The Gladstone Institute of Neurological Disease and partners will use induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cell technology to develop human neurons with Huntington's disease characteristics, offering hope for new treatments. The goal is to understand the molecular differences between mice and humans that lead to ineffective therapies.
Researchers at the University of Southampton discovered a link between a mother's high-fat diet during pregnancy and her child's development of fatty liver disease. The study found that a high-fat diet can affect the developing liver of a fetus, making it more susceptible to fatty liver disease later in life.
A new study published in the October 2009 issue of Gastroenterology found that patients with moderate-to-severe active ulcerative colitis had a 41 percent reduction in colectomy after one year when treated with infliximab. Treatment with infliximab reduced the incidence of colectomy through 54 weeks by 41 percent.
Dr. Roger Rosenberg has been awarded the first Medal for Scientific Achievement by the World Federation of Neurology for his contributions to Alzheimer's disease research. The award recognizes his work on molecular genetics and a vaccine against the disease.
Research found a modestly increased risk of death in patients with lesser degrees of celiac disease-related symptoms. The risk was highest in the first year of follow-up, with cardiovascular disease and malignancy being the main causes of death in celiac disease.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center found a significant link between depression and early-stage chronic kidney disease, with 57 out of 272 participants identified as depressed. The study suggests that depression screening should be considered for patients in the early stages of chronic kidney disease.
Researchers found that perianal disease, current smoking, prior steroid use and early azathioprine or biological therapy are predictors of disease behavior change in CD patients. These findings may aid clinicians in choosing the treatment strategy for their patients.
Scripps Research scientists discover a new drug tafamidis that significantly halts disease progression for patients with Transthyretin amyloid polyneuropathy. The drug targets protein misfolding, providing a potential therapeutic strategy for this rare inherited disease.
Researchers found cardiovascular disease is increasing in adults under 50 and those of lower socioeconomic status in Canada. Untreated cardiovascular disease can lead to heart failure, coronary artery disease, and death, making it the most common cause of hospitalization in North America.
A new Mayo Clinic study found that clinical criteria for mild cognitive impairment are better at predicting Alzheimer's disease than a single memory test. The study identified individuals aged 70-79 years who were cognitively normal or had slight memory impairment as being most likely to develop Alzheimer's disease.
Researchers have developed a novel drug discovery tool that uses baker's yeast to rapidly search for drugs to treat Parkinson's disease. The tool identifies cyclic peptides with protective effects on yeast cells and neurons in an animal model of the disease, offering new hope for treatment breakthroughs.
A Mayo Clinic study found celiac disease has become four times more common, with undiagnosed cases associated with a nearly quadrupled mortality risk. The study suggests increased awareness is needed among physicians and patients to diagnose the condition earlier.
A new study links a history of periodontitis to an increased risk of cerebrovascular disease, particularly ischemic stroke, in men. The study found that periodontal bone loss, not current inflammation, was associated with the incidence of cerebrovascular disease.
A recent study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) suggests that C-reactive protein, a commonly used marker for coronary heart disease risk, may not cause the disease. Researchers found no association between genetic variations in the gene coding for C-reactive protein and coronary heart disease risk. Ho...
Survival rates for placental-site trophoblastic tumours (PSTTs) vary depending on how long ago the related pregnancy occurred. The study found that patients with stage I disease had a 10-year probability of overall survival of 90%, while those with recurrent disease or disease resistant to treatment had poor survival.
Researchers have detected a peptide in cerebrospinal fluid that can indicate the onset of Alzheimer's disease, potentially allowing for earlier diagnosis and treatment. This discovery raises new opportunities for combating the disease, which currently requires treatments to be started after significant brain damage has occurred.
Effective surveillance and clinician awareness are key to minimizing Lyme disease's impact, according to researchers. The disease is transmitted by ticks and can cause serious symptoms if left untreated.
Researchers explore health outcomes of IBD, finding increased radiation exposure among patients, especially those with Crohn's disease. Growth hormone therapy shows promise in reducing symptoms and improving disease activity in pediatric CD patients.
Researchers found that treating gum disease improved rheumatoid arthritis symptoms, including reduced swollen joints and morning stiffness. The study's results suggest a link between periodontal disease and rheumatoid arthritis, highlighting the importance of good oral health in overall well-being.
A study of 13,877 people found that just over 11% had been diagnosed with heart disease before displaying symptoms. The majority of diabetic patients were not diagnosed until they became symptomatic, highlighting the need for improved screening and education to reduce heart disease before symptoms occur.
A team of researchers has identified three genes containing common mutations that are associated with altered kidney disease risk. The UMOD gene produces Tamm-Horsfall protein, which is normally present in healthy individuals' urine, but its relationship to chronic kidney disease risk was not known previously.
A Chinese study found sex-specific risk factors for gallstone disease in men and women. The study revealed a positive association between diabetes and gallstone disease in men, but not in women. In contrast, hypertriglyceridemia and obesity showed a stronger association with gallstone disease in women.
Researchers created a computational model to examine the role of certain proteins in familial Alzheimer's disease. The model found no link between amyloid beta plaques and tau tangles, but suggested that genetic mutations in proteins and GSK3 over-activation may contribute to the development of the disease.
Researchers used mouse models to study Huntington Disease, finding significant protein alterations as early as 2 weeks before symptoms appear. These changes may affect late-stage disease by altering biochemical activity in the brain.
A study of 298 black and 945 white male patients found that blacks with moderate and advanced chronic kidney disease lived longer than whites once they reached later stages. Blacks had a lower prevalence of cardiovascular disease, which contributed to their better survival rates.
A recent study published in Journal of Insurance Medicine found that the economic impact of undiagnosed celiac disease is significant, resulting in cost savings for the healthcare system after diagnosis. The study suggests that increased awareness and diagnosis of celiac disease can lead to health care costs savings.
Researchers at Penn Medicine have developed a biomarker test that can confirm or rule out Alzheimer's disease by measuring cerebrospinal fluid concentrations of amyloid beta42 peptide and tau protein. The test accurately predicted the conversion from mild cognitive impairment to Alzheimer's disease in 81.8% of cases.
Researchers analyzed data from over 1,200 male twins to find that a history of major depression significantly increases the risk of heart disease. Men with depression were twice as likely to develop heart disease compared to those without a history of depression.
A new study found that women with a longer fertile lifespan, resulting in higher levels of naturally produced estrogen, had a lower risk of developing Parkinson's disease. However, hormone therapy did not offer protection against the disease, and may even have harmful neurological effects.
Research suggests iron metabolism plays a crucial role in the development of liver disease among heavy drinkers. The study found that individuals with high levels of iron overload and specific HFE mutations had a significantly higher risk of liver disease, regardless of their genetic status.
High levels of specific proteins in spinal fluid may signal the onset of Lou Gehrig's disease. Researchers developed a diagnostic kit using these biomarkers, achieving 92% accuracy in identifying ALS patients.
A recent study has genetically linked Lou Gehrig's disease in humans to a similar disease in dogs called degenerative myelopathy. The researchers discovered that dogs with this disease have the same genetic mutation as humans with ALS, paving the way for using them as animal models to help identify therapeutic interventions.
A new genetic study has identified variations in 31 genes that increase a child's risk of developing Kawasaki Disease, a rare and severe childhood disorder. The findings will enable scientists to develop more effective treatments by revealing new targets for therapy.
Researchers found that CD4+ T cells play a significant role in Parkinson's disease progression. Infiltration of these immune cells in the brain contributes to neurodegeneration. Targeting the immune system might offer a new therapeutic approach.
A recent Mayo Clinic study found adults with asthma are seven times more likely to develop invasive pneumococcal diseases, a serious and potentially fatal condition. The researchers recommend including asthma as an indication for pneumococcal vaccination in adults, which could significantly reduce instances of this disease.
A new study published in Neurology found that a growth hormone drug, MK-677, did not slow the symptoms of Alzheimer's disease in humans. The study involved 416 participants with mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease and showed no significant impact on disease progression despite increased levels of insulin-like growth factor-1.
Researchers at LSU Health Sciences Center have identified microRNA-146a as a crucial regulator of inflammation and disease-related neuropathology in Alzheimer's disease. The study found that miRNA-146a targets the messenger RNA of an anti-inflammatory regulator, promoting brain cell inflammation.
Researchers will investigate new ways of developing clinical trials for Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease. The study aims to improve the speed, cost-effectiveness, and relevance of treatments, benefiting patients and their carers.
A study published in Archives of Internal Medicine found that sleeping less than seven and a half hours per day is associated with future risk of heart disease. Patients with shorter sleep duration plus overnight increased blood pressure had a higher incidence of heart disease.
A study published in Archives of Neurology found that individuals with Parkinson's disease are more likely to be vitamin D deficient compared to healthy adults and those with Alzheimer's disease. The average vitamin D concentration in the group with Parkinson's disease was lower than both groups.
Research highlights importance of regular Vitamin D checkups for IBD patients with lower quality of life and higher disease activity. Chronic liver disease patients also at risk of Vitamin D deficiency, which may be linked to increased disease severity and hospitalizations.
A genetic mutation in the Prion Protein Gene is linked to mad cow disease, according to a new study by Kansas State University researcher Juergen A. Richt. The mutation affects less than 1 in 2,000 cattle and can be combated through selective breeding and culling of genetically affected animals.
Researchers have discovered a link between gum disease and heart disease, suggesting that controlling gum disease could reduce the risk of heart attacks. The study found that heat shock proteins produced by bacteria can initiate atherosclerosis, a condition that causes "furring" of the arteries.
A study of 402 Parkinson's disease patients found that 69.9% experienced pain, compared to 62.8% in healthy controls. Pain types included cramping and central neuropathic pain, suggesting a link between brain structures and pain processing.
Researchers at Boston Children's Hospital have developed 20 disease-specific stem cell lines for conditions such as Parkinson's Disease, Down Syndrome, and Muscular Dystrophy. These lines were created using the iPS technique and will be made available to researchers worldwide.
Research using Magnetic Resonance Imaging technology has confirmed Huntington's disease before symptoms appear, allowing for early treatment. The study identified extensive white matter degeneration, a hallmark of the disease, which can help explain its complex motor and cognitive problems.
Researchers have made significant progress in diagnosing and preventing celiac disease, a condition where gluten triggers an autoimmune response. A new therapy, AT-1001, has shown promising results in improving intestinal permeability and reducing symptoms.
The incidence of group B streptococcus has decreased among infants younger than 7 days, but increased among adults aged 15-64 years and those over 65, according to a recent study. Disease trends following the release of guidelines for prevention near birth have not yet been well studied.
Researchers at VIB have identified a molecular link between Alzheimer's disease and the formation of amyloid plaques in the brain. The study suggests that microRNAs may play a role in increasing BACE1 protein, a key component of plaques.
A new study finds that depression is a risk factor for Alzheimer's disease, rather than an early sign of its underlying pathology. The research, published in Archives of General Psychiatry, found no increase in depressive symptoms before the clinical diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease.
A recent study published in Nature Medicine found that fetal cells implanted in patients with Parkinson's disease can develop Lewy body pathology, a defining characteristic of the disease. The study suggests that cell replacement strategies for Parkinson's disease may not be effective in the long-term.
Researchers found that antibiotic treatment doesn't eradicate all Lyme disease-causing bacteria, which may contribute to lingering symptoms. The discovery sets the stage for controlled laboratory research investigating potential therapies for persistent Lyme disease infections.
A recent study published in The American Journal of Medicine found that decreased sexual satisfaction in postmenopausal women is not clearly associated with cardiovascular disease. However, dissatisfaction was linked to peripheral arterial disease and angina, while sexual satisfaction was inversely related to these conditions.
A family-based study found a significant association between pesticide use, particularly herbicides and insecticides, and an increased risk of developing Parkinson's disease. The research team recruited 319 patients and over 200 relatives to analyze the relationship between pesticide exposure and Parkinson's disease development.
Adult offspring of two parents diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease have a significantly increased risk of developing the disease, with 22.6% affected compared to 6-13% in the general population. The age at onset is also younger, with those over 60 having a 31% risk and those over 70 having a 41.8% risk.
Researchers have identified an additional seven gene regions associated with coeliac disease, revealing a connection to type 1 diabetes. The study also highlights the importance of immune response genes in the development of coeliac disease, providing new insights into its causes and potential treatments.
Researchers found that a new 'top-down' therapy approach significantly improved disease remission rates and reduced steroid use in Crohn's patients. The two-year study showed 60% of top-down subjects were symptom-free by week 26, compared to 36% on traditional step-up treatment.
A new Mayo Clinic study identified several gene variations that predict people at high risk for ALS and Parkinson's disease. The researchers found a high-risk prediction factor for ALS (2,000 times greater than average) and for Parkinson's disease (nearly 400 times greater than average).
Researchers analyzed medical records of 249 IPF patients and found that current smokers had longer survival times due to milder disease. However, non-smokers had better survival rates, suggesting a possible link between smoking damage and progression of lung disease.
A study published in the Journal of Periodontology found a correlation between periodontal disease and an increased risk of coronary heart disease. Regular brushing and flossing can help lower this risk, according to experts from the American Academy of Periodontology.