In fast-paced, densely populated metropolitans, the daily grind often involves navigating a complex web of environmental and digital stressors. While a fleeting moment of irritation in traffic is completely normal—"everyday frustration"—a more intense, chronic reaction is taking a significant toll on mental and physical health. This pervasive issue, often manifesting as road rage or chronic urban stress, is more than just a bad mood; it's a full-body stress reaction that, over time, can lead to serious health risks. This Anger Awareness Week, mental health experts delve into the clinical, physiological, environmental, and digital roots of urban rage, and offer actionable strategies to reclaim your calm. Understanding the clinical shift: From frustration to rageMehezabin Dordi, clinical psychologist at Sir H.N. Reliance Foundation Hospital (Mumbai) clearly delineates the clinical difference between normal frustration and genuine road rage. “Most of us sigh, mutter under our breath, or feel our shoulders tighten and then we move on. That’s just everyday frustration,” she explains. Road rage, however, is fundamentally different. It shows up as:1. Anger that feels too intense for the situation.2. A sense of being “hijacked” by emotion.3. Behaviours that feel unsafe like shouting, chasing, honking aggressively.4. Struggling to calm down even long after the trigger has passed. According to Dordi, when someone notices that these reactions happen often, feel out of control, or spill over into the rest of their life, that’s usually when a psychologist should step in. It may point to something deeper, like chronic stress, poor emotional regulation, or even a condition such as intermittent explosive disorder. The crucial rule of thumb is: If your anger feels bigger than the moment, it’s worth getting help. Physiological impact: The full-body stress reaction“Road rage isn’t ‘just anger’, it’s a full-body stress reaction. The moment something feels threatening on the road, the brain hits the panic button. The amygdala fires, adrenaline surges, the heart races, breathing gets faster, and cortisol floods your system. Your body thinks you're in danger even though you’re actually stuck in traffic,” shares Dordi.The long-term health risks of repeated exposure to this stress response are significant. Dordi notes that over time, repeated bursts of this reaction can take a real toll, leading to:1. Higher blood pressure.2. Increased risk of heart problems.3. Sleep issues.4. Constant fatigue or irritability.5. Lowered immunity. “It’s like running a marathon on the inside every time someone cuts you off. Your body isn’t designed to stay in “fight-or-flight mode” during daily commutes and yet that’s exactly what happens for many people living with chronic urban stress,” she concludes. Co-morbidity: Chronic anger rarely exists in a vacuumFrequent road rage can sometimes be a sign that something else is going on emotionally. Dordi highlights how often chronic anger issues are linked to underlying mental health conditions:1. People with anxiety often feel on edge, so a small traffic error can feel like a real threat.2. Depression can show up as irritability, making anger quicker to surface.3. Individuals with trauma histories or PTSD may react strongly to situations that feel unpredictable or out of their control. She also mentions that some people use substances to cope with stress, and that lowers impulse control even further. “While not everyone with anger issues has a diagnosable mental health condition, chronic anger rarely exists in a vacuum. When someone starts noticing that they’re more reactive, more easily triggered, or less patient than before, it’s often a sign that their emotional reserves are running low,” Dordi emphasises. How traffic anger rewires the brain“Without realising it, our mood in cities like this is often influenced by our commutes. In traffic, many people feel irritation and carry it into meetings, conversations, and even their homes. This happens because the repeated anger of being ‘blocked’ becomes a learned emotional response,” explains Bhavya Shah, consultant psychologist at Saifee Hospital, Mumbai. “Every time we get stuck in a traffic jam and feel annoyed, our brain creates a strong neural pathway. Over time, this pattern turns into a habit. The amygdala, the part of the brain that handles quick emotional reactions, activates even before we fully grasp the situation. Meanwhile, the rational prefrontal cortex takes a backseat, making it harder to calm ourselves at that moment,” she explains. When asked for a way to break this harmful habit, she says, “The solution is to create new responses that compete with the old ones. When you practice a calmer response—like taking deep breaths as your car stops, relaxing your shoulders, or changing the radio station to distract from the traffic—you signal to your brain that there is no real threat. With regular practice, most people notice real changes in about 4 to 8 weeks, which is often how long it takes to rewire emotional habits.” The lasting effect of attention residueThe stress from driving doesn’t go away as soon as your car stops or you get off the bus. Shah introduces the concept of attention residue to shed light on this lingering mental load. “After a near miss, a clash with another driver, or just from being in a noisy environment, the brain keeps replaying the event. This means your focus stays partially stuck on that past experience. This lingering mental load weakens working memory and slows down full attention, even on simple tasks. Many people say that the first 20 to 45 minutes after they get home or to work can feel muddled or tense, which is what attention residue looks like in practice.” Shah suggests designing a healthier transition. “Following simple rituals can help the brain shift between different states. A few minutes of deep breathing before starting the workday, stepping outside for fresh air, or listening to something calming as you finish your commute can help. These mini resets clear away residue, reduce emotional carryover, and prepare you for a more balanced day,” she says. Environmental and digital triggers: The micro-stressors that break the camel's back Hyper-local and environmental factors: The cumulative effectWe know major events cause stress, but the cumulative effect of constant, low-level irritants (micro-stressors like poorly designed queues, repetitive minor honking, lack of timely information) is equally corrosive. Dr. Ajit Dandekar, head of mental health (psychology and psychiatry) at Nanavati Max Super Speciality Hospital in Mumbai observes, “Long-term exposure to such irritants may cause annoyance, sleep problems, tiredness, headaches and generally higher stress levels. Individuals who develop ongoing irritation with honking, engine sounds or loud neighbours can potentially experience some psychological problems.” The core issue is that the brain has a limited tolerance level. “Every badly managed queue, loud neighbour or heavy traffic laden with continuous honking makes one more likely to snap, even though such an incident, in isolation may be a minor one. Especially those who live with anxiety or depression may experience the effects even strongly and the link between irritants and poor mental health becomes stronger,” he explains. Dandekar warns, “Don’t ignore these minor irritants that make you ‘a bit grumpy’ repeatedly because, over a period of time, they lower the anger threshold, especially in densely packed metropolitans such as Mumbai where there are little or no quiet places or time to recover.” Environmental triggers: Beyond the obviousBesides the obvious (traffic, noise), subtle environmental factors contribute significantly to increased irritability and rage. Dandekar poses, “Our expectations of the world around us and the real time overall quality and design of our surroundings can strongly influence the stress levels of an individual.” He notes studies have proved that greener streets with proper pedestrians can offer much higher levels of relaxation as compared to car-dominated, noisy and polluted urban streets. This is why each one of us craves holidays to much quieter, greener and natural spaces after every two to three months, to reset our stress levels. The subtle environmental factors he sees contributing to irritability or the build-up of rage are:1. Air quality: Most major irritant is poor air quality, laden with vehicular or industrial fumes and dust. Several people develop visible signs of discomfort, and their bodies show more signs of stress with higher levels of air pollution.2. Lack of green space: Trees, plants and open sky have a major ‘restorative’ effect on people, helping their brain to recover from stress. On the contrary, concrete jungles with no tree in sight and traffic can undo the sense of restoration.3. Ambient environment: Noise combined with heat, overcrowding, stench, and visual clutter are major ambient stress factors.4. Badly designed public spaces: Pedestrians hijacked by street vendors or used as parking spaces, lack of open spaces, confusing crossings, densely stacked buildings with little space for manoeuvring are some of the many issues associated with higher stress. Digital stressors: Instant gratification vs. real-world delayThe constant expectation of instant gratification, driven by the digital world, fuels anger when faced with real-world delays. “People living all their life in a fast-paced metropolitan like Mumbai are used to instant responses. We digitally track our cabs, food and even messages all the time and have conditioned our brains to expect speed and predictability. Annoyance, irritability and rage build up in some of us when situations become unpredictable, uncontrollable and repetitive,” explains Dandekar. Digital screens have taught people to expect instant feedback but the real world is slow and thus becomes stressful. “Especially those exposed to constant urban stressors like noise, pollution or overcrowding with limited or no recovery time, such extra frustration can quickly tip into road rage: shouting, abusing, aggressive honking or at times even a physical altercation. We live in environments surrounded by smartphones and digital screens that keep triggering our stress systems. A factor of unpredictability, and loss of control such as a sudden horn or a buffering app can amplify anger.” Seven one-minute strategies for reclaiming controlTo combat the physiological and neurological cascade of urban stress, the experts recommend building practical, immediate strategies into the daily routine. Dandekar shares seven practical strategies to follow when you feel irritated or experience the rage building: 1. Create a ‘quiet zone.’ Cut the noise. Roll up the window, switch to softer music or simply use earplugs. Such, even smaller reduction in honking and engine sound can help the nervous system settle.2. Use a de-stressor: Studies have shown that a green line of trees can potentially reduce stress. Spot a tree, small garden, even a potted plant, spend a minute just looking at it. Use this as a ‘restorative break’ to help your brain shift out of fight-mode.3. Breath: Fastest way to calm down is to slow your breathing. Inhale through your nose, count till 4, exhale gently while counting till 6, and repeat 6–8 times.4. Reset your body: Use the sudden stoppage in your activity to pause and move your body within your space. Roll the shoulders, stretch the neck, unclench the jaw and loosen your grip from the steering wheel. This helps to release the pent-up energy into movement instead of aggression.5. Identify the feeling, not the people: When you are surrounded with noise and overcrowding avoid blaming the whole environment and instead try to silently label your feeling. Naming the emotion help the brain to regain control and reduces the urge to react impulsively.6. The glass half full: Deliberately reframe an irritating situation into an ordinary one. Tune into your favourite song when stuck in a traffic jam, observe people and their quirks when stuck in a queue, don’t deny the problem but don’t let it own you emotionally.7. Planning self-care: Plan your routine in a way that it offers you a realistic and healthy ‘reset,’ for later. A short walk in the park after dinner, a quiet cup of tea without screens or going to bed ten minutes early for a longer peaceful sleep. Plan a recovery point to reduce the sense of helplessness and calm down the chronic rage. By understanding the distinct clinical markers of road rage, recognising the physiological and neurological damage caused by chronic stress, and implementing these actionable, one-minute resets, individuals can begin the essential process of healing their brains and reclaiming their emotional well-being amidst the chaos of urban life.
06 December,2025 03:51 PM IST | Mumbai | Maitrai AgarwalAs Mumbai’s corporate culture becomes more demanding, there is a rise in stress-related skin problems. The fast pace of work, long commutes, poor sleep quality, and constant screen exposure are silently damaging skin health. Stress does not just affect the mind; it directly impacts the skin by triggering inflammation, oil imbalance, and reduced skin repair. 50 per cent of employees in the city feel their skin has become dull, uneven, and more prone to acne and eczema. With a growing number of professionals aged 25–45 seeking treatment for lifestyle-related skin concerns, experts are urging people to consider skincare as an essential part of their overall health. Dr Shareefa Chause, dermatologist in Mumbai said, "Currently, corporate stress is not only impacting the employee’s mind but even skin. “The lack of sleep increases dark circles, dullness, and breakouts, pollution damages the skin barrier and speeds up ageing, high work stress triggers hormonal changes that worsen acne, excess screen time causes dryness and pigmentation, and skipping meals or eating irregularly affects skin repair. The skin is a mirror of our lifestyle, and this is becoming very clear in Mumbai’s young workforce. 50 per cent of employees aged 25-45 are suffering from skin problems due to excessive work stress. 5 out of 10 patients come in complaining of persistent dullness, uneven skin tone, and acne, strongly linked to long work hours, irregular sleep, and exposure to pollution or eczema flare-ups due to work-related stress. Chronic stress releases hormones like cortisol, which increases oil production and triggers inflammation. This makes the skin more sensitive, more reactive, and slower to heal. By managing stress and adopting a regular skincare routine, people can prevent these problems from getting worse.” There are tips to protect skin from stress damage. “Maintain a simple skincare routine that is cleanse, moisturise, and use sunscreen daily, sleep at least 7–8 hours to help the skin repair, use antioxidant-rich serums like Vitamin C to fight pollution damage, stay hydrated and avoid skipping meals, take short breaks from screens to reduce skin dryness, practice stress management such as walks, meditation, or even deep breathing, keep pillowcases, phones, and work desks clean to reduce breakouts. With work pressure rising in Mumbai’s corporate environment, stress-related skin conditions are becoming more common. But simple lifestyle changes, good sleep, stress control, and consistent skincare as recommended by the doctor can protect the skin from long-term damage,” highlighted Dr Shareefa. "Stress has become one of the biggest triggers of skin problems in corporate employees aged 25–45. Nearly 30 per cent of working professionals now struggle with skin concerns that require medical attention. Three out of ten people visit with complaints like persistent acne, dull skin, itching, and eczema because long work hours and lack of sleep disrupt the skin’s natural repair cycle. Stress hormones worsen inflammation, making the skin more reactive and sensitive. Simple habits like maintaining sleep hygiene, staying hydrated, using sunscreen daily, and following a minimal doctor-advised skincare routine can help protect the skin and reduce stress-related damage. It’s time to prioritize skin health by managing daily stress,” concluded Dr Vaibhav Kalambe, dermatologist, AIMS Hospital in Dombivli.
06 December,2025 02:11 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe average out-of-pocket expenditure for IVF treatment is Rs 1,10,104 at public hospitals and Rs 2,37,851 at private hospitals, with 85 per cent of participants incurring catastrophic health expenditure, a new study has revealed. According to the report by the Indian Council of Medical Research - National Institute for Research in Reproductive and Child Health (ICMR-NIRRCH), the median out-of-pocket expenditure for infertility treatment at the country's public hospitals and private hospitals is Rs 7,340 and Rs 11,834, respectively, with 25 per cent incurring catastrophic health expenditure. The health system cost of providing one IVF cycle was estimated to be Rs 81,332. The cost for subsequent IVF cycles was Rs 35,087, the report said. The total budget estimates for providing IVF services in India for 3,32,381 females with infertility were estimated to be Rs 2,703 crores for the first IVF cycle, and for the subsequent two cycles were estimated to be Rs 2,332 crores and the total budget impact for three IVF cycles was estimated to be Rs 5,035 crores, the report said. As part of the study, 149 participants undergoing IVF were interviewed. Based on the findings, the study has recommended that the IVF package for inclusion in public health programmes could be considered at Rs 81,332 for the first IVF cycle and Rs 35,087 for subsequent cycles. Currently, OPD expenses are not covered under Pradhan Mantri - Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY). As the majority of expenditure for infertility treatment, including IVF, is OPD-based, this consideration needs to be made for including IVF in the PM-JAY package. The study suggested that since 25 per cent of couples undergoing infertility treatment face catastrophic expenditure, this cost could also be considered for reimbursement under PM-JAY. The World Health Organisation (WHO) reports that primary infertility affects 3.9-16.8% of couples in India, among which 8% require advanced and expensive treatment like IVF. Efforts are being made to include IVF in government health schemes like Pradhan Mantri - Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY), necessitating cost assessments. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever.
06 December,2025 10:07 AM IST | New Delhi | PTINanoplastics derived from single-use PET bottles can directly disrupt key biological systems that are vital for human health, according to a study led by the Institute of Nano Science and Technology, Mohali (INST), an autonomous institute of the Department of Science and Technology (DST), on Thursday. Nanoplastics, found in food and water, are a global concern and are increasingly being detected inside the human body. But their exact effects remain poorly understood. While many studies had focused on how plastics pollute the environment or damage host tissues, almost nothing was known about their direct impact on beneficial gut microbes that are central to human health. The team led by Prashant Sharma and Sakshi Dagariya from the Chemical Biology Unit at INST found the first clear evidence of profound consequences to human health. The researchers found that long-term exposure reduced bacterial growth, colonisation, and protective functions, while increasing stress responses and sensitivity to antibiotics. "Together, the findings explain that nano-plastics from everyday plastics are biologically active particles that can interfere with gut health, blood stability, and cellular function," said the researchers in the paper published in the journal Nanoscale Advances. The team recreated Nano-plastics from PET bottles in the laboratory and tested them across three key biological models. A beneficial gut bacterium, Lactobacillus rhamnosus, was used to see how nanoplastics affect the microbiome. At higher concentrations, nanoplastics were found to disrupt red blood cell membranes and cause premature destruction of the cells. Further, the team also found that prolonged exposure led to DNA damage, oxidative stress, apoptosis, and inflammatory signalling, alongside shifts in energy and nutrient metabolism. "The nanoparticles induce DNA damage, oxidative stress, and inflammatory responses in human epithelial cells during prolonged exposure, posing risks to human health that were previously unrecognised," the researchers said. Beyond human health, the insights can extend to agriculture, nutrition, and ecosystem studies, where microbial balance and plastic pollution intersect, they noted. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever.
06 December,2025 09:39 AM IST | New Delhi | IANSMalaria infected an estimated 282 million people and claimed 6,10,000 lives worldwide in 2024, according to the World Health Organization’s (WHO) annual World Malaria Report on Thursday, December 4, ,which highlighted drug resistance as a major threat to elimination efforts. While the WHO-recommended vaccines helped to prevent an estimated 170 million cases and one million deaths in 2024, this was roughly 9 million more than the previous year. An estimated 95 per cent of these deaths were in the African Region, with most occurring among children under 5. India accounted for 73.3 per cent of all cases in the WHO South-East Asia Region. The country also reported 88.7 per cent per cent of all deaths in the region. The report showed that progress in reducing the malaria deaths -- a key target of the Global Technical Strategy for malaria 2016-2030 -- remains far off track. It noted that antimalarial drug resistance has now been confirmed or suspected in at least 8 countries in Africa, and there are potential signs of declining efficacy of the drugs that are combined with artemisinin. Other risks to malaria elimination efforts include the prevalence of malaria parasites with pfhrp2 gene deletions, undermining the reliability of rapid diagnostic tests, while confirmed pyrethroid resistance in 48 countries is reducing the effectiveness of insecticide-treated nets. At the same time, Anopheles stephensi mosquitoes -- resistant to many commonly used insecticides -- have now invaded 9 African countries, posing a serious challenge to urban malaria control efforts. Notably, progress is also being made in eliminating malaria. To date, a total of 47 countries and one territory have been certified malaria-free by WHO -- Cabo Verde and Egypt were certified malaria-free in 2024, and Georgia, Suriname, and Timor-Leste joined them in 2025. The report noted that the WHO approved the world's first malaria vaccines in 2021, and 24 countries have introduced the vaccines into their routine immunisation programmes. "New tools for prevention of malaria are giving us new hope, but we still face significant challenges," said Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General. "Increasing numbers of cases and deaths, the growing threat of drug resistance, and the impact of funding cuts all threaten to roll back the progress we have made over the past two decades," Ghebreyesus added. The report also noted other risks, such as extreme weather events -- changes in temperature and rainfall -- contributing to increased outbreaks of malaria; conflict and instability limiting access to care. The challenge is further exacerbated by the plateauing of global funding over the last decade, limiting the reach of life-saving interventions. "However, none of the challenges is insurmountable. With the leadership of the most-affected countries and targeted investment, the vision of a malaria-free world remains achievable," said the WHO chief. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever.
06 December,2025 09:16 AM IST | New Delhi | IANSMosquito-borne diseases such as malaria and dengue could be the most rapidly escalating threats to humanity, followed by tuberculosis and HIV/AIDS, with climate change emerging as a primary driver of disease escalation, according to a survey of over 3,700 health professionals and researchers from across 151 countries. Socioeconomic inequality, which can impact one's access to healthcare, and antimicrobial resistance that can undermine treatments against wide-ranging infections may also contribute to disease escalation, said the participants, nearly 90 per cent of whom were based in low and middle-income countries. Climate change, poverty and drug resistance could be coming together to create an escalating health crisis that could become a "creeping catastrophe" if left unaddressed, findings published in the journal Scientific Reports say. "Whilst there remains the possibility of a new pathogen emerging anywhere in the world, our results reveal a consensus that the next pandemic might not be a sudden event but could creep up as a slowly-building humanitarian disaster, as the catastrophic burden of endemic diseases escalates and hits new, vulnerable communities across different geographies," authors from the UK's University of Oxford wrote. Studies have shown that rising temperatures and changing rainfall patterns due to global warming is creating conditions conducive for mosquitoes to breed. Senior author Trudie Lang, director of The Global Health Network at University of Oxford's Nuffield Department of Medicine, said the study provides "evidence from communities experiencing these threats from climate change right now across the Global South, where disease burdens are highest". The regions are under-represented and not collectively voiced, but data and insights are grounded in lived experience and global diversity, Lang said. "Our research clearly demonstrates that the next major health emergency may not be a sudden new outbreak, but the steady worsening of the quiet diseases that shorten lives every day," the senior author said. The researchers added that the risk of the health emergency will not present as a dramatic outbreak, but as a slow-unfolding humanitarian disaster where endemic diseases spread into new geographies -- impacting health systems and economies. "Climate change is driving the spread of infectious diseases, and it's hitting hardest in communities least able to adapt," said Josie Golding, head of epidemics and epidemiology, infectious disease, Wellcome Trust, UK, which commissioned the research project. "Rising temperatures, floods, and droughts create ideal conditions for mosquitoes, ticks, and harmful bacteria to thrive, while extreme weather adds strain to already fragile health systems," Golding said. Urgent global climate action is needed, along with an investment in innovative solutions to prevent and treat infectious diseases -- acting on both fronts is essential, Golding said. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
05 December,2025 08:50 AM IST | New Delhi | PTIUK researchers have found a common childhood virus that can trigger DNA damage leading to bladder cancer later in life. Tackling the virus early could open the door to preventing bladder cancer later, said the team from the University of York. The study, published in Science Advances, revealed that after being contracted in childhood, the BK virus usually lies dormant in the kidney. BK virus infections do not have obvious symptoms, but physicians have learned a lot about the virus from the experiences of kidney transplant recipients who have to take immunosuppressants to prevent the immune system from targeting their new kidney. In laboratory studies using the human tissue that lines the urinary tract (urothelium), the team observed DNA damage patterns caused by the cell's antiviral defences after controlled exposure to BK virus -- the childhood infection identified earlier as lying dormant in the kidney. In this fight against the BK virus, "friendly fire" from enzymes meant to damage the virus can cause collateral damage in the cells' own DNA. This evidence supports a theory in which an individual's own antiviral response to BK virus infection causes the DNA mutations that can lead to cancer. "In other types of virus-related cancer, such as cervical cancer, we know that virus DNA combines with our own genetic material to drive tumour development. Our results have shown that in the bladder, the tissue's defensive response to the virus causes DNA changes which can lead to cancer,” said Dr. Simon Baker from the University. "We found that DNA damage happens not only in infected cells but also in surrounding 'bystander cells,' witnessing infection in their neighbours. This is important because it might explain why most bladder cancers have no sign of the virus in them when they are diagnosed many years later," Baker added. The BK virus usually lies dormant in the kidney. Immunosuppressants can allow dormant BK virus to reactivate, damaging the kidneys, ureter, and bladder. Current bladder cancer prevention work asks people to stop smoking. The findings provide a new opportunity to help prevent bladder cancer through the identification and control of the BK virus earlier. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever.
04 December,2025 11:01 AM IST | New Delhi | IANSA surprising link between constipation and kidney decline led researchers to test lubiprostone, revealing that it can protect kidney function. The results point toward gut-based, mitochondria-boosting therapies as a promising new avenue for CKD care. Chronic kidney disease (CKD) affects people across the globe and often progresses to the point where patients rely on routine dialysis to survive. Although the condition is widespread and serious, there are still no approved medications that can actively restore kidney function. A team led by Professor Takaaki Abe at the Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine has uncovered an unexpected approach by repurposing a constipation medication. Their work marks the first time that this drug (lubiprostone) has been shown to slow the loss of kidney function in people with CKD. "We noticed that constipation is a symptom that often accompanies CKD, and decided to investigate this link further," explains Abe. "Essentially, constipation disrupts the intestinal microbiota, which worsens kidney function. Working backwards, we hypothesised that we could improve kidney function by treating constipation," added Abe. Clinical Trial Shows Lubiprostone Helps Preserve Kidney Function To test this idea, the research team organised a multicenter Phase II clinical study (LUBI-CKD TRIAL) across nine medical facilities in Japan. The trial enrolled 150 individuals with moderate CKD and examined how lubiprostone affected kidney health. When compared with participants who received a placebo, those given 8 ug or 16 ug of lubiprostone experienced a slower decline in kidney function. This finding was based on changes in the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), a standard measure used to evaluate kidney performance. The scientists also explored why the drug had this protective effect. They determined that lubiprostone boosts the production of spermidine, a compound that enhances mitochondrial activity by encouraging the growth of beneficial gut bacteria. Improved mitochondrial function was linked to a renoprotective effect that helped limit additional kidney damage. Next Steps and Potential for Personalised CKD Treatment The team plans to expand their investigation through a Phase 3 clinical trial involving a larger group of participants. They also aim to identify biomarkers that could help predict which patients are most likely to benefit. Their long-term objective is to tailor treatment strategies to each person with CKD. This approach represents a significant shift from current CKD therapies, which focus mainly on lowering uremic toxins. Overall, the findings indicate that certain laxatives may help slow the progression of kidney deterioration. This concept could also open doors to new treatments for conditions involving mitochondrial dysfunction. Details of the study were published in the scientific journal Science Advances. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever.
04 December,2025 10:05 AM IST | Tokyo | ANIThe World Health Organization has released its first global guideline on the use of Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 (GLP-1) therapies for treating obesity, recognising the condition as a chronic and relapsing disease. The move comes amid rising global demand for GLP-1 medications—such as semaglutide and liraglutide—currently used for diabetes and weight management. Here’s what the new guidance means and why it matters. What are GLP-1 therapies? GLP-1 therapies (glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists) are medications that mimic the body’s natural GLP-1 hormone, which regulates blood sugar and appetite. Originally developed to manage type-2 diabetes, these drugs are now widely used for weight loss and obesity treatment. Beyond weight management, some GLP-1 medicines have shown additional benefits, including lowering the risk of heart attack, stroke, and heart failure, and reducing the incidence of type-2 diabetes, kidney disease, and liver disease. When should GLP-1 therapy be considered? The WHO stresses that GLP-1 drugs are not suitable for everyone and must only be prescribed by qualified medical practitioners. According to the new guideline, these medicines may be considered for adults with obesity (BMI ≥30) as part of long-term treatment. Importantly, the guideline excludes pregnant women, as GLP-1 therapies have not been clinically tested in this group. Individual health history, comorbidities, and clinical indicators must also be carefully assessed before starting treatment. How do GLP-1 medicines work? GLP-1 therapies help regulate blood glucose by triggering insulin release when sugar levels are high and suppressing glucagon production. They also slow digestion and increase satiety, which naturally reduces food intake and supports weight loss. Medication alone won’t solve the obesity challenge The WHO emphasises that obesity is complex and cannot be addressed by medication alone. Social, economic, and environmental factors all play a role, making a combined approach essential. Key takeaways from the WHO guideline The newly released guideline includes two major conditional recommendations: GLP-1 therapies may be used for long-term obesity treatment in adults (excluding pregnant women). While there is strong evidence that these drugs effectively support weight loss and improve metabolic outcomes, the recommendation remains conditional due to: Limited long-term safety and efficacy data High costs of treatment Uncertainty around long-term maintenance and discontinuation Health system limitations Potential equity concerns in access and affordability Intensive behavioural interventions may be offered alongside GLP-1 therapies. WHO notes that structured programmes, including healthy diet guidance and physical activity plans, may improve treatment outcomes. This recommendation is based on low-certainty evidence but supports a more holistic approach.
03 December,2025 06:06 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentStanding three feet tall and aged just 25, Gujarat resident Ganesh Baraiya has scripted an inspiring tale of grit and determination, fulfilling his childhood dream of becoming a doctor and securing his first appointment as a medical officer. The man from a farming family, detected with 72 per cent locomotor disability, fought lengthy legal battles, leading up to the Supreme Court, to become a doctor and faced several other overwhelming odds, but the thought of giving up the fight never crossed his mind. His efforts have borne fruit and Baraiya last week joined Sir Takhtasinhji General Hospital, a government facility in Bhavnagar district, as a Medical Officer (Class-2). "Since childhood, whenever I was asked about my ambition, I used to say 'I want to be a doctor'," disclosed the 25-year-old physician, a resident of Gorkhi village in Bhavnagar district. He humbly acknowledged the roles played by his mentors, family members and friends in his extraordinary journey. "My mentor guided me throughout my journey of becoming a doctor. As I stand here at Sir T General Hospital (as the medical facility is popularly known), treating patients, I dedicate my achievement to my mentors Dalpat Katariya and Revatsinh Sarvaiya of Nilkanth Vidyapeeth, my parents and my friends," Baraiya said. Baraiya said it was Katariya who convinced him that he could be the world's shortest doctor. And then began his remarkable journey to become a doctor at Nilkanth Vidyapeeth in Bhavnagar, where he pursued Class 12 science stream. According to Katariya, Principal of Nilkanth Vidyapeeth in Talaja, Baraiya's journey has been one of determination and resilience. "After fighting long legal battles, a farmer's son with 72 per cent locomotor disability has proved that dreams do come true," said Katariya, basking in the success of his student. Locomotor disability refers to a condition that results in the loss or restriction of movement of limbs or body parts. Baraiya was born to farmer Viththalbhai Baraiya. Katariya recalled magicians once offered money to the family to make the dwarf child perform in a circus, and his father constantly feared the boy might be abducted. Baraiya was admitted in Class 9 at Nilkanth Vidyapeeth, where the young boy developed the ambition to become a doctor. After pursuing studies in science stream, Baraiya cracked the medical entrance National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) in 2018. However, the youngster faced a rude jolt when the Medical Council of India (MCI) denied him admission to MBBS (Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery) programme due to his disability. "The school decided to fight a legal battle against MCI (now National Medical Commission), but my father was reluctant initially due to financial conditions. The school's management then decided to cover the court expenses for my case," the diminutive doctor stated. "With the school's support, I challenged the decision in the Gujarat High Court, which upheld the MCI's stance. We then approached the Supreme Court in 2018," he maintained. In the meantime, he enrolled in a BSc programme. On October 22, 2018, the Supreme Court ruled in Baraiya's favour, noting a disability cannot bar the student from pursuing MBBS, as doctors also serve in non-clinical roles such as administration, radiology, and psychology. In 2019, Baraiya was admitted to Bhavnagar's Government Medical College, where he was warmly welcomed by the dean, professors, and fellow students. Throughout the medical course, classmates reserved the front row seats for him and supported him during lectures. One of his seniors during MBBS, Dr Yash Dave, helped arrange a writer for Baraiya after he struggled in his first semester due to slow writing speed. "From the canteen staff to nurses, everyone loved and supported Ganesh," Katariya said. During his internship, Baraiya became known for building deep bonds with patients, often bringing them small gifts from his stipend and spending extra time with paediatric patients. Speaking about his current work as medical officer, Baraiya said, "Some patients are shocked to see me as a doctor, while some already know me. But mostly they respond positively." "I share a special bond with my paediatrics patients. Usually, kids are scared of doctors, but in my case, they cooperate well with me," he pointed out. About his further goals, Baraiya disclosed that he wants to pursue a post-graduation in paediatrics, dermatology, or fields with fewer emergency responsibilities. "I want to contribute to nation-building and serve patients in whatever way I can," Baraiya asserted. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. 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03 December,2025 02:30 PM IST | Ahmedabad | PTIThe bacteria Mycobacterium tuberculosis, which causes the world’s most infectious disease Tuberculosis (TB), can survive antibiotic treatment and live longer by changing their outer fat coating, according to a new study led by researchers from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay on Wednesday. Even with effective antibiotics and widespread vaccination campaigns, TB continues to take lives. Globally, 10.7 million people developed TB and 1.23 million died from the disease in 2024, while India carries one of the highest burdens -- over 2.71 million cases in 2024. In the study, published in the Chemical Science journal, the researchers showed that the key to the bacteria's drug tolerance lies in their membranes -- complex barriers made mostly of fats, or lipids that protect the cell. The team grew the bacteria under two conditions: an active phase, when the bacteria were dividing rapidly as they do in an active infection, and a late stage mimicking dormancy, as seen in latent infections. When they exposed the bacteria to four common TB drugs: rifabutin, moxifloxacin, amikacin, and clarithromycin, the team found that the concentration of drugs needed to stop 50 per cent of bacterial growth was two to 10 times higher in dormant bacteria than in active ones. In other words, “the same drug that worked well in the early stage of the disease would now be needed at a much higher concentration to kill the dormant/persistent TB cells. This change was not caused by genetic mutations, which usually explain antibiotic resistance,” said Prof. Shobhna Kapoor from the Department of Chemistry, IIT-B. Lack of mutations associated with antibiotic resistance in the bacteria confirmed that the reduced drug sensitivity could be linked to the bacteria’s dormant state and most likely their membrane coats rather than genetic changes. Further, the team identified more than 270 distinct lipid molecules in the bacterial membranes, which showed clear differences between active and dormant cells. While the active bacteria had loose, fluid membranes, the dormant ones had rigid, tightly ordered structures, indicating its defence mechanism. “People have studied TB from the protein point of view for decades,” said Kapoor. “But lipids were long seen as passive components. We now know they actively help the bacteria survive and resist drugs,” she added. Next, the team found that the antibiotic rifabutin could easily enter active cells but barely crossed the outer membrane of dormant ones. “The rigid outer layer becomes the main barrier. It is the bacterium’s first and strongest line of defence,” explained Kapoor. If the outer membrane blocks antibiotics, weakening it could make the drugs work better. “Even old drugs can work better if combined with a molecule that loosens the outer membrane,” said Kapoor, noting that the approach makes bacteria sensitive to the drugs again without giving them a chance to develop permanent resistance. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
03 December,2025 01:47 PM IST | New Delhi | IANSADVERTISEMENT
