Depression is a mood disorder that causes a persistent feeling of sadness and loss of interest. Also called major depressive disorder or clinical depression, it affects how you feel, think and behave and can lead to a variety of emotional and physical problems. You may have trouble doing normal day-to-day activities. Some studies have suggested […]
Author Archives: Francisco Fernandez, MD
Astrocytes make up almost half of the mammalian brain cells. They are called glial cells because scientists originally thought that these starlight-shaped structures serve as “nerve glue.” They play a variety of roles within neurons, such as controlling the growth of axons, the neuronal projections that carry electrical impulses. But until now it was unknown […]
Aging is characterized by declining cell, tissue, and organ function and increased susceptibility to chronic and debilitating diseases. Comprising bacteria, viruses, fungi, protozoa, and archaea, the intestinal microbiota contributes to the life-long health of the host, playing key roles in the development and maintenance of the host immune system and the intestinal epithelial barrier. During […]
With cardiovascular disease being the leading cause of death in adults worldwide, prescribing safe and effective anti-hypertensive therapies is of great concern. However, a common combination of renin-angiotensin system (RAS) inhibitors, such as angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEI) or angiotensin receptor blockers (ARB), with diuretics and easily accessible over the counter non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can […]
Aging is a complex and intraindividual process, usually defined as a time-dependent progressive loss of the individual’s physiological integrity, which eventually leads to deteriorated physical function. The accumulated molecular and cellular damage across an individual’s life span often leads to age-associated pathological conditions and thus makes them more prone to disease and death. Despite hundreds […]
Hearing loss due to aging, noise, or other mechanisms such as drugs and antibiotics has been irreversible because scientists have not been able to reprogram existing cells to develop into the outer and inner ear sensory cells that are essential for hearing, once they die. In a recently published study, researchers have discovered a master […]
Physical activity represents a cornerstone in the primary prevention of at least 35 chronic conditions. However, over the past two decades, considerable knowledge has accumulated concerning the significance of exercise as the first-line treatment of several chronic diseases. A review of multiple studies was performed by B.K. Pedersen and B. Saltin, which included the latest […]
Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a heterogeneous syndrome that is characterized by a progressive deterioration in glycemic control caused by decreased insulin sensitivity and diminished insulin secretion, which has become a serious threat to human health worldwide due to its high prevalence and severe morbidity. Diet, physical exercise, and glucose-lowering medications have been shown […]
Diet as a whole, encompassing food composition, calorie intake, and length and frequency of fasting periods, affects the time span in which health and functional capacity are maintained. In a recently published study, researchers analyzed hundreds of studies to identify a diet that optimizes human health and longevity. The team found that diets with low […]
Sleep is a fundamental requirement for all animals. Appropriate quality and quantity of sleep is essential for the maintenance of mental and physical health. Due to societal pressures and light pollution, sleep deficiency has become a common public health problem, affecting approximately 10-20% of individuals worldwide, especially children and young adults. Short-term consequences of insufficient […]