Category: 8. Health

A scientific team from the University of Liège has just developed an innovative polymer, PHOx, which could significantly improve the safety of implantable medical devices, while being more environmentally friendly. This invention is the subject of an international patent application.

Every year, millions of patients receive medical devices inserted or implanted in the cardiovascular system: arterial and venous catheters, cardiac devices, pacemaker leads, artificial hearts, vascular prostheses, etc. These devices, often made from polyurethane (PU), perform vital functions, but are not without defects. PU production relies on toxic chemicals called isocyanates, and PU is also partly responsible for serious complications in patients, such as blood clots and infections.

Faced with these limitations, a team of chemists and cardiologists at the University of Liège has come up with a promising alternative: PHOx, a thermoplastic elastomer without isocyanate PU (NIPU), which is therefore less toxic to produce and much better tolerated by the human body.

“PHOx (Poly Hydroxy-Oxazolidone) is a flexible, transformable plastic that can be moulded, pressed, spun into fibres or 3D printed,” explain Anna Pierrard and Christine Jérôme, chemists. It can thus be used to produce a variety of personalised medical devices. Better still, its manufacture is based on ‘greener’ raw materials, derived in particular from carbon dioxide, reducing the environmental impact of the process.

Extensive laboratory tests have shown that PHOx outperforms PU in several key respects,” enthuse Sofia Melo, bioengineer, and Cécile Oury, Head of the Cardiology Laboratory at ULiège.” PHOx is more compatible with blood. In particular, it reduces the adhesion of platelets (essential cells in the formation of blood clots) and the activation of coagulation, limiting the risks of clot formation. It is also thought to inhibit the adhesion of bacteria such as staphylococcus aureus, which is often implicated in implant infections. No toxicity was observed, either for human cells or during implantation, and the material did not cause excessive inflammation, degradation or rejection.

3D printable implants

Another major advantage of PHOx is that it can be easily 3D printed. “This means that we could eventually produce custom-made devices for each patient, reducing waste and at lower cost,” explains Patrizio Lancellotti, Head of Cardiology at Liège University Hospital.” Tailor-made implants, heart valves adapted to the anatomy of each individual: the applications are numerous.

Thanks to its mechanical (flexibility, strength) and biological (biocompatibility, compatibility with blood, stability) properties, PHOx could well replace PUs in many medical applications. This is a major step towards medical devices that are safer for patients, more environmentally friendly, and potentially more economical thanks to customised manufacturing and reduced healthcare costs associated with fewer complications.

The researchers stress that this is the first time that a NIPU (non-isocyanate polyurethane) material has demonstrated such performance in critical medical applications. An international patent application (WO2025082761) has already been filed.

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Join us on Thursday, July 17th, 2025, at 11:00 am (EDT) on the webinar Telephone surveys: a resource for NCD and risk factor surveillance, to discuss how telephone surveys can offer a scalable and adaptable approach to generating timely, policy-relevant NCD and risk factors data that can drive effective public health action across the Americas.The webinar is hosted by the Noncommunicable Diseases, Violence, and Injuries Prevention Unit at PAHO´s Department of Noncommunicable Diseases and Mental Health. 

Objectives of the webinar

• Highlight the role of surveillance as an essential public health function that guides the health system response to the burden of NCDs.
• Showcase the use of telephone surveys as a flexible and key tool to monitor NCDs access to care, and health system response.
• Share lessons learned from the experiences of Brazil (Vigitel) and Uruguay (RaMPS) in implementing telephone-based surveillance systems and leveraging the data to inform decision-making.
• Discuss policy actions to integrate flexible and rapid tools, such as telephone surveys, into a comprehensive NCD surveillance system.

The session is aimed primarily at Ministry of Health NCD focal points; mental health focal points; professionals working on health statistics, epidemiology, surveillance, planning and evaluation; representatives from subnational level health entities from countries of the Americas. It also can be useful for representatives of civil society organizations, academia and agencies interested in surveillance and monitoring of NCDs and their risk factors.

HOW TO PARTICIPATE

Agenda

• 11:00 am – Welcome
• 11:05 am – Opening remarks
  • Jarbas Barbosa da Silva Jr., Director, PAHO/WHO (video message)
• 11:10 am – Setting the scene: Why are flexible and timely tools needed for measuring NCDs?
  • Roberta Caixeta, Advisor, NCD surveillance, prevention and control, PAHO/WHO
• 11:25 am – Keynote speaker: Monitoring access to NCD quality of care
  • Tom Frieden, President and CEO of the Resolve to Save Lives
• 11:40 am – Spotlight:
  • Vigitel: two decades of monitoring NCD risk factors and adapting to Brazil’s evolving data needs
    • Letícia de Oliveira Cardoso, Director of DAENT/SVSA, Ministry of Health from Brazil
  • RaMPS in Uruguay: measuring the implementation of front of package labelling policies at the population level
• 12:10 pm – Questions and answers
• 12:35 pm – Closing remarks
  • Anselm Hennis, Director, Department of Noncommunicable Diseases and Mental Health, PAHO

Background

Surveillance is an essential public health function that provides critical data to monitor the burden of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), measure risk factors and social determinants of health, and assess targeted interventions. It enables evidence-based policy implementation, guides prevention, control, and disease management strategies, and plays a key role in evaluating interventions. Surveillance also promotes cost-effective resource allocation and strengthens health system capacity.

Within the NCD surveillance toolbox, telephone surveys are a valuable method for efficient, cost-effective data collection. Their flexibility allows for rapid deployment and adaptation to country-specific needs, making them key for ongoing surveillance. During public health crises, timely data from telephone surveys can be crucial for enabling swift responses, particularly in assessing the quality of care for NCDs.

The use of telephone surveys to monitor NCD risk factors has been successful and operational in the Americas for over two decades in Brazil with the Vigitel survey and in the United States with the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS). Originally designed to track trends in NCD risk factors, these surveys have evolved, expanding their scope and adapting to specific data needs to inform policy decisions and guide interventions.

PAHO/WHO launched the Rapid Mobile Phone Survey (RaMPS) initiative in 2020 as a tool to complement the NCD surveillance toolbox by measuring policies and interventions at the population level. RaMPS has the potential to provide timely and reliable data on the implementation of the NCD Best Buys by supporting national legislative processes providing data on population behaviors, knowledge, attitudes, practices regarding risk factors exposure and protective measures. RaMPS also helps assess barriers to healthcare access, the quality of care, and can offer critical data during public health crises. Currently 8 countries in the Americas (Antigua and Barbuda, Belize, Bolivia, Honduras, Paraguay, Saint Lucia, Suriname and Uruguay) have implemented RaMPS at least once.

As countries continue to strengthen their NCD surveillance capacity, telephone surveys offer a scalable and adaptable approach to generating timely, policy-relevant data that can drive effective public health action across the Americas.

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For other cities, please check the local time on this link.

As many Americans prepare for outdoor Fourth of July celebrations, the start of UV Safety Awareness Month serves as a timely reminder to take protective measures against sun exposure during the holiday and beyond.

Understanding UV Radiation and Its Risks

UV Safety Awareness Month is observed each July as summer intensifies across the Northern Hemisphere.¹ The initiative aims to raise awareness and encourage individuals to take proactive steps to protect themselves from the harmful effects of UV radiation.

Invisible to the naked eye, UV radiation is a form of electromagnetic radiation composed of high-energy waves that can damage DNA and cause sunburns. Although the sun is the primary source, artificial sources such as tanning beds also emit UV radiation.

There are 2 main types of UV rays: UVA and UVB. UVA rays are longer and penetrate deeper into the skin, contributing to premature aging and wrinkles. In contrast, UVB rays are shorter and primarily responsible for sunburn. Roughly 95% of UV rays that reach the Earth’s surface are UVA, with the remaining 5% being UVB.²

At this year’s American Academy of Dermatology Annual Meeting in Orlando, Florida, experts highlighted how air pollution has intensified UV exposure.³ Chlorofluorocarbons, in particular, contribute to climate change by acting as potent greenhouse gases and damaging the stratospheric ozone layer, allowing more UV radiation to reach the Earth’s surface.

The Health Impact of UV Exposure

In addition to causing sunburn and premature aging, UV exposure is a leading cause of skin cancer, the most common cancer type in the US.⁴ It is estimated that 1 in 5 Americans will develop skin cancer in their lifetime.

The 3 main skin cancer types are basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma.¹ Basal cell carcinoma is the most common, accounting for about 80% of cases. It typically grows slowly and can often be treated effectively with surgery or radiation. Squamous cell carcinoma makes up around 20% of cases and commonly develops on sun-exposed areas of the body, like the face, hands, and neck.

Although melanoma makes up only about 4% of skin cancer cases, it is the most serious type due to its aggressive nature. If not detected and treated early, melanoma can quickly metastasize to other parts of the body. As a result, survival rates exceed 99% when the cancer is caught early and still localized, but they fall to 75% with regional spread and 35% when it reaches distant sites.⁵

Excessive UV exposure can also lead to serious eye conditions, namely cataracts and pterygium, both of which can impair vision.² Additionally, UV radiation can weaken the immune system, reducing the body’s ability to fight off certain infections and diseases.

Effective Ways to Minimize UV Damage

According to Weill Cornell Medicine, the amount of UV exposure a person receives depends on the strength of the rays, the duration of skin exposure, and the presence of any protective measures.

To minimize sun exposure and reduce the risk of UV-related skin damage, it is recommended to seek shade as often as possible, especially between 10 AM and 4 PM, when the sun’s rays are strongest. If outside in the sun, individuals should wear protective clothing, including long-sleeved shirts, pants, wide-brimmed hats, and UV-blocking sunglasses.

It is also recommended to apply a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher.⁴ The National Council on Skin Cancer Prevention advises applying at least 1 ounce, or a palmful, of sunscreen every 2 hours, and more frequently if you are sweating or swimming.²

References

1. July is UV Safety Month. Skin and Cancer Institute. Accessed July 1, 2025. https://skinandcancerinstitute.com/july-is-uv-safety-month/
2. UV Safety Awareness Month. Weill Cornell Medicine. July 22, 2021. Accessed July 1, 2025. https://weillcornell.org/news/uv-safety-awareness-month
3. McCormick B. Climate change, pollution’s growing impact on dermatology. AJMC^®. March 10, 2025. Accessed July 1, 2025. https://www.ajmc.com/view/climate-change-pollution-s-growing-impact-on-dermatology
4. Skin cancer. American Academy of Dermatology Association. Accessed July 1, 2025. https://www.aad.org/media/stats-skin-cancer
5. Steinzor P. 5 things you should know about skin cancer. AJMC. May 2, 2025. Accessed July 1, 2025. https://www.ajmc.com/view/5-things-you-should-know-about-skin-cancer

When we think of the best foods to help lower blood pressure, dairy usually doesn’t come to mind. But if there’s one blood pressure–friendly cheese that experts recommend, it’s Swiss. 

Swiss cheese, known for its “eyes” (or holes) and mildly sweet and nutty flavor, has healthy properties that might help support better blood pressure levels, says Sheri Gaw, RDN, CDCES. Here, we dive into the research behind Swiss cheese’s heart-healthy properties, plus how to incorporate the cheese into a balanced diet plan.

Why Swiss Cheese Is the #1 Dairy Product to Lower Blood Pressure

Low in Sodium

Cutting back on sodium is one of the best ways to help lower your blood pressure. And if cheese is a beloved part of your daily diet, swapping some higher-sodium options for Swiss is a smart way to sustain a balanced and enjoyable eating plan. And it’s not hard to do. Swiss is one of the lowest-sodium cheese options out there, says Gaw. A 1-ounce serving of Swiss cheese contains about 52 milligrams of sodium, or 2% of the Daily Value. Compare that to 1 ounce of Cheddar, which has about 185 mg, or 8% of the DV.  

Great Source of Calcium

While dairy is often associated with causing heart issues, research shows that calcium in dairy foods such as Swiss cheese does not increase blood pressure or risk for hypertension, says Gaw: “In fact, it may reduce the risk of stroke.” Swiss cheese is a stellar source of calcium—1 ounce provides about 20% of the DV. 

Contains Bioactive Peptides

We know protein helps keep you satiated and supports muscle mass, but research suggests that the protein in cheese is also a good source of bioactive peptides, which may benefit blood pressure. Swiss cheese, specifically, contains two peptides—Ile-Pro-Pro and Val-Pro-Pro—that have been shown to have anti-hypertensive effects. However, more research needs to be done to nail down the amount of cheese it takes to reap these health benefits.

How to Enjoy Swiss Cheese

Swiss is delicious as a standalone snack, and it’s just as great paired with other foods or in recipes. Here are a few tasty ways to enjoy Swiss:

• Pair it with fruit: Gaw recommends pairing a slice of Swiss cheese with fruit for a low-sodium snack. Any fruit works, but we especially like apples for the flavor combo. “This snack is also good for blood pressure and blood sugar, thanks to its dose of calcium, protein, potassium and fiber,” Gaw says. 
• Try it in a sandwich: Gaw recommends stacking a grilled chicken sandwich with a slice of Swiss cheese, lettuce and slices of tomatoes and avocado. “This snack can be part of the Mediterranean and Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) dietary patterns, which help lower blood pressure,” adds Gaw.
• Add it to a salad: Swiss adds protein and calcium, plus umami flavor, to a bowl of greens. Try this Green Goddess Salad with Chickpeas recipe. 
• Pair it with crackers: Gaw recommends pairing Swiss cheese with whole-grain crackers for an energy boost that promotes blood sugar and blood pressure management.

Other Strategies to Lower Blood Pressure

Swapping out high-sodium cheeses for Swiss can help reduce your sodium intake. Here are some other ways to help support healthier blood pressure levels:

• Use herbs and spices: Lean on garlic, ginger, basil and oregano instead of salt to lower sodium intake and reduce blood pressure, says Gaw. A review found that garlic is associated with reduced blood pressure and cholesterol in those with and without chronic high blood pressure.
• Eat more plants: Plant-forward eating patterns, such as the Mediterranean diet and DASH diet, can help to lower blood pressure, adds Gaw. Research shows these diets are more promising for lowering blood pressure than just salt restriction alone.
• Cut back on alcohol: Drinking too much (which means more than two drinks a day for men and more than one drink a day for women) can spike your blood pressure. Cutting back on wine, beer, liquor and other alcohol can help lower your numbers and support your overall heart health. 
• Get regular exercise: Finding an exercise you love can help you move more and, therefore, lower your blood pressure. The American Heart Association recommends strength training at least two days a week and 2.5 hours of moderate-intensity cardio each week. 

Our Expert Take

Swiss cheese is significantly lower in sodium than many other cheeses, and eating less sodium can help lower blood pressure. Swiss is an excellent source of calcium and has unique bioactive peptides (found in the proteins), which research suggests may also help lower your blood pressure. Adding Swiss to a hearty salad or pairing it with high-fiber fruit and crackers is a smart way to enjoy this nutritious dairy snack.

Cardiac MRI shows the effects of air pollution on the heart — and the findings aren’t good, according to a study published July 1 in Radiology.

The research adds to growing evidence that air pollution is a cardiovascular risk factor, contributing to residual risk not accounted for by typical clinical predictors such as smoking or hypertension, the RSNA noted in a statement.

“Even modest increases in air pollution levels appear to have measurable effects on the heart,” said senior author Kate Hanneman, MD, of the University of Toronto in Canada. “Our study suggests that air quality may play a significant role in changes to heart structure, potentially setting the stage for future cardiovascular disease.”

Heart disease is the main cause of death around the world, the investigators noted. Although prior work has indicated that poor air quality contributes to cardiovascular disease, changes in the heart resulting from exposure to air pollution have remained unclear, they explained, observing that fine particulate matter in the air may contribute to diffuse myocardial fibrosis, a form of scarring in the heart muscle that can precede heart failure. (“Fine particulate matter” can include vehicle exhaust, industrial emissions and wildfire smoke, and particles are small enough to enter the bloodstream through the lungs.)

With Hanneman, a team led by Jacques Du Plessis, MD, also of the University of Toronto, explored the relationship between long-term exposure to fine particulate matter with 2.5-µm or smaller aerodynamic diameter (PM2.5) and the extent of diffuse myocardial fibrosis quantified with cardiac MRI native T1 mapping z scores (used to assess myocardial tissue characteristics; score expressed as zero, positive, and negative, with positive scores indicating potential abnormality).

The study included a total of 694 patients who underwent cardiac MRI between January 2018 and December 2022. Of these, 493 had dilated cardiomyopathy and 201 had normal findings. Du Plessis’ team quantified diffuse myocardial fibrosis and assessed patients’ residence-specific ambient PM2.5 concentration (the mean of daily exposure concentration in the year before cardiac MR imaging using measurements from the nearest air quality monitoring station).

The group reported the following:

• In multivariable models, each 1-µg/m3 increase in one-year mean PM2.5 exposure was associated with a 0.3 higher native T1 z score in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy (p < 0.001) and 0.27 higher native T1 z score in controls (p = 0.02).
   
• For absolute values, each 1-µg/m3 increase in one-year mean PM2.5 exposure was associated with 9.1 msec higher native T1 at 1.5-tesla imaging (p = 0.01) and 12.1 msec higher native T1 at 3-tesla imaging (p < 0.001). (An elevated native T1 typically indicates abnormal changes in the myocardial tissue composition.)
   
• The largest effect sizes for the association of PM2.5 exposure with native T1 z scores were in women (p < 0.001), smokers (p = 0.04), and patients with hypertension (p = 0.004).

Images from cardiac MRI native T1 mapping show that higher long-term exposure to fine particulate air pollution is associated with higher extent of myocardial fibrosis. Images and caption courtesy of the RSNA.

Overall, higher long-term exposure to fine particulate air pollution was connected to higher levels of myocardial fibrosis in both the patients with cardiomyopathy and the controls, suggesting that “myocardial fibrosis may be an underlying mechanism by which air pollution leads to cardiovascular complications,” the authors wrote.  

How can clinicians gauge a patient’s cardiac health in relation to poor air quality? Neighborhood data can help, according to Hanneman.

“A simple way to estimate someone’s exposure to air pollution is by looking at air quality data for the neighborhood they live in — information that is publicly available in many areas,” she told AuntMinnie. “Some health providers may ask about environmental exposures during routine visits. For people who want a more detailed assessment, portable air monitors are available that provide real-time air quality data.”

In any case, the effects of air pollution on lung health can be mitigated both on individual and societal levels, Hanneman noted.

“On a personal level, people can take steps like limiting outdoor activity on days when air quality is poor and using indoor air purifiers to reduce exposure,” she said. “On a broader scale, public health efforts include improving air quality standards, reducing emissions from traffic and industry, and addressing sources such as wildfire smoke to improve air quality for everyone.”

In an accompanying commentary, Davis Vigneault, MD, DPhil, of Stanford University emphasized the role radiology can play in tackling the problem of air pollution exposure and heart disease risk.

“The study … suggests several interesting avenues for future research, including the investigation of particulate pollution components, related co-pollutants, and at-risk subgroups,” he noted. “Moreover, [the] work sets an important example of how imaging research may be used beyond the diagnosis of an individual patient to guide public policy interventions to improve health outcomes more broadly.”

The complete study can be found here.

A new study examines the economic impact of Salmonella Dublin across Danish dairy farms over a 10-year period.

The infectious and multi-resistant cattle disease Salmonella Dublin can be fatal to both humans and animals and causes significant losses for farmers. Although Denmark has attempted to eradicate the disease since 2008, it has not yet succeeded.

The new study points to possible reasons—and the necessary solutions.

While we’ve all heard of salmonella in chickens, salmonella in cows is likely unknown to many. Nevertheless, Salmonella Dublin is a disease that has been present in cattle herds for decades—in Denmark as well as many other countries. And it is on the rise globally.

It causes pneumonia and blood poisoning and kills many thousands of calves and cows every year.

Although Salmonella Dublin infects humans far less frequently than the more regular salmonella, there is every reason to take it seriously: it is significantly more dangerous and kills up to 12% of those who become infected. At the same time, it is often resistant to antibiotics. Infection can occur through contact with animals as well as through unpasteurized dairy products and undercooked meat.

Still, Denmark has not managed to eradicate the disease—despite a national eradication plan launched in 2008, which set out to completely eliminate the disease. Today, the infection rate is estimated to be around 5% of Danish cattle herds, down from 20-25% in 2008.

In contrast, the infection has increased in recent years to about 18% of herds in the United States and as much as 60% in the United Kingdom.

“Salmonella Dublin is not just a serious threat in the barn. Globally, it is a potential public health risk that is likely to grow as antibiotic resistance spreads. This is a bacterium that kills people every year, and it is high time we do more to combat it,” says Dagim Belay, assistant professor at the food and resource economics department at the University of Copenhagen.

“Denmark has made great progress in the fight against this disease—so why have we not yet reached the goal? One possible reason is that farmers may not have a strong enough incentive to fight it. However, our research shows that the consequences are not only a matter of health—there are also hidden financial losses associated with infection,” says Jakob Vesterlund Olsen from the food and resource economics department.

The study shows that Salmonella Dublin leads to increased calf mortality, lower milk yield, higher medication costs, and more veterinary treatments.

“The tricky thing about Salmonella Dublin is that it often flies under the radar. Many herds are infected without visible symptoms, meaning both the disease and the economic losses can develop gradually without being noticed. Infection reduces productivity and weakens the animals year after year—and the financial losses accumulate over time,” says Belay.

Cattle farms with high levels of infection face average additional annual costs of around EUR 11,300 (about $13,307 USD. But even herds with low levels of infection face financial losses. A typical herd of 200 dairy cows with low-level infection incurs extra variable costs of approximately EUR 6,700 (about $7,891 USD) per year.

“Our estimates are conservative. They are based on data from a Danish system that already has a control program—unlike most other countries. If similar estimates were made in the UK or the US, the economic costs would be significantly higher,” says Belay.

The researchers highlight a key problem in how Danish authorities currently monitor Salmonella Dublin. The Danish Veterinary and Food Administration measures the level of antibodies against the bacterium in the farm’s milk tank, and if the antibody level is below a certain threshold, the herd is deemed salmonella-free.

“Threshold-based regulation has been instrumental in helping Denmark substantially reduce the prevalence of Salmonella Dublin to its current low level. But the current threshold is rather arbitrarily set. And our data shows that production losses already occur at infection levels well below that threshold,” says Olsen.

“So, it is also crucial to give farmers stronger incentives to eradicate the problem. For example, by offering subsidies to farmers who invest in prevention, early detection, and control measures, or by introducing a discounted milk price for milk from chronically infected herds,” says Belay.

Finally, the researchers urge authorities to provide targeted information to cattle producers about the hidden costs of Salmonella Dublin and about effective control strategies.

The study appears in the journal Agricultural Economics.

Source: University of Copenhagen

Researchers using cardiac MRI have found that long-term exposure to air pollution is associated with early signs of heart damage, according to a study that was published today in Radiology, a journal of the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA). The research indicates that fine particulate matter in the air may contribute to diffuse myocardial fibrosis, a form of scarring in the heart muscle that can precede heart failure.

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death worldwide. There is a large body of evidence linking poor air quality with cardiovascular disease. However, the underlying changes in the heart resulting from air pollution exposure are unclear.

We know that if you’re exposed to air pollution, you’re at higher risk of cardiac disease, including higher risk of having a heart attack. We wanted to understand what drives this increased risk at the tissue level.”

Kate Hanneman, M.D., M.P.H., study’s senior author, Department of Medical Imaging at the Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto and University Health Network in Toronto

Dr. Hanneman and colleagues used cardiac MRI, a noninvasive imaging technique, to quantify myocardial fibrosis and assess its association with long-term exposure to particles known as PM_2.5. At 2.5 micrometers in diameter or less, PM_2.5 particles are small enough to enter the bloodstream through the lungs. Common sources include vehicle exhaust, industrial emissions and wildfire smoke.

The researchers wanted to evaluate the effects of air pollution on both healthy people and those with heart disease, so the study group included 201 healthy controls and 493 patients with dilated cardiomyopathy, a disease that makes it more difficult for the heart to pump blood.

Higher long-term exposure to fine particulate air pollution was linked with higher levels of myocardial fibrosis in both the patients with cardiomyopathy and the controls, suggesting that myocardial fibrosis may be an underlying mechanism by which air pollution leads to cardiovascular complications. The largest effects were seen in women, smokers and patients with hypertension.

The study adds to growing evidence that air pollution is a cardiovascular risk factor, contributing to residual risk not accounted for by conventional clinical predictors such as smoking or hypertension.

“Even modest increases in air pollution levels appear to have measurable effects on the heart,” Dr. Hanneman said. “Our study suggests that air quality may play a significant role in changes to heart structure, potentially setting the stage for future cardiovascular disease.”

Knowing a patient’s long-term air pollution exposure history could help refine heart disease risk assessment and address the health inequities that air pollution contributes to both in level of exposure and effect. For instance, Dr. Hanneman said, if an individual works outside in an area with poor air quality, healthcare providers could incorporate that exposure history into heart disease risk assessment.

The air pollution exposure levels of the patients in the study were below many of the global air quality guidelines, reinforcing that there are no safe exposure limits.

“Public health measures are needed to further reduce long-term air pollution exposure,” Dr. Hanneman said. “There have been improvements in air quality over the past decade, both in Canada and the United States, but we still have a long way to go.”

In addition to illuminating the links between air pollution and myocardial fibrosis, the study highlights the important role that radiologists will play in research and clinical developments going forward.

“Medical imaging can be used as a tool to understand environmental effects on a patient’s health,” Dr. Hanneman said. “As radiologists, we have a tremendous opportunity to use imaging to identify and quantify some of the health effects of environmental exposures in various organ systems.”

GABA, or gamma-aminobutyric acid, is an amino acid functioning as the principal inhibitory neurotransmitter that can act on the brain to slow or stop the reception of certain signals to the brain, leading to a calmer and more relaxed state. Low GABA levels in the brain have been associated with neurological disorders and diseases like depression, Alzheimer’s or epilepsy. Recently, there has been a push towards understanding more about the gut’s influence on mood, behavior and mental health, as well as what foods might fuel or hinder a healthy mind. Researchers set to work on determining whether brain GABA levels can be increased through dietary additions with the aim of modulating the gut bacteria present in an individual to bypass the blood-brain barrier, a barrier in which it is not proven yet GABA can pass through.

Results were published in npj Science of Food in April 2025.

The relationship between the gut and brain is not necessarily a newly established one, but one that is gaining more attention and influence in how science looks at treating the body more holistically. The two systems communicate effectively, but researchers wanted to know the answer of just how directly these two systems can pass information: can an increase in gut-derived GABA directly cause an increase in the levels of brain GABA?

Researchers confirmed a direct association between gut GABA, brain GABA and the gut microbiota through trials on mice. There are still no solid results on whether or not gut microbiota-derived GABA can cross the blood-brain barrier and directly increase brain GABA. However, further studies do indicate a potential for other pathways to cause an increase in brain GABA elevation, such as stimulation through the Vagus nerve or hormonal pathways.

Our study suggests that prebiotics have the ability to prevent or treat those brain diseases by increasing brain GABA levels via promoting gut GABA production through modulating gut microbiota.”

Thunatchaporn Kumrungsee, study corresponding author, associate professor at Hiroshima University’s Graduate School of Integrated Sciences for Life

In trials done on mice, researchers found the fructo-oligosaccarides (FOS), non-digestible oligosaccharides, and Aspergillus-derived enzymes, lipase and protease, as prebiotics that have shown effective in elevation brain GABA through the influence on the gut. FOS appeared to have a significant increase on the mice’s brain GABA in both the cortex and hippocampus, both sites where GABA acts to reduce excitability and induce a sense of calmness. Additionally, FOS and enzyme supplementation also raised homocarnosine levels in the hippocampus.

“Food factors such as prebiotics and fungi-derived enzymes with prebiotic-liked effects have an ability to increase brain GABA and homocarnosine, a GABA-containing brain-specific peptide, which can possibly in turn enhance brain health through gut microbiota modulation,” said Kumrungsee.

Homocarnosine appears to also be linked to some of the same brain diseases, with a previous study by Kumrungsee indicating homocarnosine-deficient mice were more prone to exhibiting depression-like behaviors and instances of hyperactivity.

Despite a lack of confirmed data on an increase in GABA in the brain derived directly from gut microbiota, there is good reason to believe prebiotic consumption might increase the brain’s GABA levels, as shown in the study. Researchers still need to unravel the mechanism by which the gut might influence the brain and what pathway might be responsible. Once clarified, the next goal is to figure out if the prebiotic treatment used in the study can be further employed for the treatment of GABA-related diseases, like epilepsy or depression.

Jason D. Braga, Norihisa Kato, Noriyuki Yanaka and Thanutchaporn Kumrungsee of the Program of Food and AgriLife Science at Hiroshima University with Jason D. Braga also of the Institute of Food Science and Technology at Cavite State University, Yongshou Yang of the School of Life Sciences at Anhui University, Kyoichi Nishio, Masasumi Okada, Manabu Kuroda and Shotaro Yamaguchi of Amano Enzyme Inc. and Thunatchaporn Kumrungsee of Smart Agriculture at Hiroshima University contributed to this research.

This research was made possible by the Japanese Society of Functional Fermented Foods and Enzyme Supplements, the Danone Institute of Japan Foundation research grant, the Japanese Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, and Amano Enzyme Inc.