Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine researchers have identified a new biomarker for sporadic Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (sCJD), a degenerative brain disease with no cure. The biomarker, transferrin, shows promise in early diagnosis and potential therapy development.
Researchers have identified a new biomarker for sporadic Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease, which can accurately diagnose the condition in patients while they are still alive. The biomarker, transferrin, is significantly decreased in the cerebrospinal fluid of patients with sCJD before the end stage of the disease.
Researchers identified a single genetic mutation in the CUBN gene linked to albuminuria, a condition indicating kidney disease, in both diabetic and non-diabetic individuals. The study's findings have significant implications for understanding the mechanisms behind kidney disease and potentially leading to novel treatment targets.
A new study found that individuals with a mother who has Alzheimer's disease are twice as likely to experience gray matter shrinkage and have more whole brain atrophy compared to those with a father or no family history. The research suggests that inheriting the disease from one's mother may be a significant risk factor.
A new study has identified interleukin 15 as a key trigger for the development of celiac disease in genetically susceptible individuals. Blocking this molecule could potentially prevent the disease, and its effects on inflammatory intestinal diseases may also offer new insights into treating conditions like acne and rheumatoid arthritis.
A new study has linked 29 genome regions to ulcerative colitis, a common form of inflammatory bowel disease. The research identified genes involved in the immune response and provided insights into the biology underlying the disease.
Researchers identified four shared genetic risk loci for celiac disease and Crohn's disease, suggesting a common underlying mechanism. The study provides evidence that risk factors shared across related diseases can be identified by combining genetic data from clinically distinct conditions.
Researchers at TU Delft are developing an objective, quantitative method to assess MRI scans for Crohn's disease activity. This new method aims to improve disease monitoring and reduce the need for colonoscopies, a stressful procedure.
Researchers found mammograms show calcifications in the blood vessels of nearly two-thirds of women with end-stage renal disease, potentially contributing to heart disease risk. The study suggests mammograms may be a useful tool for studying cardiovascular disease progression in kidney patients.
A new study suggests that periodontal disease may increase the risk for respiratory infections like COPD and pneumonia. Regular oral care can help prevent periodontal disease, which has been linked to other chronic inflammatory diseases.
A BRNI study reveals underlying causes of Alzheimer's degeneration and identifies promising pharmaceutical solutions by normalizing the Alzheimer's brain. Treatments that target synapse growth and preservation have shown to prevent disease progression, shifting focus from amyloid plaques.
A new study published in ACS' Journal of Proteome Research found that people with symptoms of potential celiac disease may not be 'potential' patients at all. The study suggests that these individuals have the same distinctive metabolic fingerprint as those with full-blown disease who benefit from gluten-free diets.
A study of 1,130 older adults found that high levels of 'good' cholesterol (HDL) were associated with a decreased risk of both probable and possible Alzheimer's disease. Higher plasma HDL cholesterol was also linked to lower risks despite other factors.
A new study has identified promising biomarkers for Huntington's disease that could be used to track disease progression and test potential disease-modifying treatments. Biomarkers were found in brain imaging techniques, including whole-brain and striatal atrophy, which increased at a higher rate in individuals with the disease.
Researchers found reduced enzyme activity in young adult brains carrying the APOE4 gene, a common Alzheimer's risk factor. The study suggests mitochondrial changes contribute to disease risk, providing a potential target for prevention therapies.
Researchers have identified brain changes in people with Alzheimer's disease, suggesting new diagnostic markers and therapeutic targets. These findings may help identify individuals at risk and improve early detection, potentially leading to more treatable stages of the disease.
A study of 90 patients with bullous pemphigoid found that nearly half had at least one neurologic disease, including cerebrovascular disease and dementia. The condition was often diagnosed after the neurologic disease, suggesting a potential predisposition.
A new study by UC Davis researchers reveals that silent vascular disease is common among healthy, active older adults and can lead to subtle deficits in mental functioning. The study found that white matter hyperintensities are associated with greater declines in global cognition over time.
Lyme disease expert Dr. Richard Ostfeld assesses the ecological factors contributing to its expanding range, shifting focus from deer to white-footed mice as critical hosts for black-legged ticks. He recommends steps to prevent Lyme disease expansion and highlights links between land-use planning and biodiversity loss.
Researchers at Yale School of Medicine have discovered a new pathway involving multiple cell types that contributes to the development of Type 1 Gaucher disease. This knowledge could lead to more effective and less expensive treatments, including a small molecule substrate inhibitor in pill form.
Researchers found a common denominator between Type 2 diabetes and Alzheimer's disease: PGC-1, a key regulator of glucose. Decreased PGC-1 levels may contribute to Alzheimer's disease progression by promoting beta-secretase degradation.
A massive international study found no association between a genetic marker and the risk of coronary artery disease. The study analyzed data from over 17,000 patients with cardiovascular disease and 40,000 others, concluding that carrying a particular variant of the KIF6 gene does not indicate a greater risk for the disease.
A national study found that keeping blood pressure at 130/80 mm Hg reduced the risk of disease progression by 27 percent for patients with proteinuria. However, intensive lowering of blood pressure in all African-Americans did not slow disease progression.
A genome-wide association study has identified a gene, MTHFD1L, associated with an increased risk of late-onset Alzheimer's disease. Individuals with a particular variation in this gene may be twice as likely to develop the disease.
A team of researchers has identified a gene, MTHFD1L, that appears to increase the risk of developing late-onset Alzheimer's disease. The study found individuals with the variation may be nearly twice as likely to develop the disease compared to those without the variation.
Research suggests that periodontal disease may affect more American adults than previously estimated, with a potential 50% increase in prevalence. The study highlights the importance of maintaining good oral health and regular dental check-ups to prevent gum disease.
A survey of Connecticut primary care physicians found that only 2.1% diagnose and treat patients with chronic Lyme disease, contradicting claims by 'Lyme literate' groups. The study's findings suggest that chronic Lyme disease may not be as common as previously thought.
A team of researchers discovered a gene responsible for a rare and fatal disease in American Staffordshire terriers. The same gene is believed to cause a similar disease in humans. Genetic analysis led to the identification of an entirely new mutation, which can be tested in human samples to determine its connection to Kufs' disease.
Patients hospitalized with alcoholic liver disease have a significantly increased mortality risk compared to those with non-alcoholic liver disease. The study suggests that the key difference between the two conditions is alcohol dependence, which exacerbates social problems and disease progression.
Researchers at Case Western Reserve University have discovered a new sporadic prion protein disease, Variably protease-sensitive prionopathy (VPSPr), which shares genotype characteristics with Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease. The abnormal prion protein in VPSPr exhibits distinct characteristics different from other prion diseases.
Researchers identified a signature of three biomarkers in cerebrospinal fluid that can correctly classify patients with Alzheimer's disease. The study suggests that these biomarkers can detect the pathogenic process of Alzheimer's disease at an early stage, potentially leading to earlier diagnosis and treatment.
African Americans with hypertensive nephrosclerosis have a higher rate of developing end stage renal disease (ESRD) than dying prematurely, according to a new study. The study analyzed data from the African American Study of Kidney Disease and Hypertension (AASK) trial and cohort phase, finding that ESRD rates exceeded mortality rates ...
A new diagnostic standard based on serology alone could eliminate the need for intestinal biopsy in diagnosing celiac disease. The study finds that combinations of two serology tests can accurately diagnose or rule out the disorder in over 92% of individuals.
A study found that depressive symptoms barely increase before diagnosis and remain stable after diagnosis in patients with Alzheimer's disease. The results suggest depression may be a contributing factor to the disease rather than an early sign.
A new study has identified two tests - episodic memory test and PET brain scan - that can accurately predict the development of Alzheimer's disease. These tests are nearly 12 times more effective than others in predicting disease progression.
Researchers found that a specific virus interacts with a mutation in the host's genes to trigger disease. In mice, exposure to a damaging chemical and infection with a viral strain caused symptoms similar to human Crohn's disease, suggesting viruses may be key to understanding complex diseases.
A new mouse model has revealed that a diet high in fructose and trans fats can lead to fatty liver disease with scar tissue. The study also identified potential biomarkers for early detection and suggests therapeutic interventions may reverse or protect against progressive liver damage.
The collaboration aims to identify genes and novel drug targets related to the onset and progression of Huntington's disease. The team will use induced pluripotent stem cells from patients with HD to screen for drugs that might delay, prevent, or reverse the devastating condition.
A study found that genetic mutations and pesticide exposure interact to increase men's risk for Parkinson's disease. Individuals with two variant alleles of the ABCB1 gene who were exposed to organochlorine insecticides had a stronger association with Parkinson's disease.
A study found that genetic variants and neuroimaging measures are associated with Alzheimer's disease risk, providing new insights into the condition's mechanisms. The research identified three new genetic loci linked to Alzheimer's disease, as well as two new targets for future study.
A recent study by Nationwide Children's Hospital sheds light on the deadly bowel disease necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) in infants born with complex congenital heart disease. The research reveals that neonates undergoing the hybrid procedure have a lower risk of NEC compared to those receiving the Norwood procedure.
A new study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that adults with mild sickle cell disease scored lower on brain function tests compared to healthy participants. Cognitive functioning was linked to severity of anemia, and older patients showed greater impairment.
A large study of female nurses found that high-pressure jobs boost young women's risk of ischemic heart disease. Nurses who experienced work pressures were 25-60% more likely to develop heart disease, depending on the level of pressure.
African children with sickle-cell disease are at increased risk of bacterial illness, especially invasive pneumococcal disease. Vaccines against pneumococcus can improve quality of life and save lives among these vulnerable children.
An independent panel by the NIH determined that mental stimulation, exercise, and dietary supplements have insufficient evidence to delay or prevent Alzheimer's disease. The panel emphasized the need for research on objective measures of cognitive function and collaboration between clinicians and researchers.
A coronary artery calcium score provides a better estimate of future heart disease events when added to traditional risk factors, especially for those at intermediate risk. The study found that the score accurately placed 77% of participants into high or low risk categories.
A team of researchers from McGill/MUHC has developed a novel screening tool to diagnose Chagas disease, a parasitic disease affecting over 10 million people in the Americas. The new approach uses mass spectrometry technology to identify specific biological markers left by the parasite, enabling rapid and reliable diagnosis.
Chagas disease is a neglected cause of stroke, with nearly a third of patients developing severe heart problems. Screening for Trypanosoma cruzi infection and long-term oral anticoagulants may help prevent stroke recurrence.
A global study of over 65,000 individuals has identified more than a dozen genes associated with chronic kidney disease. The researchers found that common genetic variations in these genes were more frequent in people with poor kidney function or chronic kidney disease.
A new enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay can detect Alzheimer's disease by measuring high molecular weight A-Beta oligomers in spinal fluid. The test showed direct correlation between A-Beta oligomer levels and memory impairment, enabling early diagnosis of the disease.
A new study by Rush University Medical Center researchers found that people with Alzheimer's disease experience a rate of cognitive decline four times greater than those with no cognitive impairment. The study, published in Neurology, also revealed no significant racial differences in the progression of the disease.
Researchers found amyloid plaques in healthy elderly individuals with disrupted brain connections, similar to those with Alzheimer's disease. This suggests that Alzheimer's may begin quietly, eroding brain networks before symptoms appear.
Researchers found that a family history of early coronary artery disease increases the risk of developing obstructive CAD and plaque buildup in arteries. The study analyzed over 8,200 patients who underwent cardiac computed tomography angiography, revealing a 28% higher chance of disease development among those with a family history.
A study of over 305,000 people found that those who smoked for 40+ years were 46% less likely to develop Parkinson's disease. However, the risk did not decrease with the number of cigarettes smoked per day.
A new study has identified four key aspects of immune system disturbance that contribute to the development of coeliac disease, including how T cells react to toxic wheat proteins and the body's response to viral infections. The research also suggests a shared risk between coeliac disease and other chronic immune-mediated diseases.
A medication called latrepirdine has been found to be well-tolerated in patients with mild to moderate Huntington's disease. The treatment showed improved average scores on an evaluation measuring overall cognitive function, suggesting potential benefits for cognition.
A clinical trial of the experimental drug dimebon found it to be safe and improved cognition in patients with Huntington's disease. The study, led by University of Rochester Medical Center neurologist Karl Kieburtz, showed statistically significant benefits for patients taking the drug compared to those receiving a placebo.
Researchers found that even mild to moderate kidney disease can lead to physical, emotional, intellectual, and social challenges in children. Children with chronic diseases currently do not qualify for special education until their scores decline dramatically. Early attention to quality-of-life issues is crucial.
Researchers have identified a new therapeutic approach for proliferative crescentic disease, a type of advanced kidney disease associated with lupus. The study suggests targeting macrophages and growth factors involved in the disease mechanism.
Studies implicate beta amyloid protein in shared disease mechanisms with Alzheimer's, Down syndrome, and atherosclerosis. Damage to microtubule network disrupts cholesterol metabolism and insulin signaling.