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Semaglutide & PAD: 54% Risk Reduction in Diabetics

by DrMichaelLee
written by DrMichaelLee

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Semaglutide (Ozempic) Shows Promise in Improving Walking Distance for Type 2 Diabetes Patients with PAD

Table of Contents

Chicago, IL – New findings from a subanalysis of the STRIDE trial, presented at the American Diabetes Association (ADA) 2025 conference, indicate that semaglutide 1.0 mg (Ozempic) provides significant benefits for individuals with type 2 diabetes and peripheral artery disease (PAD). The research demonstrates significant improvements in walking distance, regardless of HbA1c levels or other diabetes treatments [1].

Semaglutide’s Impact on Peripheral Artery Disease

The STRIDE trial, a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study, investigated the effects of semaglutide on walking distance in patients with type 2 diabetes and PAD. The study, which began in 2020, involved 792 patients across 20 countries who were randomly assigned to receive either semaglutide or a placebo for 52 weeks [2].

Did You Know? Peripheral artery disease affects over 200 million people worldwide, and those with diabetes are at a higher risk.

The primary endpoint of the trial focused on the ratio from baseline in maximum walking distance at 52 weeks. Results showed a significant advantage for semaglutide, with an estimated treatment ratio (ETR) of 1.13 (95% CI, 1.06-1.21; *P* = .0004). Secondary outcomes further supported these findings, including greater betterment in walking distance, significantly higher quality-of-life scores, and improved pain-free walking distance [3].

Key Findings Presented at ADA 2025

professor Subodh Verma, MD, PhD, a cardiovascular surgeon at the University of Toronto and senior author of the STRIDE trial, presented a subanalysis at ADA 2025, highlighting that semaglutide was associated with significantly improved walking outcomes, enhanced quality of life, and a 54% reduction in the risk of disease progression.The median ratio to baseline in maximum walking distance was 1.21 in the semaglutide group compared to 1.08 in the placebo group at week 52 [4].

Pro Tip: Regular monitoring of foot health is crucial for individuals with diabetes and PAD to prevent complications.

Efficacy data indicated that the positive effects of semaglutide were independent of baseline glycemic control, duration of diabetes, or intensity of diabetes treatment.The effects were also consistent across different BMI categories and irrespective of background SGLT2 inhibitor use.

Safety and Tolerability

Additional safety data from the STRIDE trial demonstrated that semaglutide was well-tolerated, with no treatment-related deaths and a safety profile consistent with prior data.This reinforces semaglutide as a safe and effective treatment option for this patient population

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Health

Multiple brain profiles underlie the same symptoms in depression

by DrMichaelLee
written by DrMichaelLee

Brain Study Uncovers Depression’s Complex Subtypes

A recent study challenges the conventional understanding of depression, revealing that varied brain profiles can manifest with similar symptoms. This research could pave the way for more personalized and effective treatments for this prevalent mental health disorder.

Unraveling Depression’s Complexity

A new study published in Biological Psychiatry explores the neurological underpinnings of depression. Researchers investigated the relationship between clinical symptoms and neurobiological factors. Their findings suggest both one-to-one and many-to-one heterogeneity within depression.

According to Dr. John Krystal, Editor of Biological Psychiatry, “Depression is a very heterogeneous medical condition. The inability to accurately subtype patients is a major obstacle to matching individual patients to treatments that are more likely to be effective for them. This study makes progress toward this objective. Of note, it unites clinical assessments and brain imaging findings to generate depression subtypes.”

Deeper Dive into the Research

The study’s lead investigator, Dr. Janine D. Bijsterbosch, from Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, explained the research’s goal: “Heterogeneity in depression, i.e., differences between patients with the same diagnosis, has been a topic of interest in our field for a long time. For example, patients with depression can differ from one another in clinical characteristics (e.g., what symptoms they experience, what age their depression first started, and how many episodes they have had), and patients can also differ in their neurobiology (e.g., what brain changes are linked to their depressive symptoms). Although prior studies have investigated both these clinical and neurobiological dimensions, we wanted to develop a more thorough understanding of these sources of variation in depression and their relationship.”

The research used data from the UK Biobank to examine the link between clinical and neurobiological variations. The scientists grouped individuals with depression by their clinical presentations. They then compared their neurobiological profiles.

Key Findings and Implications

Dr. Yvette I. Sheline, from the University of Pennsylvania, stated that the research indicated a connection between clinical presentations of depression and brain changes. The study presented the first concrete evidence of many-to-one brain-symptom mapping. One neurobiological profile was associated with worsened cognition. This important outcome has the potential to influence lives.

“Our findings showed that dividing people up into groups based on their clinical presentation of depression led to stronger and more distinct brain changes as compared to a group with a mixed clinical presentation. Our research also showed that more than one brain profile gave rise to the same clinical presentation in patients with acute depression, providing concrete evidence of many-to-one brain-symptom mapping for the first time. Notably, one of the neurobiological profiles we uncovered was associated with worse cognition, which is an important clinical outcome that can substantially impact individuals’ lives; an MRI scan of neurobiology may have the potential to predict clinical outcomes that depression symptom screening alone cannot capture,” said Dr. Sheline.

Depression remains a prevalent issue, impacting around 9.2% of Americans annually. The World Health Organization reports that in 2023, over 280 million individuals globally grapple with depression. (Source: WHO)

Future Directions

Dr. Deanna M. Barch, from Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, expressed hope that their findings would motivate future work. They aim to further investigate depression variations, leading to tools that address the connections between clinical and neurobiological heterogeneity. Identifying different depression subtypes could improve future clinical care.

“We hope our findings will motivate future work attempting to disentangle the variations in depression, leading to the development of tools that address the layered and complex relationships between clinical and neurobiological sources of heterogeneity that we revealed. Identifying distinct subtypes of depression that may respond differently to treatment could greatly improve clinical care for patients with depression in the future. However, our findings show that identifying such subtypes of depression will only be achievable by addressing both clinical and neurobiological heterogeneity,” concluded Dr. Barch.

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Health

Can a Japanese diet help with depression? Large study says yes

by DrMichaelLee
written by DrMichaelLee

Japanese Diet Linked to Reduced Depression Symptoms in Large Study
Cultural nutrition shows promise for workplace mental health.

A groundbreaking study reveals a strong connection between traditional and modified Japanese diets and a lower incidence of depression symptoms, suggesting that culturally tailored eating plans can boost mental well-being within a working population.

Study Highlights
Researchers assessed the relationship between following Japanese dietary patterns and the occurrence of depressive symptoms among Japanese workers. Dr. Hiroki Miyake and colleagues published their findings in Psychiatry and Clinical Neurosciences.

The research involved a cross-sectional analysis of data from the Japan Epidemiology Collaboration on Occupational Health (J-ECOH) study, encompassing over 12,000 participants across multiple companies and work sites. Dietary adherence was gauged using both traditional and modernized Japanese diet scores.

Key Findings
The results indicated that increased adherence to either the traditional or modified Japanese diets corresponded with a reduced likelihood of experiencing depressive symptoms. The modified diet swapped white rice for whole grains, modified sodium intake, and incorporated raw vegetables, fruits, and dairy.

“Both diets showed similar protective associations,” explained Dr. Miyake. This outcome remained constant even when excluding participants with a history of mental health disorders.

Further Analysis
Subgroup analyses found the association to be more pronounced among individuals with higher educational attainment. However, no significant link was discovered among those working over 46 hours monthly, possibly due to workplace stress negating dietary benefits.

The study suggests the diets’ protective effect could stem from nutrient-rich components like folate, omega-3 fatty acids, and antioxidants. These elements may support neurotransmitter synthesis, reduce inflammation, and decrease oxidative stress. The gut microbiota also plays a role, with dietary fiber from traditional foods potentially improving mood.

The findings may support the development of mental health strategies in wellness programs, and public health policies. According to the World Health Organization, depression affects over 280 million people globally, demonstrating the critical need for effective interventions like culturally-informed dietary adjustments.

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Health

Disrupted biological rhythms in teens can produce unexpected brain effects

by DrMichaelLee
written by DrMichaelLee

Early Life Disruption May Heighten Brain Disorder Risk

Study Suggests Prenatal Infection and Circadian Disruption Combination Alters Brain Development

A new study led by **Dr. Tara Delorme** at McGill University suggests that adolescents’ internal clocks can be key when considering the risk of developing certain brain disorders. The research examined how a mother’s infection during pregnancy, paired with disrupted sleep patterns, influences brain function.

The Study’s Focus

Scientists investigated how prenatal infections, such as the flu, and adolescent circadian disruption—often caused by irregular sleep patterns—interact to impact brain development. They exposed mice to prenatal infection, circadian disruption, both, or neither. These factors were found to alter memory, anxiety, social behavior, and gene activity in brain areas related to disorders.

“While more research is needed, our findings suggest that people exposed to multiple risk factors may need to be especially mindful of their daily rhythms.”

—Dr. Tara Delorme, Lead Author

Interestingly, the combined effects weren’t always negative, with some instances of biological rhythm disruption lessening the impact of prenatal infection. Approximately 1 in 44 children are diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder in the United States (CDC, 2024).

Adolescence and Brain Development

The research concentrated on adolescence because it’s a sensitive time for brain development. **Dr. Nicolas Cermakian**, professor in McGill’s Department of Psychiatry, noted that adolescents’ internal clocks differ from the rest of the population. This, along with screen exposure and artificial light, causes social jet lag.

This misalignment between internal clocks and daily schedules has been linked to various health problems, researchers added. The team, including **Dr. Lalit Srivastava** and **Dr. Patricia Silveira**, is now examining gene changes observed in mice to better understand human brain development.

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Health

Psoriasis Linked to Increased Metabolic Syndrome Risk, Mediated by Disease Activity

by DrMichaelLee
written by DrMichaelLee

Psoriasis Patients Face Elevated Metabolic Syndrome Risk

Individuals with psoriasis are at a heightened risk of developing metabolic syndrome, according to recent research. This finding underscores the need for vigilant monitoring and proactive health management within this patient population.

Psoriasis as a MetS Risk Factor

A new study reveals that psoriasis significantly increases the likelihood of metabolic syndrome (MetS). The study further suggests that the severity of the psoriasis directly impacts the risk of MetS. The greater the inflammatory burden, the higher the metabolic disorder risk, as noted by the research.

“Early recognition of MetS in psoriasis patients is critical for mitigating long-term health risks and improving clinical outcomes,”

—Xiaoyan Zhang, China-Japan Friendship Hospital

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, roughly 37% of U.S. adults have metabolic syndrome, highlighting the broad public health relevance of this research (CDC, 2024).

Study Methodology

Researchers conducted a thorough analysis of studies on psoriasis and MetS. The investigation considered articles from databases like CNKI, PubMed, and Web of Science. The search encompassed publications up to February 2025, aiming to find all relevant studies.

The inclusion criteria for the analysis consisted of observational designs, such as cross-sectional and prospective studies. Studies needed to feature a psoriasis case group and a control group. Furthermore, the diagnosis had to be clinically or pathologically confirmed.

Key Findings

The meta-analysis included 14 articles involving 9,641 patients with psoriasis. The collective prevalence of clinically significant metabolic dysregulation among the psoriasis cases reached 26.49%. When compared to control groups, psoriasis patients showed higher odds ratios for MetS.

In patients with severe psoriasis, a higher risk of developing MetS was identified. The study revealed a positive linear trend between PASI scores and MetS incidence. This indicated a link between disease severity and the chances of developing MetS.

Call to Action

The investigators concluded that clinicians should pay closer attention to the metabolic health of psoriasis patients. Regular monitoring, alongside early intervention measures, is vital to prevent the onset of MetS. They emphasized the importance of interdisciplinary collaborations to improve patient care.

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Health

Biologic Decision-Making in Asthma and COPD: Prioritizing Earlier, Precise Intervention

by DrMichaelLee
written by DrMichaelLee

New Respiratory Treatments Reshape Asthma and COPD Care

Advances in respiratory medicine are transforming asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) management, moving away from generalized treatments to personalized approaches. These changes are expanding treatment options and redefining long-term disease control for individuals once considered hard to treat.

Biologics Revolutionize Asthma Management

Biologic therapies have been central to this shift in asthma care. New drugs like dupilumab (Dupixent), benralizumab (Fasenra), and tezepelumab (Tezspire) have set new standards for effective intervention. The approval of tezepelumab in 2021, the first biologic for severe asthma not limited by eosinophil count, broadened treatment options. This progress is also strengthening collaboration between allergists and pulmonologists.

Joseph Khaabbaza, MD

COPD management is starting to see similar innovation, with the 2024 FDA approval of dupilumab for eosinophilic COPD marking a significant step. As the lines between asthma and COPD continue to blur, clinicians need to reevaluate traditional treatment pathways.

Expert Insights on Emerging Therapies

A recent clinical forum brought together pulmonologists and allergists to discuss the updates in respiratory care, led by pulmonologist Joseph Khabbaza, MD, of Cleveland Clinic. Panelists discussed the central role of biologics in modern asthma management, particularly for those with type 2 inflammation. The use of biomarkers like eosinophils and FeNO has also grown substantially.

“I’ve been more aggressive with, if my patient needs steroids more than twice in 6 months or so, I’m pulling the trigger faster and faster, even without long-acting muscarinic antagonist (LAMA), just because I first-hand know the major long-term side effects of steroids 10 years, 15 years down the road,”

—Forum Participant

Another shift is that pulmonologists are managing biologics more often, and initiating them earlier to reduce steroid use and prevent long-term problems, despite payer criteria. The global prevalence of COPD is estimated to be around 10% of adults aged 40 years and over, highlighting the scale of the issue (World Health Organization, 2024).

Future Directions in Respiratory Care

COPD management is beginning to adopt similar principles, recognizing that some patients with type 2 inflammation may benefit from biologics. Panelists emphasized the need for longer-acting biologics, better phenotyping, and broader eligibility definitions, especially for COPD patients.

“Asthma and COPD have evolved over the last few years and with a lot of thinking about eosinophils and type 2 inflammation, and we now have more pathways and more treatments than ever before to try to help these patients. And we want to minimize prednisone, and minimize exacerbation. I think those are- If we can do those two things in asthma and COPD patients, that’ll be good for everyone in the system,” Khabbaza concluded.

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