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Gene expression patterns predict rapid decline in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis patients
May 31, 2007Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a chronic lung disease typically characterized by the slow but progressive onset of shortness of breath or cough. Most patients live about five years after diagnosis. However, according to a new study being published today in the online journal PLoS ONE, a subset of patients with a specific genetic profile has a much more rapid progression to complete pulmonary failure and death without a lung transplant.
Based on observations in the clinic that some IPF patients display a more rapidly progressing disease course, researchers at the Simmons Center for Interstitial Lung Disease at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, collaborating with pulmonary scientists in Mexico and California, used DNA microarray analysis to measure the gene expression patterns of 26 rapid progressors and 88 slow progressors. They identified 437 differentially expressed genes between the groups. Specifically, lungs of rapid progressors, who were predominantly males who smoked, overexpressed genes involved in the development of tissues and organs (morphogenesis), oxidative stress, cell migration and proliferation and genes from fibroblasts and smooth muscle cells.
According to Naftali Kaminski, M.D., director of the Simmons Center and director of the Lung Translational Genomics Center, division of pulmonary, allergy and critical care medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, these findings offer strong evidence that rapid progressors represent a distinct clinical phenotype compared with the usual slower progressing patients.
"We are only now starting to really understand IPF and to characterize it," Dr. Kaminski said. "Therefore, it is critical for patients with the disease to be seen in centers that are actively involved in IPF research, so we can help them better decide a course of action."
These findings also highlight the variability in the progression and outcome of IPF and may explain, in part, the difficulty in obtaining significant and reproducible results in studies of therapeutic interventions in patients with IPF, noted first author Moisés Selman, M.D., director of research at the National Institute of Respiratory Research in Mexico City. "This study suggests that physicians should pay more attention to the time of onset of symptoms in their patients," Dr. Selman said.
"Although preliminary, these results may allow investigators to identify biomarkers of disease progression and, more importantly, better evaluate the effectiveness of potential therapies," added Talmadge E. King Jr., M.D., chief of medicine at San Francisco General Hospital and an internationally renowned expert in research and management of pulmonary fibrosis.
University of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences
"We are only now starting to really understand IPF and to characterize it," Dr. Kaminski said. "Therefore, it is critical for patients with the disease to be seen in centers that are actively involved in IPF research, so we can help them better decide a course of action."
These findings also highlight the variability in the progression and outcome of IPF and may explain, in part, the difficulty in obtaining significant and reproducible results in studies of therapeutic interventions in patients with IPF, noted first author Moisés Selman, M.D., director of research at the National Institute of Respiratory Research in Mexico City. "This study suggests that physicians should pay more attention to the time of onset of symptoms in their patients," Dr. Selman said.
"Although preliminary, these results may allow investigators to identify biomarkers of disease progression and, more importantly, better evaluate the effectiveness of potential therapies," added Talmadge E. King Jr., M.D., chief of medicine at San Francisco General Hospital and an internationally renowned expert in research and management of pulmonary fibrosis.
University of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences
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A common weed and human cancer cells could provide some very uncommon details about DNA structure and its relationship with telomeres and how they affect cellular aging and cancer, according to a team led by scientists from Texas A&M University and the University of Cincinnati (UC).
New data: Hospital imaging centers poised to pull back, hitting patients hardest in rural areas
Survivors and patients with cancers and heart disease, along with patient advocate organizations and physicians, today urged policymakers to enhance early diagnosis of deadly diseases by preserving access to advanced imaging, such as MRI and CT scans, in final health care reform legislation.
Pitt team first to profile genes in acutely ill idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis patients
The first findings from a one-of-a-kind, patient-driven effort to provide lung tissue for research might help doctors predict when patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) are becoming dangerously ill and also could point the way to interventions that could sustain them until life-saving transplants can be performed.
Protein may be strongest indicator of rare lung disease, study shows
Researchers at the University of Cincinnati (UC) have discovered a protein in the lungs that can help in determining progression of the rare lung disease Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF).
Large clinical trial finds pirfenidone may help lung function in IPF patients
A large, well-controlled, multi-national clinical trial program has demonstrated the effectiveness and safety of what may become the first FDA-approved medicine for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, or IPF.
UT Southwestern researchers identify gene linked to inherited form of fatal lung disease
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center have determined that a mutation in a gene known for its role in defending the lungs against invading pathogens is responsible for some inherited cases of a lethal lung disease affecting older adults. The same mutation may also be associated with lung cancer, the researchers said.
Double threat: Deadly lung disease also linked to heart attacks
Patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) are three times as likely to experience severe coronary events-including heart attacks-than people without the disease.
Note to people with scarred and stiffened lungs: Monitor your sleep before severe fatigue sets in
Family, friends and neighbors remember Lisa Sandler Spaeth as an active mother of two in Potomac, Md., with a lot on the go, juggling her son's baseball games and her daughter's horseback-riding lessons with numerous committee obligations, organizing women's activities at her local synagogue.
Biomarkers identified for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis
The first evidence of a distinctive protein signature that could help to transform the diagnosis and improve the monitoring of the devastating lung disease idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is being reported by University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine researchers in this month's edition of PLoS Medicine, an open-access journal of the Public Library of Science.
UCSF marks a milestone with 500th transplant in heart and lung program
UCSF marked a milestone this week with the 500th procedure in its Thoracic Transplant Program, which specializes in transplantation of the heart and lung.
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The Official Patient's Sourcebook on Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis by James N. Parker (Author) This book has been created for patients who have decided to make education and research an integral part of the treatment process. Although it also gives information useful to doctors, caregivers and other health professionals, it tells patients where and how to look for information covering virtually all topics related to idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (also alveolocapillary block; cryptogenic fibrosing alveolitis; diffuse fibrosing alveolitis; fibrosing alveolitis; Hamman-Rich syndrome; idiopathic diffuse interstitial pulmonary fibrosis), from the essentials to the most advanced areas of research. The title of this book includes the word official. This reflects the fact that the sourcebook draws from public, academic, government, and peer-reviewed research. Selected readings from various... |
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Understanding Lung Disease: Pulmonary Fibrosis (Home Use) Part of the award winning public television series Healthy Body/Healthy Mind. Pulmonary Fibrosis is a set of diseases that cause progressive scarring inside the lungs. Over time the lungs are slowly replaced with scar tissue, which causes airways to restrict airflow, making it difficult to breath and to get enough oxygen. Doctors, patients and researchers are hoping clinical trials will lead to a drug that prevents lung function from worsening ultimately allowing patients to live longer. This product is manufactured on demand using DVD-R recordable media. Amazon.com's standard return policy will apply. |
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Pulmonary Fibrosis Awareness Ribbon Mouse Pad by MyHeritageWear.com The Pulmonary Fibrosis Ribbon proudly displayed on a mouse pad. There is no better way to achieve awareness for the meaning of the Pulmonary Fibrosis Ribbon than to display it on your mouse pad for everyone to see. The mouse pad measures at 9.25 x 7.75, it is machine washable, and the colors will not fade or run. Start gaining awareness today by presenting your Pulmonary Fibrosis Ribbon mouse pad at work or at home. It is certain to keep your mouse rolling in style all while gaining support and awareness! |
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Thorwald / Pulmonary Fibrosis [Explicit] Thorwald / Pulmonary Fibrosis (Primary Contributor) |
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Understanding Lung Disease: Pulmonary Fibrosis Directed By: (c) Information Television Network |
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Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis Medical Guide by Qontro Medical Guides (Author) The Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis Medical Guide is a publication which has been designed to better help readers understand Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis. This Qontro Medical Guide has been designed with the reader in mind, and is a useful information source for readers at all levels looking to learn more about Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis. The Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis Medical Guide is highly recommended for those interested in understanding and learning more about Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis. |
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Advances in Pulmonary Fibrosis by John Simpson (Author), Ann Millar (Author) Recent years have seen renewed interest in diffuse parenchymal lung diseases (DPLDs), which were formerly referred to as interstitial lung diseases (ILDs). This is reflected in the publication of many important and groundbreaking papers in this field. Knowledge, and easy access to it, is the key to understanding pulmonary fibrosis. Providing reviews of the published medical literature of the past year, Advances in Pulmonary Fibrosis summarizes some of the most important new developments in the field. The book has been carefully designed so that key messages can be extracted by reading only the Background and Interpretations sections of each chapter. Providing more detailed information, the Comment sections generally start with an outline of the methods used, followed by a more... |
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Chronic Respiratory Disorders (118) CD-ROM by Concept Media, a division of Jobson Medical Information LLC 5 CD series including these programs: [118.1] Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease; [118.2] Cystic Fibrosis; |
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