Researcher warns about the seriousness of problems detected in exams

A new genetic map developed in Brazil has identified 129 possible therapeutic targets to combat Alzheimer's disease. The study utilizes artificial intelligence and RNA analysis to expand the search for treatment methods and uncover new possibilities for diagnosing this disease, which currently lacks a cure.

Expanding Target Search

The work was conducted by the Brazilian startup BioDecision Analytics. The project aims to increase the number of investigated targets beyond proteins traditionally associated with Alzheimer's disease, such as beta-amyloid and tau. According to the publication Pesquisa para Inovação from FAPESP, scientists analyzed genetic data from thousands of samples to detect changes correlating with the disease. This work may help researchers and pharmaceutical companies find new avenues for developing medications and blood tests.

For decades, most research has focused on beta-amyloid. When this protein accumulates abnormally in the brain, it forms plaques that disrupt communication between neurons and cause inflammatory processes. For a long time, beta-amyloid was the only known target for Alzheimer's therapy, necessitating the exploration of other areas.

Study Methodology

To create the genetic map, the team used 2870 samples of brain tissue and blood from both healthy individuals and patients diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease. The data were obtained from the Sequence Read Archive (SRA), a public database supported by the US government. Brain samples included five different regions selected for their specific functions: the hippocampus (related to memory), the cingulate cortex (related to information processing), Wernicke's area (related to language), the visual cortex (responsible for vision), and Broca's area (involved in communication).

Researchers considered the separation of these areas crucial because the brain is not a homogeneous tissue; each region possesses its own genetic characteristics, and mixing this information could obscure significant changes.

Role of Artificial Intelligence

Data processing was carried out using the BDASeq® platform, developed by BioDecision with support from FAPESP's Small Business Innovation Research Program (PIPE). The tool analyzes RNA sequencing to identify genes whose activity changes in people with Alzheimer's disease. Since RNA is involved in protein production in cells, these changes may indicate processes involved in the development of the disease.

João Rafael Dias Pinto, co-founder of BioDecision, explains that combining various statistical methods helps reduce errors. He noted that most studies use only one statistical method, leading to a large amount of noise.

The platform integrates eight statistical techniques and includes an artificial intelligence layer that correlates genetic data with clinical information. Thus, researchers can prioritize changes with the greatest potential for creating drugs or diagnostic tools.

Diagnostic Prospects

The analysis revealed over 4200 genes with altered expression in Alzheimer's patients. Among them, 75 genes are linked to neuronal plasticity—the ability of neurons to form new connections, a process affected by the disease. Eight genes from this group had not previously been indicated as potential therapeutic targets in prior studies. Another group consisted of 74 genes altered in both the brain and blood, making them candidates for biomarkers.

Of these genes, 21 showed an accuracy above 90% in differentiating between individuals with Alzheimer's disease and healthy individuals. Araldi stated that today, Alzheimer's diagnosis is clinical, lengthy, and imprecise. He added that this discovery provides the possibility of conducting diagnosis through blood analysis, which is much more accessible.

The results were presented at the AD/PD Congress held in Copenhagen, Denmark. Although the findings are promising, researchers emphasize that several more stages are required before drugs or tests based on these findings become available. BioDecision also plans to expand access to the platform via the cloud so that small laboratories can perform advanced analysis without depending on large computing structures.

A stent is placed to relieve a blockage when heart blood vessels are obstructed, but this procedure is not mandatory in all cases. It is important to understand when stent implantation is necessary and when medication alone is sufficient. Cardiologists note that the decision to place a stent is based not only on the degree of blockage but also on the patient's symptoms, the state of blood circulation in the heart, and other factors.

Treatment for low-grade blockages

Professor of Cardiology at Medanta Medicity Mulchand, Dr. Tarun Kumar, explained that in most cases, a stent is not required if the degree of blockage in the heart arteries is less than 50 percent. Patients in such situations are prescribed medication and diet. They are also advised to quit smoking and alcohol. Although the risk of a heart attack with less than 50 percent blockage is lower, these patients are identified during angiography.

Blockage of 50–69 percent

Dr. Tarun emphasized that for a blockage level between 50 and 69 percent, the decision to place a stent is not made solely based on angiography results or the percentage of blockage. If the patient does not have signs such as chest pain, shortness of breath, or other symptoms, and heart circulation is normal, treatment can continue with medication. In these cases, doctors use tests such as stress tests, FFR, or IFR to determine the actual impact of the blockage on blood flow. Stent placement is considered only if a significant reduction in blood flow is found during these tests.

Increased risk at 70–89 percent

The probability of stent placement increases when the blockage reaches 70–89 percent, especially if the patient regularly experiences chest pain, difficulty walking, or signs of myocardial ischemia. Stents are recommended, particularly if the blockage affects a major coronary artery of the heart. Nevertheless, patients with stable conditions and no symptoms can be monitored with medication and regular check-ups.

Necessity of a stent with high blockage

When the blockage reaches 90–99 percent, the heart artery is almost completely closed. In such conditions, a stent is immediately placed if the patient has persistent symptoms, signs of myocardial ischemia, or has already suffered a heart attack. Dr. Tarun also noted that in the case of an acute heart attack, emergency angioplasty and a stent may be life-saving.

The Ministry of Health in Gaza has warned about a serious and unprecedented shortage of vital medications for patients with oncological diseases, bringing the healthcare system to a critical state. It was noted that some drugs, including chemotherapy agents and other auxiliary treatment methods, have completely run out.

Treatment Suspension and Risks

The Ministry of Health in Gaza reported via social media that chemotherapy protocols for patients with breast, colon, and rectal cancer, as well as those suffering from head and neck and gastrointestinal tumors, have been suspended. Medical workers also emphasized that the lack of oncology drugs hinders preparation for combined chemotherapy.

Consequences of the Shortage

The Ministry warned that the absence of injections to strengthen the immune system, which should be administered after chemotherapy sessions, makes patients more susceptible to severe infections and complications. Furthermore, the shortage of palliative care and painkillers exacerbates the critical health condition of cancer patients.

Causes of the Crisis and Appeals

This situation in Gaza is caused by ongoing Israeli attacks and restrictions on leaving the enclave, despite the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas reached in October 2025. The Ministry explained that four thousand oncological patients out of 11,000 who are permitted to travel abroad for treatment are still awaiting travel permission, reiterating that the current situation in Gaza puts their lives at real risk.

In this regard, the Gaza health authorities appealed to all international and humanitarian organizations with an urgent call to respond to the pleas of these besieged patients, whose suffering grows with each passing hour due to the lack of necessary treatment.

Conflict Context

It is worth recalling that Israel began military operations against Gaza after the Hamas attack on Israeli territory on October 7, 2023, which resulted in the deaths of over 1200 people and the abduction of about 250 people.