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Diabetes

“Unraveling the Secrets of Focal Cortical Dysplasia: How Disturbed Signaling Pathways Could Promote Epileptic Seizures”

Focal cortical dysplasia (FCD) type 2 is a congenital malformation of the cerebral cortex that is often associated with difficult-to-treat epilepsy. In the affected areas, nerve cells and their layer structures are arranged in an atypical manner, which often makes drug therapy more difficult. A research team has now found evidence of profound changes in the dopamine system in FCD type 2.

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Focal cortical dysplasia (FCD) type 2 is a congenital malformation of the cerebral cortex that often leads to difficult-to-treat epilepsy. This condition affects the way nerve cells and their layer structures are arranged in the brain, making it challenging for drug therapy to be effective. A recent study conducted by researchers from the University Hospital Bonn (UKB) and the University of Bonn, in collaboration with the German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), has shed light on profound changes in the dopamine system associated with FCD type 2.

The research team, led by doctoral student Norisa Meli, found that the dopaminergic supply in the affected brain areas is altered. Furthermore, an increased expression of certain dopamine receptors was observed both in human tissue and a corresponding mouse model. These findings suggest a disrupted dopaminergic system in FCD type 2.

The changes in the dopamine system could play a crucial role in the development of epileptic seizures, which often accompany this condition. Moreover, many individuals with FCD type 2 experience concentration problems or mood swings, highlighting the complex neuropathology involved.

Professors Sandra Blaess and Albert Becker emphasized that dopamine modulates the excitability of neuronal networks and their formation in the developing cortex. Their results demonstrate that this modulation may be disturbed in FCD type 2, a previously underinvestigated aspect of the condition.

The study combines comprehensive molecular analyses of human tissue samples with a preclinical mouse model replicating the genetic changes in FCD type 2. The researchers hope that these findings will contribute to more targeted and effective treatment strategies in the long term.

The work was funded by the German Research Foundation, the BONFOR program of the Medical Faculty of the University of Bonn, the iBehave project (Netzwerke 2021 — an initiative of the Ministry of Culture and Science of the State of North Rhine-Westphalia). Additionally, the work was supported by the Epilepsy Surgery Biobank of the Medical Faculty of the University of Bonn and the Open Access funding of the University of Bonn.

Cholesterol

The Hidden Cancer Epidemic: How Obesity is Driving Rising Deaths Nationwide

Obesity-related cancer deaths in the U.S. have tripled in just two decades, with women, older adults, and minority groups most affected. New research presented at ENDO 2025 highlights how obesity—linked to 13 different cancers—is now a major contributor to cancer mortality, especially in underserved and rural populations. Despite the growing awareness of obesity’s broader health impacts, this surge in cancer fatalities reveals an urgent need for targeted public health interventions and equitable access to care.

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The article highlights a disturbing trend in the United States – cancer deaths linked to obesity have tripled over the past two decades. A study presented at the Endocrine Society’s annual meeting in San Francisco examined more than 33,000 deaths from obesity-associated cancers and revealed sharp increases in cancer deaths, particularly among women, older adults, Native Americans, and Black Americans.

“Obesity is a significant risk factor for multiple cancers, contributing to significant mortality,” said lead researcher Faizan Ahmed. “This research underscores the need for targeted public health strategies such as early screening and improved access to care, especially in high-risk rural and underserved areas.”

The study used mortality data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to analyze U.S. deaths from obesity-associated cancers between 1999 and 2020. The results showed age-adjusted mortality rates increased from 3.73 to 13.52 per million over two decades, with steep increases among certain groups.

Obesity is a complex disease resulting from multiple genetic, physiological, hormonal, environmental, and developmental factors. It raises the risk of developing serious chronic conditions such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, prediabetes, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and chronic and end-stage kidney disease.

In addition to certain types of cancer, obesity is associated with a higher risk of developing 13 types of cancer, according to the CDC. These cancers make up 40% of all cancers diagnosed in the United States each year.

The regions with the highest rates of obesity-related cancer deaths were identified as follows:

* The Midwest had the highest rate.
* Vermont, Minnesota, and Oklahoma had the highest state-level rates.
* Utah, Alabama, and Virginia had the lowest state-level rates.

This research emphasizes the need for targeted public health strategies to combat the growing epidemic of obesity-related cancer deaths. Early screening and improved access to care are crucial in reducing mortality rates among high-risk groups.

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Bone and Spine

The Quiet Side Effect of Semaglutide: How Losing Muscle Can Affect Weight Loss Success

Semaglutide, a popular anti-obesity drug, may come with a hidden cost: significant muscle loss, especially in women and older adults. A small study found that up to 40% of weight loss from semaglutide comes from lean body mass. Alarmingly, those who consumed less protein saw even more muscle loss—potentially undermining improvements in blood sugar control.

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In recent years, the anti-obesity medication semaglutide has gained popularity for its ability to melt fat effectively. However, a small study presented at ENDO 2025, the Endocrine Society’s annual meeting in San Francisco, highlights a concerning side effect of this medication – the potential quiet stripping away of muscle strength, particularly among women and older adults.

Losing muscle mass, also known as lean mass, is a common issue associated with weight loss in adults with obesity. This can have negative consequences on metabolism and bone health. Muscle plays an essential role in controlling blood sugar levels after meals and keeping bones strong. Approximately 40% of the weight lost from taking semaglutide comes from lean mass, including muscle.

The researchers conducted a three-month study involving 40 adults with obesity, divided into two groups: those prescribed semaglutide and those following a diet and lifestyle program called Healthy Habits for Life (HHL). The results showed that participants who took semaglutide lost more weight than those in the HHL group. However, the percentage of weight loss attributed to lean mass was similar between the two groups.

Further analysis revealed that being older, female, or consuming less protein was linked to greater muscle loss among participants taking semaglutide. Moreover, losing more muscle was associated with less improvement in blood sugar control (HbA1c levels).

Study lead researcher Melanie Haines emphasized the importance of preserving muscle during weight loss with semaglutide to reduce insulin resistance and prevent frailty in people with obesity. She also highlighted that higher protein intake may help mitigate muscle loss in these patients.

In conclusion, while semaglutide is an effective medication for weight loss, it’s essential to be aware of its potential side effects, particularly among vulnerable populations like women and older adults. By understanding the importance of preserving muscle mass during weight loss and incorporating higher protein intake into their diet, individuals can maximize the benefits of this medication and achieve a healthier, more sustainable weight loss outcome.

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Diabetes

Fasting Twice a Week May Be a Game-Changer for Type 2 Diabetes Management

A new study comparing three popular diets—intermittent fasting, time-restricted eating, and continuous calorie cutting—found that all can help people with type 2 diabetes lose weight and lower blood sugar. But one diet stood out: the 5:2 intermittent fasting plan, where participants eat normally five days a week and restrict calories on two. It led to better results in fasting blood sugar, insulin response, and sticking with the plan.

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The study, presented at ENDO 2025 in San Francisco, California, compared three dietary interventions for managing type 2 diabetes with obesity. Researchers found that intermittent energy restriction (IER), also known as fasting twice a week, showed greater advantages in reducing blood sugar levels, improving insulin sensitivity, and lowering triglycerides.

For the study, 90 patients were randomly assigned to either IER, time-restricted eating (TRE), or continuous energy restriction (CER) for 16 weeks. While there were no significant differences in HbA1c reduction and weight loss between the three groups, the IER group experienced a greater absolute decrease in blood sugar levels and body weight.

The study’s lead researcher, Haohao Zhang, Ph.D., highlighted the importance of this research, stating that it fills a gap in directly comparing 5:2 intermittent energy restriction with a 10-hour time-restricted eating. The findings provide scientific evidence for clinicians to choose appropriate dietary strategies when treating patients with obesity and type 2 diabetes.

Interestingly, the IER group had the highest adherence rate at 85%, followed by the CER group at 84% and the TRE group at 78%. This suggests that fasting twice a week may be more feasible and effective for people managing type 2 diabetes.

The study’s results have significant implications for the management of type 2 diabetes, particularly in relation to dietary interventions. As researchers continue to explore the benefits and limitations of different diets, healthcare professionals can rely on evidence-based information to guide their recommendations.

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