Cocaine: Perceived as a reward by the brain?
Researchers find cocaine activates dopamine release in striatum, associated with increased addiction risk; potential target for treatment against addiction
McGill University Health Centre
Folic acid to prevent congenital heart defects
Researchers at the McGill University Health Centre found that folic acid fortification in grain products led to a significant decrease in congenital heart defects. The rate of these defects decreased by 6.2% per year after 1999, according to provincial databases.
Equality of the sexes? Not always when it comes to biology
A recent study found that women have a more powerful innate immune system than men due to the presence of estrogen. Estrogen blocks an enzyme called Caspase-12, which prevents the inflammatory process, making women more resistant to infection.
SourceMcGill University Health Centre·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 11, 2009
Treating HIV earlier to decrease the risk of death
A new North American study shows that starting antiretroviral treatment earlier significantly decreases the risk of death, with a reduction of up to 94% in patients who begin treatment before their CD4+ cell count falls below 500. This finding challenges traditional guidelines and may lead to changes in medical practice.
Latent tuberculosis: An international project to fight a worldwide disease
A team of researchers from the McGill University Health Centre has received a $4.9 million CIHR grant to study a new, four-month treatment for latent tuberculosis that could help eradicate TB worldwide. The current nine-month treatment causes many side effects, and this new regimen has already shown fewer unwanted side effects.
Discovery of a new retinal gene involved in childhood blindness
A team of researchers, led by Dr. Robert Koenekoop, has discovered a new gene associated with Leber congenital amaurosis and retinitis pigmentosa, two devastating forms of childhood blindness. The SPATA7 gene identifies a crucial metabolic disease pathway and opens a new avenue for potential genetic therapies.
Stem cells could halt osteoporosis, promote bone growth
Researchers at McGill University Health Centre discover a new pathway that controls bone remodelling with interferon gamma. Interferon gamma may become an efficient drug-target for treating osteoporosis.
Innovative method to starve tumors
Researchers have found that tumor cells release microvesicles that stimulate the growth of blood vessels, allowing tumors to grow. A new molecule called Diannexin has been identified as a potential therapeutic agent that can block this process and starve tumors.
SourceMcGill University Health Centre·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 11, 2009
New treatment option for latent tuberculosis
Researchers at McGill University Health Centre have developed a new four-month treatment for latent TB, which causes less liver damage and improves patient adherence. The study found that this shorter treatment is better tolerated than the traditional nine-month treatment with isoniazid.
Sleep disorders: A warning sign for neurodegenerative disease?
A recent study published in Neurology reveals that patients with REM sleep behaviour disorder are at a high risk of developing neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson's and Alzheimer's. The study found that nearly half of patients with this condition develop a neurodegenerative disease within 12 years of diagnosis.
Home-based pulmonary rehabilitation: More freedom for COPD patients
A study by Drs. François Maltais and Jean Bourbeau found that home-based pulmonary rehabilitation is as effective as hospital-based treatment in improving symptoms and quality of life for COPD patients. The program, which involves aerobic exercises, can be performed alone and has the potential to reduce healthcare costs.
Lack of vitamin D causes weight gain and stunts growth in girls
A Canada-US study published in Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism found that insufficient vitamin D can cause higher body mass and shorter stature in girls during puberty. The researchers discovered a significant association between low vitamin D levels and increased abdominal fat, but no link to bone strength.
SourceMcGill University Health Centre·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateDec 10, 2008
CA$2.4 million toward gene therapy for human degenerative retinal diseases
A Canadian and American research group has been awarded a five-year grant to develop gene therapies for human degenerative retinal diseases, including Leber Congenital Amaurosis, Stargardt macular dystrophy, and retinitis pigmentosa. The team will use innovative approaches to partially restore vision in patients.
Predicting the future for patients with severe traumatic brain injury
A multidisciplinary team from McGill University Health Centre developed effective predictive tools to assess patient progress after severe traumatic brain injury. The study found that cognitive and emotional faculties did not develop to the same extent as physical function, leading to persistent deficits.
Researchers discover new risk factor for cardiovascular disease, and a way to control it
High levels of hs-CRP increase the risk of cardiovascular disease, which can be reduced by up to 44% with statin medication. The study included 17,802 patients from 27 countries and demonstrated a significant decrease in cardiovascular events and mortality.
Octogenarians can be good candidates for heart surgery
A recent study by Dr. Kevin Lachapelle found that 60% of patients over 80 who underwent heart surgery were still alive five years later, with 90% leading active lives. The study challenges the notion that age should be a barrier to open-heart surgery.
C. difficile and antibiotics not necessarily linked
A new study by Dr. Sandra Dial challenges the long-held assumption that antibiotic use is always a precursor to C. difficile infections. Researchers found that approximately 53% of community-acquired C. difficile infections were not related to antibiotic use, highlighting the need for further investigation into other risk factors.
Hospital delays under scrutiny by researchers at the MUHC
Researchers at the MUHC categorized timeframes involved in getting pediatric oncology patients to initial therapy, finding that it takes approximately one month to get a diagnosis from a pediatric oncologist. The study also identified disparities in treatment times based on cancer type and patient age.
Taking back-to-school to heart
Children born with a congenital heart malformation are at risk for developmental delays. The study found that these children have average or low IQs and experience behavior problems leading to challenges in social development.
Spending time in the intensive care unit can traumatize kids
Children who spend time in intensive care units may experience long-lasting psychological trauma and anxiety after discharge. A new questionnaire developed by MUHC researchers aims to help healthcare professionals identify these children and provide them with necessary support.
Personalized immunotherapy to fight HIV/AIDS
A novel approach to treating HIV/AIDS uses customized dendritic cells to stimulate immune response, showing potential for innovative therapeutic approach
Montreal researchers prove that insulin-producing cells can give rise to stem-like cells in-vitro
Montreal researchers have shown that insulin-producing β-cells can dedifferentiate into stem-like cells, a key finding with implications for regenerative therapies and the development of innovative treatments. The study's results validate the potential of a peptide called INGAP to induce new islet formation in the pancreas.
Genetic cause of innate resistance to HIV/AIDS
A study by Dr. Nicole Bernard of McGill University Health Centre found that specific genes KIR3DL1 and HLA-B*57 provide innate resistance to HIV infection. People carrying these gene versions may be able to destroy infected cells more efficiently, lowering their risk of developing AIDS.
Same drug, different results: MUHC researcher on the path to personalized medicine
A recent study by Dr. Rima Rozen at the Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre shows how minor genetic differences between individuals alter the effect of a common medication, Methotrexate. The research found that mice with an altered MTHFR gene had significantly less hemoglobin and red blood cells after treatment.
Weight-loss surgery can cut cancer risk
A recent study published by Dr. Nicolas Christou of the McGill University Health Centre (MUHC) suggests that bariatric surgery reduces the risk of developing cancer by up to 80% in morbidly obese patients. The research, which compared over 1,000 patients who underwent bariatric surgery with those who did not, found significant decrease...
Largest ever Canadian study on osteoporosis informs health policy
The Canadian Multicentre Osteoporosis Study (CaMos) reveals that for women, menopause marks a critical period of decreased bone mineral density, with an average loss of 6.8% over 5 years in the hip. In men, BMD decreases more gradually, starting earlier around age 40, with a second period of decline after age 70.
Medicines derived from cannabis: a review of adverse events
Researchers found an 86% increase in non-serious adverse events among patients treated with cannabinoids, mainly affecting the nervous system. Cannabinoids are used to treat chronic pain and stimulate appetite, but physicians must weigh benefits against possible side effects.
Hip and knee replacement patients not receiving treatment to reduce blood clot risk
A recent study by McGill University Health Centre researchers found that only 19% of hip and knee replacement patients in Quebec received post-discharge antithrombotic treatment to prevent blood clots. This lack of treatment increases the risk of mortality for these patients, highlighting a need for improved care protocols.
The Montreal Children's Hospital of the MUHC begins search for causes of autism
A multi-site consortium is gathering genetic and behavioral information about cases with only one family member having autism. The Simons Simplex Collection will create a database of genetic and behavioral information, leading to the discovery of new genetic factors that increase the risk of autism.
An MUHC team evaluates a new saliva-based HIV test to speed up detection
A new saliva-based HIV test has been developed by an MUHC team, providing rapid detection in approximately 20 minutes. The test uses oral mucosal transudate and has been shown to accurately identify HIV-positive individuals, particularly in vulnerable populations.
SourceMcGill University Health Centre·JournalPublication Library and Information Science·DateMay 5, 2008
Predicting breast cancer patient outcome: MUHC researchers identify new genes
Researchers at MUHC identified 163 genes correlated with patient outcome, including a panel of 26 specific genes that can accurately predict clinical outcome. The study provides a promising diagnostic tool for breast cancer patients.
Cancer cells spread by releasing 'bubbles,' according to an MUHC study
A new mechanism of how tumour cells communicate has been discovered, involving the release of vesicles called oncosomes containing cancer-causing proteins. This finding could lead to major clinical innovations and potentially serve as a clinical marker for cancer diagnosis.
Collaborative research database to benefit complementary and alternative medicine
The IN-CAM Outcomes Database aims to address gaps in CAM research by providing outcome measures and a forum for information exchange among researchers. This innovative initiative promises to lead to more effective treatments in the future.
Cells from the Research Institute of the MUHC on the road to China
A $150,000 grant from Quebec's Ministère du Développement économique will support Dr. Constantin Polychronakos' research into preventing type 2 diabetes by triggering insulin-producing thymus cells. The collaboration with Chinese scientists aims to develop a new therapeutic approach using high-performance drug screening equipment.
Botox for newborns
Botox has been found effective in reducing hypersalivation in newborns with CHARGE Syndrome, preventing tracheotomies. The treatment involves injecting a minute dose of Botox into the salivary glands to block nerve activity and reduce saliva production.
SourceMcGill University Health Centre·JournalArchives of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery·DateMar 17, 2008
Caspase-12: MUHC researcher finds new defense mechanism against intestinal inflammation
Researchers have identified a new defense mechanism in the intestine that protects against pathogenic bacteria, which could lead to targeted treatments for diseases like Crohn's disease. The Caspase-12 protein regulates this mechanism, limiting defensin production and triggering an inflammatory reaction.
HSP90: New point of view on melanoma of the eye, at the MUHC
Researchers at the MUHC have identified HSP90 as a promising therapeutic target for ocular melanoma. By targeting this protein, it is possible to disrupt multiple cellular functions and block cancer cell reproduction, leading to tumour regression.
Bone complications due to cystic fibrosis have a genetic cause, according to an MUHC study
A recent MUHC study reveals that cystic fibrosis-related bone problems are an additional pathology stemming from the Cftr gene mutation, not a side effect of treatment. The study found that mice with the mutation have lower bone mineral density and mass than control mice, without pancreatic insufficiency or steroid treatment.
SourceMcGill University Health Centre·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateFeb 7, 2008
Over-the-counter eardrops may cause hearing loss or damage
A new study reveals that certain over-the-counter earwax softeners can cause severe inflammation and damage to the eardrum and inner ear. The products should be used with extreme caution due to their toxic potential.
Deficient regulators in the immune system responsible for type 1 diabetes
A recent study suggests that impaired CD4+Treg cells may contribute to the development of type 1 diabetes. Dr. Ciriaco Piccirillo's research indicates that these cells' regulatory function is compromised in patients with type 1 diabetes, allowing misprogrammed T lymphocytes to attack insulin-producing cells.
Is your heart aging faster than you are?
A new MUHC study found that informing patients about their cardiovascular risk and receiving ongoing feedback from their doctor leads to greater drops in lipid levels. Patients with higher risk profiles experienced a greater impact on their risk profile, highlighting the importance of communicating calculated cardiovascular risk.
Adolescence and autism: a difficult, but not hopeless, combination according to a new MUHC study
A new study by Dr. Eric Fombonne found that social skills training groups for autistic adolescents can lead to significant improvements in social and interpersonal skills. The groups, which involve role-playing and peer validation, have been shown to be efficient and effective in reducing problems with irritability and sensitivity.
SourceMcGill University Health Centre·JournalJournal of Autism and Developmental Disorders·DateNov 2, 2007
When it comes fighting to C. difficile, the Palme d'Or goes to soap and warm water
A study by Dr. Matthew Oughton found that soap and warm water eliminate over 98% of C. difficile bacteria, while alcohol-based solutions are ineffective against spores. The protocol also confirmed washing hands with soap and water remains an excellent method to control nosocomial infections.
Quebec Government funds study of Dawson shooting impact
A $460,000 grant will be used to research the impact of the Dawson College shooting on mental health services and school safety. The study aims to identify effective treatment gaps and develop a standard response protocol for similar situations.
Methadone and systematic follow-up: the best solution for managing chronic pain
A study at McGill University Health Centre shows that combining methadone with innovative case management can provide relief for patients with chronic pain. The program, which includes regular phone calls and a pain diary, resulted in 57% of patients being satisfied or very satisfied after nine months.
The fight against colorectal cancer
The Canadian mortality rate from colorectal cancer is high due to insufficient screening and prevention measures, resulting in advanced-stage treatments being administered too late. Effective screening tests can prevent the disease by detecting benign polyps, but education programs are necessary to address this issue.
Ibuprofen can slow lung disease in children with cystic fibrosis, Canadian study shows
A Canadian study found that high-dose ibuprofen can slow the decline of lung function in children with mild cystic fibrosis. The treatment reduced hospital stays and improved quality of life for patients.
A study by the MUHC and McGill University opens a new door to understanding cancer
A recent study by MUHC and McGill University has shed light on the mechanisms triggering cancer cell growth, potentially leading to targeted therapies. The research discovered that ubiquitin promotes interactions between proteins Cb-b, which plays a crucial role in mitigating uncontrolled cell proliferation.
A decisive step toward a cure for insulin dependent diabetes
Researchers at McGill University Health Centre have identified a new gene involved in type 1 diabetes, bringing the total to five genes responsible for the disease. The discovery using high-density DNA microchip technology provides a promising step towards developing effective treatments and prevention methods.
The MUHC is out on the playing field with an innovative study on soccer headgears
A new MUHC study found that wearing soft protective headgear reduces the risk of concussions by 53% among adolescents aged 12-17 who played soccer. The research also suggests that most sports-related injuries are not reported, emphasizing the importance of preventive measures.