2022’s banner advancements in medicine BRIDGE

The Cleveland Clinic’s list of the top 10 medical breakthroughs of 2022 is out and it highlights the following potentially life-changing discoveries:

1. Next generation MRNA vaccines:

The development of new ways to create, purify and deliver RNA mean MRNA vaccines might be used to eliminate many challenging diseases — it’s being tested to prevent breast cancer.

2. Psma-targeted therapy:

Prostate-specific membrane antigen positron emission tomography (PMSA PET) is a new imaging technology. It can be used in conjunction with CT or MRI scans to provide early and accurate info on where prostate cancer cells are hiding.

3. New treatment for the reduction of LDL:

A twicea-year injection with Inclisiran is used with statins to achieve sustained reduction of LDL-C.

4. A novel drug for treatment of Type 2 diabetes:

Still in a late phase 3 clinical trial, the once-a-week injectable of dual glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (dual GIP) and glucagonlike peptide receptor agonist (GLP-1) stimulates release of insulin and blocks the hormone glucagon, reducing glucose spikes after eating and slowing digestion.

5-10. These are just as impressive:

5. Breakthrough treatment for postpartum depression. 6. Targeted medication for hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. 7. Nonhormonal alternatives for menopause. 8. Implants for severe paralysis. 9. Artificial intelligence for early detection of sepsis. 10. Predictive analytics and preventing high blood pressure.

Don’t get D-ficient

The opinions on the virtues of vitamin D are diverse. On the plus side, high levels of the nutrient are associated with reduction of some cancers, improved immune function and increased bone strength. Too much can lower blood levels of atorvastatin, and in some studies supplementation with D didn’t reduce cardiovascular risks or help prevent falls in older adults.

Well, there’s been one more study of D’s powers. This time it’s positive — about its ability to help prevent loss of muscle strength. Researchers analyzed data on around 3,200 folks aged 50 and older. They found that when your body has enough D, it helps repair muscles and aids in releasing calcium for muscle contractions. Participants who were D-ficient, with blood levels below 30nm/l, had 78 percent increased risk of muscle weakness and those who were low but not deficient (blood levels of 30 to 50nmol/l), had a 77 percent increased risk.