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Can Vitamin D Supplementation Slow Cellular Aging?

In a large randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, vitamin D3 supplementation modestly but significantly slowed the rate of leukocyte telomere shortening over four years.

Blood GFAP Measurements for Rapid Diagnosis of ICH

The early diagnosis of spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) is important to initiate rapid interventions, such as lowering blood pressure and reversing the effects of antithrombotic medications. Plasma assays of glial fibrillary acidic protein may become a useful tool for the prehospital diagnosis of ICH, but it needs further study before adoption in the clinical setting.

Tolebrutinib May Slow Disability Progression in Patients with SPMS

A recent prospective study showed that tolebrutinib slows disability progression in patients with nonrelapsing secondary progressive multiple sclerosis (SPMS). There were some safety concerns, especially hepatotoxicity. A lack of demonstrated effect on some functional outcomes warrants careful consideration and continuing study.

CSF α-Synuclein Seed Amplification Assays in Parkinsonian Syndromes

This large longitudinal study, which looked at cerebrospinal fluid α-synuclein seed amplification assays (SAAs) from three large cohorts, demonstrated efficacy in distinguishing between Parkinson’s disease and progressive supranuclear palsy, as well as predicting cognitive decline based on kinematic analysis of the SAA samples.

Long-Term Peripheral Nerve Function Changes in People with Well-Controlled Type 2 Diabetes

The authors conducted a prospective observational study comparing the effect of early diagnosed, well-controlled type 2 diabetes on peripheral nerve function. Overall, they found similar rates of decline in nerve function in people with well-controlled diabetes compared to age- and sex-matched individuals with normal glucose tolerance. Given the similar decline in nerve function, the authors concluded that the course of diabetic sensorimotor neuropathy is influenced primarily by nerve function at the time of diagnosis and age-related physiological decline.

Endocrine Causes of Secondary Hypertension

Primary care providers should maintain a high index of suspicion for endocrine-related secondary hypertension, particularly in patients with resistant hypertension or atypical presentations. Conditions such as pheochromocytoma, primary hyperaldosteronism, and Cushing syndrome are common, yet frequently underdiagnosed causes that, if missed, can lead to rapid end-organ damage. This article emphasizes the need for early recognition and diagnostic vigilance, and equips clinicians with guidance to improve diagnostic accuracy and enhance patient outcomes through targeted treatment.

Does an Elevated Troponin Level Post-Exercise Indicate Occult Coronary Atherosclerosis?

In middle-aged competitive recreational athletes, increases in cardiac troponin levels with exercise competitions were not infrequent. In a subgroup, coronary artery calcium by computed tomography was found in almost two-thirds, but the prevalence and magnitude of calcium was not associated with the exercise troponin response.

Does Lipoprotein(a) Improve the Risk Calculation of the PREVENT Equation?

A pooled cohort from the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis and the United Kingdom Biobank study has shown that, overall, the American Heart Association PREVENT risk scores performed well at predicting atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease risk even in those with high lipoprotein(a) levels, but considering lipoprotein(a) in those with low PREVENT scores may help make therapeutic decisions in these individuals.

Benefits of Nudging in Severe Aortic Stenosis

A single health system study of electronic provider notifications when severe aortic stenosis was discovered on echocardiography showed that referrals for aortic valve replacement significantly increased, especially in women and those > 80 years of age.

Balloon Angioplasty for Chronic Thromboembolic Pulmonary Hypertension

A multinational, prospective registry of balloon pulmonary angioplasty has shown that significant improvement in patients with chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension can be accomplished with few complications and no periprocedural mortality.