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Study Suggests Maintaining Klotho Protein Levels Protects Against ALS-Related Nerve Degeneration

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Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, also known as ALS or Lou Gherig’s Disease after the famous baseball player who was forced to retire after experiencing the disease, is a fatal neurodegenerative disease. The medical term for ALS accurately describes the effects the disease has on patients. Amyotrophic refers to three root terms: a meaning “no,” myo meaning “muscle,” and trophic meaning nourishment, all of which combine to indicate that the condition leads to no nourishment of muscle tissue and atrophy, or wasting away, of the affected tissue. Lateral indicates the upper and lower areas of the spinal cord that lead to muscle atrophy, and sclerosis refers to the hardening and scarring of the affected regions.

In ALS, motor neurons that provide an essential connection between the brain and spinal cord and the rest of the body degenerate or deteriorate rapidly. When the motor neurons eventually die, the brain can no longer cause or control muscle movement, leading to their eventual atrophy. Soon after, individuals can experience partial or total paralysis of voluntary muscles, leading to an inability to control muscle movement, speak, eat, and even breathe. The average life expectancy after receiving an ALS diagnosis is between three and five years.

Lack of Available Treatments

Currently, there is no cure for ALS. While familial, or inherited, ALS accounts for some cases of the disease, nearly 95% of cases occur sporadically, without any known genetic precursor. 

In an effort to find a potential preventive treatment for ALS and other neurodegenerative diseases, researchers at Boston University’s School of Medicine have turned to study biological models that simulate neurodegenerative conditions. As a result, scientists have identified a certain protein that appears to serve a unique, beneficial purpose in protecting the brain from the mechanisms of ALS.

Klotho Protein

In Boston University’s School of Medicine laboratory model, researchers identified an anti-aging protein called klotho protein that showed neuroprotective effects. In fact, increasing klotho protein levels reduced neurological deficits in experimental models of both Alzheimer’s Disease and multiple sclerosis (MS). Researchers then posited that klotho protein increases may aid in protecting the brain against other neurodegenerative diseases, as well.

In a subsequent study on a laboratory model, klotho protein provided similar neuroprotective effects against ALS. Klotho protein was shown to reduce ALS-associated neurological deficits, thus providing a potential decrease in the manifestation of symptoms. In conjunction with the presence of anti-inflammatory brain cells called microglia, klotho protein shows potential to protect the brain against inflammation, degeneration, and motor neuron loss.

Future Implications

Klotho protein therapy, along with other activities that increase klotho levels, have been shown to potentially prolong the life of an ALS patient by as much as 300 days. Further, increasing klotho levels appears to improve quality of life by reducing ALS symptoms in patients who have already discovered the disease.

While the klotho protein has long shown benefits for other neurodegenerative diseases, this new information provides hope and potential therapeutic applications for the thousands of patients currently suffering from ALS.

Resources:

https://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2019-06/buso-pop062719.php
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s12031-019-01356-2

https://www.als.org/understanding-als/what-is-als 

Michelle has been a part of the journey ever since Bigtime Daily started. As a strong learner and passionate writer, she contributes her editing skills for the news agency. She also jots down intellectual pieces from categories such as science and health.

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Health

Inside Dr. James Lee’s Surgical Suite: A Look at Gynecomastia Correction

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Photo Credit: Dr. James Lee Cosmetic Surgery Clinic

Byline: Katreen David 

“Cosmetic surgery is no longer about extremes; it’s about harmonizing your outer self with the person you’ve always known yourself to be,” says Dr. James Lee, reflecting on the industry’s evolving standards for both men and women. “In recent years, we’ve seen a gravitation toward subtle enhancements that speak to individual authenticity rather than transformation for the sake of it.”

Procedures such as gynecomastia correction are a barometer of the times. It captures society’s dynamic views on beauty, self-expression, and, increasingly, the desire for authenticity. 

Gynecomastia correction is a procedure designed to address the excessive development of male breast tissue, a condition that can cause emotional distress and a deep sense of self-consciousness for many men. Gynecomastia is more than a cosmetic issue. It stems from various causes—hormonal imbalances, obesity, genetics, or even the side effects of medication. For numerous men, surgery is the final step after years of struggle with their body image.

“I’ve had patients tell me they haven’t been to the beach in years or that they wear multiple layers of clothing just to feel comfortable,” Dr. Lee explains. “It’s not just about how they look, but how they feel about themselves.”

The surgical suite of Dr. James Lee, a leading figure in the plastic surgery industry, makes ripples in this respect. His practice is a safe space where progressive techniques meet state-of-the-art technology, offering clients subtle amplifications that make them feel secure, comfortable, and welcome in his practice. 

Precision Meets Compassion in the Operating Room

For Dr. Lee, each gynecomastia surgery is a blend of art and science, involving the removal of excess fat, glandular tissue, and, in some cases, skin. He uses a combination of liposuction and excision techniques, depending on the patient’s needs. Small incisions are carefully placed in inconspicuous areas, often around the nipple or lateral chest, to minimize scarring.

“The goal is to restore a natural, masculine contour to the chest while minimizing any visible signs of surgery,” says Dr. Lee. His steady hands reflect years of experience and dedication to delivering results that are both physically transformative and emotionally freeing.

Patients, typically, undergo the procedure under local anesthesia with sedation, though some opt for general anesthesia. The operation itself may take a couple of hours, but the impact on the patient’s life can be immeasurable. 

It is worth noting that, in Dr. Lee’s practice, the procedure doesn’t end in the operating room. Instead, it is the beginning of a recovery process designed to render the best possible results.

“We take the time to walk patients through every step of recovery,” he says. “From wearing compression garments to controlling swelling, everything is about ensuring the final result meets their expectations.”

Patients leave the clinic the same day, albeit with detailed post-operative instructions that extend beyond healing. For Dr. Lee, success is measured by physical results, the patients’ trust in him, and their satisfaction with their newfound confidence as they recover and return to their daily lives.

The Psychological Toll of Gynecomastia

Gynecomastia affects more than just the physical appearance. A multitude of men experience a profound impact on their self-esteem and mental well-being. As Dr. Lee notes, “Some men live with this condition for years, feeling trapped in their bodies and avoiding social activities, sports, or even intimacy because of how they feel about their chest.” 

In a society where male body image issues are often overlooked, Dr. Lee’s practice is a safe space where men can openly discuss their struggles. He frequently hears stories from patients who have been ridiculed or who have suffered in silence, feeling isolated because of a condition that is rarely talked about.

However, once they have the surgery, the change in their demeanor is almost immediate. “It’s like watching a weight being lifted off their shoulders,” says Dr. Lee. “They carry themselves differently, with more confidence. It’s not just a physical transformation; it’s an emotional one as well.”

Dr. Lee understands the sensitivity surrounding gynecomastia correction and has tailored his approach to meet both the physical and emotional needs of his patients. Each consultation is an opportunity for him to listen and guide his patients through the decision-making process, ensuring they have realistic expectations and understand the nuances of the surgery.

Dr. Lee’s reputation for gynecomastia correction has earned him praise in the medical community and gratitude from countless patients. As body image issues among men continue to gain recognition, his work shines a light on the importance of offering solutions that go beyond the surface.

Beauty Rewired: High-Tech, Heartfelt Transformations

One of the hallmarks of Dr. James Lee’s practice is his meticulous work in the operating room and the exceptional team providing outstanding service by his side. 

Dr. Lee is acutely aware of the importance of balancing technology with the indispensable human touch. “Technology is an incredible tool, but it’s not a replacement for the surgeon’s proficiency and intuition. My job is to guide my patients and help them understand what’s possible and realistic,” he says. His mantra resonates with a growing demographic of patients seeking reassurance and innovation in equal measure.

The Road Ahead: Ethical and Aesthetic Considerations

As the industry evolves, ethical considerations are increasingly coming to the forefront. The rise of social media has fueled unrealistic beauty standards, leading to an uptick in procedures among younger demographics. This has prompted a debate within the industry about the role of cosmetic surgery in perpetuating certain ideals.

“We have a responsibility as surgeons to ensure that our work doesn’t contribute to a culture of unattainable beauty,” Dr. James Lee emphasizes. “We have to focus on enhancing what’s already there, not creating something that isn’t. Patients should feel empowered, not pressured, by the available options.” 

Top-tier surgeons are increasingly adopting this ethical stance as they recognize the impact of their work on both individual lives and vast societal standards.

Where Beauty Meets Brains: Crafting Aesthetic Integrity in the Modern Age

As we move further into 2024, it’s clear that the field of cosmetic surgery is undergoing a significant transformation—one that prioritizes authenticity, patient well-being, and ethical responsibility. 

Dr. James Lee is one of the forward-thinking minds propelling this movement to new heights. He effectively leads the way with innovative techniques and a commitment to natural, individualized results. “The future of cosmetic surgery isn’t about keeping up with trends; it’s about understanding what makes each person unique and enhancing that essence,” he concludes.

Responding to the critics who typecast the beauty industry as a superficial field, Dr. James Lee’s plastic surgery clinic offers a refreshing perspective. It values subtlety over spectacle and integrity over imitation. This is the essence of gynecomastia correction and every other careful procedure that Dr. Janes Lee performs. 

As the demand for these kinds of results grows, so does the importance of practitioners who can deliver them with skill and sensitivity. Dr. James Lee’s practice is a game-changer in this new era, where technology and artistry meet to create something truly remarkable: your most authentic version.

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