West Virginia Medical Journal - 2025 - Quarter 2 | Page 13

Researchers Link Exosomes to Blood-Brain Barrier Dysfunction in Pediatric Obstructive Sleep Apnea
A study by researchers from Marshall University and the University of Missouri highlights how exosomes— tiny vesicles released by cells— may play a key role in blood-brain barrier dysfunction in children with obstructive sleep apnea( OSA), particularly those with neurocognitive deficits. The findings published in Experimental Neurology could pave the way for personalized therapeutic strategies for pediatric OSA patients.
“ By integrating advanced sequencing techniques, we can identify potential morbidity-related biomarkers and therapeutic targets for children at risk,” said Abdelnaby Khalyfa, MS, PhD, professor of biomedical sciences at the Marshall University Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine and the corresponding author on the study. Marshall School of Medicine Dean David Gozal, MD, MBA, PhD( Hon), is one of several other co-authors of this study.
Contributions to support this effort through the School of Medicine may be made on Venmo to @ MUFM _ FloodRelief. Tax deductible contributions to the Dr. Charles W.“ Chuck” Clements II, Marshall Medical Outreach Endowment through the Marshall University Foundation can be made here: give. marshall. edu / project / 31785 / donate? des _ id = 633670.
Marshall Health Network Enhances Gastroenterology Services with New Endoscopy Suite
Marshall Health Network brings enhanced gastroenterology care to patients in a state-of-the-art outpatient endoscopy suite located in the new Robert and Lena Shell Medical Pavilion on the health sciences campus of Cabell Huntington Hospital and Marshall University Medical Center.
To read the article in its entirety, visit: https:// doi. org / 10.1016 / j. expneurol. 2025.115188.
Marshall Medical Outreach Teams Aid Southern West Virginia Flood Victims
Medical outreach teams from the Marshall University Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine and Marshall Health Network mobilized multiple visits to Southern West Virginia to provide support to residents in McDowell and Mingo counties impacted by severe flooding earlier this year. More than 30 student volunteers, along with Katherine Steele, MD, Marshall Health Family Medicine physician faculty, and resident physicians from the Marshall University Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine delivered brief medical exams as needed, offered prescription assistance, provided donated over-the-counter medications, and helped administer vaccinations such as tetanus and hepatitis A. They also assisted with widespread cleanup efforts, helping residents in and around Kermit, Williamson, and Welch clear debris and sanitize affected areas to support recovery.
“ I became a physician to help others and make a difference,” said Makala Murphy, MD, a family medicine resident physician and Gilbert, WV, native, who facilitated the School of Medicine’ s cleanup efforts.“ I am so thankful that my colleagues and mentors rallied together to serve my hometown.”
The new suite is designed to provide advanced diagnostic and therapeutic procedures with greater precision, efficiency, and comfort for patients. It features the latest in endoscopic technology, including high-definition imaging, artificial intelligence, Endocuff technology, and enhanced visualization tools, allowing for earlier detection and treatment of gastrointestinal conditions such as colorectal cancer, polyps, and inflammatory bowel disease. The improved equipment also supports minimally invasive techniques, resulting in faster recovery times and reduced risk of complications for patients.
Image: Endoscopy procedure room in the new endoscopy suite located in the new Robert and Lena Shell Medical Pavilion on the health sciences campus of Cabell Huntington Hospital and Marshall University Medical Center.
West Virginia Medical Journal • June 2025 • 11