Recent research suggests that measuring fatty tissue around the heart is an even better predictor of major heart problems. Noninvasive CT scanning can provide this important information. The researchers conclude that assessment could add meaningfully to clinical risk assessment and generate CT information regarding plaque buildup.
Researchers at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center found that massage alters the immune response in healthy adults, decreasing stress hormones and increasing white blood cell counts. The study, which involved 53 participants, showed significant changes in lymphocyte numbers and percentages.
A recent study suggests that a new drug, Olaparib, can reduce tumor size in women with advanced hereditary ovarian and breast cancers, offering a promising targeted therapy approach. The Phase II trials showed significant shrinkage in tumor size and relatively mild toxicities.
The Cedars-Sinai Heart Institute has received a $1.66 million grant to develop a measurement system predicting patient vulnerability to sudden cardiac arrest. The study aims to identify patients at high risk of sudden cardiac arrest by analyzing electrocardiogram data.
Scientists discovered characteristic amyloid plaques in human retinas and developed a noninvasive optical imaging technique to detect retinal plaques in live laboratory mice. The study suggests the possibility of early noninvasive diagnosis and monitoring of Alzheimer's disease through retinal imaging.
Researchers at Cedars-Sinai are studying the mechanisms of how human immune systems reject or accept transplanted brain stem cells. The team aims to develop new stem cell therapies for patients with ALS, Parkinson's disease and other neurological disorders.
A new study of 9/11 survivors and victims' family members found that on-site psychiatrists can alleviate early trauma symptoms and reduce PTSD. Psychiatrists provided immediate aid to 848 patients in just over two months, with the most common symptoms including sleeplessness, anxiety, and depression.
Researchers found that PDE5 inhibitors increase blood-brain barrier permeability to Herceptin, boosting effectiveness against lung and breast cancer brain metastases. The combination of vardenafil plus Herceptin improved survival by 20% in mouse models.
A study by Cedars-Sinai researchers has found a significant link between methane production and obesity, with obese patients testing positive for methane on their breath having a significantly higher body mass index. The presence of methane-producing bacteria in the gut may play a role in obesity.
A new study from Cedars-Sinai Heart Institute found that high doses of antioxidant nutritional supplements can induce stem cell genetic abnormalities, potentially leading to cancer. Researchers discovered this danger zone when seeking a way to multiply human cardiac stem cells.
Researchers confirm rifaximin antibiotic provides long-lasting relief of IBS symptoms, including bloating and abdominal pain. The study suggests targeted antibiotics can effectively treat IBS by altering gut bacteria.
Researchers at Cedars-Sinai Heart Institute found that pre-transplant smoking increases the risk of non-fatal cardiac events, while homeless donors are associated with higher complications and poor outcomes. Donor demographics also play a role in transplant survival rates, with males receiving opposite-gender hearts having worse outcomes.
Researchers at Cedars-Sinai Heart Institute have developed a method to guide cardiac stem cells using micro-size iron particles and a magnet, increasing retention in the injured area and enhancing heart function. This innovative technique shows great promise for improving the effectiveness of stem cell therapies for heart disease.
Researchers at Cedars-Sinai Heart Institute conclude that dronedarone is only moderately effective and lacks clear safety benefits. The review assesses data from the FDA approval process and compares dronedarone to amiodarone, a commonly used treatment for atrial fibrillation.
A new study reveals that the utilization of minimally invasive aneurysm repair varies by region due to patient risk factors and physician experience. The study found a strong correlation between higher-risk patient populations and physicians more experienced in treating aneurysms.
A genetic variation at the GPC5 gene has been linked to a reduced risk of sudden cardiac arrest. The study found that individuals with this variation have a 15% lower likelihood of experiencing the heart disorder, which claims over 250,000 American lives each year.
Researchers found that image recognition and memories are stronger when neurons fire in sync with local theta waves during the learning process. The study also established a direct relationship between individual neuron spike timing relative to theta oscillations and human behavior.
A new study aims to investigate whether erectile dysfunction drugs can improve muscle blood flow and reduce fatigue in muscular dystrophy patients. The research, led by Ronald G. Victor, will test the effects of tadalafil on muscle blood flow during exercise in adult males with Becker muscular dystrophy.
A new study by Cedars-Sinai Medical Center found that the number of living donor organs available for transplant has declined over the past five years, while the number of deceased donors decreased in 2008. This decline has resulted in a widening gap between the number of organs available and the number of patients awaiting a donor organ.
Researchers at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center have identified over 30 regions of the genome linked to ulcerative colitis, providing insights into the disease's causes and potential new therapies. This understanding may lead to more effective treatments tailored to individual patients' needs.
A three-and-a-half-year study will enroll 400 patients to assess the safety of brain cooling in elderly stroke patients. The ICTuS 2 trial will use endovascular temperature modulation system and aims to improve outcomes after acute stroke.
Clive Svendsen's team develops specifically-engineered stem cells that stall nerve cell degeneration in ALS patients. The award will fund novel ex vivo gene therapy approaches to treat the disease.
Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome produce less adiponectin than healthy women, leading to increased insulin resistance and inflammation. This hormone helps regulate fat metabolism, glucose utilization, and reduces inflammation.
Researchers used a special peptide to modify laboratory mice's immune systems, reducing characteristic features of Alzheimer's disease. Anti-inflammatory cells were recruited, dampening the local inflammatory response and boosting plaque-degrading enzyme action.
A new study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology found that women are less likely to exhibit signs of structural heart disease, which is a precursor to fatal cardiac arrest. This means that fewer women may be eligible for current treatments that can prevent sudden cardiac arrest.
A team of Cedars-Sinai Heart Institute researchers, led by Eduardo Marbán, received a $5.5 million grant to develop cardiac stem cell therapies for strengthening and healing damaged heart muscle caused by cardiac arrest. The goal is to create new treatments for heart attack patients in four years or less.
Premature aging of the immune system has been linked to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), according to research. Studies found that patients with ALS have reduced CD4+ T cells and thymic malfunction, contributing to disease progression.
A non-invasive test can effectively screen for silent heart disease and identify high-risk patients, potentially preventing heart attacks and sudden deaths. Coronary artery calcium scans detected plaque in coronary arteries, which were more effective than standard measurements.
Researchers at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center have isolated stem-like cells from benign pituitary tumors and shown they can generate new tumors in laboratory mice. The study supports the cancer stem cell hypothesis, suggesting similar mechanisms may be involved in malignant and benign tumor formation.
Researchers at Cedars-Sinai have developed a novel gene therapy that uses immune cells to target glioblastoma multiforme. A specific biomarker, HMGB1, has been identified as an effective tool to monitor tumor response to this treatment.
A new study found that nearly a third of first-degree relatives of BAV patients have enlarged aortas, a potentially serious condition. The study also revealed that 53% of BAV patients had enlarged aortas, and 9.4% of first-degree relatives had BAV.
A new study published in Archives of Internal Medicine finds that women with chest pain but no coronary artery disease are at an elevated risk for cardiovascular events such as heart attack or stroke. The study suggests that these patients require a different treatment regimen and highlights the need to reevaluate their risk assessment.
A national study conducted at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center found that women with suspected coronary artery disease who suffer from depression have significantly higher health care costs. Depression was associated with a 15-53% increase in cardiovascular costs over five years, translating to $1,550-$3,300 higher annual costs.
A study in mice identified Toll-like receptor 7 as a critical molecule in detecting West Nile virus and recruiting immune cells to clear the infection. The research suggests that drug therapies targeting this signaling pathway could enhance the immune response and promote clearance of the deadly virus.
Researchers discovered that idiopathic QT interval prolongation significantly increases the risk of sudden death among coronary artery disease patients. The study found a five-fold increase in odds for abnormally prolonged QT intervals of unknown etiology, highlighting its potential as a predictor for sudden cardiac death.
A new study has found a possible connection between shorter menopause and faster progression of atherosclerosis, which can lead to heart disease. Women who transitioned more quickly through menopause were at higher risk for a higher rate of progression of preclinical atherosclerosis.
Experts warn that while hormonal contraceptives may be safe for many women, gaps in knowledge remain. The article highlights the need for further research on low-dose oral contraceptives and alternative forms of contraception for high-risk individuals.
Researchers at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center developed a gene therapeutic approach that results in tumor regression and long-term survival. The approach uses proteins to draw dendritic cells into the brain tumors, stimulate an anti-tumor response, and increase survival time by six months.
Researchers from Cedars-Sinai Medical Center presented several studies on brain-immune interactions, including the role of cilia in regulating hippocampal neurogenesis and the use of dendritic cells to boost anti-glioma immune responses. These findings have important implications for our understanding of the brain's immune system and p...
Researchers from Cedars-Sinai Heart Institute will share findings on regenerating heart tissue using stem cells, a mutant gene therapy strategy to protect against heart disease, women's rapid onset of heart disease, and the effectiveness of new medication prasugrel in preventing ischemic complications.
A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that testosterone administered by a skin patch improves sexual well-being in post-menopausal women. The research involved over 800 participants from across the globe and suggests testosterone as a potential treatment for low libido in this demographic.
Researchers identified a molecular mechanism involved in the development of cancer stem cells, which can lead to malignant brain tumors. Targeting this signaling pathway with gene therapy may prevent tumor recurrence.
A study by Cedars-Sinai cardiologists suggests that evidence-based reimbursement incentives can lead to significant economic savings in healthcare. By prioritizing medical procedures with proven effectiveness, doctors and hospitals can help reduce costs without compromising patient care.
Surgeons at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center combined three innovative minimally invasive spine surgery procedures to correct spinal curvature in adults. The procedures involved accessing damaged disc material, replacing it with spacers filled with bone and a protein that promotes fusion.
Kidney transplant specialists at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center have developed innovative laboratory techniques to improve opportunities for highly sensitized patients. The new technology uses solid phase assays to predict patient risk and improve transplant success rates.
Researchers used an engineered virus to deliver a glowing protein into newborn brain cells in an animal model of Parkinson's disease, revealing most cells are glial and do not form neurons. Further gene delivery experiments showed no effect on neuron formation but increased the number of oligodendrocytes supporting neurons.
Astrocytes undergo reorganization and may engulf attacking T cells, which could improve therapy for viral infections, brain tumors, and neurodegenerative disorders. This novel response mechanism offers new insights into brain cell defenses against immune cells.
Researchers found that PDE5 inhibitors like Viagra and Levitra can open the blood-brain tumor barrier, allowing cancer-fighting drugs to reach malignant brain tumors. This breakthrough may improve drug delivery to brain tumors in patients.
The California Institute for Regenerative Medicine has awarded a planning grant to Cedars-Sinai Heart Institute to support regenerative stem cell-based approaches for treating heart attacks, congestive heart failure, and pacing abnormalities. Researchers will use autologous stem cells derived from patients to replace damaged heart cells.
A new therapy developed at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center improves transplant rates and outcomes for patients awaiting living- and deceased-donor kidney transplantation. The combination of IVIG and rituximab offers superior benefits to IVIG alone, improving transplant rates to 80 percent of treated patients.