Cisplatin increases risk of hearing loss; Elenolic acid lowers blood sugar levels; How “stresslaxing” can stress you out – Morning Medical Update

Cisplatin increases risk of hearing loss

Cisplatin has been a main form of cancer chemotherapy for decades, often used to fight a range of cancers, such as bladder, lung, neck, and testicular tumors. However, a 14-year study of testicular cancer survivors suggests that the drug could increase patients’ risk for hearing loss.

Robert Frisina, co-author of the study and the chair of the department of medical engineering at the University of South Florida, said, “This research gives oncologists the information they need to explore alternative treatment plans that could reduce the long-term side effects.”

He also said changes could include altering dosages and timing of cisplatin during treatment. Read more about the study here.

Elenolic acid lowers blood sugar levels

A new mouse study found that elenolic acid, a natural compound found in olives, can lower blood sugar levels and promote weight loss. This new discovery could further the development of safe and affordable natural products for managing obesity and type 2 diabetes.

Researchers found that after one week, obese mice with diabetes that were given elenolic acid weighed significantly less, as well as showed better blood sugar regulation than before treatment and compared to mice without elenolic acid given to them.

The findings were recently presented at NUTRITION 2024 in Chicago from June 29 to July 2.

How “stresslaxing” can stress you out

When trying to find ways to destress, you may end up feeling “stresslaxed,” a counterproductive effect that can lead to an increased cycle of anxiety.

Psychiatrist Michael Schirripa, said, “This term refers to the phenomena or experience of people who are in an anxious or stressed state trying to calm down and feel more relaxed by forcing themselves to take a break or unwind.”

This new phenomenon may suggest that the brain resists forced relaxation when trying to destress, particularly in the amygdala, a part of the brain that is always searching for danger. Find out more on how to regulate your stress and what the future implications of “stresslaxing” could mean for patients in this article.