Author Archives: Francisco Fernandez, MD

Artificial Sweeteners Associated with Increased Risk of Cancer

Due to the deleterious health effects of excess sugar intake, such as weight gain, cardiometabolic disorders, and dental caries, the World Health Organization recommends limiting sugar consumption to less than 10% of daily energy intake.  The food industry started to use artificial sweeteners as alternatives to reduce added sugar content and corresponding calories while maintaining […]

Stem Cell Therapy for Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension

What is Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension?  Pulmonary hypertension is a type of high blood pressure that affects the arteries in the lungs and the right side of the heart. In one form of pulmonary hypertension, called pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), blood vessels in the lungs are narrowed, blocked or destroyed. The damage slows blood flow through […]

Scientists Develop Coated Probiotics that Could Effectively Get to the Gut

Scientists from the Nanyang Technological University, Singapore have developed probiotics with a unique edible coating that ensures the beneficial bacteria successfully reach the intestine once they are ingested. Probiotics are defined by the World Health Organization as live microorganisms, which when administered in adequate amounts, confer a health benefit on the host. The problem with […]

Male Birth Control Pill 99% Effective in Mice Studies

There are many available choices for women for birth control, including pills, patches, intrauterine devices, which results in them bearing most of the burning of preventing a pregnancy. Currently, there are no available pills or options, other than condoms and vasectomy for men to help in preventing a pregnancy. Vasectomies can at times be reversed, […]

The Role of Exosomes in Autoimmune Diseases

What are Exosomes?  Exosomes are small membrane-bound vesicles (30–100 nm) that are secreted by different types of cells. They were first found in reticulocytes (immature red blood cells) of sheep in 1983 and named “exosomes” by Johnstone in 1987.  Different cells can secrete exosomes under normal and also pathological conditions. They are produced by the […]

Chronic Antibiotic Use in Midlife Could Cause Cognitive Decline

The gut microbiome is increasingly recognized to play a role in cognition and dementia. Antibiotic use impacts the gut microbiome and has been linked with chronic disease. Despite these data, there is no evidence supporting an association between long-term antibiotic use in adults and cognitive function. In a recently published study, researchers from the Massachusetts […]

Low Carbohydrate Diet Endocrine Effects in Men

Testosterone is the primary male sex hormone, and vital for reproductive development and function. Studies have found that low endogenous testosterone is associated with an increased risk of chronic disease, including type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease.  Cortisol on the other hand is biochemically opposed to testosterone, as the administration of exogenous cortisol lowers testosterone. […]

New Study Using Hepatitis B Vaccine as a Potential Treatment for COVID-19

More than 180 million people have been infected by SARS-CoV-2 and more than 4 million COVID-19 patients have died during the pandemic. Due to the complex pathological lesions in the lungs and multiple organs, the survivors of severe disease often result in disabling sequels. A great effort is ongoing to mitigate the pandemic at an […]

Could Regulating Inflammation Help Treat Obesity?

Obesity is a major health problem in the industrialized world. Is a complex disease involving an excessive amount of body fat. Obesity isn’t just a cosmetic concern. It’s a medical problem that increases the risk of other diseases and health problems, such as heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure and certain cancers. According to 2017–2018 […]