Tuesday, 30 September 2025

A common supplement could supercharge cancer treatments

 In a new study, researchers from the University of Chicago discovered that zeaxanthin, a plant-derived carotenoid best known for protecting vision, may also act as an immune-boosting compound by strengthening the cancer-fighting activity of immune cells. The findings, which were published in Cell Reports Medicine, highlight the potential of zeaxanthin as a widely available supplement to improve the effectiveness of cancer immunotherapies.

"We were surprised to find that zeaxanthin, already known for its role in eye health, has a completely new function in boosting anti-tumor immunity," said Jing Chen, PhD, Janet Davison Rowley Distinguished Service Professor of Medicine and senior author of the study. "Our study show that a simple dietary nutrient could complement and strengthen advanced cancer treatments like immunotherapy."

How does this nutrient work?

The study builds on years of work by Chen's lab to better understand how nutrients influence the immune system. By screening a large blood nutrient library, the team identified zeaxanthin as a compound that directly enhances the activity of CD8+ T cells, a crucial type of immune cell that kills tumor cells. These cells rely on a molecular structure called the T-cell receptor (TCR) to recognize and destroy abnormal cells.

The researchers found that zeaxanthin stabilizes and strengthens the formation of TCR complex on CD8+ T cells upon interacting with the cancer cells. This, in turn, triggers more robust intracellular signaling that boosts T-cell activation, cytokine production, and tumor-killing capacity.

Zeaxanthin improves immunotherapy effects

In mouse models, dietary supplementation with zeaxanthin slowed tumor growth. Importantly, when combined with immune checkpoint inhibitors - a type of immunotherapy that has transformed cancer treatment in recent years - zeaxanthin significantly enhanced anti-tumor effects compared to immunotherapy alone.

To extend the findings, the researchers tested human T cells engineered to recognize specific tumor antigens and found that zeaxanthin treatment improved these cells' ability to kill melanoma, multiple myeloma, and glioblastoma cells in laboratory experiments.

"Our data show that zeaxanthin improves both natural and engineered T-cell responses, which suggests high translational potential for patients undergoing immunotherapies," Chen said.

A safe and accessible candidate

Zeaxanthin is sold as an over-the-counter supplement for eye health, and is naturally found in vegetables like orange peppers, spinach, and kale. It's inexpensive, widely available, well-tolerated and, most importantly, its safety profile is known - which means it can be safely tested as an adjunct to cancer therapies.

The study also reinforces the importance of a balanced diet. In their previous research, Chen's group discovered that trans-vaccenic acid (TVA), a fatty acid derived from dairy and meat, also boosts T-cell activity - but through a different mechanism. Together, the findings suggest that nutrients from both plant and animal sources may provide complementary benefits to immune health.

Clinical applications of zeaxanthin

Although the results are promising, the researchers emphasize that the work is still at an early stage. Most of the findings come from laboratory experiments and animal studies. Thus, clinical trials will be needed to determine whether zeaxanthin supplements can improve outcomes for cancer patients.

"Our findings open a new field of nutritional immunology that looks at how specific dietary components interact with the immune system at the molecular level," Chen said. "With more research, we may discover natural compounds that make today's cancer therapies more effective and accessible."

The study, "Zeaxanthin augments CD8+ effector T cell function and immunotherapy efficacy," was supported by grants from the National Institutes of Health, the Ludwig Center at the University of Chicago, and the Harborview Foundation Gift Fund.

Additional authors include Freya Zhang, Jiacheng Li, Rukang Zhang, Jiayi Tu, Zhicheng Xie, Takemasa Tsuji, Hardik Shah, Matthew Ross, Ruitu Lyu, Junko Matsuzaki, Anna Tabor, Kelly Xue, Chunzhao Yin, Hamed R. Youshanlouei, Syed Shah, Michael W. Drazer, Yu-Ying He, Marc Bissonnette, Jun Huang, Chuan He, Kunle Odunsi, and Hao Fan from the University of Chicago; Fatima Choudhry from DePaul University, Chicago; Yuancheng Li and Hui Mao from Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta; Lei Dong from University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas; and Rui Su from Beckman Research Institute, City of Hope, Duarte, CA.

sources-science daily

Monday, 29 September 2025

A single dose of psilocybin may rewire the brain for lasting relief

 Researchers at Penn Medicine have identified specific brain circuits that are impacted by psilocybin -- the active compound found in some psychedelic mushrooms -- which could lead to new paths forward for pain and mental health management options. Chronic pain affects more than 1.5 billion people worldwide and is often deeply entangled with depression and anxiety, creating a vicious cycle that amplifies suffering and impairs quality of life. The study from the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania- published today in Nature Neuroscience- offers new insight into ways to disrupt this cycle.

"As an anesthesiologist, I frequently care for people undergoing surgery who suffer from both chronic pain and depression. In many cases, they're not sure which condition came first, but often, one makes the other worse," said Joseph Cichon, MD, PhD, an assistant professor of Anesthesiology and Critical Care at Penn and senior author of the study. "This new study offers hope. These findings open the door to developing new, non-opioid, non-addictive therapies as psilocybin and related psychedelics are not considered addictive."

Targeting the Brain's Pain and Mood Hub

In studies using mice with chronic nerve injury and inflammatory pain, researchers found that a single dose of psilocybin reduced both pain and pain-induced anxiety and depression-like behaviors, with those benefits lasting almost two weeks. Psilocybin acts by gently activating specific brain signals, called serotonin receptors (5-HT2A and 5-HT1A). "Unlike other drugs that fully turn these signals on or off, psilocybin acts more like a dimmer switch, turning it to just the right level," said Cichon.

To pinpoint where the effects originated, researchers injected psilocin -- the active substance into which the body converts psilocybin -- into different regions of the central nervous system. The team used advanced fluorescent microscopy, a technique that uses glowing dyes to see and capture neuronal activity, to see chronic pain neurons spontaneously firing. When psilocin was injected directly into the prefrontal cortex of the brain, specifically the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC), a part of the brain that processes pain and emotions, it provided the same pain relief and mood improvements as when psilocybin was given to the whole body.

Researchers also injected psilocin into the spinal cord, but it didn't have the same calming effect. "Psilocybin may offer meaningful relief for patients by bypassing the site of injury altogether and instead modulating brain circuits that process pain, while lifting the ones that help you feel better, giving you relief from both pain and low mood at the same time," said Cichon.

Results Can Drive Future Psilocybin Research

Researchers believe the findings from this study could also inform therapies for other conditions involving dysregulated brain circuits, such as addiction or post-traumatic stress disorder. Cichon adds that more research is needed to determine the effectiveness of psilocybin. "In my anesthesiology practice, I often see that both pain and mood symptoms can worsen following surgery due to the physiological and psychological stress imposed by the procedure. While psilocybin shows promise as a treatment for both pain and depression, it remains uncertain whether such therapies would be safe, effective, or feasible in the context of surgery and anesthesia," adds Cichon. The Penn team plans to investigate optimal dosing strategies, long-term effects, and the ability of the brain to re-wire itself in sustaining these benefits in rodent models. "While these findings are encouraging, we don't know how long-lived psilocybin's effects are or how multiple doses might be needed to adjust brain pathways involved in chronic pain for a longer lasting solution," adds Stephen Wisser, co-author and a Penn Neuroscience PhD student in Cichon's lab.

The study was funded by the National Institutes of Health (R35GM151160-01) and the American Society of Regional Anesthesia and Pain Medicine (ASRA) Chronic Pain Medicine Research Award.

 sources-sciernce daily

Men’s mental health: ‘Man up’ is not the answer

 Surveys from around the world find that males everywhere are reluctant to talk about their mental health and are more likely to die by suicide than females. Here’s why this may be happening — and how some healthcare professionals and researchers are trying to address it.

Across the globe, among many races, ethnicities, and income brackets, males often avoidTrusted Source getting help for their psychological issues.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO)Trusted Source, males die by suicide at twice the rate of females. And high income countries have the highest suicide rates among males.

In the United States, males make up nearly 80% of all deaths by suicide, report the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)Trusted Source. Males die by suicide four times more often than females do.

Mental health professionals diagnose depression more often in women than in men, according to the nonprofit Mental Health America (MHA). At the same time, the organization adds, more than 6 million American men experience symptoms of depression annually — and most go undiagnosed.

Situational stressors also play a major role in suicide deaths among males, many of whom do not have a documented mental health history, according to a 2021 analysis from the CDC.

These stressors can include anything from relationship troubles to arguments, but all indicate a need for “support during stressful transitions,” explains a press release from UCLA, the professional home of one of the report’s co-authors.

Men are less likelyTrusted Source than women to receive formal mental health support of any kind.

Recent research explains why this could be happening and suggests ways to remedy the situation.

A note about sex and gender

Sex and gender exist on spectrums. This article will use the terms “male,” “female,” or both to refer to sex assigned at birth. Learn more.

On a daily basis, many males find themselves grappling with prescriptive, antiquated ideas about gender — and this struggle can contribute to their mental health issues.

It also explains why so many males have a difficult time admitting that they need help and pursuing it.

“Sex differences in mental health typically emerge across late childhood and adolescence,” wrote Simon Rice, an Australian mental health expert, in The Lancet Public HealthTrusted Source in 2021. “This time is also when gender norms become entrenched, persisting into later life, whereby they continue to shape mental health and help-seeking.”

In 2022, the American Journal of Public HealthTrusted Sourcepublished a review of studies dealing with the societal stigma surrounding mental illness. It found that men who internalized that stigma were less likely to get help for their psychological issues and more likely to face challenges and “a heightened risk for severe mental illness.”

Research shows that people who are treated for depression or suicidal thoughts (whether through therapyTrusted Source or medication) are far less likely to think about or attempt suicide.

Sometimes, difficulty with money or other practical issues is linked to suicidal ideation. In times of personal hardship, getting material or emotional support from others has also been shown to reduce these thoughts.

Men’s health resources

For more research-backed information and resources, visit our dedicated men’s health hub.

Men of color and those with diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds face additional challenges when it comes to looking after their mental health.

The National Alliance on Mental Health notes that just 1 in 3 Black adults with mental illness receives treatment, despite the fact that they are more likely to experience emotional distress than white adults. Generational racial trauma and violence against people of color, as played out in the news media, intensify this distress.

Members of the Black community may also have difficulty trusting healthcare professionals.

According to MHA, “Historical dehumanization, oppression, and violence against Black and African American people has evolved into present-day racism — structural, institutional, and individual — and cultivates a uniquely mistrustful and less affluent community experience.”

Suicide rates have gradually risen among Black and Hispanic adults in recent years, while steadily dropping among white adults, notes the CDCTrusted Source.

American Indian and Alaskan Native individuals have the highest suicide rate of any demographic group. In surveys, members of these groups are 60% more likely than white individuals to say that “everything is an effort, all the time.” Trauma and lack of resources are contributing factors.

Octavio Martinez, Jr., MD, the executive director of the Hogg Foundation for Mental Health, says men of color are more likely to face poverty and violence, higher rates of incarceration, and fewer employment opportunities.

The effect of such disparities on their mental health is “a double whammy,” he emphasizes.

All of these issues, taken together, act as a further barrier to people of color seeking care for their mental health when they need it.

The same mental health issues can manifest differentlyTrusted Source in males and females. This is thought to be a possible “side effect” of their divergent views on mental health.

Males with depression may exhibit higher levels of anger, aggression, and irritability, or showcase their distress in other “culturally acceptable” ways. Females with depression may display signs of low mood instead.

Symptoms of depression in males can be physiological, such as a racing heart, digestive issues, or headaches. Males may be “more likely to see their doctor about physical symptoms than emotional symptoms,” says the National Institute of Mental HealthTrusted Source.

The organization notes that men who experience depression may self-medicate with alcohol and other substances. However, this can exacerbate their issues and put them at risk of other health conditions.

So what can mental health professionals and policymakers do to ensure that men feel confident and comfortable seeking support, and receive appropriate care?

The first step in addressing mental health issues, researchers say, is expanding general awareness and education around the topic itself.

In a 2016 Canadian Family PhysicianTrusted Source essay, researchers suggested breaking down the stigma by launching national campaigns that make seeking help a sign of strength and a necessary part of caring for one’s overall health.

Community-based programs can help counter risk factors for mental health problems, particularly among elderly menTrusted Source, who may feel isolated and are more likely to attempt and die by suicide than younger men.

However, no intervention is complete until it accounts for groups that face systematic marginalization, such as men of color and those of diverse ethnic and racial backgrounds.

Specialists suggest that Black males in the U.S. may be more likely to seek support in informal settings, such as places of worship or barbershops — and they benefit from coming together and talking as a group.

Dr. Martinez promotes interventions that encourage men and boys of color and those with diverse backgrounds to connect on a personal level.

“Stigma fades when men and boys see resilience and mental health self-care modeled by their fathers, brothers, teachers, faith leaders, and friends,” he says.

Males are much more likely than females to die by suicide. This disparity may be due, in part, to the greater reluctance among males to seek mental health treatment and internalized expectations around “masculine behavior.”

Males who experience suicidal thoughts should know that help is available. Therapy, medication, community interventions, and real-world assistance can lessen suicidal ideation and help address depression.

Help is out there

If you or someone you know is in crisis and considering suicide or self-harm, please seek support:

  • Call or text the 988 Lifeline at 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org. Caring counselors are available to listen and provide free and confidential support 24/7.
  • Text HOME to the Crisis Text Line at 741741 to connect with a volunteer crisis counselor for free and confidential support 24/7.
  • Not in the United States? Find a helpline in your country with Befrienders Worldwide.
  • Call 911 or your local emergency services number if you feel safe to do so.

If you’re calling on behalf of someone else, stay with them until help arrives. You may remove weapons or substances that can cause harm if you can do so safely.

If you’re not in the same household, stay on the phone with them until help arrives.

Source - Medical News Today


Sunday, 28 September 2025

Doctors stunned by a cheap drug’s power against colon cancer

 A Swedish-led research team at Karolinska Institutet and Karolinska University Hospital has shown in a new randomized clinical trial that a low dose of the well-known medicine aspirin halves the risk of recurrence after surgery in patients with colon and rectal cancer with a certain type of genetic alteration in the tumor.

Every year, nearly two million people worldwide are diagnosed with colorectal cancer. Between 20 and 40 percent develop metastases, which makes the disease both more difficult to treat and more deadly.

Previous observational studies have suggested that aspirin may reduce the risk of certain cancers and possibly also the risk of recurrence after surgery in patients with colorectal cancer harboring mutations in genes within the PIK3 signaling pathway.

These genes regulate key cellular processes such as growth and division. When mutated, these processes can become dysregulated, leading to uncontrolled cell proliferation and cancer development. However, prior findings have been inconsistent and no randomized clinical trials had previously confirmed the association. To address this gap, the ALASCCA trial was initiated and has now been published in The New England Journal of Medicine.

The current study included more than 3,500 patients with colon and rectal cancer from 33 hospitals in Sweden, Norway, Denmark, and Finland. Patients whose tumors showed a specific genetic mutation in the PIK3 signaling pathway -- a mutation found in approximately 40 percent of patients -- were randomized to receive either 160 mg of aspirin daily or a placebo for three years after surgery.

For patients with the genetic mutation in PIK3, the risk of recurrence was reduced by 55 percent in those who received aspirin compared with the placebo group.

"Aspirin is being tested here in a completely new context as a precision medicine treatment. This is a clear example of how we can use genetic information to personalize treatment and at the same time save both resources and suffering," says first author Anna Martling, professor at the Department of Molecular Medicine and Surgery, Karolinska Institutet, and senior consultant surgeon at Karolinska University Hospital.

So how does aspirin reduce the risk of recurrence of colon and rectal cancer? The researchers believe that the effect is likely due to aspirin acting through several parallel mechanisms - it reduces inflammation, inhibits platelet function and tumor growth. This combination makes the environment less favorable for cancer.

"Although we do not yet fully understand all the molecular links, the findings strongly support the biological rationale and suggest that the treatment may be particularly effective in genetically defined subgroups of patients," says Anna Martling.

The researchers believe that the results could have global significance and influence treatment guidelines for colon and rectal cancer worldwide. Anna Martling sees the fact that the drug is well established as a major advantage.

"Aspirin is a drug that is readily available globally and extremely inexpensive compared to many modern cancer drugs, which is very positive," says Anna Martling.

The study was funded in part by the Swedish Research Council and the Swedish Cancer Society. The researchers state that there are no conflicts of interest.

Facts: What is aspirin?

Aspirin is a medicine that contains acetylsalicylic acid, a substance that relieves pain, fever, and inflammation. It belongs to the group of NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs). The effect usually occurs within 30 minutes. In low doses, it is also used to prevent blood clots.

Common side effects include stomach problems and increased bleeding tendency. People with stomach ulcers, bleeding disorders, or asthma should avoid aspirin. Aspirin is available over the counter in higher doses, but should be used with caution, especially in combination with other blood-thinning agents or alcohol.

 sources-science daily


Saturday, 27 September 2025

What are the signs of depression in men?

 Both males and females can experience depression, but the signs and symptoms can be different. Males my also be less likely to seek a diagnosis for depression.

Although the primary symptom of depression for many is often a feeling of sadness, men may haveTrusted Source a higher tendency than women to feel anger, demonstrate aggressive feelings, and engage in substance abuse.

Due to the different symptoms, and because men are typically less likely to talk about and seek treatment for depression than women, many men may have undiagnosed depression.

In this article, we explore the emotional, behavioral, and physical signs of depression in men. We also discuss how to get help. Read on to learn how to recognize and manage depression in men.

Men and depression

Depression is common in men. According to the American Psychological Association, an estimated 9 percent of men in the United States have feelings of depression or anxiety each day, and 30.6 percent of men experience a period of depression during their lifetime.

Depression is a mood disorderTrusted Source that affects a person’s thoughts, feelings, body, and behavior. Doctors may refer to depression as major depression, major depressive disorder, or clinical depression.

Depression is more commonTrusted Source in women, affecting 10.4 percent of women compared with 5.5 percent of men in the U.S. However, the number of men who die by suicide is four times the number of women.

One of the reasons for this could be that men are less likely to get a diagnosis of depression. Depression is a significant risk factor for suicide.

Understanding how depression symptoms might differ between men and women is important. It can help make people aware of depression in themselves and their loved ones. Recognizing depression is the first step toward recovery.

Men’s health resources

For more research-backed information and resources, visit our dedicated men’s health hub.

Some symptoms of depression are the same for men and women. These include:

  • feeling sad, tearful, low, guilty, or empty
  • losing enjoyment in pleasurable activities
  • appetite or weight changes
  • too little or too much sleep
  • feeling agitated or tired
  • having trouble concentrating

Not everyone with depression will experience all of these symptoms.

Some symptoms of depression are more likely to affect men than women, which could be due to genetic, hormonal, biochemical, or social factors. We look at depression in men in more detail below.

The behavioral signs of depression can manifest differently in men and women. For instance, alcohol and drug use affect men with depression more oftenTrusted Source than women, and men are more likely than women to display anger attacks and risk-taking behavior.

Men with depression may notice the following behavioral changes:

  • drinking more or taking drugs
  • avoiding family or social situations
  • working obsessively without taking proper breaks
  • finding it hard to keep up with work or family responsibilities
  • becoming more controlling or abusive in relationships
  • engaging in risk-taking behavior, such as gambling or unsafe sex
  • attempting suicide

One theoryTrusted Source is that these behavioral changes occur as a result of men trying to mask depression and adhere to so-called “masculine norms.” This attempt to conceal depression may cause men to lash out or engage in self-destructive behaviors.

Men with depression may also lose interest in their hobbies and passions or feel less motivated to succeed at work.

Depression may affect a man’s sex drive too. Men with depression may have less interest in having sex and might have trouble with sexual performance.

Some men may find it easier to discuss physical symptoms than mood changes. However, there is a close link between the mind and body. It is vital to share all symptoms with a doctor, even if they seem insignificant or irrelevant.

Depression affects the emotional state of both men and women, causing low mood.

Women with depression may express this as sadness, but some men may be less comfortable outwardly expressing this emotion. Changes to their emotional state can, therefore, become apparent in other ways.

Early signs of depression in men can include an increase in:

  • anger
  • frustration
  • aggression
  • irritability

These differences may be due to societal expectations of how men and women express emotion. It is likely that men will be less willing to show certain emotions, such as sadness, if they feel that others may judge or criticize them for it.

Men with depression may experience thoughts of suicide.

Help is out there

If you or someone you know is in crisis and considering suicide or self-harm, please seek support:

  • Call or text the 988 Lifeline at 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org. Caring counselors are available to listen and provide free and confidential support 24/7.
  • Text HOME to the Crisis Text Line at 741741 to connect with a volunteer crisis counselor for free and confidential support 24/7.
  • Not in the United States? Find a helpline in your country with Befrienders Worldwide.
  • Call 911 or your local emergency services number if you feel safe to do so.

If you’re calling on behalf of someone else, stay with them until help arrives. You may remove weapons or substances that can cause harm if you can do so safely.

If you’re not in the same household, stay on the phone with them until help arrives.

According to 2013–2016 figures from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)Trusted Source, women are almost twice as likely to experience major depression than men. However, it is likely that more men than women avoid reporting depression, so the figures for men may be higher.

According to some estimates, two-thirdsTrusted Source of people with depression in the U.S. have not received a diagnosis.

A doctor may also misdiagnose depression in men. Men may be more likely to report physical symptoms, such as difficulty sleeping, than emotional changes. As a result, the doctor might give them the wrong diagnosis.

Furthermore, people may misinterpret common emotional or behavioral signs of depression in men. They may see anger as a personality trait instead of a sign of depression. They may also misunderstand the reasons for a person’s increased risk-taking behavior or substance use.

2013 studyTrusted Source used criteria to adjust for the different ways in which men and women tend to experience depression. The researchers found that depression was equally prevalent among both genders.

More research into depression and gender is necessary to confirm this.

If a person notices the signs of depression in a close male friend, partner, or family member, it is crucial to discuss this with them. Asking someone who may be experiencing depression how they are feeling is an excellent first step. Trying to be a good listener is important.

Next, encourage them to make an appointment with their doctor. If they feel worried about discussing how they feel emotionally, remind them that they can start by talking about physical symptoms, which will often lead to a broader discussion about other symptoms.

It is important to be patient when supporting someone with depression. Sometimes the behavioral signs of depression in men may cause relationship difficulties. Try discussing issues in a nonjudgmental way. A relationship counselor can help people improve their communication.

Signs of depression in men may differ from signs of depression in women. Men are more likely to feel anger and aggressive feelings and to engage in substance abuse or risky behaviors.

Increased awareness of the signs of depression in men can empower those with this condition to get help.

Seeking help for depression is essential. Suicide is a leading preventable cause of death among men. Treatment can significantly improve a man’s mental health and emotional well-being.

Major depression, also called clinical depression, is a serious but manageable mental health condition. With treatment, a person with depression can manage their condition and stay well. People with depression can go on to make a full recovery.

Source - Medical News Today