New study weighs benefits of exercise, diets
Those in their 50s and 60s who want to lose weight might consider heading to the cardio workout room instead of counting calories, suggests new research out this month.
Both those who dieted and those who exercised lost a significant amount of weight, according to findings from an NIH-funded study on whether a calorie-restriction diet can extend lifespan. However, while exercisers maintained their strength and muscle mass and increased aerobic capacity, those who dieted lost muscle mass, strength and aerobic capacity.
Mayo study examines link between rheumatoid arthritis and chronic lung diseases
For decades, researchers have suspected a connection between chronic lung diseases and rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Previous research has yielded widely varying estimates about the strength of this connection, partly because studies have used different diagnosis criteria for these diseases. Addressing this problem, Mayo researchers presented preliminary data at the American College of Rheumatology Annual Meeting on Nov. 11 confirming that patients with rheumatoid arthritis are clearly affected by chronic lung diseases.
The goal of this study is to more precisely measure the cumulative incidence of lung diseases among people with rheumatoid arthritis. Mayo researchers studied a group of 603 people who met strict American College of Rheumatology Annual Meeting diagnosis criteria for RA, examining the subjects’ medical records from diagnosis through their death or last follow-up appointment.
Research suggests beta agonists may alter the immune system
New research at Wake Forest University School of Medicine suggests that certain inhaled asthma medications – as well as similar chemicals our bodies produce during times of high stress – may worsen diseases such as asthma, heart failure and lupus that involve inflammation.
The scientific team led by Raymond Penn, Ph.D., and Matthew Loza, Ph.D, found that beta-agonists, such as those used in the treatment of asthma, increase the accumulation of type 2 T cells, a type of white blood cell that participates in immune system defense mechanisms. In certain diseases such as asthma and lupus, an over-reactive type 2 T cell response occurs and is believed to contribute to the disease.
