Peak Human

Peak Human

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Cryotherapy

Benefits of Cryotherapy and Cold-water Immersion on Weight Loss

Overview Due to its multiple benefits, cold therapy has been implemented widely, especially in sports medicine. It is a well-accepted and proven technique for treating acute soft tissue injuries. Cold is also part of the rehabilitation program after acute and chronic injuries to shorten recovery time. However, while it is prevalent for professional athletes to submerge in an ice bath to speed up muscle recovery, cold exposure for weight loss has not yet received much attention. This article reviews the mechanisms of cold exposure and the benefits of cryotherapy and cold-water immersion on weight loss. RELATED: How Does Cryotherapy Work?   Cold Exposure Can Help With Weight Loss – Learn Benefits of Cryotherapy What Are Cryotherapy and Cold-water Immersion? Cryotherapy and cold-water immersion are the most common modalities of cold exposure:   Cryotherapy Cryotherapy is a therapy in which the person is exposed to freezing air (nitrogen gas) for a brief time (2 to 4 minutes) in a specialized cold chamber. The air temperature in the cryotherapy chamber may be as low as -289°F (-178°C) so that it can trigger several physiological reactions in the body. Cryotherapy aims to freeze and remove damaged cells to treat some health conditions.   Cold-water Immersion Cold-water immersion is a procedure in which the person submerges his body in cold water, typically around 59°F (15°C), for a prolonged duration of up to 15 minutes. This procedure does not require frigid temperatures as cryotherapy because water transfers heat at a greater rate than air, meaning that the body loses heat more quickly in water at the same temperature.   How Do Cryotherapy and Cold-water Immersion Work? Trigger Heat Production Thermogenesis, or heat production, is an inherent ability of the human body that burns energy to produce heat and maintain core body temperature. This process is vital because the body needs to be kept at a stable temperature for normal functioning. However, during cryotherapy and cold-water immersion, the body loses heat due to exposure to freezing air and water, leading to a natural reaction known as shivering. Shivering thermogenesis is one of the primary mechanisms that lead to weight loss. It is the rapid contractions of the muscles in response to low core body temperature. These contractions increase the consumption of energy. An increase in energy consumption aids in weight loss. A study found an equivalence between energy consumption and weight loss. After three cryotherapy sessions, the participants extracted 3990 kcal of heat, resulting in 0.54 kg of weight loss.   Release Norepinephrine Norepinephrine is a neurotransmitter and hormone contributing to our body’s “fight-or-flight” response. It aids in the transmission of nerve signals throughout the body. Norepinephrine allows our bodies to increase alertness, arousal, and attention while maintaining blood pressure during stressful situations such as cold exposure. According to a study, plasma norepinephrine levels increased twofold after the first -110 °C cryotherapy session. This finding suggests that cold exposure can stimulate the autonomic nervous system (ANS), which stores and releases norepinephrine. An increase in norepinephrine also plays a role in weight loss. Research shows that norepinephrine promotes lipolysis, a process that reduces white fat mass and overall body fat while allowing brown fat to produce heat.   Activate Brown Fat Fat – a term often associated with unhealthiness – turns out to need a justification. It is because while the “bad” fat harms our body, there is also the “good” fat that helps us lose weight. Brown adipose tissue, or brown fat, is metabolically active due to its high number of mitochondria. These cellular organelles play a crucial role in energy metabolism. Brown fat develops in small amounts around the collarbone and behind our neck. This type of fat can generate heat (thermogenic), hence different from white fat. White fat stores energy and causes weight gain, whereas brown fat dissipates energy, creates heat, and induces weight loss. At cold temperatures, cryotherapy and cold-water immersion activate the recruitment of brown fat by converting white fat into brown fat (also known as the browning of white fat). Brown fat induces “nonshivering” thermogenesis due to its ability to generate heat, increasing energy consumption.   Benefits of Cryotherapy and Cold-water Immersion on Weight Loss Reduce Waist Circumference A study found that after more than an hour of cryotherapy at 10°C, there was a 3.0 percent reduction in waist circumference (2.55 cm) but no significant change in thigh circumference. Notably, the magnitude of the effects of cryotherapy on waist circumference varies with age. Some older people had significant reductions in waist circumference, while some younger people had inadequate responses.   Reduce Body Weight and Fat The same study above also found that multiple sessions of cryotherapy can reduce body weight (0.53 kg on average), resulting in a significant reduction in BMI (1.1 kg/m2). To determine whether changes in waist circumference, body weight, and BMI lead to changes in body composition, researchers used whole-body X-ray scanning and computerized calculation of body fat mass content. As a result, it was found that body fat mass decreased by around 3.8 percent after six cryotherapy applications. RELATED: The Use of ‘Cold’ Tech to Improve Your Deep Sleep   Recent Findings in Cryotherapy and Cold-water Immersion Cold-induced Fat Browning as Treatment for Obesity Not only does cold exposure through cryotherapy and cold-water immersion aid in weight loss, but also in managing obesity. Obesity is abnormal or excessive fat storage that is detrimental to health. Since the activation of brown fat upon cold exposure can increase energy consumption and decrease white fat storage, cryotherapy and cold-water immersion can be available as preventive and therapeutic interventions for obesity. According to research, increasing brown fat amount or activity may be favorable in preventing and managing obesity. When activated, brown fat can reduce a substantial amount of glucose and triglycerides, a type of fat converted from excess energy in the bloodstream. This anti-obesity effect mitigates the metabolic disorders related to obesity, potentially allowing for practical and effective anti-obesity treatment.   Brown Fat Recruitment in Individuals Without Active Depots Human

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Health

The Role of Fructose in Developing Metabolic Syndrome

Overview Commercial foods and beverages have been added with more sugar for the past several decades to encourage mass consumption. This “sweet” trend exists because sugar and sweetened products increase our appetite and make consumers unconsciously stick to a high-sugar diet. However, little do we know that too much sugar in the body may cause multiple harmful effects that ultimately lead to a condition known as “metabolic syndrome.” Unfortunately, this health problem is the origin of many other serious diseases among adults and children. This article elucidates the connection between fructose and metabolic syndrome, provides evidence for such an association and offers recent findings in metabolic syndrome treatment and prevention. RELATED: What Is Metabolic Syndrome & What Are Its Risk Factors and Complications   Fructose in Excessive Amounts May Drive Metabolic Syndrome What Is Fructose? Fructose is a sugar found in fruits and other plant-based sources such as honey, sugar cane, and vegetables. It is the sweetest carbohydrate and does not require insulin for metabolism while having a low impact on blood glucose levels. For natural sweetness, corn syrup usually adds fructose to foods and beverages (containing up to 55 percent of fructose). Nevertheless, fructose consumption has increased dramatically in the last few decades worldwide due to its commercial use in soft drinks and foods. In the context of the increasing prevalence of diabetes, obesity, and fatty liver disease, the scientific communities have investigated fructose’s role in developing metabolic syndrome.   What Is Metabolic Syndrome? A common health concern among the senior population is suffering from either high blood pressure or blood sugar. Having only one of such conditions means being closer to age-related chronic diseases, like heart disease or diabetes. However, there is another, sadly even more concerning, problem. It involves both conditions mentioned above, concurrently causing various systemic health issues. We call it “metabolic syndrome.” So, metabolic syndrome is a group of risk factors that co-occur, including: High blood pressure High blood sugar High blood cholesterol Excess abdominal and visceral fat   For this reason, a person having more than one condition above has an increased risk of developing: Heart disease Diabetes Obesity   Unfortunately, many people are unaware of their situation as they remain asymptomatic until their metabolic syndrome symptoms become more serious. But you will be astounded if you look at the “mind-blowing” statistics of how widespread the syndrome is. So, how common is metabolic syndrome? Metabolic syndrome is becoming more prevalent as 1 in every three adults in the United States develops the condition. People are also more susceptible to metabolic syndrome with age, as the condition affects 40 percent of people in their 60s and 70s. Sad to say, metabolic syndrome does not exclude anyone. It can be found in men and women, and the incidence rate is 24 percent in men and 22 percent in women.   How Does Fructose Affect Metabolic Syndrome? Fructose Increases Fat in the Liver The human body metabolizes fructose and glucose differently, as only a small amount of fructose is released into the circulatory system after intake. In contrast, glucose is the primary sugar found in our blood. The liver is the main organ where fructose metabolism occurs. This organ metabolizes up to 90 percent of the fructose amount in our body. However, if you consume excessive fructose, the liver metabolizes more sugar than usual and may start storing fructose as fat. On this account, increased fructose consumption may lead to a fatty liver if the organ is overloaded with sugar. In addition, research suggests that fructose consumption may be a culprit of the metabolic syndrome associated with excess fat accumulation in the liver. To back this hypothesis, a study on fructose and glucose supplementation in animals showed that the fructose-supplemented diet caused more adverse effects on metabolic responses than glucose despite providing lower caloric intake. Another study involving daily intake of a fructose-sweetened beverage for six months in overweight human subjects showed significant increases in liver fat without remarkable total fat mass changes. Such fat accumulation and the weakened oxidation of fatty acid in the liver due to fructose may lead to non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), which is, unfortunately, the origin of various metabolic risk factors. RELATED: 10 Warning Signs Your Liver is Struggling & What You Can Do About It   Fructose Elevates Uric Acid Level Uric acid is a byproduct found in our blood. It is formed when the body breaks down foods and drinks. Therefore, the level of uric acid can increase following the consumption of food and beverage products with high-fructose corn syrup. While most uric acid dissolves in the circulation and is excreted from the body in urine, elevated uric acid level is associated with high cardiovascular risk, including high blood pressure, a condition of metabolic syndrome. Research shows a positive correlation between fructose intake and uric acid in humans, leading to a hypothesis that excessive fructose may result in an elevation of uric acid. High uric acid levels may cause an acute constriction of blood vessels by affecting a system called renin-angiotensin. The renin-angiotensin system is a physiological system that regulates blood pressure. Dysregulation of this system narrows and hardens the small arteries and increases blood pressure.   Fructose Alters the Gut Microbiota Gut microbiota is the microorganism in our digestive tract known as the host. Typically, the gut microbiota can interact with the host and affect the control of energy balance and immune functions. High fructose intake can negatively affect the interaction between the host and the gut microbiota. As a result, the symbiotic relationship is impaired, possibly causing problems in metabolism and metabolic diseases. Indeed, the gut microbiota is divergent between healthy people and NAFLD patients. It is because a high-fructose diet harms the gut barrier and the microbiota composition and ultimately causes NAFLD. Although the underlying mechanisms by which fructose damages the gut have not yet been determined, it is suggested that fructose activates a pathway involving acetic acid generation. RELATED: 5 Genius Ways to Restore

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Diet

What Is Brown Fat & How It Improves Metabolism?

Body fat is often associated with a sedentary lifestyle, a high-calorie diet, and an unhealthy body. For this reason, many sports enthusiasts seeking optimal health try to keep a low body fat percentage to improve health and avoid diseases. However, the scientific community has discovered that the human body does not only have the “bad” fat that builds up and causes health problems. Instead, our bodies also have the “good” fat called brown fat that benefits our well-being. This article provides the latest information about brown fat and how it helps with metabolism. RELATED: What Is Metabolic Syndrome & What Are Its Risk Factors and Complications   Brown Fat Can Accelerate Metabolism to Help Treat Metabolic Disorders What Is Brown Fat? Brown fat, also known as brown adipose tissue, is metabolically active fat that develops in small amounts in the body. Brown fat is a unique type that works opposite to the “bad” white fat by increasing energy expenditure and producing heat. So, where is brown fat located in the body? Unlike white fat, brown fat is only present sporadically in specific body areas. For example, it can be found in the shoulder blades, surrounding the neck, kidneys, and along the spinal cord.   Brown Fat Vs. White Fat: What’s the Difference? Brown fat is different from white fat. White fat, generally referred to as “bad” fat, builds up when you consume excess calories and is mobilized when there is a calorie deficit. White fat is associated with diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and artery disease. In contrast, brown fat is packed with iron-rich mitochondria, which gives brown fat its color. This brown fat breaks down stored energy like sugar and white fat to produce heat. So, instead of storing calories, brown fat burns them and heats the body when necessary.   How Do We Get Brown Fat? Everyone is born with some brown fat in their body. Brown fat is present in large amounts (about 5 percent of the body weight) during infancy in a newborn. Brown fat allows an infant to generate heat to maintain the body temperature, as a newborn has not developed the ability to shiver for heat generation during this stage. This mechanism suggests brown fat as a “built-in” heater in the neonatal period. However, the body loses most brown fat with age as grown humans form a natural shiver response to cold temperatures. People with different body types also have different amounts of brown fat. For example, overweight or obese individuals have less brown fat than those with a lean body type.   How Does Brown Fat Improve Metabolism? Brown Fat Burns Extra Calories to Generate Heat Metabolism involves how you use energy to maintain normal body functions. It involves the chemical reactions that break down the food we consume into sugars and fats and then use them for survival. In addition to converting nutrients and supplying energy, the body can also use the chemical products of metabolism to build new cell structures. So how does metabolism relate to the body’s ability to generate heat? Body heat is a by-product of metabolism. The body transforms stored energy into heat through a chemical reaction involving food constituents like carbohydrates, fat, or proteins. Brown fat acts as a “booster” in the metabolic process by helping the body burn extra energy to generate more heat and maintain body temperature. Being able to burn extra calories is beneficial for those who want to speed up their metabolism and lose weight. However, weight loss occurs when the “calories-out” is higher than the “calories-in.” A “sluggish” metabolism burns fewer calories, meaning more fat is stored in the body. In contrast, a fast metabolism burns calories at a quicker rate.   Brown Fat Contains More Mitochondria for Metabolism Brown fat cells also contain more mitochondria than white fat. This large number of mitochondria is essential because mitochondria play a vital role in energy metabolism, allowing for enhanced metabolic processes. For example, the mitochondria generate extra ATP to power up our cells by utilizing more energy from our food. RELATED: What Is Mitochondrial Dysfunction? Everything You Need to Know   What Are the Benefits of Improved Metabolism? Increase Energy Expenditure When the metabolism increases due to brown fat, the body requires more energy to maintain body functions at rest and during physical activity, causing the body to use more glucose from the bloodstream. This increased energy expenditure leads to several positive outcomes, including decreases in: Blood glucose Cholesterol Blood pressure   Help Manage Weight-related Diseases By reducing the critical parameters above, scientists have extrapolated brown fat’s benefits from burning calories to weight loss for treating and managing weight-related diseases. A body of research is looking into the possibility of targeting brown fat and the browning of white fat as a potential approach to treating obesity. Although more studies are required, understanding the specific mechanisms of brown fat will lay the groundwork for developing a safe and efficient treatment option for obesity and related metabolic disorders. Surprisingly, other research has shown that obese people with more active brown fat may have better metabolic health than those whose brown fat is inactive. Specifically, cold-activated thermogenesis (heat production in the human body) was higher in obese people with detectable brown fat than in those without brown fat. As a result, individuals with obesity and active brown fat had lower visceral fat mass (28.8 percent) than those who did not have detectable brown fat. So how does lower visceral fat relate to better metabolic health? Lower visceral fat mass was associated with lower insulin resistance, a common hallmark of diabetes, systemic inflammation, and improved nonalcoholic fatty liver disease symptoms.   How to Increase Brown Fat Brown fat can induce weight loss and other health benefits due to its ability to enhance metabolism. So, how can we activate brown fat cells to lose weight?   Cryotherapy and Cold-water Immersion Cryotherapy and cold-water immersion are the two emerging approaches to increasing the amount and activity of brown fat

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Cryotherapy

How Does Cryotherapy Work?

Overview Taking an ice bath for a quick recovery is a widespread procedure performed by many professional athletes. As a practice done for decades, applying cold on the whole body or the affected area has become a “first-aid” solution to physical recovery. Recently, a new use of cold temperature in a therapy called “cryotherapy” has emerged as a superior alternative due to its unique benefits. This article provides the latest information on how cryotherapy works and its applications. RELATED: Why Biohacking Is Not Just Another Wellness Trend?   Utilize the Cold – Learn How Cryotherapy Affects Your Body What Is Cryotherapy? Cryotherapy involves the safe exposure of the human body to cold air (usually nitrogen gas) in a short and scheduled time of 2 to 4 minutes. The gas temperature used in cryotherapy can be as low as -289°F (-178°C) to activate several physiological responses in the body quickly. The premise of cryotherapy is to quick-freeze and extract heat from the body to attain some health effects. There are two subtypes of cryotherapy: whole-body cryotherapy, where the entire body is sat in a specialized cold chamber, and localized cryotherapy, where only a particular body area is exposed to cold. Each type of cryotherapy works differently and produces distinct benefits. However, the shared objective of the two types is to take the target body area to the exact near-freezing, healing temperature.   How Does Cryotherapy Work? Whole-body Cryotherapy In whole-body cryotherapy, the entire body is exposed to cold except the head. Therefore, you will be required to keep your body dry from sweat or moisture before the procedure to avoid frostbite. The frigid temperature instantly causes the blood vessels to constrict, redirecting blood away from the peripheral organs to the core body. The redirected blood is then recharged with oxygen and anti-inflammatory proteins. After the procedure, blood vessels warm up and dilate, allowing oxygen- and anti-inflammatory-rich blood to flush back to the peripheral organs. The body burns stored energy to produce heat and warm itself as a natural response. This is where you may feel a slight tremor as your body shivers to maintain its core temperature. However, cold-related injury is minimal as the therapy lasts briefly. To avoid inhaling cold gas, you wear protective garments, such as a mask. Since each person has a different body composition, the procedure’s efficiency may vary from individual.   Localized Cryotherapy Local cryotherapy delivers cold temperatures to the target body area using a hose to compress liquid nitrogen into a high-pressure vapor beam. This causes blood vessels to constrict, providing immediate relief from inflammation and pain. Localized cryotherapy is more specific than whole-body cryotherapy. It selectively alleviates discomfort in a particular area. Compared to whole-body cryotherapy, the localized procedure is superior in targeting the damaged body area without affecting other body parts.   Cryotherapy Benefits Reduce Weight Whole-body cryotherapy can aid in weight loss by increasing energy expenditure through elevated thermogenesis (heat production). When the body is exposed to cold temperatures, it naturally responds by converting stored energy into heat to compensate for the heat loss. This increase in thermogenesis positively correlates with weight loss, meaning that the more the body uses its stored energy to warm itself, the more fat it burns for weight loss. Further, whole-body cryotherapy also indirectly promotes weight loss by increasing the amount and activity of brown fat. Brown adipose tissue, or brown fat, is the thermogenic, metabolically active fat in small amounts in the human body. This type of fat is converted from white fat by cold exposure. As a result, it elevates thermogenesis, causing the body to burn extra energy for weight loss.   Reduce Inflammation Localized cryotherapy reduces inflammation by redirecting the blood away from the inflamed part of the body. Although localized cryotherapy is often equated with an ice pack, this procedure is different. One advantage of localized cryotherapy is that you can immediately retain normal mobility and flex your muscles instead of feeling stiffness and numbness after using an ice pack. In addition, cryotherapy implemented before exercise can also prevent inflammation and soreness from occurring.   Recover Muscles Both whole-body and localized cryotherapy is widely used in sports medicine. These procedures can reduce inflammation and recover muscles. However, how effective cryotherapy is in muscle rehabilitation depends on when you implement this procedure. It is best to perform cryotherapy immediately between exercise bouts when rapid recovery is required. You can also apply cryotherapy several hours after an injury to facilitate post-exercise muscle recovery.   Improve Skin Texture Localized cryotherapy can also improve skin texture and elasticity because it promotes collagen expression, meaning collagen is better synthesized and regulated. In addition, by causing the skin’s surface to contract, cold temperature tightens and minimizes the size of facial pores, retaining a smooth texture of the skin. Moreover, blood and oxygen flow back once the blood vessels return to average temperature, maintaining a youthful look for your skin. As a result, cryotherapy can help slow and even reverse the appearance of aging. RELATED: 8 Muscle Recovery Supplements You Should Take After Working Out   Is Cryotherapy Safe? Cryotherapy is generally safe for most adults if implemented correctly.   Protection and Supervision Are Compulsory The procedure should only be performed with protective garments under the provider’s supervision. Any noncompliance with safety regulations or negligence on the provider’s part during treatment may result in unwanted side effects. Also, cryotherapy utilizes ultra-cold temperatures, so precautions must be taken before the therapy.   Potential Side Effects of Cryotherapy If the utilized temperature is below the recommended degree or the process is extended after the recommended 4 minutes, some potential side effects of cryotherapy may occur. These side effects include: Hypothermia (body temperature below 95°F or 35°C) Rapid breathing Pale skin Confusion Drowsiness Frostbite   Recent Findings in Cryotherapy Cryotherapy Needs to Be Supported by More Clinical Evidence If you have decided to try cryotherapy, please remember that the FDA has not approved this treatment for any medical conditions. Most of the

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Aging

Understanding the Hallmarks of Aging

Overview Aging is associated with the passage of time. While humans cannot control how time passes, scientists are looking into the possibility of slowing, stopping, or even reversing the aging process by determining its hallmarks. This article reviews the latest research on these factors and the future of the science of aging. RELATED: What Is Cellular Senescence & Its Role in Aging   Live a Healthy Life by Understanding the Hallmarks of Aging Aging: An Inevitable Part of Life Aging is considered a “natural” and progressive deterioration of the body in all living organisms, leading to impaired functioning and increased susceptibility to morbidity and mortality. While the exact cause of aging is not fully understood, the accumulation of cellular damage is thought to be the general cause. Given that the senior population is living longer due to medical advances, scientists are investigating the possibility of controlling the rate of aging by changes in genetics and biochemical processes.   What Are the Hallmarks of Aging? To manipulate the aging process, scientists first identified and categorized a group of cellular and molecular damages to all aging organisms, known as the “hallmarks of aging.” These hallmarks may allow scientists to determine how the aging process occurs at the cellular and molecular level and potentially play a role in intervening with the aging process. The nine hallmarks of aging include:   Cellular Senescence The typical cell cycle is a series of events that leads to cell division and is essential for all organisms’ development. Cells may respond to stimuli by inducing repair, cell death, or senescence, depending on the cell type and the triggers. Cellular senescence is a cellular program that regulates the cell cycle in response to various intrinsic and extrinsic stimuli such as oxidative stress, inflammation, or nutrient deficiency. Senescence can act as a powerful anti-tumor mechanism by preventing the proliferation of potentially cancerous cells. However, senescence can also be harmful because it inhibits normal cell proliferation, contributing to altered tissue repair and regeneration and, ultimately, aging. For this reason, cellular senescence is widely regarded as a “double-edged sword,” with both beneficial and detrimental effects on organism health.   Mitochondrial Dysfunction Mitochondria are the vital organelles present in almost every cell of a living organism. These microscopic organelles generate most of the cell’s supply of ATP or the “molecular unit of currency” of energy transfer. For this reason, mitochondrial dysfunction, characterized by the reduction in the ATP generation in the mitochondria, can lead to excess fatigue and various symptoms that can be seen in chronic diseases. These diseases include neurodegenerative, cardiovascular, autoimmune, gastrointestinal, and musculoskeletal disorders. Given that mitochondrial function becomes perturbed by aging, mitochondrial dysfunction is a characteristic of aging and, thereby, another candidate for the hallmarks of aging. According to the Mitochondrial Free Radical Theory of Aging, the progressive mitochondrial dysfunction that occurs with aging leads to increased production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which causes further mitochondrial deterioration and cellular damage. RELATED: What Is Mitochondrial Dysfunction? Everything You Need to Know   Telomere Attrition Telomeres are the protective structures found at the tips of the chromosomes. They consist of the same DNA sequence, usually repeated about 3,000 times in length. The primary role of the telomeres is to protect the chromosomes by acting as a cap, preventing them from losing their length and integrity. Telomere length is a vital factor that affects the aging process, as shorter telomeres are associated with various age-related diseases, such as cardiovascular diseases and some cancers. According to research, the chromosomal structures play an essential role in cellular senescence, and their age-related shortening is widely regarded as a significant contributor to organismal aging. Therefore, telomere attrition, or telomere shortening, is recognized by scientists as another powerful hallmark of aging. RELATED: The Relationship of Telomeres to Biological Aging Explained   Genomic Instability Genome instability, or the tendency of the genome to change DNA information content due to mutation, is thought to be another hallmark of aging. Simply put, genomic instability is the result of unrepaired DNA damage. DNA damage can have an impact on genes and their transcription. As a result, cells become dysfunctional, putting tissue and homeostasis at risk. This risk is serious when DNA damage affects stem cell function. Damaged cells unable to repair themselves enter apoptosis, a self-destruct mechanism that marks them for removal by the immune system. Point mutations, deletions, insertions, chromosomal rearrangements, and whole-chromosome numerical changes are all examples of DNA alterations that permanently alter the genome’s information content and cause DNA damage.   Epigenetic Alterations Epigenetic alteration is a change in the chemical structure of the DNA that does not affect the coding sequence. For example, epigenetic changes occur when a chemical group called “methyl” is added to or removed from the DNA. These changes may impair our cells’ functions and increase our risk of cancer and other age-related diseases. Moreover, epigenetic changes can harm or suppress immune cells, causing our immune system to fail and leaving us vulnerable to pathogens. Epigenetic alterations may occur due to environmental factors such as diet, exercise, drugs, and chemicals. They can also be passed down from parent to child.   Loss of Proteostasis Proteins are a vital component that plays a role in almost every aspect of our health. They do most of the work in cells and are essential for tissue and organ function, regulation, and structure. Proteostasis (protein homeostasis) is the balanced state in which the production of proteins in the body remains in stability without any defects. Unfortunately, this protein-building mechanism may fail as we age, resulting in too few or too many proteins. It can even result in misfolded proteins bent out of shape and unable to perform their functions. In a worst-case scenario, defective proteins cause abnormal cell behavior by sending the wrong instructions. Therefore, many scientists categorize the loss of proteostasis as a common feature of aging and age-related diseases, such as Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s disease.   Deregulated Nutrient Sensing Our cells rely on the

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Sexual Health

What Are the Side Effects of Prostate Artery Embolization (PAE)

Overview Age-related diseases are a group of morbidities that significantly affect the senior population. Nonetheless, age-specific medical interventions for this particular group of patients remain limited. The primary obstacle is the ineligibility for non-customized treatment that generally requires physical fitness for invasive treatment tolerance. But what if a newly discovered method can allow older patients to undergo less demanding and more effective treatment? This article aims to provide the latest information about an emerging surgical technique called prostate artery embolization (PAE), its possible side effects and complications, and who can benefit from this treatment option. RELATED: Male Pattern Baldness: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment   Prostate Artery Embolization: A Safe and Effective Procedure for Urinary Symptoms What Is Prostate Artery Embolization (PAE)? Understanding Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) The prostate is a walnut-sized gland located beneath the bladder and surrounding the urethra. Typically, this gland is involved in the nourishment, protection, and ejaculation of the sperm through the urethra. However, as we age, the prostate naturally enlarges over time, constricting the urethra and leading to several urinary symptoms, such as difficult or frequent urination and urinary incontinence. This naturally occurring prostate enlargement is called benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Technically, this condition refers to the increase in the number of non-cancerous cells in the prostate. Benign prostatic hyperplasia virtually affects all men above 50. According to the Mayo Clinic, about one-third of men experience symptoms of prostate gland enlargement by age 60. By age 80, this number can reach up to 50%. A family history of prostate problems, an unhealthy lifestyle, or comorbidities can also increase the risk of BPH.   Treatment Options for BPH The impact of benign prostatic hyperplasia is variable among each individual. Some may experience stable, mild symptoms for many years. In contrast, others may suffer from several possible complications such as irritable bladder or even infection. On this account, treatment for benign prostatic hyperplasia, usually surgical intervention, should be considered carefully by weighing the potential side effects and the degree of symptom improvement after the treatment. Some traditional treatment options for BPH include: Medications (alpha-blockers or 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors) Transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP; resection of the prostate through the urethra) Prostatectomy (partial or complete removal of the prostate) Prostatic urethral lift (implantation of a capsular tab into the prostate)   PAE as a Minimally Invasive Treatment for BPH Nevertheless, the traditional surgical approaches to treating BPH may cause multiple urinary and sexual side effects and complications, like temporary difficulty urinating or erectile dysfunction. Medications typically prescribed for BPH, like 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors, also have similar unwanted effects on sexual functions, like decreased sexual desire, impotence, or ejaculatory disorder. For this reason, prostate artery embolization (PAE) emerges as a novel, less invasive treatment for BPH that delivers superior efficacy to other traditional methods. PAE partially blocks the arteries that supply blood to the prostate, intentionally causing the prostate to shrink and releasing the pressure on the urethra. PAE is a surgical procedure. However, it does not involve the physical removal of any part of the prostate. Therefore, PAE is appropriate for either disqualified candidates or fearful of traditional, more invasive operative techniques.   How Does Prostate Artery Embolization Work? Prostate Gets Its Blood Supply From the Prostatic Arteries Like any other organ, the prostate is connected with the arteries, from which it receives blood, nutrients, and oxygen supply. As we advance in age, the cells in the prostate grow and multiply at a faster rate than they are replaced or absorbed. Constant growth and multiplication of the prostatic cells lead to detrimental enlargement of the gland.   Embolization Causes Intended Occlusion of Blood Flow On this account, doctors have proposed a rationale that precise constriction of the prostatic arteries with embolic particles will partially obstruct the blood supply for the prostate, causing the cells in this gland to die in a planned manner.   Occluded Blood Supply Results in Shrinkage of the Prostate The dead cells in the prostate will then be absorbed by the body’s immune system, gradually reducing the size of the prostate. Notably, PAE does not cause death or necrosis of the prostate. It is because the procedure only partially restricts the blood supply for the prostate, and it is impossible to block all of the blood flow to the prostate. The embolization effects on the prostate are also localized. They will not cause blood clots in other organs, like the lungs or brains.   Release of Urethra Compression Improves Urinary Symptoms After the prostate has shrunk to its average size (<50 g), the compression surrounding the urethra is released, expanding the diameter of the tube and significantly improving the urinary symptoms.   How Is Prostate Artery Embolization Performed? Utilization of a Microcatheter Without Incision at the Surgical Site Since PAE is minimally invasive, the whole procedure is performed with only moderate conscious sedation. First, a pinhole is opened at the femoral artery in the upper thigh area to introduce a microcatheter (0.020″ in diameter).   Confirmation of Prostatic Arteries Using Angiography An injection of diluted contrast dye is administered into the artery at the surgical site to determine the prostatic arteries with angiography. This injection highlights the blood vessels that need to be intervened.   Navigation Through Pelvic Arteries Under Angiography Guidance After confirming the prostatic arteries, the microcatheter is navigated from the pinhole through the pelvic arteries to the prostatic arteries. This step is crucial since imprecision in detecting and confirming the exact location of prostatic arteries may cause non-target occlusion in the bladder, seminal vesicles, rectum, and penis.   Occlusion of Prostatic Arteries Using Microspheres (Embolic Particles) After confirming the appropriate location at the prostatic arteries, embolization is performed using 300-500 μm gelatin microspheres (embolic particles). The particles are mixed with diluted saline and should be administered to the site very slowly to reduce the risk of reflux. Following the embolization of the prostatic arteries, the microcatheter is removed from the surgical site. The pinhole in the upper thigh area is closed,

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Health

What Is a Comminuted Fracture & How It Affects Adults

Overview Fractures, or broken bones, are common injuries that various reasons can cause. While surgeries and rehabilitation programs can help patients regain normal mobility and functioning, injury detection and treatment delay may lead to irreversible damage. This article aims to provide information about a type of bone break called comminuted fractures, how doctors and surgical technicians typically treat the injury, and the latest findings in comminuted fracture treatment. RELATED: Rheumatoid Arthritis: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment   Comminuted Fracture: a Severe Type of Bone Break That Affects a Wide Range of Populations What is a Comminuted Fracture? A comminuted fracture is a break of a bone that results in shattered fragments of bone at the injured site. It is typically caused by a significant physical impact and is considered a severe bone break. Surgery is almost certainly required in treating comminuted fractures, and recovery can take a year or longer. Some areas that are most vulnerable to a comminuted fracture include: Thigh bone Kneecap Shinbone Forearm Wrist Joint Collarbone   1. Comminuted Fractures and Segmental Fractures A comminuted fracture is distinct from a segmental fracture. The broken area is shattered into several small pieces in a comminuted fracture. On the other hand, in a segmental fracture, the damaged area is separated by a large, detached section of the bone.   2. Open and Closed Comminuted Fractures An open or closed comminuted fracture is how doctors describe the severity and complexity of the fracture. An open comminuted fracture is when the bone breaks through the skin and protrudes outward. The protrusion of the bone makes this type of fracture more severe and more likely to lead to infection. A compound fracture is another term for an open comminuted fracture. A closed comminuted fracture is when the bone breaks inside the injured area without bone protrusion. This type of fracture is less severe and takes less time to recover. However, both types of injuries require prompt medical care and intensive recovery.   3. Displaced and Nondisplaced Comminuted Fractures A comminuted fracture can be either displaced or nondisplaced from the alignment during the break. If the fracture is displaced, the bone pieces move so much and leave a gap around the fracture. If the fracture is nondisplaced, the fragments of the bone still move, but to a lesser extent, and are not out of alignment.   What Are the Symptoms of a Comminuted Fracture? 1. Common Symptoms Pain, swelling, or bruising Protrusion in the affected area Inability to move the injured area   2. Severe Complications Dizziness Nausea Faintness Infection   3. When Should You Go to the Emergency Room? You should seek medical attention immediately if you suspect you have a comminuted fracture or other broken bone. If you suffer any of the following, head to the emergency room: Intense pain that goes with swelling or bruising Tenderness when pressing on the part of your body Inability to move a part of your body An area of your body is dislocated or out of normal shape   What Causes a Comminuted Fracture? 1. Serious Physical Impact Healthy bones are typically solid and resilient enough to endure average physical impact, like a slip or a fall. However, a more intense force due to a car accident or a fall from a great height may cause a comminuted fracture.   2. Underlying Health Conditions Older people may be more susceptible to a comminuted fracture, especially with bone diseases like osteoporosis or bone cancer. Menopausal women are also more likely to experience the injury due to a drop in estrogen, which plays a significant role in maintaining bone formation at the cellular level. RELATED: Is It Possible to Prevent Bone Loss? Causes, Symptoms & Treatment   How Is a Comminuted Fracture Diagnosed? 1. Physical Examination First, your doctor will inspect your injured area to determine whether the tenderness, pain, or immobility is due to a broken bone.   2. Imaging Tests Your doctor will also have you undergo imaging tests, including an X-ray, CT scan, or MRI, to ensure the accuracy of the initial physical examination. An X-ray shows how damaged the fractured bones are. A CT scan gives the surgeon a more detailed picture of the broken bone and the surrounding tissues. An MRI shows how the injury affects the muscles, connective tissues, and organs.   How to Treat a Comminuted Fracture 1. Internal Fixation The fundamental approach to repairing a broken bone is realigning and securing the bones in their correct position by installing metal rods, plates, screws, or nails. This technique is called internal fixation. To implant these pieces of metal into your bone, surgeons will make an incision at the injured area, attach the screws along the broken section, and secure the screws with a long nail in the center of the bone. This internal metal structure helps support the bone until it heals.   2. External Fixation Sometimes, internal fixation is attached to a frame outside of the broken bone, called external fixation. This method stabilizes the fracture while other injuries heal and is often a temporary measure. Your surgeon will connect the screws attached to the broken bone with a brace around the bone outside your body. Another method is traction, which uses weights, pulleys, and ropes to gently exert pressure and draw the broken bone back into the correct position. A cast or a splint may also be used in treating a comminuted fracture. These orthopedic devices stabilize the shattered bone and stop the surrounding tissue from moving as it heals. Casts and splints can also relieve the discomfort by preventing or reducing muscle contractions.   3. Bone Grafting Bone grafting is inserting additional bone tissue into the severely displaced fracture. This method is necessary if the injury is too severe to the point the surgeon expects it to take a prolonged amount of time to heal. Bone grafting is usually done in the first phase of the surgery, followed by internal fixation. Bone grafts come from the

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Food for thought

What Are the Effects of Psilocybin Therapy for Depression?

Overview Integrating science and spirituality is like mixing oil and water since these two subjects are generally thought to be on two immiscible, polar-opposite ends of a spectrum. Nonetheless, a growing number of scientists in the biohacking community are looking into a mysterious substance rooted deeply in the indigenous culture and has been used for spiritual, medicinal, and religious purposes for thousands of years – psilocybin. This article aims to review the latest findings on psilocybin, how it is effective as a treatment option for depression, and whether it will be available as a standard pharmaceutical in conjunction with traditional therapies in psychiatry. RELATED: The Rise of Psychedelic Medicine | What We Know So Far   What is Psilocybin Therapy? Understanding Psilocybin and Psilocybin Mushroom Psilocybin is a psychoactive and hallucinogenic compound derived from certain types of mushrooms, known as psilocybin mushrooms or often colloquially referred to as “magic mushrooms” or “shrooms.” Psilocybin mushrooms are a group of fungi that contain psilocybin. Some examples of psilocybin mushrooms include: Psilocybe cubensis (Stropharia cubensis) Psilocybe caerulescens (Landslide Mushroom) Psilocybe mexicana (Teonanacatl or Pajaritos) Psilocybe caerulipes (Blue Foot Mushroom) Psilocybe stuntzii (Blue Ringer Mushroom)   The History of Psilocybin Therapy Researchers first began studying psilocybin in the 1950s, particularly when chemist Albert Hofmann isolated psilocybin and identified it as the active compound in psychoactive mushrooms in 1958. Even then, psilocybin was a promising therapeutic drug for several mental health conditions. However, psilocybin was banned during the 1970s, resulting in tremendous difficulties among scientists continuing research on the substance. Psilocybin was then classified as a Schedule I substance, meaning the compound had a high potential for abuse and was forbidden from medical and clinical use. It was not until several decades later that Dr. Roland Griffiths from Johns Hopkins University restarted psilocybin research in 1999, allowing the once Schedule I substance to be reclassified and legally studied among healthy volunteers.     Psilocybin Therapy in Today’s Psychiatry Since the restart, the progress in psilocybin and psilocybin therapy research has been significant and promising enough to attract a wider group of scientists and potentially become a branch of mainstream science. Today, many psychiatrists, psychologists, and scientists consider psilocybin therapy a promising, near-standard treatment option to complement traditional therapies in treating mental health conditions. So, what exactly is psilocybin therapy? Psilocybin therapy, also known as “shroom therapy,” involves ingestion of psilocybin in a certain way, either through oral consumption, liquid administration, or fume inhalation. Psilocybin use induces psychological effects that are thought to contribute to the treatment of depression and provide a complementary strategy to conventional therapies. RELATED: Psychedelics Research and Psilocybin Therapy   How Does Psilocybin Therapy Work for Depression? After ingestion, psilocybin is rapidly metabolized to psilocin, the primary, active substance that causes psychological effects on the user. Psilocybin is therefore considered a “prodrug” (an inactive substance that can be converted into an active one) to psilocin. According to a study by the MDPI, some possible mechanisms of action by which psilocybin produces antidepressant effects include:   Psilocybin Deactivates or Normalizes the Hyperactivity of the Brain The medial prefrontal cortex frequently exhibits hyperactivity during depressive disorders. Psilocybin may work as an antidepressant by deactivating or normalizing the medial prefrontal cortex’s typical level of hyperactivity.   Psilocybin Modulates the Brain Regions Responsible for Emotion-processing Psilocybin’s antidepressant effects are mediated by its ability to modulate certain brain areas, particularly the amygdala. The amygdala, located deep within the brain’s temporal lobes, is responsible for sensory and emotional responses.   Psilocybin Interacts With or Alters the Default-mode Network (DMN) Another way psilocybin might exert its antidepressant properties is through interaction with or alteration of the default-mode network (DMN). For example, some of the regions of the brain involved in emotional thinking may negatively affect the DMN in depression, causing resting cognition to be taken over by negative feelings.   Psilocybin Increases Dopamine, a Neurotransmitter Responsible for Emotion Regulation The last possible mechanism may be the ability of psilocybin to increase dopamine, a neurotransmitter in charge of controlling emotions and even a person’s physical well-being. RELATED: 4 Genius Ways to Biohacking Your Brain   Evidence for Psilocybin Therapy as the Treatment of Depression Research by the Journal of Psychopharmacology According to a study on the effects of psilocybin on depression and anxiety in 51 cancer patients, high doses of the drug resulted in significant, positive changes in both clinician- and patient-rated indicators. These changes include reduced depressed mood and anxiety and the fear of death, as well as increases in optimism, quality of life, and life meaning. At the 6-month follow-up, these changes had persisted, with over 80% of subjects still displaying significant improvement in anxiety and depressive mood.   Research by Springer Psychopharmacology The efficacy of psilocybin therapy for depression is backed by another study, in which 20 patients with severe treatment-resistant depression were assigned to two oral doses of psilocybin. The study found that psilocybin treatment improved depression after six months, with no patients seeking conventional antidepressant treatment within five weeks of psilocybin. The study also implies that psilocybin may protect against depression to a comparable extent to the daily use of antidepressants.   Research by JAMA Psychiatry One of the most recent studies published in 2020 has also found that psilocybin-assisted therapy is effective among patients with major depressive disorder. Specifically, findings suggest that psilocybin can help treat the condition in 24 participants after two sessions.     Is Psilocybin Therapy Safe, Addictive, or Legal? Psilocybin Therapy Safety Psilocybin therapy is still in the infancy of experimental research, and the data collected from all the relevant trials remain insufficient to conclude if it is entirely safe. Still, research by The Lancet Medical Journal shows that mushrooms are surprisingly much less harmful than other recreational drugs and substances, like alcohol or tobacco.   However, the statistics above do not mean that psilocybin is risk-free. Initial trials on the substance have shown that users may experience some physical and mental side effects in case of abuse. As

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Health

Weight Loss With Ozempic: What Is the Future of Treating Diabetes and Obesity?

Overview Diabetes and obesity, two of the most prevalent metabolic diseases, are associated with many severe complications. Although affected individuals know that weight loss of only 5-15% of their current body weight can improve their condition significantly, there remain many challenges in losing weight and maintaining sustainable weight loss. Given the rollout and increasingly widespread use of a promising anti-diabetes and obesity drug – Ozempic – the prospect of prompt, efficient, and sustainable therapy for diabetes and obesity is brighter and more encouraging than ever. This article informs you of everything you need to know about Ozempic, how Ozempic helps you lose weight, and the future of treating diabetes and obesity. RELATED: What is Metabolic Syndrome & What Are Its Risk Factors and Complications   What Is Ozempic? GLP-1: An Incretin That Decreases Blood Glucose Understanding GLP-1 Glucagon-like-peptide-1 (GLP-1) is a peptide hormone produced and secreted primarily in the intestine and specific neurons in the central nervous system. Like any other hormone, GLP-1 secretion is only stimulated in response to a specific condition – in this case, food consumption. As an insulinotropic incretin, GLP-1 starts to produce its effects after eating, as it can decrease blood sugar levels by augmenting insulin release.   Insulin, Glucagon, and Metabolism The human body’s metabolism relies on two vital hormones – insulin and glucagon – to balance the blood glucose levels (glucose homeostasis) and prevent any irregularity, like hyperglycemia (too much blood glucose) or hypoglycemia (too little blood glucose). Typically, insulin and glucagon are secreted to an adequate degree in the pancreas by the pancreatic beta and alpha cells, respectively. These two peptide hormones, when acting normally, are like the equilibrium state of a scale: insulin lowers blood glucose, whereas glucagon raises it, and blood glucose remains constant within the average range. However, in some people, insulin cannot be released sufficiently or does not work as efficiently as expected, leading to the accumulation of blood sugar in the bloodstream. Such a build-up of sugar in the blood over time may result in irreversible damage to the blood vessels, nerves, eyes, kidneys, and many other body organs. Unfortunately, this systemic damage is a common problem and is widely known as another somewhat concerning term – diabetes.   The Rollout of Treatment Utilizing GLP-1 On this account, scientists are finding a way to increase the level of GLP-1 to normalize insulin in the body, preventing the build-up of blood sugar and the onset of diabetes. Among the potential pharmaceuticals that intervene in GLP-1, semaglutide, widely known as Ozempic, has surprised the scientific community due to its superiority.   Ozempic Acts as a GLP-1 Receptor Agonist Ozempic is an anti-diabetes and obesity pharmaceutical that belongs to the GLP-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) class. As a GLP-1 agonist, Ozempic mimics the actions of the endogenous GLP-1 hormone in the body to stimulate insulin release. This mechanism is why Ozempic and other GLP-1RAs are known as GLP-1 analogs or incretin mimetics. According to the American Diabetes Association, metformin remains the preferred first-line treatment option for treating type 2 diabetes. However, adding a GLP-1 agonist like Ozempic to the prescription should be considered in patients who cannot take metformin due to contraindication, intolerance, or disqualification. Recently, Ozempic has been recognized as a pharmaceutical for weight management due to its beneficial effects on weight loss and maintenance. So, like filling two needs with one deed, the “all-in-one” Ozempic represents an optimistic, up-and-coming measure for eliminating metabolic diseases and regaining optimal health for people.   How Does Ozempic Help You Lose Weight? According to a study by the National Center for Biotechnology Information, Ozempic for weight loss is associated with the following mechanisms:   Ozempic Delays Gastric Emptying Gastric emptying refers to the process in which the stomach empties and delivers digested food to the intestine. GLP-1RA treatment, of which Ozempic can be an example, can delay gastric emptying within the first hour after a meal (postprandial period). This delay in stomach activity means food remains longer in your stomach, and satiety lasts longer.   Ozempic Reduces Hunger and Appetite Ozempic and other GLP-1RAs have actions outside of the stomach as well. In the central nervous system, GLP-1 receptors rest in the hypothalamus, which regulates food intake. It has been found that the administration of a GLP-1RA resulted in reduced feelings of hunger in individuals with obesity. The effect was associated with the increased connectivity between the nucleus of the solitary tract and the hypothalamus. In addition, GLP-1RAs can access and intervene in specific brain areas responsible for appetite regulation.   Ozempic Increases Satiety and Prevents Overeating GLP-1 is a physiological factor affecting satiety as it is a neurotransmitter signaling satiety in the brain. In other words, GLP-1 signals us when we have consumed enough food and are satiated. In addition, GLP-1 directly stimulates specific neurons (POMC/CART) and indirectly inhibits some neuropeptides (NPY and AgRP) to increase measures of satiety.   Ozempic Lowers Preference for Energy-dense Foods Ozempic and other GLP-1RAs can reduce preference for energy-dense foods, like fatty foods. We all know that the more energy we consume, the more carbs are metabolized into glucose, and the more likely sugar accumulates in the bloodstream. For this reason, Ozempic should be for patients who find it difficult to abstain from fatty foods.   Evidence for Ozempic as the Treatment of Diabetes and Obesity Ozempic for Diabetes According to the Journal of Pharmacy Technology, Ozempic (semaglutide) was under experimentation in multiple clinical trials, all of which showed superior efficacy compared to other anti-diabetes pharmaceuticals. Specifically, in 9 SUSTAIN trials that used low doses of semaglutide (0.5 and 1.0 mg), the HbA1c levels (hemoglobin A1c; a measurement for average blood glucose, with 4-5.6% being the normal range) were reduced significantly. Those participants with HbA1c exceeding the normal range at over 8% saw a reduction scores from -1.1 to -1.9% after 30 weeks of 0.5 mg semaglutide. On the other hand, 1.0 mg semaglutide resulted in up to -2.2% reduction in HbA1c within a similar

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Health

What Causes Palmar Erythema and What Does It Mean for Your Health

Overview Palmar erythema is an often overlooked skin condition as reddening of the skin may occur on several occasions due to various reasons. However, except for palmar erythema that results from specific genetics, the abnormal redness is a cutaneous sign of some underlying causes, like diseases, medications’ side effects, or environmental factors. RELATED: 5 Genius Ways to Restore Gut Health   What is Palmar Erythema? Palmar erythema (also known as Lane’s disease) is a rare, benign skin condition in which non-painful redness appears on the surface of the palm and fingers. Some parts of the palm that are most likely affected by palmar erythema include: Thenar (the rounded, fleshy part at the base of the thumb) Hypothenar (the fleshy part that extends from the bottom of the little finger to the wrist) Distal palmar (the fleshy part between the base of the fingers and the upper palmar crease) Fingertips   Notably, the back of the hand (dorsal surface of the hand) is also affected by palmar erythema, although the probability is very rare. The reddening is due to various reasons, yet anatomically it is due to the increased dilation of the capillaries under the hand. Palmar erythema is not an allergic reaction, so the affected areas should not be itchy (pruritic). The redness of the palm may appear differently from time to time since the degree of redness varies depending on: Emotional states Position of the hand Temperature Pressure on the palm The severity of the underlying cause   What Are the Symptoms of Palmar Erythema? The symptoms of palmar erythema include: Symmetrical/bilateral reddening of both hands Non-painful reddening Non-itchy reddening Non-inflammatory reddening Non-allergic reddening The slightly warm sensation in the affected areas   What Causes Palmar Erythema? The skin condition can be divided into primary and secondary palmar erythema.   Primary Palmar Erythema Primary palmar erythema is considered entirely normal for individuals with a genetic predisposition to the condition (those who inherit it from parents) or those undergoing pregnancy. In genetically predisposed people, redness in the palms can develop at birth or later in life and last for the rest of their life. In pregnant women, palmar erythema is regular with certain skin types, accounting for 30-70%. It is thought that palmar erythema in pregnant women is associated with the amount of circulating estrogen in the blood.   Secondary Palmar Erythema Secondary palmar erythema can be a cutaneous marker of an underlying medical condition, medications’ side effects, or environmental factors.   Underlying Medical Condition Liver diseases such as cirrhosis (23% probability of developing palmar erythema), Wilson’s disease, or hemochromatosis Thyrotoxicosis (too much thyroid hormone in the body; 18% probability of developing palmar erythema) Autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis (>60% probability of developing palmar erythema) Diabetes (4% probability of developing palmar erythema) Alcoholic fatty liver (82% probability of developing palmar erythema) Sarcoidosis (growth of tiny collections of inflammatory cells in any part of the body; very unusual) Congenital syphilis Kawasaki disease Certain infections   Unlike primary palmar erythema, secondary palmar erythema indicates a disorder co-occurring inside the body. Therefore, raising awareness of the condition, making a diagnosis, and implementing proper treatment is necessary.   Certain Medications Topiramate and salbutamol (albuterol) with normal liver function Amiodarone, cholestyramine, and gemfibrozil with hepatic (liver) damage   Environmental Factors Smoking Chronic mercury poisoning   RELATED: 10 Warning Signs Your Liver is Struggling & What You Can Do About It   How is Palmar Erythema Diagnosed? The diagnosis of palmar erythema involves: Physical examination (skin, liver, thyroid, blood) Family history investigation Inspection of the onset of the condition MRT or CT scans for tumor detection   How to Treat Palmar Erythema Primary Palmar Erythema Treatment As mentioned above, primary palmar erythema is a normal skin condition for those who inherit it or those women who are pregnant, so treatment is not mandatory. In addition, primary palmar erythema does not cause discomforts like pain or itchiness. On this account, people with primary palmar erythema are advised to live with the condition.   Secondary Palmar Erythema Treatment Treating secondary palmar erythema involves identifying the underlying disorder, followed by treatment of the underlying condition. If certain medications are the cause, patients are advised to discontinue the prescription if possible. Cessation from smoking and avoidance of infections or poisoning may also help.   Recent Findings in Palmar Erythema Causes Palmar Erythema May Be a Sign of Cancer According to a report by the Cleveland Clinic Journal of Medicine, palmar erythema was seen in an 83-year-old liver cancer patient. Specifically, the patient had a metastatic hepatic tumor, an average estrogen level, and an increased vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) level. This data suggests that the abnormal and excessive growth of tissue due to the tumor promoted the development of palmar erythema. This finding is consistent with another study on brain cancer mentioned in the report. Palmar erythema was seen in 25% of patients with abnormal and excessive tissue growth due to brain tumors. Additionally, the intensity of palmar erythema correlated with the degree of dilation of the cutaneous vessels in the patient’s tumors.   Palmar Erythema May Occur Due to Excessive Use of Hand Sanitizer As the COVID-19 pandemic and other infectious diseases continue to rampage in many countries, people are implementing different strategies to limit the spread of viral infections. Using hand sanitizer is one method that keeps our hands safe from germs and viruses and, most importantly, reduces the risks of carrying pathogenic factors. However, utilizing an excessive amount of sanitizer for a prolonged time may become a suboptimal, rather unhealthy, solution for those predisposed to skin diseases or, in this case, palmar erythema. According to a report by the World Health Organization (WHO), a cutaneous manifestation similar to palmar erythema was present in a 3-year-old toddler who had used hand sanitizer frequently for two weeks. Although the case did not undergo extensive investigation, discontinuing the sanitizer successfully and wholly reversed the condition.   Palmar Erythema May Be a Manifestation of COVID-19 Palmar Erythema as One

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