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A potential groundbreaking sickle cell treatment using CRISPR gene
editing, called exa-cel, is under FDA review, offering hope for a cure
that modifies the DNA in the patient’s blood cells, potentially
eliminating the need for a bone marrow transplant, if approved by the
FDA by December 8. While the drug aims to treat severe illness for
patients aged 12 and above, the FDA advisory committee's recent
meeting addressed concerns about the "off-target" effects of CRISPR,
prompting a focus on evaluating possible risks arising from unintended
DNA edits, creating uncertainties and questioning the thoroughness of
research analysis.
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A recent study involving surgical patients with major depressive
disorder (MDD) found that ketamine was not more effective than a
placebo in reducing depressive symptoms, with both groups
displaying considerable improvement. The research suggests that
participant expectations, often referred to as hope, may play a
significant role in driving reductions in depression symptoms observed
in antidepressant trials.
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The study by the Ontario Institute for Cancer Research demonstrates
that smoking causes 'stop-gain mutations' in DNA, inhibiting the
production of tumor-suppressing proteins and promoting cancer
growth across various cancer types. This research underscores how
smoking affects DNA, deactivating essential proteins within cells,
providing insights into the molecular mechanisms that contribute to
cancer risk, reinforcing the necessity of quitting smoking for improved
health.
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Adherence to the Portfolio diet, rich in cholesterol-lowering foods, is
associated with a 14% lower risk of total cardiovascular disease,
coronary heart disease, and stroke based on an observational study
pooling results from three major cohorts. This study, conducted by
Andrea J. Glenn, PhD, and colleagues at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of
Public Health, supports the potential benefits of the plant-based
Portfolio diet in reducing cardiovascular risk, emphasizing the
importance of a diet rich in plant-based proteins, nuts, fiber, and
specific fats as recommended by the American Heart Association.
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