Until law, GLP-1 drugs were used to treat diabetes, obesity and even the recent evidences suggest that it could as well be used to treat chronic kidney problems. There is yet another research, published in JAMA Psychiatry on February 25, titled Once-Weekly Semaglutide in Adults With Alcohol Use Disorder: A Randomized Clinical Trial that explores if GLP-1 receptor agonist semaglutide reduce alcohol consumption and cravings in adults with alcohol use disorder.

What Do Studies Say?

The research was conducted over a period of 9 weeks, where in the randomized clinical trial, the participants who were administered semaglutide, it led to reductions in some but not all measures of weekly consumptions. It also reduced weekly alcohol and craving related to placebo, and also led to a greater relative reduction in cigarettes per day.

The research also found that weekly injections of semaglutide, which is the active ingredient in weight loss drugs like Wegovy also helped reduce cravings in people with alcohol use disorder.

The lead author Christian Hendershot said that these findings will help in developing new approaches to treat alcoholism. "Two drugs currently approved to reduce alcohol consumption aren't widely used. The popularity of Ozempic and other GLP-1 receptor agonists increases the chances of broad adoption of these treatments for alcohol use disorder," said Hendershot in news release by the University of Southern California's Institute for Addiction Research, where he is the director.

The study is government-funded research and was funded by the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, part of the National Institutes of Health.

How Was The Study Conducted?

The study was small, and took in account for only 48 adults over two months, thus experts say that it is not yet clear how safe these drugs are for people who do not need to lose weight. Though the results do add up with the evidence form animal studies on drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy on how it helps manage cravings, not just for food, but also for tobacco and alcohol. Scientists are also studying these drugs on smokers, people with opioid addiction and cocaine users.

Co-author Dr Klara Klein of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill who treats people with obesity and diabetes said, "This is such promising data. And we need more of it. We frequently will hear that once people start these medications that their desire to drink is very reduced, if not completely abolished."

Why Does It Work So Well Against Alcoholism?

The GLP-1 receptor agonists work by mimicking hormones GLP-1 in the gut and brain that regulates appetite and feelings of fullness. This response is what helps one lose weight, and what helps one curb their craving for alcohol. These drugs that mimic the functioning of your brain, which is responsible to tell your body when to stop consuming, are the same hormones that tell your body about other kinds of consumptions, including alcohol. Therefore by consuming the weight loss drugs one can treat alcohol use disorder.

However, the researchers have pointed out on the limited data on the research and have suggested to continue using the three approved drugs by the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism and Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, namely, Disulfiram, Naltrexone, and Acamprosate to treat alcohol use disorder until large studies confirm these findings.

In a world first, a 15-foot reticulated python named Jodie Foster has successfully undergone electrochemotherapy, a pioneering cancer treatment usually used in humans.

The reticulated python is a species native to South and Southeast Asia. It is the world’s longest snake and the third heaviest.

The 50kg python, named Jodie Foster after the Hollywood star, underwent the treatment after being diagnosed with fibrosarcoma, a malignant tumor, in her jaw. The tumor was initially removed through surgery but later returned and began invading her jawbone.

“Months later, 50kg Jodie Foster is cancer-free and back to her usual ‘bright and feisty’ self,” Chester Zoo in the UK said in a statement.

What Happened To Jodie Foster?

Keepers became concerned when Jodie started eating less and became more inactive. Tests confirmed a fibrosarcoma in her jaw. Vets initially removed the tumor through surgery.

Tests confirmed she had a fibrosarcoma, a malignant tumor, in her jaw. Although vets initially removed the tumor, it later returned and started destroying part of her jawbone. Doctors feared further surgery alone would not be enough and that the tumor could eventually make it difficult for her to eat.

“We were facing the possibility of losing her as the tumor made it more and more difficult for her to eat, so we worked with cancer specialists to see whether we could adapt electrochemotherapy for a snake," said Ian Ashpole, Veterinary Officer at Chester Zoo :

“As far as we're aware, this is the first time it's ever been used in one," Ashpole added.

Also read: Moderna and Merck’s Custom-Made mRNA Cancer Vaccine Shows Promise In Late-Stage Melanoma Trial

How Was The Human Cancer Treatment Adapted For A Snake?

With no operating table large enough for a python of Jodie's size, the veterinary team had to improvise.

For the operation that lasted 90 minutes, Jodie was first anaesthetized in her habitat before being taken to the veterinary center.

Two operating tables were placed together to create a surface roughly the size of a double bed. Heated blankets and warm air were also used to keep her body temperature stable.

Dr. Ashpole first removed the tumor and performed a hemi-mandibulectomy, removing part of the diseased jawbone. Electrochemotherapy was then used to target any remaining cancer cells.

What Is Electrochemotherapy? How Does It Work?

According to Cancer Research UK, electrochemotherapy combines chemotherapy with small electrical pulses.

It is used to treat some cancers that begin in the skin or have spread to the skin. However, its use in Jodie Foster marks a world first in veterinary medicine for a snake.

“Electrochemotherapy is an emerging treatment, and this was the first time it had been used in a snake,” said Jose Alvares Picornell, Department of Small Animal Clinical Science, University of Liverpool, who was part of the three-hour-long surgery.

The treatment combines the cancer drug bleomycin with carefully controlled electrical pulses delivered directly to the tumor site.

• The electrical pulses temporarily make cancer cells more permeable.
• This allows the drug to enter the cells more effectively.
• The approach can allow lower doses of chemotherapy to be used.
• It can sometimes be delivered in a single procedure.

Read More: Microplastics Found In Anchovies’ Edible Muscle: What It Means For Brain Health

Jodie Foster Back 'Bright And Feisty'

Despite losing part of her jawbone, Jodie's appetite and hunting ability have not been affected, the Zoo officials said, adding that she continues to strike, grip and swallow food without difficulty.

Months of observation have shown no problems with feeding, and a final check confirmed that she remains free of signs of the cancer returning. The officials added that Jodie is eating normally, exploring her habitat and behaving as usual.

“Seeing her back to her normal bright and feisty self has been incredibly rewarding. A few months ago, we genuinely didn't know whether she'd survive," Dr Ashpole added.

Delhi is witnessing a significant rise in influenza A H1N1 infections, with the cumulative tally reportedly reaching 1,777.

As per National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) data, Delhi recorded 1,449 H1N1 cases up to August 12, more than six times the 229 cases reported during the same period last year. Mumbai and Bengaluru are also reporting a sharp rise in cases.

Health Ministry Reviews H1N1 Preparedness

Amid the rise, Union Health Minister JP Nadda reviewed preparedness, including:

• Hospital bed availability
• Critical care facilities
• Essential medical supplies
• Influenza surveillance and epidemiological trends
• ILI and SARI trends
• Testing and laboratory surveillance
• Healthcare facilities’ preparedness

The “situation is being closely and continuously monitored”, said Nadda. The Health Minister also emphasized continued vigilance, robust surveillance and proactive preparedness, along with respiratory and hand hygiene.

People with persistent or severe respiratory symptoms, breathing difficulty or other warning signs were advised to seek medical attention promptly.

The Health Ministry is coordinating with States/UTs, hospitals, laboratories and other stakeholders for early detection, timely clinical management and effective surveillance of seasonal influenza, including H1N1.

Doctors Flag Atypical H1N1 Symptoms

Dr. Atul Kakkar, Senior Consultant and Head of Department, Internal Medicine, Sir Gangaram Hospital, told HealthandMe that H1N1 cases are significantly higher than last year, possibly partly due to seasonal changes.

Most patients are presenting with flu-like symptoms, cold, cough, body aches, and upper respiratory tract infections.

However, doctors are also seeing atypical symptoms.

“We are seeing patients having diarrhea also and myalgias, which are getting very, very frequent.”

Patients at extreme ages are more prone to complications and may require oxygen, high-flow oxygen, NIV or BiPAP, he said.

Those at higher risk include people who are unvaccinated against flu, patients undergoing chemotherapy, and those with COPD, bronchial asthma, cancer or on immunosuppressive treatment.

“Evidence shows early antiviral treatment reduces complications and hospital stay, so we must expand rapid diagnostic capacity across primary care centres and ensure affordable antivirals are available at the point of care,” Dr. Sabine Kapasi, Global Health Strategist and UN Advisor, told HealthandMe.

What Is H1N1?

H1N1 is a subtype of influenza A virus. Common symptoms include:

• Fever
• Cough
• Sore throat
• Runny or blocked nose
• Headache
• Fatigue
• Body aches
• Vomiting or diarrhoea, particularly in some children

The virus mainly spreads through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs, sneezes or talks.

Children can also spread the virus before they realize they are sick.

Red-flag symptoms include:

• Persistent high fever
• Worsening breathlessness
• Chest pain
• Confusion
• Inability to drink

H1N1 Can Affect The Heart

As per experts, H1N1 infection may also be associated with cardiovascular complications, including:

• Heart inflammation
• Abnormal heartbeats
• Worsening heart failure

Dr. Saurabh Gupta, Associate Director, Internal Medicine, Yashoda Medicity, said H1N1 may cause fluctuations in heart rhythm or inflammation involving the heart.

“Those with pre-existing heart conditions should be more vigilant whilst they’re recuperating. As the infection puts more work on the body, you can find that previous heart problems are more noticeable,” he added.

Warning Signs After H1N1

People recovering from H1N1 should seek medical attention if they develop:

• Severe chest pain
• Shortness of breath
• High or fluttering pulse
• Sudden faintness
• Severe weakness.

Research shows that there are an estimated 300 to 450 living supercentenarians—people aged 110 or older—around the world at any given time. Japan is particularly known for healthy ageing, with an average life expectancy of over 84 years and nearly 100,000 centenarians.

While maintaining a healthy and balanced lifestyle may partly explain their longevity, a new study by a A team of Japanese scientists suggests that it may also be linked to an abundance of cancer-fighting immune cells.

The human immune system has specialized cells called CD4 cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CD4 CTLs), which have been shown to kill tumor cells in some cancers.

When a person gets sick, these cells multiply through a process called clonal expansion to help fight infection.

The study, published in the journal Cell Reports, showed that these immune cells may also play a role in healthy ageing among supercentenarians.

“Immune aging is not simply a process of decline,” said first author Kosuke Hashimoto, an associate professor at the University of Osaka in Japan.

“The selective expansion of certain T cells suggests that, even in extreme old age, the immune system may continue to adapt to age-related challenges,” Hashimoto added.

How Do Immune Cells Work In Supercentenarians?

CD4 CTLs are a cellular signature of supercentenarians—people who live to age 110 and beyond. The researchers discovered that these cells expand and adapt within this older population.

“CD4 CTLs are an atypical and relatively rare T cell population,” Hashimoto said. “So, their marked increase in supercentenarians may provide important clues as to how the immune system is maintained in extreme old age.”

What Did the Study Find?

The small study analyzed blood samples from 28 adults divided into three age groups:

• 70–99
• 100–109
• 110 and older

The findings showed that the proportion of CD4 CTLs increased with age, with median percentages of 4%, 9.6% and 17.6%, respectively.

Researchers found that older adults may be responding to persistent immune threats. As a result, CD4 CTLs clone themselves when the immune system is under attack.

The most prominent clone accounted for an average of 33.3% of CD4 CTLs, indicating that older adults may be responding to persistent immune threats. In one centenarian’s blood sample, a single clone accounted for 53.8% of their CD4 CTLs.

Next, researchers matched the receptor sequences of each participant’s top CD4 CTL clone with those in a public database. Nearly three dozen matches belonged to people with cancer, namely lung, breast and liver cancers.

Because none of the centenarians or supercentenarians studied had been diagnosed with these cancers, researchers theorized that their CD4 CTL expansion may reflect early immune responses.

“Some CD4 CTLs may recognize cancer-related targets, although their exact targets remain unknown,” Hashimoto said.

Evidence Remains Preliminary

The study, which focused on T cells circulating in the blood, does not prove that having an abundance of CD4 CTLs prevents cancer or causes a person to live longer.

Hashimoto said the team’s next step is to research how these cells behave in human tissues.

“As we age, abnormal cells, including senescent and cancerous cells, become more common,” Hashimoto said. “Our findings suggest that immune adaptation to these changes may contribute to exceptional longevity.”