MDPI Articles Cited In the News: March 2026
This March, exciting research published in MDPI’s Open Access journals was mentioned across popular news outlets including The Guardian and USA Today.
Here we summarise this research, learning more about the potential health benefits of microalgae, the link between microplastics and neuroinflammatory disease, as well as comparing the renal safety profile of popular weight loss drugs.
Furthermore, in light of March being endometriosis awareness month, we learn more about the complexity of endometriosis and its classification as a systemic condition.
The Role of Chlorella and Spirulina as Adjuvants of Cardiovascular Risk Factor Control: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomised Controlled Trials
Published in Nutrients | Mentioned in The Guardian
Chlorella, a type of microalgae, and , a type of cyanobacteria are sourced from freshwater and seawater. The practice of consuming microalgae as nutritional supplements originates from East Asia, including China, Taiwan and India, and then migrated to the European market. Like many supplements, they are typically not regulated and are produced in varying concentrations and types, which makes it difficult to decipher their exact health benefits.
A systematic review published in the Open Access journal Nutrients and mentioned in The Guardian explores the current literature on the positive effects of spirulina and chlorella. After analysis of 21 randomised controlled trials, the results show that supplementation may help to improve cardiometabolic risk factors, including blood pressure. Further research would be needed to understand the mechanism of action of the supplements, as well as optimizing dosage for consuming as a health supplement.
Mind over Microplastics: Exploring Microplastic-Induced Gut Disruption and Gut-Brain-Axis Consequences
Published in Current Issues in Molecular Biology (CIMB) | Mentioned in Science Alert
The effect of microplastics on health and the environment has become a growing cause for concern as global plastic use and wastage reaches unprecedented levels. Researchers are beginning to unveil the potential hazardous effects of microplastics, and their role in disease pathogenesis. The study, published in CIMB and seen in Science Alert, reviews the current literature on microplastic exposure and its impact on the gut-brain-axis – the intricate feedback system that links the gastrointestinal tract and the brain. Previous research demonstrates key connections between the gut and mental health, with the gut microbiome playing a key role in mediating the two.
The review by Gorecki et al. shows how ingesting high levels of microplastics may contribute significantly to dysregulation of the gut microbiome, and in turn, this could lead to serious repercussions. This includes its role in contributing to neuroinflammatory disease such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease.
Comparative Renal Safety of Tirzepatide and Semaglutide: An FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS)—Disproportionality Study
Published in Journal of Clinical Medicine (JCM) | Mentioned in USA Today
Tirzepatide and Semaglutide are two types of medications prescribed for type 2 diabetes and weight loss. Although they are both safe and highly effective treatments, both have been linked to instances of acute kidney injury (AKI). This is a serious complication occurring in people with type 2 diabetes, characterised by a decrease in kidney function which can cause a build-up of waste products in the bloodstream.
Research published in Journal of Clinical Medicine analysed 133,872 reports from the FDA Event Reporting System (FAERS) for acute renal injury for both semaglutide and tirzepatide. An elevated number of cases of acute kidney injury were reported after semaglutide use, similar responses were not observed from tirzepatide use. These results suggest that a link may exist between semaglutide use and acute renal injury.
The study highlights the need for careful monitoring and adequate hydration for patients prescribed with semaglutide, and further research on the reported instances of AKI.
Endometriosis as a Systemic and Complex Disease: Toward Phenotype-Based Classification and Personalized Therapy
Published in International Journal of Molecular Sciences (IJMS) | Mentioned in The Conversation
In light of March being endometriosis awareness month, we explore how advances in women’s health research reveal that endometriosis is a systemic disease rather than a localised gynaecological condition.
Research published in IJMS and mentioned in The Conversation discusses the complexity of endometriosis and challenges its current classification. In the review, the authors provide an in-depth view into the current literature supporting the concept of endometriosis as a systemic condition. The article discusses the role of the immune system, peripheral organs, and systemic inflammatory responses involved in the pathogenesis of the debilitating disease.
Research on understanding endometriosis means that it is being increasingly recognised as a multi-factorial and systemic disease. Milestones like this highlight the need for even further research to help improve diagnoses and available treatments.
