Janet Leigh, Chair of Oral Medicine and Radiology at LSUHSC New Orleans School of Dentistry, is a RWJF Health Policy Fellow. She will participate in the policy process at the federal level, accelerating her career as a leader in health policy.
The North Carolina-Louisiana Prostate Cancer Project finds differences in physician trust, access to care, and continuity of care between African American and Caucasian men, leading to advanced prostate cancer at diagnosis. An established relationship with a healthcare provider can mitigate these disparities.
Researchers at LSU Health Sciences Center are studying how similar cell receptor systems determine different functions influenced by hormones and drugs. They aim to understand specificity in the ERK signaling pathway, which could lead to targeted treatments for diseases like breast cancers.
Syphilis is experiencing a resurgence in cases, while gonorrhea has become increasingly resistant to treatment, posing significant challenges for public health efforts. New and potentially serious(STDs) like Mycoplasma genitalium have also been identified as emerging threats.
Early exposure to airborne ultrafine particulate matter in infancy has been linked to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma later in life. This study found that infant inhalation of ultrafine air pollution caused genetic defects leading to dysfunctional proteins and permanent changes in immune responses.
Dr. Nichols' approach combines discovery studies with functional and behavioral studies in two models to determine how mental disorders like psychosis and schizophrenia develop. He aims to identify abnormally functioning genes and proteins that may represent novel therapeutic targets for neuropsychiatric disorders.
Dr. Huijing Xia, a postdoc at LSU Health Sciences Center New Orleans, has been awarded the American Physiological Society's Postdoctoral Fellowship in Physiological Genomics for her research on ACE2, an enzyme that regulates blood pressure. The two-year fellowship will cover $37,000/year in stipend and trainee allowance.
Researchers at LSUHSC have been awarded a $1.3 million grant to develop a new cancer vaccine targeting melanoma and breast cancer. The grant will support the creation of a novel signaling pathway in T lymphocytes, which can detect cancer and boost tumor destruction.
Dr. Haydee Bazan received a $710,000 grant from the National Institutes of Health to explore potential therapeutic approaches to heal corneal injuries. The research focuses on finding balance between signaling mechanisms that promote cellular damage or repair in the cornea.
Researchers found genetic variations on chromosome 6 associated with higher risk of schizophrenia. This discovery may lead to new treatments for autoimmune disorders and improve existing treatments.
Dr. Jay Kolls receives $1.8M grant to explore antibody responses against Pneumocystis fungus, aiming to develop a vaccine to prevent or treat PCP. Preliminary studies show that carbohydrate antibodies participate in early clearance and regulate long-term immune responses.
A LSUHSC M.D./Ph.D. student has been awarded a $148,480 NIH grant to investigate the therapeutic potential of novel omega-3 fatty acid derivatives in experimental stroke. The project aims to define interactions between omega-3 fatty acids and pro-survival protein signaling pathways in the aging brain after stroke.
Researchers at LSU Health Sciences Center identified the 15-LOX-1 enzyme, which produces neuroprotectin D1, a molecule that protects retinal cells key to vision. This discovery has potential applications in treating retinal degenerative diseases and neurodegenerative conditions like Parkinson's disease.
A single gene, EBNA1, plays a crucial role in the activation of EBV genes responsible for indiscriminate tumor cell growth. The LSUHSC research team discovered that oxidative stress regulates EBNA1's ability to activate these genes, leading to potential therapeutic approaches using existing treatments like Vitamin K.
Researchers at LSU Health Sciences Center found that children as young as 7 can exhibit early signs of diabetes, including poor insulin sensitivity and high insulin resistance. The study identified fat oxidation, blood pressure, and lipids as key predictors of insulin sensitivity in this age group.
Dr. Xu's research aims to develop novel dental materials that release fluoride, inhibit bacterial growth, and promote bioactivity, potentially reducing secondary cavities and improving oral health outcomes. The project has the potential to impact high-risk populations, such as children, the elderly, and those with compromised oral health.
LSUHSC researchers discovered that excessive IQGAP1 production weakens cell-to-cell contacts, promoting cell migration and invasion. The study provides insights into the prolonged activated state of Cdc42, a key protein involved in cancer spread.
A study by LSUHSC public health researcher Liwei Chen found that reducing liquid calorie intake, especially from sugar-sweetened beverages, is significantly associated with weight loss. The study's findings suggest that policy recommendations and public health efforts to reduce liquid calorie intake can help combat obesity.
A LSUHSC student has developed a groundbreaking treatment for diabetes using ACE2 gene therapy, which improves pancreatic beta cell function and restores glucose stability in diabetic mice. The award recognizes the student's outstanding research contributions to the field of endocrinology and metabolism.
A study by Dr. Nicolas Bazan at LSU Health Sciences Center has found that an omega three fatty acid called docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) protects brain cells from misfolding proteins associated with Parkinson's disease and other neurodegenerative disorders.
Beta-1 integrin's role in regulating cell behavior and extracellular matrix assembly is crucial for understanding diseases like cancer and fibrosis. The study identifies a key protein, talin, involved in controlling fibronectin fibril formation.
Researchers at LSU Health Sciences Center have discovered a protein that can interrupt normal cellular proliferation in pancreatic cancer cells. This breakthrough may lead to new treatments for type 1 and 2 diabetes by controlling the growth of islet cells.
Researchers at Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center have found a potential new target for hypertension treatment in the brain's Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2). By blocking one of its receptors, AT1Rs, ACE2 activity increased, normalizing impaired baroreceptor reflex function and blood pressure.
Dr. James M. Hill has been awarded the distinction of American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) Fellow for his contributions to understanding viral and bacterial keratitis. He is being honored for developing excellent animal models and unique drug delivery systems, as well as identifying a specific human gene as a risk...
Neuropathy, a degenerative nerve disorder, has few evidence-based standards for evaluation and management. New guidelines recommend screening laboratory blood tests and genetic testing for accurate diagnosis. The guidelines also suggest considering specialized tests to evaluate neuropathies with autonomic dysfunction.
The report found declines in both cancer incidence and death rates, as well as wide variations in lung cancer trends from state to state. Tobacco control measures are key to reducing the risk of lung cancer.
Researchers at LSU Health Sciences Center have identified microRNA-146a as a crucial regulator of inflammation and disease-related neuropathology in Alzheimer's disease. The study found that miRNA-146a targets the messenger RNA of an anti-inflammatory regulator, promoting brain cell inflammation.
A comprehensive assessment of HPV-associated cancers found significant racial disparities, with higher rates among African American women and Hispanic men. The study also identified the most common types of HPV-related cancers, including cervical, anal, and oral cancers.
The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation granted LSUHSC's CARE Program $100,000 to support ten scholarships. The program aims to address the nursing shortage by enabling hundreds of students to launch their nursing careers through accelerated education. 81 students are presently enrolled in the program.
Researchers at LSUHSC have identified a naturally occurring fatty acid, 2-AG, that functions as an endogenous COX-2 inhibitor, protecting brain cells from neurodegenerative diseases. The study provides new therapeutic approaches to prevent devastating disorders like stroke and Alzheimer's.
Dr. Eric Lazartigues' research aims to understand the role of ACE2 in regulating blood pressure and developing new treatments for hypertension. With a $1.2M grant, his work has the potential to improve the treatment of cardiovascular diseases, which claim more lives than cancer combined.
Researchers at LSU Health Sciences Center discovered that high-dose hyperbaric oxygen therapy can revive laboratory swine within 25 minutes of cardiac arrest, surpassing the previously thought limit of 16 minutes. This breakthrough may lead to improved survival rates and more definitive treatments for human patients.
The LSUHSC has been awarded a $10 million COBRE grant to support cardiovascular research projects and mentor junior faculty. The grant will fund four research projects and one pilot project, focusing on various aspects of cardiovascular disease, including hypertension, stents, and stroke.
The LSUHSC School of Dentistry is being honored for its innovative efforts in rebuilding dental education in Louisiana following Hurricane Katrina. The institution has been recognized for its pioneering work in restoring a functional dental school, despite the devastating flood that rendered the campus unusable.
A study published in Journal of Vascular Surgery found increased aortic arch calcium content and complex arch morphology are associated with higher risk of embolization during carotid artery stenting in patients over 75. This may lead to the use of alternative techniques to reduce risk.
A new study by Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center researchers found that hyperbaric oxygen therapy improved spatial learning and memory in a model of chronic traumatic brain injury. The therapy increased vascular density in the brain and was associated with an improvement in cognitive function.
Scientists at LSU Health Sciences Center have discovered that NPD1 protects against RPE cell damage by triggering its synthesis and regulating its release. The research also found that NPD1 can counteract the effects of A2E, a toxic component that accumulates in the retina during aging and retinal degenerations.
The LSUHSC School of Dentistry will lead a $3.3 million institute for infectious disease research, creating an educational component for Louisiana students and an intellectual stimulation program for faculty. The Clinical and Translational Research Education and Commercialization Program will support clinical research at the institutio...
The New Orleans Metropolitan Area Family Resiliency Project aims to enhance mental health services for children and first responders, reduce individual and family symptoms, and improve school performance. The program will also develop prevention and intervention strategies for future disasters.
The LSU Health Sciences Center is launching a project to evaluate the influence of simulation on teamwork and patient safety in operating rooms. The research aims to develop an innovative training model that combines realistic mannequin-based simulation, patient scenarios, and a mobile mock operating room with interdisciplinary teams.
Researchers at LSUHSC discovered unique RNAs in centrosomes that govern cell division and genetic stability. The findings have broad implications for understanding eukaryotic evolution and potentially developing new cancer treatments.
Researchers developed a peptide, D6R, that blocks lethal toxins of anthrax by inhibiting furin activity. The peptide has shown promising therapeutic potential against various bacterial infections, including Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Ebola, without invoking a cytokine response.
The study found that 34% of children living in FEMA-subsidized community settings have at least one diagnosed chronic medical condition, with high rates of asthma and behavioral problems. The survey also revealed difficulties in accessing mental health services, with nearly half of caregivers scoring at levels consistent with clinicall...
Researchers have discovered that docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) in retinal pigment epithelial cells plays a crucial role in protecting photoreceptor cells from damage. The findings suggest that DHA may help slow or halt the progression of diseases such as retinitis pigmentosa and Usher's syndrome.
A new study found that HSV-1 DNA was present in the eyes and mouths of nearly all healthy participants, highlighting the widespread nature of the virus. The research suggests that controlling virus excretion could limit transmission and is a simple way to evaluate new antiviral drugs.
A low-intensity CQI intervention successfully increased the use of preoperative beta-blocker therapy and IMA grafting in elderly patients, achieving significant overall effect and positive trends. The study demonstrates a Medical Specialty Society CQI Platform as a model for rapid translation of evidence into practice.
A new peptide, D6R, has been developed by LSUHSC researchers to block the action of an enzyme that activates toxic proteins in bacteria and viruses. The peptide was found to protect cells from lethal toxins without triggering a cytokine response, offering potential as a treatment for sepsis and other infections.