Research Archives - Page 13 of 15 - Revitalize Physical Therapy

September 25, 2016

Zapping Zika

Recently, the National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS), a subsidiary of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), announced exciting news in the fight against Zika. Not only have they made progress regarding potential medication, but they have also begun researching a possible vaccine to enable immunity against the devastating disease.

The Zika virus, whose name is derived from the Uganda Zika forest (where the virus was first identified in 1947), is spread by diurnal Aedes mosquitos. Prior to 2007, the virus was mostly contained within limited parts of Africa and Asia. However, the virus spread east between 2007 and 2016 across the Pacific Ocean to Latin America and beyond. To date, Zika has been reported in over sixty countries. Adults who are infected with the virus may develop a fever which can be alleviated with acetaminophen. Furthermore, Zika can result in the development of Guillian-Barre Syndrome or other neurological dysfunction in adults.

Additionally, a truly dangerous feature of the Zika virus is that it frequently attacks the brain cells of the developing fetus in utero. This may lead to fetal microcephaly, small sized head due to an underdeveloped brain, or brain malformations.

Fortunately, researchers at John Hopkins University and Florida State University have been developing a medication to treat the virus. The compound under investigation contains both emricasan (a drug being explored for its potential benefit against certain liver diseases) and niclosamide (an FDA-approved medication used to treat worm infections). Finally, several cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK) inhibitors were associated with decreased brain cell death in the NCATS research. (CDK inhibitors interfere with cellular reproduction, and this class of drugs is often used to treat cancer and prevent cancer cells from spreading.) It is unclear whether or not the medication is safe for usage during pregnancy. Further research is warranted to determine safety for expectant mothers.

Furthermore, the NIH released on August 3, 2016 that they have initiated clinical trials with a potential Zika vaccine. The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), a different branch of the NIH, has gathered approximately eighty volunteers (aged 18-35) who are being followed at three different study centers. Researchers are analyzing the immune system’s response to the proposed vaccine. However, the clinical trial is merely in the early stages, so results will probably be unavailable for some time yet.

Fortunately, advances in potential Zika prevention and treatment are underway. Until then, it is wise to plan vacations accordingly, especially if you are attempting to become pregnant in the near future. Please refer to this information released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for more detail.

August 15, 2016

Connecting the Dots

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a condition characterized by a set of symptoms which are the result of increased androgen production by the ovaries. Androgens are hormones that contribute to the development of male characteristics. These symptoms include irregular or infrequent menses, heavy menses, pelvic pain, fertility challenges, and excessive facial and/or body hair. PCOS is also associated with adult onset (type two) diabetes, heart disease, obesity, sleep apnea, and endometrial cancer. It is the most common endocrine disorder found within women aged 18-44.

Two important hormones ordinarily released by the ovaries include estrogen and progesterone. Treatment for PCOS includes modified ovarian hormones (ex. oral contraceptives which generally contain estrogen and progesterone) to counteract the effect of the androgens. Another approach to treating PCOS includes anti-androgen drugs.

A third and new approach being researched is modified adrenal hormones. The adrenal hormones include adrenaline and steroids (aldosterone, cortisol, and the hot topic of the day- androgens). What do the adrenal glands have to do with ovaries? That is an excellent question. The answer, which is also the reason why this approach is being explored, is because a recent study conducted by the National Institute of Health’s (NIH), results released June 27, 2016, suggests that there may be a link between PCOS and adrenal gland disorder. Previous research has revealed that the adrenal glands of some women with PCOS produce increased amounts of androgens. In this study, 38 women with diagnosed PCOS comprised the experimental group, and 20 women without PCOS served as the control group. Almost 40% (15 of the 38 women in the experimental group) demonstrated increased adrenal gland hormone production. Furthermore, on average, the size of these women’s adrenal glands were smaller than average.

These findings reminded researchers of micronodular adrenocortical hyperplasia (MAH), a condition characterized by formation of little nodules on the adrenal glands. These nodules begin to produce adrenal hormones independent of the adrenal glands. The new alternative hormone source “allows” the adrenal glands to get lazy, slack off in their own hormone production, and shrink. The similarities between women with MAH and a decent number of women with PCOS, particularly smaller adrenal glands, struck the researchers.

What percentage of women who experience PCOS are actually also experiencing adrenal gland dysfunction? Is there a connection in the pathology and etiologies of the two disorders? Perhaps most importantly, can the population of women with PCOS who also demonstrate adrenal hormone overproduction benefit from adrenal hormone therapy? Connecting the dots between the ovarian-adrenal connection may guide and facilitate future research and treatment.