Disease: heart failure

Screening and characterization of natural extracts as dual-functional regulators for cardiomyocyte regeneration and cardiac repair

Researchers discovered that Ganoderma lucidum water extract can help convert stem cells into heart muscle cells and improve heart function after a heart attack in mice. The extract works by activating a specific cellular pathway called Wnt signaling that is important for heart development. This natural compound shows promise as a dual-action therapy that both regenerates damaged heart tissue and prevents further injury, offering a new approach to treating heart disease using natural products.

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Effects and safety of Psilocybe cubensis and Panaeolus cyanescens magic mushroom extracts on endothelin-1-induced hypertrophy and cell injury in cardiomyocytes

Researchers tested whether magic mushrooms containing psilocybin could be safely used by people with heart failure, especially those dealing with depression. Using laboratory rat heart cells, they found that extracts from Psilocybe cubensis and Panaeolus cyanescens mushrooms actually protected heart cells from damage and reduced harmful inflammation. The mushroom extracts worked similarly to standard heart medications at the tested concentrations, suggesting they may be safe for use under controlled medical supervision.

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From Microbes to Myocardium: A Comprehensive Review of the Impact of the Gut-Brain Axis on Cardiovascular Disease

Your gut bacteria play a surprising role in heart health through a communication network called the gut-brain axis. When the balance of gut bacteria is disrupted (dysbiosis), it can lead to heart disease, high blood pressure, and clogged arteries. Beneficial bacteria produce helpful compounds like short-chain fatty acids that reduce inflammation and protect blood vessels, while harmful bacteria produce compounds that increase heart disease risk. Simple interventions like eating more fiber, taking probiotics, managing stress, and exercising can help maintain a healthy gut microbiome and improve heart health.

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Superficial abdominal surgical site infection caused by Aspergillus welwitschiae: a case report

An elderly woman developed a rare fungal infection in her abdominal surgical wound after surgery for a perforated colon. The infection was caused by Aspergillus welwitschiae, a mold that was initially thought to be a more common species. Doctors treated the infection by surgically removing the infected tissue and giving the patient an antifungal medication called voriconazole. This is the first reported case of this particular mold causing this type of surgical infection.

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Invasive nasal and paranasal mucormycosis in a patient with severe dengue fever and multiple risk factors: A case report and literature review

A 50-year-old woman in Vietnam developed a rare and deadly fungal infection called mucormycosis while recovering from dengue fever. She had weakened immunity from taking steroids for other conditions and from the dengue virus itself. The infection caused black, dead tissue to rapidly spread in her nose and around her eye. Despite treatment with antifungal medications, the infection progressed, and she died within days. The case shows how important it is to watch for dangerous opportunistic infections in dengue patients, especially those already dealing with weakened immune systems.

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Cross-cohort microbiome-wide study reveals consistent alterations in the gut bacteriome, but not the gut mycobiome, in patients with hypertension

Researchers analyzed gut bacteria and fungi in hypertensive patients compared to healthy people across two regions in China. They found that hypertensive patients have significant changes in their gut bacteria, particularly an overgrowth of harmful species like Clostridium and a decrease in beneficial bacteria. Interestingly, fungi in the gut showed minimal differences. These bacterial changes could potentially be used as early warning signs for hypertension and might become targets for new treatments.

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Combined effect of olive pruning residues and spent coffee grounds on Pleurotus ostreatus production, composition, and nutritional value

This study examined growing oyster mushrooms on different substrate mixtures combining wheat straw with recycled coffee grounds and olive plant waste. The researchers found that mushrooms grown on substrates with lower amounts of these waste materials produced comparable yields to standard straw while offering better nutritional profiles, including higher protein and lower fat content. The findings suggest that using these recycled agricultural wastes could benefit mushroom farming in regions where wheat straw is difficult to obtain, though lead contamination from coffee grounds was a concern requiring better cleaning procedures.

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Invasive Fusarium rhinosinusitis in COVID-19 patients: report of three cases with successful management

This study reports three cases of rare fungal sinus infections caused by Fusarium species that developed in COVID-19 patients. All three patients were successfully treated with a combination of surgical removal of infected tissue and antifungal medications. The cases highlight how COVID-19 and the use of steroids to treat it can increase the risk of serious fungal infections, emphasizing the importance of early detection and prompt treatment.

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Clinical, Laboratory, and Biomarker Predictors of 90-Day Mortality in Non-HIV, Non-Transplant Pneumocystis Pneumonia

This study examined pneumocystis pneumonia in immunocompromised patients who do not have HIV or transplants. Researchers found that older patients with other health conditions were at higher risk of death within 90 days. High levels of fungal markers and low immune cell counts were better predictors of poor outcomes than traditional inflammation markers, suggesting doctors should focus on early identification and personalized treatment approaches.

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