Molecular mechanism of anaphylactic shock decoded
The study found that suppressing the respective genes protects mice from severe anaphylactic reactions. This discovery paves the way for developing new drugs to treat and prevent anaphylactic shock.
Heidelberg University Hospital
Irritable bowel syndrome can have genetic causes
A study published in Human Molecular Genetics found an association between a functional variant of the serotonin receptor-type 3E gene and diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome. This correlation could lead to the development of specific medications for certain genetic mutations in patients.
Protection from the own immune system
Researchers at Heidelberg University Hospital developed a vaccine that prevents multiple sclerosis in mice by suppressing the harmful immune response. The treatment uses autologous immune cells treated with mitomycin and expresses a self-protein from the nervous system, rendering them non-reactive to the disease.
SourceHeidelberg University Hospital·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 28, 2008
Toxic bile damages the liver
Researchers have discovered a new genetic disease that can lead to severe liver damage due to inadequate bile secretion. A mutation in the ABCB4 gene causes low levels of phosphatidylcholine in bile, resulting in liver cell damage and cirrhosis.
Treatment window expanded
A new study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that patients can still benefit from dissolving blood clots in the brain up to 4.5 hours after a stroke. The study, known as ECASS 3, involved 826 patients who received either the thrombolytic drug alteplase or a placebo, with better response rates and no increased mort...
Multiple Sclerosis: new MRI contrast medium enables early diagnosis in animal model
A new MRI contrast medium, Gadofluorine M, has been developed to visualize inflammatory tissue damage in multiple sclerosis (MS). The study found that this medium enabled the detection of more inflammatory lesions in MS patients compared to conventional MRI images and contrast media.
Male kidneys for men only?
A new analysis of kidney transplant data found that male kidneys function better in men than women, who have a higher risk of rejection. The study, based on almost 200,000 cases, suggests that gender should be considered when allocating donor kidneys.
Tsunami in the brain
Researchers at Heidelberg University Hospital discovered that depolarization waves in the brain spread through adjacent areas after a stroke, leading to further cell death. The study's findings may enable the translation of decades-long experimental research into clinical applications.
Pharmaceutical study: Less hemorrhaging after stroke, but not fewer deaths
A new study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that coagulation factor VIIa can reduce cerebral hemorrhage size, but does not prevent long-term mortality or severe impairment. The study showed that patients with smaller hemorrhages and certain age restrictions may benefit from treatment.
To fight the cancer before the tumor grows
Researchers at Heidelberg University Hospital have discovered a new approach to immunize against certain types of cancer. They found that immune cells react strongly to modified proteins in tumor cells with DNA repair defects, which are present in around 15% of all tumors.
Asthma and smoker's lung: dry airways play a key role
A study finds that insufficient hydration of the airway surfaces leads to pathologies typical of chronic obstructive lung diseases in humans. This could lead to a new therapeutic strategy for treating asthma and COPD by improving mucus clearance through sodium channel blockers.
SourceHeidelberg University Hospital·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateApr 7, 2008
E-mail design pays off
A study at Heidelberg University Hospital found that well-designed e-mails increase the use of Internet links and reduce spam. The researchers discovered that a simple trick, such as switching from Courier to Times font, boosted legibility and attractiveness.
SourceHeidelberg University Hospital·JournalJournal of the American Medical Informatics Association·DateApr 4, 2008
How dangerous is boxing for the brain?
A study of 42 amateur boxers found microhemorrhages in three cases, a potential precursor to Parkinson's disease and dementia. However, the differences were not statistically significant, leaving conclusive statements unclear. Further research on professional boxers is planned to assess intensive exposure to blows.