Researchers have discovered that two microRNAs, miR-143 and miR-145, control the differentiation and growth of vascular smooth muscle cells. These findings suggest that targeting these microRNAs may be a potential treatment for diseases such as atherosclerosis and Alzheimer's disease.
A study by Rhode Island Hospital researchers found a substantial link between increased levels of nitrates in the environment and food with increased deaths from diseases such as Alzheimer's, diabetes mellitus, and Parkinson's. The study suggests that reducing nitrate levels in fertilizer and water, detoxifying food and water, may help...
Researchers at Mayo Clinic and University of California San Francisco have discovered a connection between DNA alterations on human chromosome 9 and glioblastoma. The study found that individuals with specific single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) are 50% more likely to develop the aggressive brain cancer.
A new region of the genome associated with an increased risk of melanoma has been identified by researchers at Leeds University and IDIBAPS, funded by the European Commission. The study found a link between this region and skin pigmentation, as well as two previously identified regions linked to melanoma risk.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh have identified an enzyme inhibitor that increases cardiac progenitor cells and influences heart development in zebrafish. The findings have broad implications for understanding heart development and improving treatments for damaged or diseased tissues.
A study published in Nature Genetics found that genetic patterns on chromosomes 9 and 22 are associated with an increased risk of melanoma. People carrying these genes are around eight times more likely to develop the disease than those with no variants.
Researchers at the University of South Florida found that caffeine significantly decreased abnormal levels of beta amyloid protein in the brains and blood of Alzheimer's mice, reversing their memory impairment. Caffeine administered to elderly non-demented humans also affects their blood levels of β-amyloid.
A large-scale study has identified genetic variations across five genes as risk factors for the development of gliomas, the most frequent type of brain tumor. The study found that individuals with certain variations have a higher risk of developing glioma, with those with eight or more variations having a three-fold increased risk.
Researchers at Gladstone Institute discovered a key switch, microRNA-145 (miR-145), to turn stem cells into muscle cells that reside in blood vessel walls. This finding suggests restoring miR-145 activity could prevent artery narrowing and vessel disease.
A phase III randomised controlled trial found that famotidine reduces the development of stomach ulcers by 90% and upper-intestinal ulcers by 95% compared to placebo. The study also showed fewer adverse events in the famotidine group.
Researchers at GUMC discovered a small molecule that prevents the fusion protein responsible for Ewing's sarcoma from binding to another protein, RNA helicase A. This novel approach could provide a model for designing treatment for other disorders caused by protein-protein interactions.