Niswarth Kadam’s distributed milk in schools to foster Health and Well being

Health and Well being

Gurugram: Niswarth Kadam took a new initiative by distributing milk in Sector 92 located at Cluster School in their ongoing campaign Ek Kadam Neki Ki Aur. This initiative aimed to enhance the health and nutrition of school children. Recognizing the critical role that nutrition plays in the growth and development of young minds, Niswarth Kadam has taken a proactive step towards ensuring that every child has access to essential nutrients.

Regarding this initiative, Pramod Raghav, founder of Niswarth Kadam, says that milk is an important nutrient that is essential for our children. It provides them with high-quality nutrition and helps maintain their health. The main objective of this initiative is to make the children of our community healthy and nourished. This support is especially important for all those situations where children need proper nutrition but are unable to access it.

We believe that every child deserves access to nutritious food, regardless of their socio-economic background. By distributing milk in schools, we hope to empower students to lead healthier lives and achieve their full potential. Milk distribution program not only ensures the nutrition of the learners but it also impacts their studies. Healthy learners think positively and learn more.

Heatwave & Dry eyes: Here are the tips to ease discomfort

MUMBAI, 2nd May 2024: Dry Eye Disease (DED) has emerged as a significant health concern affecting a large segment of the population across various age groups in India. With symptoms ranging from dryness and burning sensations to blurred vision and eye fatigue, DED poses challenges in daily activities and productivity. Understanding its causes and adopting preventive measures are crucial steps in managing this condition effectively.

Dr. Smit M Bavaria, Cataract Surgeon at Dr. Agarwals Eye Hospital, Wadala: “I have witnessed the increasing prevalence of Dry Eye Disease among patients. It is s more than just occasional discomfort; it can significantly impact the quality of life. With the prevalence projected to increase in the coming years, it’s crucial for both healthcare professionals and the public to prioritize education and proactive management strategies to mitigate its effects. It’s imperative for individuals to be aware of the contributing factors and incorporate preventive measures into their lifestyle to alleviate discomfort and maintain ocular health.”

He further shared valuable tips for the treatment and management of Dry Eye Disease, including:

  1. Hot Compression and eyelid massage: Apply hot compression and gently massage the eyelids to alleviate discomfort.
  2. Ocular hygiene: Maintain good ocular hygiene to prevent further irritation and inflammation.
  3. Diet and sleep improvement: Enhance your diet and sleep patterns to support overall eye health.
  4. Regular screen breaks: Take frequent breaks from screen use to reduce eye strain and dryness.
  5. Environmental risk reduction: Eliminate environmental factors such as pollution and low humidity that can exacerbate dry eye symptoms.
  6. Treatment of systemic conditions: Address any underlying systemic conditions like diabetes or autoimmune disorders that may contribute to Dry Eye Disease.
  7. Consider ocular surgical procedures: Consult with your healthcare provider about potential surgical options for severe cases of dry eye.

Dry Eye Disease encompasses various factors including environmental conditions, systemic diseases, and prolonged screen use, all contributing to tear film instability and ocular surface inflammation. Alongside conventional treatments like hot compressions and ocular hygiene, lifestyle modifications such as regular breaks from screens and maintaining proper hydration levels are essential in managing symptoms effectively. By addressing both the underlying causes and symptoms, individuals can experience relief and improve their overall eye health.

Medica Superspecialty Hospital leads Eastern India in trauma care with successful inaugural ATLS course

 Medica Superspecialty Hospital leads

2nd May 2024 Kolkata: Medica Superspecialty Hospital, a leading healthcare institution in Eastern India, is proud to announce the successful hosting of its inaugural Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS) course from 28th April to 30th April’24. This significant initiative aligns with Medica’s steadfast commitment to bringing the highest standards of healthcare to Eastern India. Distinguished external faculty members for the inaugural course at Medica included Prof. Dr. MC Mishra, ATLS Chair and Program Director of ATLS India, along with Prof. Dr. Vinod Jain, Head Surgical Sciences, Neera Hospital, Lucknow, National Course Director ATLS India; Prof. Dr. Amita Ray, HOD Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, MMC Medical College, Bihar and ATLS Senior Instructor, ATLS Educator India; and Dr (Brig.) Sanil Mohan, Head of Department, Department of Anesthesiology, Command Hospital (Eastern Command), Kolkata. Dr. Anirban Chatterjee, Senior Consultant, Hand & Pediatric Orthopedic Surgeon & Faculty – DNB Orthopedics, Medica Institute of Orthopaedic Sciences, In-house ATLS Instructor, Member of ATLS Team, Medica Superspecialty Hospital; Dr. Kasturi H. Bandyopadhyay, Senior Consultant Anaesthesiologist, DNB Faculty & ATLS Instructor, Medica Superspecialty Hospital and Dr. Akshay Gadre, Consultant Anaesthesiologist, DNB Faculty, ATLS Instructor and ATLS Site In Charge, Medica Superspecialty Hospital were an integral part of the ATLS course at Medica. The course was impeccably coordinated by Mr. Smith Banerjee, ATLS coordinator, Medica, Kolkata and Mr. Joseph Antony, Nursing Team Leader and Supervisor Emergency Medicine, ATLS Coordinator Medica, Kolkata under supervision from ATLS India head office.

Conducted under the esteemed banner of the American College of Surgeons, the ATLS course equips healthcare professionals with essential skills for managing polytrauma victims, particularly during the critical “Golden Hour” following injury. Developed out of the personal tragedy experienced by Orthopedic Surgeon Dr. James Styner in 1980, the ATLS program has gained global recognition as a pivotal method for training frontline providers in trauma patient care.

The initiative to introduce the ATLS course in India was spearheaded by the Indian Society for Trauma & Acute Care (ISTAC) with support from the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare and the National Disaster Management Authority of the Government of India. Since its inception at the Jai Prakash Narayan Apex Trauma Centre of AIIMS, New Delhi in 2009, numerous centers across India have embraced this training, significantly enhancing the preparedness of medical personnel to handle trauma cases effectively.

Dr. Anirban Chatterjee expressed, “The inaugural ATLS course at Medica Superspecialty Hospital marks a significant milestone in our journey. After a few years of effort, we’re proud to be the first hospital in Eastern India to host this course, joining 33 other centres across the country. This program holds profound significance as it equips physicians with the necessary knowledge and skills to deliver critical care to trauma patients. Through the ATLS course, doctors acquire vital insights and abilities to promptly identify and address life-threatening injuries amidst the intense pressures inherent in trauma care environments.”

While talking about the importance of the course, Dr. Kasturi H Bandyopadhyay, shared, “Our objective was to establish a dedicated trauma team for proficiently handling polytrauma cases within our hospital. Initiating this course marked our initial stride toward realizing this objective.”

Dr Akshay Gadre stated that, “Although limited to 16 delegates per course, as per ATLS guidelines and recommended instructor-provider ratio, we have received inquiries from Oman, Bangladesh, and Nepal, which we have enlisted for our subsequent sessions. Eligibility for participation mandates possession of an MBBS degree. Following the success of this endeavour, we have plans to extend our efforts to conduct the ATCN course, aimed at training nursing staff in proficient trauma care.”

Mr. R. Udayan Lahiry, Managing Director, Medica Group of Hospitals, told, “Trauma is a leading cause of death and disability all over the world. Trauma management can be improved by implementing a trauma care system that includes injury prevention, education, pre-hospital care, transportation, hospital care, and rehabilitation. If properly implemented, trauma system can reduce mortality by at least 10-15%. Training clinicians to manage trauma patients is an essential part of developing proper trauma systems. The primary end point of any clinical educational activity is its impact on improving health care delivery resulting in saving lives. At Medica, we have always reiterated on continuous education not only for our clinicians and nurses but also for all the caregivers of the region in the larger interest of the community we serve. We intend to initiate the ATCN course soon in our endeavour to address the trauma management holistically.”

Mr. Ayanabh Debgupta, Jt. Managing Director, Medica Group of Hospitals, shared, “Trauma globally results in six million deaths annually. Approximately 40 million people suffer permanent injuries each year, while up to 100 million experience temporary injuries. The UN and WHO/WHA highlight trauma as the primary cause of death among individuals aged five to 29 worldwide. Recent analysis conducted in Indian hospitals revealed that 58% of trauma-related deaths could have been prevented. Against this backdrop, the significance of the ATLS course is unparalleled, and it is imperative for all hospitals to establish trauma care teams to enhance patient outcomes.”

About Medica Group of Hospitals: Medica Group of Hospitals, one of the major chains of hospitals in Eastern India today, has built and managed numerous healthcare facilities across the Eastern region over the past few years. The group has footprints in West Bengal, Jharkhand, Odisha, Bihar, and Assam.

Virinchi Hospitals Hosts Neonatal Resuscitation Workshop to Combat Oxygen-Related Neonatal Mortality

Virinchi Hospitals

Hyderabad,2nd May 2024: Virinchi Hospitals, a pioneer in healthcare services in Hyderabad, hosted a specialized workshop on Neonatal Resuscitation for the nursing staff, today at Virinchi Hospital, Banjara Hills. This vital program was organized by senior consultant Pediatrician Dr. Vannala Raju, with esteemed faculty members including Dr. Purna Guggilum, KIMS Cuddles; Dr. Vaddi Vamsi Krishna, Rainbow Children’s Hospital; and Dr. Raju himself.

The workshop focused on critical resuscitation techniques necessary for caring for newborns immediately after birth. More than 50 nursing professionals from various hospitals in & around the city participated in this engaging and informative session, acquiring skills that are crucial in reducing brain damage due to lack of oxygen immediately after birth (hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy – HIE) —a common yet preventable threat to newborns.

India’s current neonatal mortality rate stands at approximately 20 deaths per 1,000 live births and conditions such as hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) because of poor cry/inability of the baby to breathe immediately after birth contribute significantly to neonatal deaths. It is estimated that 1.5 babies per 1,000 live births in India are affected by HIE, making it a crucial area for intervention.

Dr. Vannala Raju, who spearheaded the workshop, emphasized the importance of equipping nursing staff with the knowledge and techniques to administer immediate care. “Through this workshop, we aim to disseminate knowledge and skills to reduce neonatal mortality and enhance the quality of care provided right at the moment of birth,” said Dr. Raju.

The training covered a range of topics crucial to newborn care, including the effective management of breathing and cardiovascular stabilization. The workshop’s hands-on approach ensured that the nursing staff could practice and master these lifesaving techniques in a controlled, supportive environment.

The success of this program highlights Virinchi Hospitals’ commitment to advancing neonatal care and improving health outcomes for the youngest patients. The knowledge disseminated here is expected to significantly decrease the incidence of hypoxic damage and, by extension, neonatal mortality rates. Virinchi Hospitals continues to stand at the forefront of medical excellence and educational empowerment, aiming to set new standards in healthcare provision and staff training.

Fortis Healthcare: Expanding Horizons in Mental Wellness

Fortis Healthcare

New Delhi, 30th April 2024: Fortis Healthcare today achieved a significant milestone in India’s mental healthcare landscape with the launch of ‘Adayu Mindfulness’, a dedicated vertical for comprehensive Mental Healthcare along with an exclusive collaboration of United We Care and Adayu – AI-Powered Holistic Mental Health Solution with World’s most Advanced Virtual Psychological First Aid. This collaboration will leverage the power of artificial intelligence to enhance mental well-being and accessibility of care for individuals everywhere, powering it further by Adayu’s trained team of mental health experts to provide holistic care. This visionary initiative reaffirms Fortis Healthcare’s commitment to transformative healthcare solutions and underscores its role as a trailblazer in revolutionizing mental healthcare services across India.

Dr. Ashutosh Raghuvanshi, MD & CEO, of Fortis Healthcare, said “Fortis Healthcare is uniquely committed to integrating mental health into mainstream healthcare, a vision we have been cultivating for over a decade. Today, we take a significant step forward with the launch of our dedicated mental health vertical, ‘Adayu Mindfulness’. This new initiative not only emphasises our commitment to addressing the pervasive challenge of mental health but also showcases our innovative approach by integrating AI technology through our partnership with ‘United We Care’. This collaboration is set to transform the accessibility of mental health services, making comprehensive care available at the touch of a button. This is more than an advancement in healthcare technology; it is a movement towards destigmatizing mental health issues and enhancing the availability of care for those in need across India. Through such pioneering efforts, we continue to lead the way in transforming healthcare delivery and improving patient outcomes.”

Doctor from Narayana Health City Saves Life at Bengaluru Polling Station

Bengaluru, 29th April 2024 – In a remarkable blend of medical expertise and swift action, Dr. Ganesh Srinivasa Prasad, a Nephrologist at Narayana Health City, Bommasandra, emerged as a ‘life saver’ when he saved the life of a woman who suffered a cardiac arrest while waiting to vote.

Dr. Ganesh Srinivasa Prasad

The incident unfolded at Jumbo Savari Dinne in JP Nagar 8th Phase, as voters gathered to exercise their democratic rights. Dr. Prasad, patiently waiting his turn to vote, witnessed a woman in her fifties collapse while attempting to drink water from a can near the queue of voters around 9 am.

Reacting instantly, Dr. Prasad and another individual in the queue sprang into action, catching the woman before she hit the ground.

Dr. Prasad recounted the critical moment: “I checked her pulse and found it was very low. There was an uprolling of eyes. Her body did not show any response and she was gasping for breath. I immediately performed CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) and her condition improved.”

The quick and effective administration of CPR proved instrumental in stabilizing the woman’s condition until further medical assistance could be arranged. Those on election duty promptly provided her with juice, while an ambulance was summoned, arriving within a mere five minutes.

The woman was swiftly transported to the hospital, where she received the necessary medical attention.

Reflecting on the incident, Dr. Prasad emphasized the importance of timely intervention, stating, “We might have even lost her if there had been a delay. As a group, we are dedicated to taking care of our patients throughout their healthcare journey. I am thankful for the opportunity to have played a role in saving the patient’s life through prompt and effective first aid. Our commitment to delivering exceptional medical care extends beyond the hospital walls, and I am proud of our collective efforts in ensuring the well-being of those we serve.”

While the woman unfortunately missed the opportunity to cast her vote, her life was saved thanks to the dedication and expertise of Dr. Prasad of Narayana Health City.

This incident serves as a poignant reminder of the critical role that CPR plays in emergencies, underscoring the importance of widespread knowledge and accessibility to life-saving techniques.

Narayana Health City reaffirms its commitment to providing exceptional medical care and commends Dr. Prasad for his exemplary actions in the face of adversity.

Experts Advocate One Health for Preventive Approach at 9th IHW Summit

One Health is the Need of the hour

Mumbai, 29th April 2024: Public Health experts at the 9th Edition of India Health & Wellness Summit & Awards concluded that the “One Health Approach” is a much-needed step towards preventive health and can pave the way for healthier societies as well as better and safer environments.

The 9th edition of the India Health and Wellness Summit and Awards unfolded in a splendid ceremony in Mumbai, drawing together a diverse array of stakeholders and public health experts. Their collective focus was on crafting comprehensive and well-coordinated strategies, aimed at advancing the fundamental goal of securing good health for the people and the planet.

While taking part in the discussion, the Guest of Honour – Mr Nawin Sona IAS, Health Secretary-Public Health Department, Government of Maharashtra congratulated the IHW Council for spearheading the endeavor “Platforms like the IHW Summit break the silos and bring everyone together thus initiating interconnectedness action for the good health of all”. He further noted that “the One Health approach is pivotal to bridge the gap between preventive health and awareness, it is only through a comprehensive approach that we can work towards addressing the problems of modern-day living and go back to traditional and healthier ways of living.”

The summit saw fruitful discussions on critical health topics like sustainable food security & nutrition, patient centricity in healthcare delivery, personalized health solutions and the digital age, equitable access to safe and quality medicines, and the impact of social and environmental determinants on overall well-being.

Mr Sudarshan Jain, Secretary General, Indian Pharmaceutical Alliance while discussing about the aspect of adult immunization remarked that equitable access to vaccine goes beyond accessibility and creating awareness on the preventive aspect of life course vaccination is imperative, in this regard.

Each session was attended by an array of experts who discussed the importance of digitalization in making healthcare accessible, the relationship between gut health and mental health and also pointed out the significance of patient-centric interventions that are revolutionizing preventive health.

Mr. Akshay Mehrotra Co-Founder & CEO FIBE while discussing about enabling financial solutions for health equity observed “The healthcare sector holds profound sentimental significance for us, embodying a commitment to enhancing value for our esteemed customers and the patients within the hospital. Through strategic partnerships, our alliance aims to reinforce our dedication to establishing affordability for exceptional medical treatments, alleviating the financial burden of patients. “

Since its inception in 2014, the IHW Summit has emerged as a pivotal platform for healthcare luminaries, policymakers, industry experts, and community influencers to converge, exchange insights, and co-create solutions aimed at addressing the nation’s pressing health challenges. With a steadfast commitment to fostering dialogue and collaboration, the Summit endeavors to catalyze a paradigm shift in India’s approach to health and wellbeing, laying the groundwork for sustainable progress and advancement.

Year after year, the IHW Summit has garnered widespread acclaim for its role in driving innovation, advocating for policy reforms, and championing best practices in health and wellness. As a testimony to its growing influence, the Summit has become synonymous with excellence in healthcare, attracting millions of followers, key stakeholders, and grassroots communities alike.

Speaking on the occasion Mr Kamal Narayan, CEO, Integrated Health & Wellbeing Council said, “The IHW Summit, is a testament to our unwavering commitment to shaping the future of health and wellness in India. In these unprecedented times, the need for collaboration and innovation in healthcare has never been greater. We look forward to welcoming participants from across the healthcare ecosystem as we work together to drive meaningful change and create a healthier, more equitable future for all.”

FIBE was the Healthcare Finance Partner for the event, Zenzo, FlexifyME, and Wolters Kluwer were Associate Partners and Peakmind was the Mental Health & Wellbeing Partner for the event. Disha was the Session Partner and Teamwork Communications Group was the Communication Partner for the event.

Management of Mitral, Tricuspid Valve Disease, CABG and ASD closure in a 73-Year-Old Female Patient

In India, heart-related issues among men are increasing day by day but the Mumbai Hospital came across a very interesting case where an old lady presented with Mitral and Tricuspid Valve Disease. In 1982, she underwent her first heart surgery to address a mitral valve issue. This marked the beginning of her journey with cardiac health management. Subsequent to this, in 1998 and 2016, she underwent two more balloon mitral valvotomy procedures, indicating ongoing challenges with her heart valves. Unfortunately, 2016 also brought with it a diagnosis of breast cancer, leading to a rigorous treatment regimen that included mastectomy and radiotherapy. Despite the challenges posed by both cardiac and oncological issues, the patient completed her entire course of cancer treatment with resilience and determination.

Fast forward to January 2024, at the age of 73yrs, the patient approached Dr Gulshan Rohra, a Senior Cardiac surgeon at Wockhardt Hospital, Mumbai Central. She was experiencing symptoms indicative of mitral stenosis and tricuspid valve malfunction. Concerned about her cardiac health, Dr Rohra recommended a comprehensive plan of action, which included replacing the malfunctioning mitral valve and repairing the tricuspid valve. However, before proceeding with the planned valve interventions, a thorough angiographic evaluation was conducted to assess the condition of her heart arteries.

To the medical team’s concern, the angiography revealed significant blockages in the patient’s coronary arteries, indicating underlying coronary artery disease. In addition to these concerns, patient also had small airway disease (on lung function test). Recognizing the importance of addressing these blockages to ensure optimal cardiac function and long-term well-being, the decision was made to include coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) alongside the planned valve replacement and repair procedures.

The surgical intervention, which occurred under the careful supervision of Dr Gulshan Rohra and his team, aimed to address the entirety of the patient’s cardiovascular issues. During the surgery, Dr Rohra also found multiple atrial septal defects. The following procedures were performed during the open heart surgery.

1) Mitral valve replacement

2) Tricuspid valve assessment (Repair not needed)

3) Bypass surgery

4) ASD closure

Postoperatively, the patient received attentive care in the intensive care unit, where her cardiac parameters were closely monitored, and measures were taken to optimize her recovery and prevent complications.

Following her successful surgery and initial recovery period, the patient transitioned to a phase of ongoing cardiac rehabilitation and long-term management. Regular follow-up appointments were scheduled to monitor her progress, assess the functionality of the replaced and repaired valves, and ensure that her cardiac health remained stable in the years to come.

“Addressing complex cardiac issues requires a comprehensive approach, taking into account not only the primary valve pathology but also associated conditions such as coronary artery disease. In cases like these, a multidisciplinary team is crucial to ensure optimal outcomes and long-term success. Our aim is not just to treat the immediate problem but to provide holistic care that enhances the patient’s overall cardiac health and quality of life.” – Dr. Gulshan Rohra, Cardiac Surgeon at Wockhardt Hospitals Mumbai Central

The patient’s journey underscores the complexities often associated with managing multiple cardiac issues in conjunction with other medical conditions. Through a combination of advanced medical interventions, diligent postoperative care, and ongoing support, she continues to navigate her cardiac health journey with resilience and hope for a brighter and healthier future.

Malaria can be prevented through awareness, testing, and timely treatment

Dr. Dinesh Kumar Tyagi

In commemoration of World Malaria Day, Dr. Dinesh Kumar Tyagi, Additional Director of Internal Medicine at Fortis Hospital, emphasizes the critical role of awareness, testing, and timely treatment in the prevention of malaria. 16 types of complications can occur from malaria. Therefore, malaria should never be taken lightly.

Dr. Dinesh says that malaria is a vector-borne disease, which is spread by protozoan parasites. This disease is caused by the bite of female Anopheles mosquitoes which are frequently born in contaminated water during the summer and rainy seasons. As a result of its bite, the patient may experience headaches, joint pain, and extremely high fevers or chills; however, in certain cases, the patient may have malaria even if they have a mild fever. Frequently, individuals can show up with symptoms resembling jaundice or epilepsy, termed as cerebral malaria. Apart from this, sometimes complications can escalate, leading to breathing and kidney problems

‘We should never underestimate Malaria. There is another special variety in this, Plasmodium Falciparum, which is found here in Dadri region. This can be fatal and sometimes the patient may die within 24 hours. Apart from this, the cases of malaria that are commonly seen are spread through the protozoan parasite of Plasmodium viruses, Dr. Dinesh.

Early diagnosis and prompt treatment are imperative. Dr. Dinesh says that for diagnosing malaria, we first conduct a blood test, in which we demonstrate malaria parasites or detect malaria parasites from the patient’s body through cartridges. After that, malaria medications are provided, and treatment is done based on symptoms. Timely intervention significantly improves patient outcomes, underscoring the importance of proactive healthcare measures.

Dr. Dinesh emphasizes prevention as the foremost strategy, providing practical advice:

1- Install nets on windows and doors to prevent mosquito entry.

2-Use mosquito net while sleeping.

3-Wear full-sleeved clothes.

4-Use mosquito repellents and insecticides.

5-Do not allow water to accumulate around the house, spray medicines in stagnant water so that mosquitoes do not breed.

Proteins show promise in reducing risks of further heart damage

26th April 2024 : A groundbreaking study done by the Newcastle University team discovered a correlation between a decrease in infarct size after three months and the concentrations of TGFβ1, a significant anti-inflammatory protein, in the blood of STEMI patients 24 hours after reperfusion. To explore this further, they tested the protective effects of TGFβ1, a protein known to be secreted in the body in response to tissue injury, and its imitation, HpTGM, using a well-established mouse model of a heart attack.

Two proteins have been found to lessen scarring and the inflammatory response in the damaged heart because of studies on the preventive benefits of two anti-inflammatory molecules after a heart attack.

Two anti-inflammatory molecules that have been identified to be helpful in therapy are Heligmosomoidespolygyrus TGM (HpTGM) and Transforming Growth Factor-beta1 (TGFβ1). When patients with acute heart attacks (also known as STEMIs) receive prompt reopening of the blocked coronary artery (coronary reperfusion) in specialized healthcare facilities, their chances of survival increase significantly. But even with significant advancements in medicine, the development of heart failure remains a significant clinical issue.

Professor Helen Arthur, Professor of Cardiovascular Biology at Newcastle University, said, “Coronary reperfusion after STEMI is standard therapy to salvage ischemic heart muscle. However, evidence suggests that the subsequent inflammatory response that the body initiates to repair the damaged heart tissue can also cause further loss of viable heart muscle and the more muscle that is lost the greater the risk of subsequent progression to heart failure. The reason for this study was to investigate the potential protective effects of TGFβ1 as a possible intervention to minimize this additional damage to the heart beyond the ischemic damage caused by the heart attack itself.”

The investigators were surprised

The protein, generated by a parasitic worm, aids in evading the immune system, allowing the worm to survive within the gut’s tissue lining. Introducing either of these naturally occurring anti-inflammatory proteins into the bloodstream decreased harmful inflammation in the heart and notably reduced heart damage, as indicated by smaller scar formation.

The researchers were surprised to observe similar positive effects from both TGFβ1 and HpTGM treatments, despite their evolutionary differences. Both molecules interacted with cells comparably, activating the same signaling pathway. Administering the anti-inflammatory treatment at the time of reperfusion, a clinically relevant intervention period in humans, yielded beneficial results.

The protective impact of these molecules on endothelial cells, which line blood vessels and regulate the movement of pro-inflammatory white blood cells from circulation into injured tissue, likely contributed to the favorable outcomes.

While TGFβ1 is known for its anti-inflammatory properties, HpTGM mimics parasites and holds promising clinical potential. Recent research at the University of Glasgow’s Maizels lab has demonstrated that delivering HpTGM significantly reduces inflammation in mouse models of colitis or airway inflammation, leveraging a product evolved by parasites to suppress immune responses.

Prof Helen Arthur added, “The current study shows that exogenous delivery of HpTGM at the time of coronary artery reperfusion dampens the proinflammatory response of coronary endothelial cells and reduces cardiac injury, leading to increased myocardial salvage and reduced scar size, with the corollary of improved prospects for long-term cardiac function. The use of HpTGM as an anti-inflammatory therapy in treating heart attack patients is an exciting prospect that requires further translational studies.”