VA researchers report findings on statins and liver cancer, suicide screening accuracy and heart failure

More than one-third of veterans may not respond accurately during universal suicide screenings, according to research highlighted by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs' Office of Research and Development, one of three studies featured in an October 16 research roundup.

In a survey of about 800 veterans receiving VA mental health specialty care, VA Portland researchers found that 38.1% of those who screened negative and 45.8% of those who screened positive for suicidal thoughts reported answering less than "very accurately," the VA said. Concerns about overreaction and beliefs about the acceptability of suicide were the most common reasons given. A separate study found fear of involuntary hospitalization was a consistent barrier to disclosure. The researchers said clinicians should not overly rely on screening results and should consider risk factors and warning signs.

VA Greater Los Angeles researchers and colleagues identified a process through which statins may protect against liver cancer, the VA said. They found that statins lower production of a molecule called GGPP, which keeps the protein YAP from entering liver cell nuclei, where it causes damage.

VA Nebraska-Western Iowa researchers developed a drug that, in a mouse model of rheumatoid arthritis, blocked the build-up of harmful chemicals called reactive aldehyde species and significantly lowered heart dysfunction, according to the VA.

Source: U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

Originally published by True News: https://truenews.bagleyenterprises.net/stories/158