Q and A: about health and research

Zinc is an essential trace mineral that plays a crucial role in numerous biological processes, including immune function, cellular repair, wound healing, and the maintenance of skin and organ integrity. While often overlooked, zinc deficiency can lead to a range of health issues — most notably skin abnormalities and kidney dysfunction . This article explores the clinical signs of zinc deficiency, its impact on skin and renal health, and how to manage zinc intake effectively. Zinc and Skin Health The skin is one of the first organs to show signs of nutritional imbalance. Among the key nutrients critical for skin integrity — such as vitamin C , vitamin D , and zinc — it is zinc that is most directly associated with epidermal peeling and dermatitis . Symptoms of Zinc Deficiency in the Skin: Peeling or cracked skin , especially around the mouth, hands, and feet Dermatitis in areas such as the face, genitals, and limbs Delayed wound healing Increased susceptibility to infecti...

Intestinal Lipodystrophy, Whipple’s Disease, and the Role of Zinc Introduction Disorders of the gastrointestinal tract can lead to serious malabsorption, chronic diarrhea, and systemic illness. Two notable conditions affecting intestinal structure and function are intestinal lipodystrophy and Whipple’s disease . Although Whipple’s disease is caused by a known bacterium ( Tropheryma whipplei ), intestinal lipodystrophy often occurs without identifiable infectious agents. Interestingly, zinc plays a dual role — it is crucial for maintaining gut integrity and also acts as a contact antibiotic within the gastrointestinal tract. Even when no pathogens are detected in laboratory tests, zinc supplementation can significantly influence recovery. Intestinal Lipodystrophy: Definition and Clinical Picture Intestinal lipodystrophy refers to the degeneration or loss of fat tissue within the intestinal wall . Fat within the intestinal submucosa supports blood vessels, lymphatic channels, an...

The hypothalamus is one of the brain’s most vital control centers. Acting as a bridge between the nervous system and the endocrine system , it plays a central role in maintaining homeostasis , or the body's internal balance. One of its key responsibilities is regulating the autonomic nervous system (ANS) , which governs involuntary bodily functions like heart rate, digestion, blood pressure, temperature regulation, and more. The Hypothalamus and ANS Communication Pathways The hypothalamus orchestrates autonomic function through extensive connections to: Brainstem autonomic centers , including the medulla and pons , which act as relay stations for autonomic reflexes. Spinal cord preganglionic neurons , which transmit autonomic commands to peripheral nerves. Endocrine organs , particularly via the pituitary gland , influencing hormonal responses to stress, thirst, hunger, and more. Through these pathways, the hypothalamus exerts control over both divisions of the ANS: ...

As the world continues to grapple with the long-term effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, a new set of clinical concerns is drawing attention: a noticeable rise in serious intracranial complications stemming from common infections like sinusitis (sinogenic) and otitis media (otogenic). While these complications have traditionally been more prevalent in children, five years after the pandemic’s peak, adults are increasingly presenting with similar symptoms—many of which are misdiagnosed as migraines or general neurological conditions. Pediatric Complications: What the Data Reveals A recent systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated the prevalence of intracranial complications following sinogenic or otogenic infections in pediatric patients, comparing data from before and after the COVID-19 pandemic. The review encompassed 18 studies, analyzing data from over a thousand abstracts sourced from PubMed, Scopus, and CINAHL. The findings were striking. Compared to the pre-COVID era, childr...

Introduction In the complex choreography of genetics and evolution, one of the most intriguing discoveries has been that not all genes follow the basic rule of biparental expression. A special class of genes— imprinted genes —are expressed in a parent-of-origin-specific manner. Central to our understanding of why this happens is the work of David Haig , an evolutionary biologist whose “parental conflict hypothesis” has reshaped how scientists view fetal growth, gene regulation, and evolutionary strategy. This article explores Haig’s theory and how methylated imprinted genes , particularly those in the insulin-like growth factor (IGF) pathway , govern critical processes like growth and metabolism . Genomic Imprinting: One Parent, One Voice Genomic imprinting refers to a form of gene expression where only one allele of a gene is expressed , depending on whether it comes from the mother or the father . The other allele is epigenetically silenced , most commonly via DNA methylation ,...

As conversations around post-COVID recovery grow, a new UCSF/NIH preprint study has shed critical light on the long-term metabolic and immune dysfunction that can follow SARS-CoV-2 infection. Backed by the PolyBio Research Foundation , this research shows how COVID-19 can set off a biological chain reaction that mirrors — and even amplifies — what's commonly known as "metabolic damage." Whether you’re recovering from illness, chronic stress, or burnout from aggressive dieting, this study helps connect the dots in a much bigger picture of human health. COVID-19 & Long-Term Metabolic Dysfunction Even months after infection, individuals in the study exhibited profound metabolic and immune system disturbances , including: 1. Metabolic Abnormalities Depleted tryptophan – an essential amino acid critical for mood, sleep, and immune function. Elevated inflammatory lipids (e.g., arachidonic acid) – promote chronic inflammation and metabolic instability. Reduced...

Low hemoglobin, often a sign of anemia, can seriously impair the body’s ability to build and maintain healthy tissue. Its effects reach beyond tiredness and pallor — it can disrupt protein metabolism, muscle strength, growth, and healing. These effects are especially pronounced in children, adolescents, adults under stress, and seniors. Here's how and why. What is Hemoglobin? Hemoglobin is a protein in red blood cells that transports oxygen from your lungs to every cell in your body. Oxygen is essential for energy production and biological processes — including the synthesis of proteins. When hemoglobin levels are low, oxygen delivery becomes inefficient, which can trigger a cascade of physical and metabolic issues. How Low Hemoglobin Impacts Protein Metabolism 1. Reduced Oxygen Delivery Protein synthesis — the process of building new proteins — requires oxygen. Low hemoglobin means tissues get less oxygen, slowing or impairing protein synthesis throughout the body. 2. Musc...

The 2024 update to the international sepsis guidelines marks a significant evolution in the approach to corticosteroid therapy , particularly in critically ill patients with Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) and Community-Acquired Pneumonia (CAP) . These updates reflect new evidence supporting broader and earlier steroid use in select high-risk populations. Below, we explore the changes and their implications, with an integrated look at how septic shock factors into the clinical picture. ARDS (Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome) What changed? In the 2017 guidelines , corticosteroids were only conditionally recommended for patients with early, moderate to severe ARDS . This cautious approach was based on mixed clinical data and concerns about potential side effects like secondary infections or prolonged viral shedding. What’s new in 2024? The 2024 update now broadens this recommendation to include all severities of ARDS —mild, moderate, or severe. This remains a cond...