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Karolinska Institutet


Aggression neurons identified

Researchers at Karolinska Institutet discovered a previously unknown group of brain cells responsible for initiating and organizing aggressive behavior in mice. By stimulating or inhibiting these cells, the team was able to control aggression and even invert hierarchical status between dominant and submissive males.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateMay 25, 2018

Genetic link to IBS identified in women

Research at Karolinska Institutet in Sweden links specific DNA variants to IBS in women, explaining its higher prevalence compared to men. The study found associations with constipation-predominant IBS and harder stools, reinforcing the role of sex-hormones.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalGASTROENTEROLOGY·DateApr 5, 2018

The body's 'glucostat' identified

The study found that pancreatic islets, particularly human cells releasing glucagon, play a crucial role in regulating insulin-producing cells and blood glucose levels. This discovery has important implications for diabetes treatment and transplantation using stem cell technology.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalCell Metabolism·DateMar 6, 2018

Possible new principle for cancer therapy

Researchers at Karolinska Institutet in Sweden have identified three molecules that effectively treat over 60 types of cancer cells without harming normal cells. These molecules target the TrxR1 enzyme, which supports cancer cell growth and protects them from oxidative stress.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateFeb 14, 2018

Factor that doubles the risk of death from breast cancer identified

A study published in The Journal of the National Cancer Institute found that patients with high intra-tumour heterogeneity of the oestrogen receptor are twice as likely to die from breast cancer over a span of 25 years. This risk holds true for Luminal A breast cancer subtype, which is generally considered to have a good prognosis.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateJan 19, 2018

Genetic analysis can improve depression therapy

A new study found that genetic variations in the CYP2C19 enzyme affect escitalopram levels, leading to improved therapeutic outcomes when doses are adjusted accordingly. The research identified a significant difference between patients with high and low enzyme expression, highlighting the potential for personalized medicine.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalAmerican Journal of Psychiatry·DateJan 12, 2018

Older people with bowel disease receive older medicines

A large registry study found that older adults with inflammatory bowel disease are more likely to consume healthcare services and undergo surgery than younger patients. The study also revealed a significant difference in medication between age groups, with younger patients receiving modern immunomodulating drugs and TNF inhibitors.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalGASTROENTEROLOGY·DateNov 13, 2017

Unexpected mechanism behind chronic nerve pain

Researchers at Karolinska Institutet have found that a small RNA molecule in sensory neurons regulates how touch is perceived, leading to increased pain sensitivity after nerve damage. The study's results suggest that microRNA-based drugs could be a promising treatment option for chronic nerve pain.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalScience·DateJun 1, 2017

Making biological drugs with spider silk protein

Researchers at Karolinska Institutet have successfully synthesized lung surfactant, a drug used in the care of preterm babies, by mimicking the production of spider silk. The new method uses a part of the spider protein that ensures proteins remain soluble and is cheaper and simpler to produce than current methods.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 23, 2017

Self-harm linked to violence towards others

A Swedish registry study found that individuals who self-harm are at a five-fold risk of being convicted for a violent crime compared to those who have never received clinical care. Self-harm behaviour and violent criminality may be manifestations of a common underlying vulnerability.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalJAMA Psychiatry·DateApr 5, 2017

Major research project provides new clues to schizophrenia

Researchers at Karolinska Institutet have discovered that patients with schizophrenia have lower levels of the neurotransmitter GABA and altered immune cell function. These findings provide new clues to the disease mechanisms of schizophrenia, but follow-up studies are needed to determine if these changes are causes or effects.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·DateMar 14, 2017

Bilateral tinnitus is hereditary

A Swedish twin registry study reveals that bilateral tinnitus has a strong genetic component, especially in men, while unilateral tinnitus is more influenced by environmental factors. The findings have important clinical implications for diagnosis, treatment, and public health.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalGenetics in Medicine·DateMar 9, 2017