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JCI Journals


JCI Table of Contents, March 1, 2005

Researchers found that chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) cells are born at a fast rate but die, leading to a slow rise in cell count over time due to variable birth and death rates. This dynamic interplay between CLL cell division and cell death may enable physicians to predict disease progression.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateFeb 10, 2005

The very unexpected life and death of a leukemic cell

Researchers found that CLL cells divide at a fast rate and their production is variable, leading to fluctuations in disease activity. This dynamic interplay between cell division and death rates challenges the long-held view of CLL as an accumulative disorder.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateFeb 10, 2005

Lost tolerance is a grave Omenn

Researchers found that Omenn syndrome patients have greatly reduced autoimmune regulator (AIRE) expression in their thymuses, which leads to a lack of central tolerance. This results in the survival of autoreactive T cells, causing increased autoimmunity risk.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateFeb 3, 2005

PGA on a tour under the skin

S. epidermidis produces poly-gamma-glutamate (PGA) to protect itself from innate host defenses during infection. The findings suggest PGA as a promising target for drug development to combat related illnesses.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateFeb 3, 2005

Single stem cells from bone heal a broken heart

Researchers have discovered a single human stem cell population derived from the bone marrow that can regenerate myocardium after myocardial infarction. This breakthrough has significant implications for treating heart failure and major morbidity associated with myocardial infarction.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateFeb 1, 2005

JCI table of contents

Researchers propose a new antiviral therapy targeting the smallpox growth factor, demonstrating effectiveness in lowering morbidity and mortality in infected mice. In another study, human bone marrow-derived stem cells are shown to regenerate myocardium after myocardial infarction, providing a potential approach for heart repair.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateFeb 1, 2005

JCI table of contents, January 20 2005

Researchers have identified integrin [alpha]v[beta]6 as a key risk factor for developing early-stage colorectal cancer. The molecule's high levels are also predictive of patient survival, with low expression associated with better outcomes.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJan 20, 2005

Molecule predicts colon cancer patient survival

Researchers found that elevated levels of ávâ6 expression in colon carcinoma cells are associated with reduced patient survival. The molecule is identified as an independent prognostic marker for colorectal cancer and predictive of early-stage disease outcomes.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJan 20, 2005

IL-7 wipes out HIV-1 hideouts

Researchers have identified IL-7 as a potent and strain-specific inducer of latent HIV-1 cellular reservoirs in individuals on virally suppressive HAART. The growth factor stimulates HIV-1 activation from resting T cells, suggesting new approaches for HIV treatment.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJan 3, 2005

JCI table of contents, 3 January 2005

Researchers identified a novel oncogene in Chernobyl residents with papillary thyroid cancer, resulting from the fusion of the AKAP9 and BRAF genes. This study provides evidence that chromosomal inversions are a common molecular lesion in post-Chernobyl thyroid cancers.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJan 3, 2005

Oxidants link obesity to diabetes

Researchers found that apocynin reduced ROS production in fat cells, restored adipocytokine production, and improved diabetes. Accumulated fatty tissue is a major source of ROS in obesity, acting as an early trigger of metabolic syndrome.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateDec 15, 2004

JCI table of contents, December 15 2004

Individuals with obesity produce more toxic oxygen molecules that lead to changes in fat-derived hormones and contribute to the development of metabolic syndrome. Treatment with antioxidants reduces ROS production and improves diabetes symptoms.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateDec 15, 2004

Return of the Staphylococcus aureus 'superbug'

Researchers analyzed 829 S. aureus strains from Rotterdam and found three major and two minor genetic clusters, mirroring UK study results. However, the new study identified hypervirulent clones associated with serious infections in healthy carriers.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateDec 15, 2004

New drug protects against the hardening of arteries

A new drug, GW7647, demonstrates profound protective effects against atherosclerosis by reducing lipid accumulation in macrophages. The study highlights the potential of targeting multiple PPARs, particularly PPARalpha and PPARgamma, to limit lipid accumulation and reverse atherosclerosis.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateDec 1, 2004

Stem cells to the rescue - or not?

Researchers transplanted BM-SP stem cells into mice with cardiomyopathy, but found that only 2 muscle fibers expressed restored sarcoglycan levels. The study suggests alternative approaches should be investigated for regenerative medicine.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateDec 1, 2004

JCI table of contents, December 1 2004

Researchers at Columbia University have discovered a new treatment that improves memory in mice with Alzheimer's disease. The phosphodiesterase inhibitor rolipram was found to modify gene expression and make brain synapses more resistant to beta-amyloid accumulation.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateDec 1, 2004

Aging affects susceptibility to type 2 diabetes

A recent study by Charlotte Ling and colleagues found that aging decreases the expression of PGC-1alpha and PGC-1beta in muscle, increasing insulin resistance and T2DM susceptibility. The age-dependent decrease was partially heritable, suggesting a genetic link to the development of insulin resistance.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateNov 15, 2004

JCI table of contents, November 15 2004

Researchers discovered a complete deficiency in the CD3 epsilon chain of the T cell receptor causes SCID, leading to normal B cells but no T cells development. The absence of this chain blocks T cell development at a specific stage in the thymus.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateNov 15, 2004

New gene mutation found to cause 'bubble boy disease'

Researchers identified a complete deficiency in the CD3 epsilon chain of the T cell receptor causing SCID, leading to normal B cells but no T cells. Early diagnosis via bone marrow stem cell transplantation can result in a survival rate as high as 97% for patients with this mutation.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateNov 15, 2004

Diabetes drug works by enhancing fat cell energy production

A recent study published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation reveals that a diabetes drug called rosiglitazone enhances fat cell energy production by remodelling mitochondria. This finding suggests a potential new approach to treating obesity, which is a major risk factor for developing type 2 diabetes.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateNov 1, 2004

JCI table of contents November 1, 2004

Researchers identified a link between genetic mutations in the ABCA1 gene and lower HDL cholesterol levels in the general population. Approximately 10% of individuals with low HDL levels carry a mutation or nucleotide modification in one of their ABCA1 genes, suggesting that genetic variation plays a role in regulating HDL levels.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateNov 1, 2004

Venn diagram tactics to vet complex disease

A study using Venn diagram tactics categorizes mutation types in cells from different patients, identifying a novel cause of lethal neonatal mitochondrial complex I deficiency. The authors demonstrate the technique's strength by pinpointing mutations in the NDUFS6 gene, a previously unknown contributor to this disease.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateSep 15, 2004

JCI table of contents September 15, 2004

Researchers develop methodology to efficiently pinpoint mutations in mitochondrial respiratory chain, identifying new cause of lethal neonatal disease. The technique uses cell-fusion experiments and bioinformatics analyses to categorize mutation types, revealing complex genetic backgrounds.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateSep 15, 2004

Picking prostanoids to provide protection

Researchers found that prostacyclin (PGI) protects against atherosclerosis, while thromboxane A2 (TXA2) promotes its development. TP antagonists and molecules with PG-like activity may aid in atherosclerosis prevention, aligning with previous work on low-dose aspirin therapy.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateSep 15, 2004

JCI table of contents: 1 September, 2004

Researchers found that zoledronic acid can halt the progression of cervical cancer in mice by inhibiting angiogenesis and matrix metalloprotease-9 expression. Additionally, a study on skin cancer revealed that Stat3 is required for initiation and promotion stages, suggesting it as a potential target for cancer therapy

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateSep 1, 2004

Zoledronic acid zings cervical cancer

Researchers found that zoledronic acid inhibits the growth of cervical cancer by targeting macrophages expressing matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) and angiogenesis. This treatment approach offers new hope for cervical cancer patients.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateSep 1, 2004

Stopping skin cancer — Stat3

Researchers found that Stat3 is required for skin cancer initiation and maintains cellular growth through expansion of initiated cells. Inhibiting Stat3 function impairs tumor growth, suggesting its potential as a target for cancer therapy.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateSep 1, 2004

Pig-human transplantation not PERVerted

Researchers develop a new xenotransplantation model where human cells coexist with porcine cells, showing that they can live long-term without PERV infection. The study suggests that pigs may be a safer source for human transplantation due to the low risk of transmitting viruses.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateSep 1, 2004

Progress in breast cancer progression

Researchers found that NF-kB is essential for the initial transition stage of epithelial-mesenchymal transition in breast cancer cells. Inhibiting NF-kB after transition prevents cells from becoming invasive.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateAug 16, 2004

JCI table of contents, 16 August, 2004

Researchers found that AMPK plays a vital role in protecting cells under conditions of a heart attack, including glucose uptake and preventing cardiac dysfunction. In contrast, mice without functional AMPK exhibited impaired contractile function and increased cell death after blood flow reduction.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateAug 16, 2004

MICs shed light on prostate cancer

Researchers found that prostate cancer cells shed immunostimulatory molecules, allowing them to evade the immune system's natural killer cell defense. Soluble MIC levels in serum correlated with high-grade and invasive tumor status, suggesting a potential biomarker for disease progression.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateAug 16, 2004

Putting energy into heart protection

A recent study published in JCI Journals reveals that AMP-activated protein kinase plays a crucial role in protecting the heart against ischemic stress. The kinase mediates increased glucose uptake in the heart during ischemia, which helps prevent post-ischemic cardiac dysfunction, apoptosis, and injury.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateAug 16, 2004