Incidence of HPV-associated head and neck cancer increased among middle-aged white men, while Non-Hispanic Blacks experienced a decline. The study suggests incorporating HPV tumor status into treatment decisions to improve prognosis and survival for head and neck cancer patients.
Researchers developed a synthetic molecule that crossed the blood-brain barrier and reduced neuroinflammatory signals, leading to lessened severity of brain damage. The study found that LAU-0901 improved coordination and movement in experimental stroke models, with no discernible side effects.
A research team has found that opportunistic fungi like Candida albicans can sense the immune status of host cells and adapt to evade immune system defenses. The study reveals that these fungi bind to a key immune signaling molecule, Interleukin 17A, allowing them to survive and even cause disease in immunosuppressed patients.
Dr. Melinda Sothern, a national authority on childhood obesity, emphasizes the importance of recess, free outdoor play, and healthy nutrition in preventing obesity. She suggests elevating the Let's Move! campaign into a policy to promote physical fitness and reduce barriers to prevention.
Researchers at LSU Health Sciences Center have identified a new protein called ARD1 that plays a critical role in the development and growth of prostate cancer. Inactivating this protein completely suppresses cancer growth, making it a potential target for new treatments.
Dr. Rebekah Gee, Assistant Professor at LSUHSC, led a global initiative to address the lack of leadership training in medicine. The Inter Academy Medical Panel (IAMP) Young Physician Leaders program engaged young physicians from 18 countries, highlighting common challenges and opportunities across cultures.
A study led by Dr. Russell R. Russo identified a new source of necrotizing fasciitis from intramuscular injection of 'bath salts.' The researchers treated a patient who developed rapidly progressing redness, skin sloughing, and drainage after injecting the street drug.
LSUHSC researchers found that the ISG15 pathway triggers a cellular defense system that disrupts normal cytoskeletal function and increases cancer cell metastasis. This discovery provides a novel therapeutic target for future drug discovery and has important implications in other cancers.
A significant number of women with breast cancer are not receiving guideline-recommended adjuvant treatment. The research found that socioeconomic factors such as poverty, insurance status, and education level significantly contribute to this disparity. Women from high-poverty areas were less likely to receive guideline therapy, highli...
Research led by Dr. Paul Harch found that hyperbaric oxygen therapy significantly improved function and quality of life for veterans with traumatic brain injury and post-traumatic stress disorder. The treatment showed improvements in symptoms, cognitive testing, quality of life measurements, and PTSD symptoms.
Researchers found that a defect in the TERE1 gene, associated with Schnyder's corneal dystrophy, also contributes to invasive bladder cancer progression. The study showed that TERE1 inhibits bladder cancer cell growth and regulates cholesterol levels in cells.
Researchers aim to develop a safe and effective vaccine against Pneumocystis, a deadly fungus causing HIV-related pneumonia. The project has the potential to lower treatment costs and improve quality of life for individuals living with HIV.
The Louisiana Tumor Registry will collaborate with state pediatric organizations and the pediatric oncology community to rapidly collect and report pediatric cancer cases. The new database will be a valuable tool for researchers and health professionals working to control cancer in children.
A Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center research team found that activation of synaptic NMDRs increases COX-2 levels, while extrasynaptic NMDR activation boosts arachidonic acid. Sequential activation of both receptors leads to increased neurotoxic inflammation and disease progression.
A protein discovered by Dr. Suresh Alahari's laboratory can inhibit breast cancer cell growth and reduce tumor progression. The research found that Nischarin, a novel protein regulating breast cancer cell migration, acts as a tumor suppressor in breast cancer.
A recent study by LSUHSC research team identified significant differences in metabolic markers between healthy and obese 7-to-9-year-old children. The findings suggest that obesity in this age group may disrupt normal metabolism, impairing glucose tolerance and increasing the risk for Type 2 diabetes later in life.
A study by LSUHSC researchers found that two different species, frogs and bats, share similar perception of auditory cues driving basic biological functions. This universal perception may limit the evolution of communication signals.
A study by LSUHSC researchers sheds light on how humans process sounds, revealing a flexible strategy for source assignment similar to that of tungara frogs. The findings have implications for understanding communication disorders associated with hearing loss and attention deficits.
The LSUHSC is conducting a five-year study on the health consequences of oil exposure in women and their families. The study aims to monitor physical, behavioral, social, and mental health effects over time.
A study by Dr. Udai Pandey's lab at LSU Health Sciences Center found that blocking the abnormal movement of a mutated FUS protein in fruit flies can block the ALS disease process. The research provides a valuable resource for performing drug screens to identify potential therapeutic interventions.
A recent review article highlights the urgent need for protocols to deal with disaster-related health effects. The study reports on the toxicologic consequences of exposures in the Gulf Oil Spill and notes the complexity of assessing full effects due to multiple sources and underlying disease burdens.
Researchers at LSU Health Sciences Center have identified a protein called c-MYC oncoprotein that enables cancer cells to resist DNA-damaging agents like cisplatin. The study suggests that inhibiting this protein may provide a novel strategy for cancer therapy in combination with DNA-damaging agents.
A new treatment strategy using chemotherapy drugs Erlotinib and Gefitinib has been found to be effective in treating a subset of patients with advanced non-small-cell lung cancer. The drugs, which target the EGFR mutation, produced a response rate of over 70% and had fewer side effects compared to traditional treatments.
Acute stress exposure changes brain function in the cerebellum, a region responsible for motor control and learning. The study found that a five-minute exposure to predator odor inserted GluR2 receptors, increasing electrical activity and altering output in mice.
Dr. Rohan Walvekar's team has successfully removed a 20mm salivary stone using a robotic system, preserving the salivary gland and reducing blood loss, scarring, and hospital stay. This innovative technique offers a minimally invasive solution for patients with large salivary stones.
Dr. Jay Kolls has been recognized with the prestigious MERIT Award for his work on a discovery that plays a critical role in the body's defense against pneumonia. His research uses genetically engineered mice to investigate the role of lung epithelium and explore how cells control infection defense in the lung.
A study by LSU Health Sciences Center researchers found that Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), a fish oil component, can protect brain tissue and promote recovery in acute ischemic stroke even when treatment is delayed. DHA treatment reduced swelling and facilitated neurobehavioral recovery.
The LSU Health Sciences Center New Orleans Department of Psychiatry was recognized for its successful integration of mental health services into the school system, youth leadership, and community outreach after Hurricane Katrina. A study found that 72.3% of students had recovered or demonstrated resilience five years post-Katrina.
Researchers at LSU Health Sciences Center New Orleans have discovered that two brain proteins, Gαq and Gαz, act as valves to regulate vasopressin secretion and water retention in salt-sensitive hypertension. This finding may lead to new treatment options for high blood pressure, congestive heart failure, and cirrhosis of the liver.
The LSU Health Sciences Center New Orleans has been awarded a $12 million grant to conduct research on various diseases and develop new treatments. The grant will support the creation of a Louisiana Cancer Research Center and facilitate the growth of academic research scientists.
Dr. Sothern provides three opportunities for change to prevent the obesity epidemic: intensive nutrition and physical activity counseling, free play opportunities, and high-quality weight-management programs. These interventions aim to protect future generations from health consequences by programming their metabolism at a young age.
Research at LSU Health Sciences Center found that vitamin D can reduce allergic responses to Aspergillus fumigatus, a common mold that causes severe allergic symptoms in asthmatics and Cystic Fibrosis patients. Vitamin D also increased production of proteins promoting tolerance.
The Louisiana Tumor Registry has been designated as a SEER Program cancer registry, providing high-quality cancer incidence and survival data. The registry's data is used to inform prevention, early detection, treatment, and survival strategies.
LSUHSC has received a $2.1 million grant to study the role of T-helper cells in preventing Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia, a life-threatening infection linked to HIV/AIDS and other immune deficiencies. The research aims to identify effective vaccines that can activate these cells to prevent or treat PCP.
A new study by LSUHSC researchers found that fat in the liver, abdominal fat, and fat oxidation are early markers for metabolic syndrome in children. The study suggests that factors such as pregnancy weight, birth weight, and physical activity may contribute to poor metabolic function in young children.
A $4 million grant will be used to investigate the effects of THC on HIV, with a focus on anti-inflammatory and viral suppression mechanisms. The research aims to develop targeted therapeutic interventions to improve HIV disease progression.
A study published in Circulation found an association between sugary drink consumption and elevated blood pressure. Reducing sugar-sweetened beverage intake by just one serving per day was linked to a drop of 1.8 mm Hg in systolic pressure and 1.1 mm Hg in diastolic blood pressure over 18 months.
Researchers found significant differences in hemoglobin A1c response to blood glucose between African-American and Caucasian children with diabetes. The study suggests that doctors may be misinformed about blood glucose levels in African-American patients, leading to life-threatening hypoglycemia and increased complications.
Researchers have identified a key mechanism by which rapamycin inhibits cell migration, which could lead to new strategies for preventing tumor growth and promoting artery healing. The study's findings also have implications for the prevention of late stent thrombosis and heart attack.
Research by LSU Health Sciences Center scientists has found that drug metabolism is influenced by the interaction between enzymes, which can affect a drug's elimination from the body or conversion into toxic byproducts. The study suggests that testing individual enzymes alone may not be sufficient to predict drug effectiveness and safety.
African-American men have a higher incidence and death rate from prostate cancer, with the highest mortality rate of any racial or ethnic group. A new study found an inheritable genetic defect in the receptor for male hormone testosterone that may contribute to its development.
Researchers at LSU Health Sciences Center have identified a novel mechanism that triggers brain damage during stroke, which they believe can be blocked using a high-potency reagent. This breakthrough may provide a new therapeutic target for stroke therapy, offering hope for patients affected by this devastating disease.
Dr. Jay Kolls' research team has identified a unique group of white blood cells that rapidly produce cytokines to increase resistance to pneumonia. The grant will investigate the role of lung epithelium as the primary recipient of these signals and explore how these cells control infection defense in the lung.
Research from Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center found that drinking sugary cola drinks weekly before pregnancy significantly elevates the risk of developing diabetes during pregnancy. Consuming more than 5 servings per week was associated with a 22% greater risk of gestational diabetes mellitus.
New guidelines for treating Lou Gehrig's disease recommend the use of riluzole, assisted-breathing devices and PEG feeding tubes to increase longevity and quality of life. Dr. John England and his team analyzed research findings to provide specific, evidence-based recommendations for ALS care.
A study by LSUHSC researchers found that unstable carotid artery plaques contain more inflammation and less omega-3 fatty acids than asymptomatic ones. Increasing dietary intake of omega-3 fatty acid-rich foods may prevent strokes or improve treatment safety.
Researchers at LSU Health Sciences Center have identified interleukin-17 (IL-17) as a potential therapeutic target to prevent acute lung injury from influenza infection. Blocking IL-17 signaling may reduce inflammation and lung damage, offering new hope for flu-related complications.
Researchers at LSU Health Sciences Center are working on a study to prevent nerve cell death in people with uncontrolled diabetes, which causes neuropathy. The team aims to understand the mechanism of nerve cell survival after inflammatory or neuropathic insult to develop new treatment and prevention strategies.
Researchers at LSUHSC have identified miR-27b as a major player in the development of invasive breast cancer, found to stimulate cell growth and invasion. Meanwhile, ST14 gene suppresses tumor cell growth and may serve as an early detection marker for breast cancer.
Dr. Michael E. O'Brien has been recognized for his outstanding contributions to dental education, receiving the Daniel M. Laskin Award for Outstanding Predoctoral Educator in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery. He is a respected educator, mentor, and clinician with over 25 years of experience at LSUHSC.