A Virginia Tech research team has identified a protein called NapA associated with peptidoglycan, a lingering cell wall component of the Lyme disease-causing bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi. The protein plays an amplifying role in causing inflammation by acting as a molecular beacon that antagonizes the immune system.
Researchers found selective patterns of antibody reactivity to microbiota flagellins among Crohn's disease patients, with augmented serum IgG antibodies to Lachnospiraceae flagellins. These findings suggest a potential target for prognosis and personalized therapies in Crohn's disease.
A new algorithm developed by researchers at Columbia University can automatically scan electronic medical records for signs of chronic kidney disease, alerting physicians to patients in the earliest stages. The algorithm performs nearly as well as experienced nephrologists, correctly diagnosing kidney disease in 95% of identified cases.
Researchers at Karolinska Institutet have developed a new astrocyte-specific PET tracer, BU99008, which detects reactive astrogliosis in the brain. This finding could improve early diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease, with potential implications for other disorders related to astroglial dysfunction.
A rare PLD3 mutation in Alzheimer's patients disrupts lysosomal recycling, leading to fewer β-amyloid plaques and less cognitive decline. Boosting PLD3 may have a protective effect against the disease.
Researchers aim to characterize sIBM disease progression and explore biomarkers associated with the disease to design more effective clinical trials. The study will enroll 150 subjects and investigate differences in disease phenotype and disease progression, including muscle pathology.
A team of researchers from Texas A&M University developed an organ-on-a-chip device that can model the disease physiology of patients with sickle cell disease. The device uses blood outgrowth endothelial cells to mimic a patient's vessel, allowing for personalized treatment and predicting disease progression.
A new study from the University of Minnesota Medical School suggests that disease-driving B cells contribute to the development of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). The research, led by Fanta Barrow, found that a Western diet and changes in gut microbes activate these pathogen-fighting B cells into 'disease-promoters',
Researchers investigate using a cell-signaling chemokine from cats to treat human kidney fibrosis and slow disease progression. The study suggests that intra-renal injection of CXCL12 may be a potential therapy for early kidney disease, offering new hope for millions with the condition.
Patients with kidney disease who exercised regularly had lower rates of death, heart problems, and end-stage renal disease. The study found that moderate-intensity exercise (150 minutes/week) provided the most health benefits.
Researchers identified two new genes linked to Alzheimer's disease, PTPN9 and PCDHA4, in a study of gene expression in the hippocampus. The findings suggest that these genes contribute to the progression of the disease through pathways related to plaque formation and cell death.
The new guidelines recommend bringing blood pressure levels down to 120 mmHg systolic in chronic kidney disease patients, benefiting nearly 24.5 million individuals. This update aims to improve blood pressure control among the one in seven people in the US with chronic kidney disease.
Research published online in the journal Heart found that recreational substance use is associated with a higher likelihood of premature and extremely premature heart disease. Those who use 4 or more substances are 9 times as likely to be affected, with increased risks observed among women.
A large-scale genetic study found that variants of nine genes increase the risk of developing Addison's disease, a rare autoimmune disorder. The study identified specific gene variants associated with the disease, including the AIRE gene, which plays a crucial role in immune system function.
A nationwide US study found increasing death rates from heart disease in women under 65, with most deaths due to cancer and ischaemic heart disease. The study's authors warn that without intensive prevention efforts, heart disease mortality may surpass cancer to become the leading cause of death in young women.
Researchers at INRS have discovered two early plasma markers that can detect Alzheimer's disease five years before its onset, enabling earlier intervention. The study found that these markers are present in plasma extracellular vesicles and can be analyzed through a blood test, opening up new possibilities for studying the disease.
A new study reveals how a bacterial pathogen manipulates host senescence to cause citrus greening disease. Researchers identified an effector that promotes bacterial colonization and disease development in citrus.
Researchers found that the HTT gene mutation affects brain and body growth, leading to increased susceptibility to brain cell death, even in children as young as six. Gene therapy trials are underway to slow disease progression and potentially prevent onset by delivering gene therapy to carriers.
Citrus disease-induced microbial shifts may lead to new management strategies for crops. Researchers found increased diversity in microbiome associated with Huanglongbing disease progression.
A recent analysis of Geisinger Health System's electronic health records reveals chronic kidney disease as the leading risk factor for COVID-19-related hospitalization. The study found that patients with end-stage renal disease were 11 times more likely to be admitted to the hospital compared to those without kidney disease.
A new study finds that anxiety is independently associated with cognitive decline and a faster progression to Alzheimer's disease, even in patients without genetic risk factors or brain volume loss. The researchers recommend screening for anxiety disorders in elderly individuals to potentially slow cognitive decline.
Patients with chronic kidney disease can proactively manage their health by receiving tailored guidance on diet and lifestyle. Effective communication with doctors and strong family support are also crucial in empowering patients to take a more active role in their care. This study highlights the importance of clearer information, bett...
A recent study conducted at Columbia University Irving Medical Center suggests that multidisciplinary cardio-obstetrics teams can improve pregnancy outcomes and reduce hospital readmission rates among pregnant women with cardiovascular disease. The study found low rates of maternal and fetal complications, as well as a lower rate of ho...
Researchers found that elkhorn coral has a consistent immune response to diseases, indicating it actively fights off disease. The study suggests corals may have tougher epithelia and symbiotic dinoflagellates that develop differences in gene expression over time.
Researchers developed a risk-scoring calculation that adds blood and urine measures of kidney disease to the current standard method for assessing cardiovascular disease risk. The study found that adding these measures can result in large increases in cardiovascular disease-risk estimates among patients with severe kidney disease.
A study published in Nature Genetics developed a more accurate predictor of coronary artery disease based on genetic factors by comparing genome-wide association analysis across different ancestries. The researchers identified 48 genetic loci associated with the disease, including eight previously unknown variants.
A Cleveland Clinic researcher has been awarded a grant to identify biomarkers for predicting dementia in patients with Parkinson's disease. The five-year project aims to develop a predictive model using imaging, blood, and genetics data to identify individuals at risk of developing dementia as their disease progresses.
Researchers developed a comprehensive tool to explore disease development patterns, identifying main highways of disease progression. The Danish Disease Trajectory Browser analyzes 25 years of public health data to discover frequent disease trajectories.
Researchers discovered a novel mutation in the VCP gene leading to a buildup of tau proteins and neuronal vacuoles, characteristic of Vacuolar Tauopathy (VT), a rare neurodegenerative disease. The study suggests a new therapeutic target for Alzheimer's disease by boosting VCP activity to break up protein aggregates.
Two newer diabetes medications can significantly reduce the risk of heart disease, cardiovascular events, and end-stage kidney disease. They also lower blood pressure and slow chronic kidney disease progression.
A new study found that the PLCG2-P522R genetic variant protects against Alzheimer's disease by enhancing immune cell functions, including phagocytic activity and immune response. The results highlight the importance of targeting this pathway for future therapy development.
A new study suggests that excessive fructose metabolism in the brain may be a key driver of Alzheimer's disease. The research proposes that high fructose levels disrupt cerebral metabolism and neuronal function, leading to progressive loss of energy and eventual neuronal death.
Researchers have identified two variants of Parkinson's disease, with one starting in the intestines and spreading to the brain, and another starting in the brain and affecting the intestines and heart. This discovery could lead to personalized medicine and new treatment options for patients.
A large-scale clinical trial has shown that lanthanum carbonate does not reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease developing in patients with chronic kidney disease. High phosphate levels are a common problem in kidney disease and linked to cardiovascular disease, but the study found no benefit from the medication.
A new study from the University of Colorado School of Medicine reveals that asymptomatic Chagas patients are at a high risk of developing cardiomyopathy, a progressive heart disease. The risk more than doubles among patients with acute infections, according to the study published in JAMA Network Open.
A new Northwestern Medicine study reveals a significant increase in mortality rates due to heart failure and hypertensive heart disease among Black women and men. Despite advancements in heart disease management, the death rate for these conditions rose by 3.5% and 4.8%, respectively, between 2011-2018.
Researchers discovered that a person's genetic background can alter the risk of heart disease in individuals with familial hypercholesterolemia gene variants. A low polygenic score was found to lower the risk of breast cancer and colorectal cancer in those with high-risk single-gene variants, bringing it closer to the population average.
Adding corticosteroids to standard intravenous immunoglobulin treatment for high-risk Kawasaki disease patients can boost initial response and prevent complications. The combination approach reduced the need for a second course of therapy by 35% and the risk of coronary artery abnormalities by 47%.
Researchers have discovered a promising new treatment strategy for patients with prion disease by reducing levels of prion protein. This approach has been shown to significantly extend the survival of lab animals and even reverse disease markers after toxic clumps have formed in the brain.
Research suggests that increasing levels of education may be protective for people with a gene for familial early onset Alzheimer's, delaying the development of amyloid plaques. Participants with less than 10 years of education had twice as many plaques as those with more than 16 years.
A new therapeutic approach for CLN3 Batten disease has been developed by a team led by Rosalind Franklin University researcher Michelle Hastings. The treatment uses antisense oligonucleotides to target the mutated gene causing the disease, showing promise in rodent models and human cells cultured from patients.
Between 2007 and 2016, standardized hospitalization rates declined for coronary artery and vascular disease, heart rhythm disorders, stroke, and heart failure. However, there were notable increases for acquired valvular heart disease, congenital heart disease, and vascular cognitive impairment.
A systematic review and meta-analysis of 21 studies found that women with gestational hypertension are at increased risk of cardiovascular disease, including heart disease and heart failure. Women who experienced high blood pressure during their first pregnancy were 45% more likely to develop overall cardiovascular disease.
A study by Baylor College of Medicine researchers reveals that defective CLN6 causes toxic waste accumulation in cells, leading to progressive degeneration and cell death. The researchers found that CLN6 works together with CLN8 to transport enzymes to lysosomes, and when CLN6 is defective, this process is impaired.
Researchers found that animals' movement across their territories can lower the number of infected but increase disease persistence within populations. This finding challenges traditional views on disease transmission and highlights the importance of considering individual animals' movement in studies.
A mathematical model reveals that territorial behaviors can dampen disease prevalence, but at the cost of increased disease persistence. This study suggests that indirect communication could play a more important role in disease transmission than previously thought.
Researchers have developed a groundbreaking mouse model of human prion disease, demonstrating spontaneous formation of disease-relevant prion protein assemblies in mice with only human forms of the prion protein. This discovery is expected to provide valuable insights into human disease and inform the development of therapies.
Researchers found that patients with peripheral artery disease or stroke were less likely than those with coronary artery disease to receive recommended treatments to prevent heart attack. Lifestyle changes and medication, including statins and aspirin, are crucial for all three types of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease.
Researchers at McMaster University have established a strong association between inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and celiac disease. The study found a nine-fold increased risk of IBD in patients with a previous diagnosis of celiac disease, highlighting the importance of proper screening and treatment for both conditions.
A study found that US adults with inflammatory bowel disease tend to eat more junk food, such as French fries, cheese, and cookies, which may contribute to their condition. The research also revealed that these foods can increase the risk of inflammatory bowel disease.
A new study led by Dr. Rohit Kohli shows that stevia extract can reduce markers of fatty liver disease, improving glucose levels and reducing cellular stress. The findings suggest potential benefits for pediatric patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.
A study published at Digestive Disease Week found that nearly 83% of 9/11 first responders had fatty liver disease, compared to 24-45% in the general population. The research highlights the link between toxin exposure and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease among first responders.
Research published in the Journal of the American Heart Association found that people with work-related stress were 1.4 times as likely to have a record of peripheral artery disease in hospitalization registers. Work-related stress, or job strain, refers to psychological and social stress at work.
Researchers have identified ATP10B as a novel risk gene for Parkinson's disease, revealing its role in transporting glucosylceramide, a lipid critical to the disease's pathogenesis. Mutations in this gene can lead to neuronal loss and increased sensitivity to environmental risk factors.
A new UCI-led study suggests that metabolic alterations, rather than just amyloid accumulation, contribute to the development of Alzheimer's disease in people with Down Syndrome. The study found similar energy metabolism deficits in adults with Down Syndrome and Alzheimer's disease, opening up new avenues for prevention.
A new study from Karolinska Institutet and Columbia University finds that celiac disease is associated with increased risk of death from cardiovascular disease, cancer, and respiratory disease. The study examined almost 50,000 patients with celiac disease and found a 21% increase in overall mortality compared to controls.
Researchers redefine Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) as Metabolic Associated Fatty Liver Disease (MAFLD), a condition characterized by liver fat build-up affecting over 1 billion people. The new definition aims to improve treatment pathways, trial design, and drug development for this disease.
Researchers developed nanoparticles containing gliadin to treat celiac disease by restoring immune tolerance. In mouse models, these nanoparticles reduced inflammation and tissue damage, inducing gene expression profiles associated with immune tolerance.
Researchers found a strong association between gum disease and large artery strokes, as well as severe brain blood vessel blockages. Gum disease may contribute to the development of atherosclerosis, a condition characterized by hardening of blood vessels.
A new study found that cardiovascular diseases, including heart failure, atrial fibrillation, and coronary heart disease, are each linked with a higher risk of developing kidney failure. Adults hospitalized with heart failure had an 11.4-times higher risk of developing kidney failure than individuals without cardiovascular disease.