Treatment with letrozole initiated one to seven years after stopping tamoxifen therapy cuts the risk of breast cancer recurrence in half and metastasis by 60%. The chance that a new tumor develops in the unaffected breast is also significantly reduced. These findings suggest aromatase inhibition can still offer preventive benefits.
Researchers aim to understand how a small minority of HIV-positive individuals remain healthy despite years of infection. The new grant will recruit 2,000 participants and compare DNA from elite controllers to those with progressive HIV infection to identify genetic factors behind viremic control.
Researchers have discovered a strong link between gene variants and anxiety-related traits, including shy behavior in children and introverted personality in adults. These variations were associated with increased activity of brain regions involved in emotional processing.
A new study found that stimulant treatment for children with ADHD has no effect on their future risk of substance abuse. The 10-year follow-up study analyzed over 100 young men and controlled for conditions like conduct disorder, which are associated with substance abuse.
Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital have identified a new strategy for normalizing tumor blood supply by controlling nitric oxide levels. By selectively suppressing NO production in tumor cells while maintaining it in blood vessels, the study found improved appearance and function of the tumor's blood supply.
A study published in PNAS identifies intestinal alkaline phosphatase as an enzyme that blocks the action of lipopolysaccharide, a molecule responsible for bacterial toxins' toxic effects. The findings suggest that feeding critically ill patients can prevent infection by stimulating IAP production.
A recent study reveals that many US medical schools lack comprehensive policies addressing conflicts of interest related to financial interests of the institution itself or major officials. The study suggests that institutions may need additional support in addressing this issue, and raises questions about the effectiveness of existing...
Researchers used advanced imaging to examine brain tissue in mouse models of Alzheimer's disease, finding that amyloid plaques can develop in as little as a day and neuronal changes appear soon afterwards. The study provides new insights into the timing of brain changes associated with Alzheimer's dementia.
Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital have discovered that grapefruit compound naringenin can block the secretion of hepatitis C virus from infected cells, a key step in maintaining chronic infection. This finding suggests that combining naringenin with antiviral medication may allow patients to clear the virus from their livers.
A clinical trial shows that romiplostim significantly improved platelet levels in patients with chronic immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP), a hematologic disorder that can cause uncontrolled bleeding. The novel drug duplicates the action of a natural hormone discovered by MGH investigator, offering low toxicity and high response rates.
A study published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation found that a medication used to treat bone marrow cancer improves bone density in a mouse model of osteoporosis by activating mesenchymal stem cells. This breakthrough could lead to new treatments for osteoporosis and other degenerative conditions.
A new experimental protocol successfully induced immune tolerance to HLA-mismatched kidney transplants in four out of five patients. The treatment involved a combined organ and bone marrow transplant, followed by immunosuppressive drug withdrawal, resulting in normal kidney function for all patients.
A survey of top US hospitals found significant differences in guidelines for determining brain death, including variations in specialty requirements and examination procedures. The study highlights the need for revised guidelines to ensure consistency across institutions.
A study has identified a chromosomal abnormality on chromosome 16 that appears to increase the risk of autism by 100-fold. The deletion or duplication of this segment was found in 5% of individuals with an autism spectrum disorder, but not in unaffected parents.
A specific gene variation appears to significantly increase the risk of developing hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in patients with cirrhosis. Researchers found that elevated EGF levels and activation of the EGFR receptor were associated with a higher risk of HCC in patients with at least one copy of the G allele.
A newly identified molecular pathway involving the urokinase receptor (uPAR) appears to play a crucial role in the breakdown of kidney filtration structures, leading to proteinuria. The research suggests that targeting this pathway with antibodies or small molecule compounds could prevent or decrease proteinuria in animals.
A microchip-based device, called the CTC-chip, can isolate, enumerate, and analyze circulating tumor cells from blood samples. The device was tested on 68 patients with five different types of tumors and showed a sensitivity rating of 99%, accurately monitoring response to treatment.
Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital have discovered a crucial molecular pathway underlying idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), a deadly lung disease. The study found that lysoposphatidic acid (LPA) and its receptor LPA1 play a key role in attracting fibroblasts, leading to scarring of lung tissue.
A new investigational drug, tesamorelin, significantly improved symptoms of HIV lipodystrophy by reducing deep abdominal fat deposits and improving lipid abnormalities. Participants reported significant improvements in body image and reduced distress.
Direct-to-consumer genetic testing poses risks of misleading patients and physicians due to lack of regulation. Physicians recommend consulting with doctors before ordering tests, as results may not be clinically valid or accurately interpreted.
A study found that over 89% of men with early prostate cancer received inappropriate therapies due to pre-existing problems. The mismatched treatments may be attributed to patients' reluctance to discuss symptoms with their physicians.
A study from Massachusetts General Hospital found that physicians who self-refer or refer patients to colleagues in their own specialty are more likely to order imaging studies, with variations ranging from 12% to over 200%. This economic motivation may lead to unnecessary referrals and excess utilization of imaging procedures.
The International HapMap Project has completed its second phase, tripled the amount of genetic variation assessed and describes up to 95% of common single-letter variations in the human genetic code. This increased density of identified SNPs allows researchers to better understand disease-associated genes and detect rare disease variants.
A study by Massachusetts General Hospital found that institutional academic-industry relationships are common and pervasive, affecting departmental activities. Nearly 460 department heads reported having some type of industry relationship, with most involving consulting or intellectual property.
A new molecular pathway, PROK2 signaling, is critical to the development of neurons controlling the reproductive system. The study's findings could enable better understanding of human reproduction, particularly idiopathic hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (IHH) and Kallmann syndrome.
Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital have identified a compound, C2-8, that may delay the loss of motor control and reduce neurological damage in a mouse model of Huntington's Disease. The study found that C2-8 slows the progress of HD and shows promise as a potential treatment.
A regulatory protein called CTLA-4 inhibits the action of HIV-specific CD4 T cells, leading to immune system breakdown in AIDS patients. Elevated CTLA-4 expression correlates with disease progression and reduced CD4 counts, suggesting a potential treatment target.
Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital found a strong association between exposure to gadolinium-containing contrast agents and the development of nephrogenic systemic fibrosis (NSF) in kidney failure patients. The study also showed that individuals with NSF had a significantly increased risk of dying within two years.
Massachusetts General Hospital researchers have developed a new method to treat liver failure by modulating the immune response. The approach uses mesenchymal stem cells to reduce inflammation and promote organ regeneration, showing promising results in animal studies.
Scientists at Massachusetts General Hospital found that the Foxn1 gene determines where pigment is deposited in the epidermis and hair. The study reveals that melanocytes deliver melanin to specific cells indicated by the Foxn1 gene, which acts as a map for pigment distribution.
A new study published in Pediatrics found that annual flu shots significantly reduce outpatient visits and hospitalizations due to flu-related illness. Vaccinating half of U.S. children could prevent up to 650,000 doctor's office visits and 2,250 hospitalizations per year.
MGH researchers create novel enzymes through mRNA display technique, enabling evolution without prior knowledge of enzyme mechanism. The developed enzymes show promise for improving chemical synthesis and developing new therapies.
Researchers discovered that blood levels of protein ST2 indicate the presence of heart failure and predict the risk of death, even among patients without heart failure. A combination of ST2 with other biomarkers provides the most accurate prediction for all study participants.
Massachusetts General Hospital researchers discovered that a specific enzyme called cathepsin L causes proteinuria by breaking down dynamin, leading to podocyte damage. Altered forms of dynamin may be able to block this process and restore kidney function.
Researchers at MGH confirm that bone marrow transplantation after chemotherapy restores fertility in female mice, with donor-derived egg cells observed but not involved in fertilization. The study also reveals that resuming mating and bone marrow transplants shortly after chemotherapy improve fertility rates.
Researchers found a 15% reduction in colorectal cancer diagnosis among patients with osteoarthritis who took NSAIDs, consistent with previous findings on pre-cancerous polyps. The study supports the need for further research to identify safe NSAID agents for regular preventive therapy.
Scientists have discovered how the HIV virus evades the human immune system, revealing a predictable pattern of mutations that can inform the design of an effective vaccine. The study's findings hold tremendous promise for global HIV efforts and could complement smaller functional studies with population-based approaches.
A new study reveals that almost all middle-school youth play violent video games, with two-thirds of boys and one in four girls reporting regular play. Children use gaming to manage feelings like anger and stress, while some also play with strangers online.
The incidence of chronic conditions among American children is increasing, with rates of obesity, asthma, and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) tripling over the past three decades. Rapid social and environmental changes are believed to be the probable cause.
Scientists have discovered a potential new treatment for Parkinson's disease by inhibiting the action of an enzyme called SIRT2. Blocking this pathway is believed to protect neurons damaged in Parkinson's from the toxic effects of alpha-synuclein, a protein that accumulates in the brains of patients.
Researchers at MGH-MIND discovered that an enzyme involved in Alzheimer's disease can alter neural signaling, leading to seizures. Elevated BACE activity may be responsible for seizures observed in Alzheimer's patients, suggesting potential treatments to alleviate their occurrence.
A study from Massachusetts General Hospital found that genetic alterations in the bone marrow of mice can cause a type of myeloproliferative syndrome, an overproduction of certain blood cells. The discovery may help find better therapies for these disorders, which can be difficult to treat, and also for some leukemias.
Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital have discovered a cellular chain of events linking stroke and head injury to Alzheimer's disease. The study reveals how brain cell death triggers the production of amyloid-beta protein, a key component of senile plaques.
A study from Massachusetts General Hospital reveals that aspirin's colorectal cancer prevention mechanism depends on the inhibition of COX-2 enzyme. Regular aspirin intake only reduced the incidence of colorectal tumors that overexpress COX-2, highlighting a potential target for personalized treatment strategies.
Researchers discovered a new way lung tumors become resistant to targeted therapy drugs like Iressa and Tarceva, involving the activation of an oncogene that bypasses blocked growth signal. A potential new treatment strategy using combination therapy against both protein targets is suggested for patients with resistant tumors.
Researchers found HIV-infected patients had a higher incidence of heart attacks and major cardiovascular risk factors compared to noninfected patients. The study's findings indicate that HIV-infected individuals should be assessed for cardiovascular risks and that strategies to modify those risks are urgently needed.
A new study suggests that hospitals operating at or over their capacity may be at increased risk of adverse events. The research found a correlation between high workloads and adverse events in one of the four studied hospitals, highlighting the need for safety systems to cope with periods of high stress.
Researchers at MGH Cancer Center have discovered a molecular pathway underlying sensitivity to cisplatin in triple-negative breast cancers. The study found that p63 and p73 expression levels can predict cisplatin therapy effectiveness, leading to the design of a clinical trial for patients with advanced triple-negative breast cancer.
A research team has identified several novel genetic variations associated with the risk of Crohn's disease, which could improve understanding of the disease process and lead to new therapies. The study found that one of the newly identified genes, ATG16L1, plays a crucial role in autophagy, a biological pathway involved in inflammation.
Researchers have identified a growth-factor antibody that may treat chronic lung disease affecting premature infants. The treatment, which inhibits transforming growth factor-beta activity, improved lung development and body growth in animal models of bronchopulmonary dysplasia.