markers may allow for the earlier and more convenient identification of patients at high risk for kidney disease progression and mortality.”

    The research team analyzed data from 638 Japanese adults living with diabetes mellitus. Participants were observed for a period of more than 5 years, during which 11.8% experienced significant kidney function decline and 6.9% died from various causes. Blood samples were used to calculate eGFRdiff, a measure that reflects differences between cystatin C- and creatinine-based kidney function estimates, and to determine serum levels of GDF-15, a protein increasingly recognized as a marker of inflammation and frailty. The analysis revealed a powerful link: patients with lower eGFRdiff values faced a dramatically higher risk of chronic kidney disease (CKD) progression, while those with elevated GDF-15 levels were at higher risk of increased mortality. Specifically, every 10-unit increase in eGFRdiff reduced the risk of CKD progression by 33%, while higher GDF-15 levels were strongly linked to an increased risk of death by 235%.

    “eGFRdiff may contribute to early risk stratification in diabetic kidney disease and assist in developing personalized treatment strategies, potentially leading to improved quality of life for individuals with diabetes and reduced healthcare costs,” explains Dr. Gohda.

    Importantly, this research demonstrated that these two markers provide complementary insights. eGFRdiff, which can reflect muscle mass loss and metabolic changes, was more strongly associated with kidney disease progression. On the other hand, GDF-15, a stress-responsive cytokine linked to inflammation, better predicted mortality risk. This distinction suggests that using the two markers together could enhance precision in identifying which patients are most vulnerable to serious complications.

    Globally, diabetes is a leading cause of CKD, which can progress to end-stage kidney disease requiring dialysis-a treatment with profound impacts on patients’ lives and high costs for healthcare systems. Early detection of kidney risk using eGFRdiff and GDF-15 could enable clinicians to tailor interventions sooner, slowing or even preventing disease progression and potentially saving lives.

    “Our results suggest that frailty and sarcopenia, driven by inflammation and metabolic abnormalities, may contribute to CKD progression and mortality in individuals with diabetes mellitus,” concludes Dr. Gohda. “eGFRdiff assessment may enhance the identification of high-risk individuals.”

    By identifying these simple yet powerful markers, this study offers hope for improved personalized and proactive care in diabetes-a critical advancement as diabetes rates and their complications continue to increase worldwide.

    Source:

    Journal reference:

    Gohda, T., et al. (2025). Association of Difference Between eGFR From Cystatin C and Creatinine and Serum GDF‐15 With Adverse Outcomes in Diabetes Mellitus. Journal of Cachexia Sarcopenia and Muscle. doi.org/10.1002/jcsm.70011.

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  • Artificial protein sensor offers new way to measure cortisol with a smartphone

    Artificial protein sensor offers new way to measure cortisol with a smartphone

    Cortisol is a crucial hormone that regulates many important bodily functions like blood pressure and metabolism, and imbalances of this stress hormone can lead to health problems. 

    Traditionally, cortisol levels must be measured in a doctor’s office or other clinical setting. But a new advance in the design of artificial biosensors paves the way for point-of-care testing and diagnoses with far greater accuracy than is currently available. 

    Andy Yeh, an assistant professor of biomolecular engineering at the University of California, Santa Cruz, has invented an artificial, luminescent sensor that binds with cortisol in the blood or urine and then emits light to indicate the levels of the stress hormone in the body. A new study in the Journal of the American Chemical Society demonstrates that this technique can detect cortisol across all levels relevant to human health.

    Yeh demonstrated that this biosensor can be used in combination with the camera on a smartphone to enable people to measure cortisol levels at home or in a clinic, with high levels of sensitivity and without the costly instrumentation of the lab, greatly expanding access to accurate measurement of this important health indicator. 

    Designed from scratch

    Yeh is an expert in artificial protein design, a technique that uses AI-guided computation to design proteins completely from scratch. This varies from traditional approaches, which modify proteins found in the natural world. 

    To create a new detection system for cortisol, Yeh designed a protein-based biosensor in which the stress hormone triggers two designed proteins to come close to each other at the molecular level. This process leads to light emission, with more light indicating more cortisol. 

    To Yeh’s knowledge, this is the first example of a completely computationally designed biosensor that can perform with such high sensitivity and dynamic range for detecting a small molecule analyte. Using a camera to measure the amount and color of light emitted allows cortisol levels to be read with more sensitivity than current tests provide. 

    Point-of-care 

    This new diagnostic tool would be in a “mix and read” format-similar to the technique used in Covid-19 nasal swab rapid tests. The test requires just a drop of blood or urine, which is mixed with a solution that contains the biosensor. Then, a smartphone camera and app could translate the light emitted into a direct measurement of cortisol levels. 

    “You can read the signal directly – the output of the sensor is light emissions, so essentially you can just take a picture of the test with your smartphone,” Yeh said. “Ideally, that’s really field compatible.” 

    Dynamic results

    The test’s high level of sensitivity is a vast improvement over traditional tests, which don’t usually offer enough quantitative results when outside of the cortisol normal range. Yeh’s solution covers a wider dynamic range, offering quantitative results for healthy, too-low, and elevated levels of cortisol. 

    This sensor is very, very sensitive compared to the current standard methods used in the hospital. The dynamic range is huge compared to the traditional assay.” 


    Andy Yeh, assistant professor of biomolecular engineering at the University of California, Santa Cruz

    Down the line, Yeh envisions that this technology may also be used in a drug-development or diagnostic setting to better understand and treat the health issues that arise from cortisol deficiencies or surpluses.

    This research was supported by funding from the National Institutes of Health’s National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering, the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative, and the UC Santa Cruz start-up fund.

    Those interested in licensing can contact Director of Innovation Transfer Jeff Jackson: [email protected]. 

    Source:

    University of California – Santa Cruz

    Journal reference:

    Chen, J. Y.-H., et al. (2025). De Novo Design of High-Performance Cortisol Luminescent Biosensors. Journal of the American Chemical Society. doi.org/10.1021/jacs.5c05004.

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  • Study finds fermented stevia kills pancreatic cancer cells

    Study finds fermented stevia kills pancreatic cancer cells

    Stevia’s potential

    • Stevia features in 40,000+ products, market to hit $2.5bn
    • Natural and calorie-free, stevia sidesteps artificial sweetener concerns
    • Fermented stevia kills pancreatic cancer cells, spares healthy ones

    Stevia (E960a and E960c) is without doubt one of the most popular natural sweeteners on the market. Found in everything from sweets and soft drinks to breakfast cereals and breads, the versatile sugar alternative is used in over 40,000 food and beverage products worldwide.

    This widespread popularity that’s taken it to a global market value of $1.47bn (€1.26bn). What’s more, that figure is set to shoot up to $2.5bn by 2035 (Future Market Insights).

    And it’s not just manufacturers embracing stevia, consumers are increasingly seeking it too. The reason being that it’s natural, so doesn’t carry some of the negative health and environmental associations that have dogged the artificial sweetener market.

    “The demand for natural, low-calorie sweeteners is being intensified by rising health awareness, increasing incidence of obesity and diabetes, and the implementation of sugar taxation policies across numerous countries,” says a spokesperson for Future Market Insights. “As a result, stevia is being adopted extensively as a plant-derived sugar substitute.”

    Now, research out of Japan suggests that, not only is stevia natural and calorie-free, but it also has cancer-fighting properties.

    What is Stevia?

    Stevia is a natural sweetener that’s 200-400 times sweeter than sugar.

    It’s extracted from the leaves of the Stevia rebaudiana plant, native to Paraguay and Brazil.

    Its taste has a slower onset and longer duration than that of sugar, and at high concentrations some of its extracts may have an aftertaste described as licorice-like or bitter. 

    Does stevia contain cancer-fighting properties?

    A new study, conducted by scientists at Hiroshima University, has found that when stevia extract is fermented it becomes capable of killing pancreatic cancer cells without damaging healthy kidney cells.

    Previous research has suggested that stevia leaf extract could help fight cancer, but pinpointing and isolating the specific active compounds has proven challenging.

    The researchers found that fermentation can alter the structure of stevia extract, leading to the creation of new bioactive metabolites. These compounds can influence biological systems.

    “To enhance the pharmacological efficacy of natural plant extracts, microbial biotransformation has emerged as an effective strategy,” says Masanori Sugiyama, corresponding author on the study. “In this study, we aimed to compare LAB-fermented and non-fermented extracts to identify key compounds that enhance bioactivity, ultimately contributing to the efficacy of herbal medicine in cancer prevention and therapy.”

    Stevia is found in a huge range of foods and beverages, including breakfast cereals. (Image: Getty/Image)

    The science behind the study

    The team fermented stevia leaf extract with plant-derived Lactobacillus plantarum SN13T strain and compared its effects on pancreatic cancer (PANC-1) cells in the lab, alongside non-cancerous human embryonic kidney cells HEK-293, to the effects of non-fermented stevia extract.

    “Our findings indicate that fermented stevia leaf extract demonstrates significantly greater cytotoxicity than the non-fermented extract at equivalent concentrations, suggesting that the fermentation process enhances the bioactivity of the extract,” says Sugiyama. “Notably, fermented stevia leaf extract exhibited lower toxicity toward the HEK-293 cells, with minimal inhibition observed even at the highest concentration tested.”

    Additional analyses identified chlorogenic acid methyl ester (CAME) as the active anti-cancer compound. When fermented, the concentration of chlorogenic acid in the extract dropped six-fold, indicating a microbial transformation.

    “This microbial transformation was likely due to specific enzymes in the bacteria strain used,” says Narandalai Danshiitsoodol, a co-author on the study. “Our data demonstrate that chlorogenic acid methyl ester exhibits stronger toxicity to cells and pro-apoptotic effects – which encourage cell death – on PANC-1 cells compared to chlorogenic acid alone.”

    The researchers are planning future studies, using mice, to better understand the effectiveness of various dosages across the body.

    Child drinking sugary soft drink, which new research says have long-lasting health impact on children's health
    Stevia is used in over 40,000 food and beverage products worldwide. (Image: Getty/Daisy-Daisy)

    Changing the image of sweeteners

    Whether this new research will encourage consumers to actively seek products containing stevia, remains to be seen. But it could well help to further improve the reputation of natural sweeteners.

    Major food and beverage manufacturers, including PepsiCo, Nestlé and Unilever, have already reformulated multiple product lines to replace sugar with high-purity stevia extracts. PepsiCo, for example, uses it in Gatorade Zero.

    Increasingly positive health associations mean other manufacturers could follow suit.

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  • Cancer Drugs Show Surprising Power To Reverse Alzheimer’s in Mice – SciTechDaily

    1. Cancer Drugs Show Surprising Power To Reverse Alzheimer’s in Mice  SciTechDaily
    2. Do These Two Cancer Drugs Have What It Takes to Beat Alzheimer’s?  UC San Francisco
    3. Scientists Find 2 Existing Drugs Can Reverse Alzheimer’s Brain Damage in Mice  ScienceAlert
    4. Breakthrough as two FDA-approved drugs are found to reverse Alzheimer’s — including restoring memory  New York Post
    5. The cancer drugs that could lower the risk of Alzheimer’s disease  The Independent

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  • Omega-3 Fatty Acids and Vitamin D Improves Inflammatory Biomarkers in Rheumatoid Arthritis

    Omega-3 Fatty Acids and Vitamin D Improves Inflammatory Biomarkers in Rheumatoid Arthritis

    The chronic, systemic autoimmune illness known as rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is characterized by joint degeneration, synovial inflammation, and a substantial decline in quality of life. Although biologics and pharmacologic treatments, such as disease-modifying antirheumatic medications (DMARDs), continue to be the mainstay of management, interest in supplemental medicines that may lower inflammation and enhance clinical results has increased. A recent systematic review and meta-analysis that was published in Food Science & Nutrition assessed the use of vitamin D and omega-3 fatty acids in patients with RA and determined that both supplements were linked to improvements in inflammatory biomarkers, pain, and disease activity markers.1

    Image Credit: doucefleur | stock.adobe.com

    The immunomodulatory effects of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), especially eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), are well recognized. They function by modifying the synthesis of cytokines, reactive oxygen species, and proinflammatory eicosanoids.2 The meta-analysis’s clinical studies showed that taking omega-3 supplements decreased morning stiffness, the number of sensitive joints, and the need for NSAIDs. Another meta-analysis found that consuming 2.7 g of EPA/DHA daily for three months significantly decreased inflammatory indicators like IL-6 and C-reactive protein (CRP) as well as disease activity.3

    Vitamin D and Immune Modulation in RA

    Immune system control and skeletal health are both significantly impacted by vitamin D. T and B lymphocytes have their receptors, indicating direct immunomodulatory actions.4,5 According to the comprehensive analysis, vitamin D supplementation was linked to slight improvements in inflammatory biomarkers like CRP and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), visual analog scale (VAS) pain ratings, and Disease Activity Score-28 (DAS-28).1

    A separate randomized controlled trial involving 75 patients with RA found that 60,000 IU/week of vitamin D3 for 8 weeks significantly improved DAS-28 scores and reduced IL-17 and TNF-α levels compared to placebo.6 However, not all trials report consistent benefits, and heterogeneity remains high due to differences in baseline vitamin D levels, dosing regimens, and disease severity.1 Pharmacists should recommend testing 25(OH)D levels before initiating high-dose regimens and monitor serum calcium to avoid hypercalcemia, especially in patients on diuretics or calcium supplements.

    Practical Considerations for Pharmacists

    Pharmacists play a key role in helping patients with RA safely incorporate omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin D into their treatment plans. Recommended dosing includes 1.8 to 3g per day of combined EPA and DHA, and 1000 to 2000 IU per day of vitamin D3 for maintenance, or up to 50,000 IU per week for repletion based on lab values.6 It is recommended that patients on warfarin or clopidogrel should be monitored for bleeding risks when starting omega-3s, and pharmacists should watch for additive effects with anti-inflammatory drugs. Regular monitoring is essential; vitamin D levels should be checked every 8 to 12 weeks, and disease activity measures like DAS-28, VAS, and CRP should be tracked. Patients should be counseled that supplements take 2 to 3 months to show benefits and are intended to support, not replace, prescribed RA medications.

    Future Research

    Although vitamin D and omega-3 fatty acids both show promise as adjuvant treatments, the available data is constrained by brief trial periods, small sample sizes, and research heterogeneity. More high-powered standardized studies are required to evaluate long-term clinical outcomes, dose-response relationships, and effects in individuals with different illness severity, according to the meta-analysis’s authors.1

    Omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin D are promising adjuncts for managing inflammation and improving outcomes in patients with RA. Pharmacists can play a pivotal role in guiding safe, evidence-based supplementation by recommending appropriate dosages, monitoring for interactions, and reinforcing adherence. These strategies complement pharmacologic treatment and align with holistic, patient-centered care in autoimmune disease management.

    REFERENCES
    1. Xu B, Liang D, Chen G. Evaluation of the Clinical Outcomes Associated With the Use of Fatty Acids and Vitamin D in Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Food Sci Nutr. 2025;13(7):e70473. Published 2025 Jul 21. doi:10.1002/fsn3.70473
    2. Calder PC. Omega-3 fatty acids and inflammatory processes: from molecules to man. Biochem Soc Trans. 2017;45(5):1105-1115. doi:10.1042/BST20160474
    3. Miles EA, Calder PC. Influence of marine n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids on immune function and a systematic review of their effects on clinical outcomes in rheumatoid arthritis. Br J Nutr. 2012;107 Suppl 2:S171-S184. doi:10.1017/S0007114512001560
    4. Wachira JK, Larson MK, Harris WS. n-3 Fatty acids affect haemostasis but do not increase the risk of bleeding: clinical observations and mechanistic insights. Br J Nutr. 2014;111(9):1652-1662. doi:10.1017/S000711451300425X
    5. Chandrashekara S, Patted A. Role of vitamin D supplementation in improving disease activity in rheumatoid arthritis: An exploratory study. Int J Rheum Dis. 2017;20(7):825-831. doi:10.1111/1756-185X.12770
    6. Holick MF. Vitamin D deficiency. N Engl J Med. 2007;357(3):266-281. doi:10.1056/NEJMra070553

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