A study has identified two enzymes elevated in prediabetes that could lead to new therapies for vascular complications and help predict who is at risk of developing diabetes. Elevated arginase and indoleamine 2,3 dioxygenase trigger a stress response that damages blood vessels and immune cells.
The Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University has been awarded a three-year, $186,200 grant to advance the education and scientific discovery in physiology. The grant supports the exchange of graduate students and postdoctoral fellows with the University of São Paulo-Ribeirão Preto in Brazil.
A study found that young black males with high hormone aldosterone are at risk for cardiovascular disease due to retaining too much salt, leading to enlarged heart muscles and high blood pressure. Researchers suggest early use of aldosterone inhibitors to control blood pressure and reduce cardiovascular risk.
A new study aims to determine driving fitness in individuals with multiple sclerosis using a simple and accurate testing protocol. The test, developed by GHSU researcher Dr. Abiodun Akinwuntan, has shown promise in predicting pass or fail outcomes on a road test with 91 percent accuracy.
A new study suggests that increasing Hsp70 expression may help reduce excessive reactive oxygen species production, a key contributor to cardiovascular disease. Researchers found that Hsp90 inhibitors can increase Hsp70 levels, leading to decreased oxidative stress and improved blood vessel function.
A new approach to hysterectomy allows for essentially scar-free surgery using robotic arms in a thin incision. The technique provides improved access for surgeons, enabling clearer views of anatomy and reducing the risk of injury to vital structures.
Researchers discovered a unique protein bond that enables NMDA receptors to stabilize on the cell surface, increasing communication between brain cells. The scaffolding protein SAP102 binds with GluN2B at two sites, facilitating receptor turnover and preventing debilitating diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.
Dr. Peter F. Buckley received the 2012 Cancro Academic Leadership Award for his work in advancing child and adolescent training experiences through a recovery-oriented model of care. He led the rebuilding of the MCG Department of Psychiatry, developing innovative programs that focus on recovery from mental illness.
Pediatric residents who participated in simulated clinical exams showed a significant increase in confidence and comfort when addressing breastfeeding issues. The OSCE interventions also improved their ability to take a thorough history, assess the baby's condition, and provide professional guidance. By training future pediatricians in...
A common birth control device has been shown to be effective in treating early-stage endometrial cancer, particularly in morbidly obese and high-risk patients. The intrauterine device releases progestin levonorgestrel, successfully used as a contraceptive for the past decade, and successfully reversed abnormal cell growth in all patients.
Dysynergic defecation is a condition where the brain and gut communicate improperly, leading to constipation and abdominal pain. Researchers have developed a biofeedback system that helps patients relearn normal behavior and restore communication between the brain and gut, showing an 85% success rate.
A decade of increased use of sophisticated imaging studies has made radiology a crucial aspect of healthcare reform, says Dr. James V. Rawson. Radiologists are exploring ways to reduce costs, optimize utilization, and improve patient care through the strategic use of imaging technology.
A set of evidence-based clinical practice guidelines has been established to guide the diagnosis and treatment of low-back pain in the US. The guidelines recommend careful observation, over-the-counter pain medication, and targeted physical activity for most patients, while reserving imaging and surgery for specific cases with red flags.
A study published in JAMA found that obese individuals who underwent gastric bypass surgery experienced significant weight loss and reductions in cardiovascular risk factors. The surgery helped improve fitness, quality of life, and even reduced the incidence of diabetes, hypertension, and sleep apnea.
A study found that 20-40 minutes of daily exercise reduces the risk of diabetes and body fat in children, with longer periods providing greater benefits. Children who exercised for 40 minutes had a 22% reduction in insulin resistance compared to those who exercised for 20 minutes.
A 10-week LifeSkills program improved teens' ability to control anger, decreased anxiety, and lowered blood pressures, with benefits holding up at six months. The program, adapted for adolescents, teaches assertiveness, sound decision-making, and positive interactions to reduce stress and improve overall well-being.
About 30% of blacks retain as much salt as eating fries when stressed, leading to elevated blood pressure and increased cardiovascular disease risk. A low-salt diet may be beneficial for these individuals.
Researchers found that successive leg compressions trigger natural protective mechanisms reducing damage after a stroke. The technique, called remote ischemic perconditioning, reduced stroke size by 25.7% in animal models, doubling its efficacy when combined with tPA, the current FDA-approved stroke therapy.
A study published in Cancer Research identified a gene that disrupts the inflammatory process implicated in liver cancer. Laboratory mice bred without this gene lacked pro-inflammatory protein TREM-1 and protected themselves from developing liver cancer after exposure to carcinogens.
Studies investigate the connection between serotonin, BDNF, and TG2 in depression. High levels of TG2 may disrupt serotonin signaling, leading to depressive symptoms.
Scientists monitor interleukin-6 levels in patients with schizophrenia to identify potential red flags for relapse. The study aims to develop a personalized treatment approach using multi-drug therapies.
Researchers have discovered a powerful class of antioxidants that can block the development of Parkinson's disease by bolstering the natural antioxidant Nrf2. The synthetic triterpenoids increased Nrf2 activity, reducing oxidative stress and inflammation in brain cells, which are characteristic of Parkinson's.
A MCG student has received a $5,000 research fellowship to investigate risk factors for bacteremia in dialysis patients. The study aims to identify potential associations with diabetes, dialysis catheter use, and other factors.
Research finds that both brain and muscle cells require the protein LRP4 to ensure robust communication. Without it, communication is inefficient and short-lived, contributing to disabling disorders like myasthenia gravis. The study suggests that delivering LRP4 through gene therapy may help bolster insufficient levels in patients.
A lipid, ceramide, helps cells find their way by keeping their antennae up, enabling direction and signal response. This function is crucial for maintaining proper cell locations, such as brain cells staying in the correct region.
Researchers found PHF21A gene mutated in patients with Potocki-Shaffer syndrome, leading to malformations and intellectual disability. The gene plays a crucial role in neuron survival, and its suppression can lead to brain cell death.
A recent study found that meditation can lower left ventricular mass in black teens with high blood pressure, reducing the risk of future cardiovascular disease. School records also showed significant behavioral improvements in the meditation group.
A study of 559 adolescents found that those with low-fiber diets had bigger bellies, higher levels of inflammatory factors, and more visceral fat. Increasing fiber intake is crucial for reducing these risks, particularly in a time when one-third of children are overweight or obese.
Researchers discovered that astrocytes, which normally nourish and protect neurons, deliver a lethal package containing ceramide and PAR-4 when neurons start producing excessive amyloid protein. This process may contribute to brain-cell death and shrinkage in Alzheimer's disease.
Researchers found that injecting DNA nanoparticles increased expression of indoleamine 2,3 dioxygenase (IDO), an enzyme that calms the immune response, significantly reducing limb joint swelling and inflammation in rheumatoid arthritis. This suggests a potential therapeutic value for gene therapy in autoimmune diseases.
A new study aims to determine whether intravenous insulin delivery is more effective than standard shots in improving stroke outcomes. Researchers hope to find ways to lower high blood glucose levels quickly and safely after a stroke, which can worsen brain damage.
A new anti-dandruff shampoo using green tea polyphenols has been developed by GHSU researcher Dr. Stephen Hsu, eliminating toxic ingredients found in conventional shampoos. The product, ReviTeaLize, works by promoting the skin's metabolic equilibrium and shielding against autoimmune diseases.
A study is underway to document the consequences of low-dose exposure to organophosphates, a common pesticide that can impact nerves and cause chronic disabilities such as learning and memory problems. The researchers aim to identify ways to mitigate the effects of these chemicals on brain function.
Researchers have developed a simple technique to teach civilians to break camouflage, with 60% of volunteers achieving proficiency in just two weeks. The Army is using this method to improve its sniping skills, and researchers are studying the brain activity involved.
The $3.4 million grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services will provide medication and treatment to uninsured patients in the Augusta area, while also expanding rapid testing and education efforts. With this funding, nearly 1,300 HIV-positive patients can receive life-long treatment with a single pill daily.
Researchers found an enzyme called IDO helps clear cellular debris and promote tolerance to the body's own proteins and DNA. Blocking IDO can trigger autoimmune diseases like lupus in genetically programmed mice.
The GHSU Department of Psychiatry and Health Behavior has received the 2012 Award for Creativity in Psychiatric Education from the American College of Psychiatrists. The program's Project GREAT initiative focuses on recovery from mental illness, empowering patients to be part of their own care.
Researchers have found that cochlear implants can restore hearing in organ transplant patients without significant health risks. The study suggests that patients who wait at least six months after the transplant and take the right antibiotic before and after the procedure can achieve successful outcomes.
Researchers found that agrin and LRP4 form two diverse work teams to activate MuSK, enabling communication between neurons and muscles. This discovery may lead to new treatments for myasthenia gravis and other muscle diseases, as well as insights into neurodegenerative conditions like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.
Scientists have discovered that stimulating brain hormones may help prevent a deadly second wave of death in patients with pneumonia. The research found that an agonist mimics the action of growth hormone-releasing hormone, which protects the air sacs and capillaries from fluid and cell damage.
Adolescents who consume high amounts of fructose are at increased risk for cardiovascular disease and diabetes, according to a recent study. The researchers found that heavy consumers of fructose had lower levels of protective fats like HDL cholesterol and adiponectin.
Researchers use zebrafish to quickly assess potential compounds, reducing the number of candidates from 2,500 to 20-30 for further testing. This technology has the potential to revolutionize drug discovery by providing more thorough information about how compounds affect living organisms.
Researchers found that NMDA receptors on dopamine neurons are essential for habit formation, allowing brain cells to communicate and increase activity. The discovery provides new direction for therapy to treat diseases like Parkinson's and opens the door to speeding up good habit formation.
Vitamin E helps repair tears in plasma membranes that protect cells from outside forces. Daily consumption of vitamin E is crucial to maintain healthy muscles and prevent conditions like muscular dystrophy and diabetes.
A researcher is conducting a study to determine if variations in genes that play a role in metabolizing opioids can help manage sickle cell pain. The goal is to identify patients who are most likely to experience severe pain and target them for aggressive personalized care.
A new study explores whether a polarized filter can enhance colposcopy, allowing doctors to detect early signs of cervical cancer more accurately. The approach has shown promise in reducing unnecessary biopsies and surgeries, particularly in young women where normal cell types can be difficult to distinguish.
Georgia Health Sciences University researchers aim to identify early events in Sjögren's syndrome development to improve diagnosis and treatment. The study focuses on immune cells, particularly dendritic cells and T cells, to understand how the disease unfolds.
Dr. Richard A. McIndoe is leading a $7.5 million National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases grant to support studies on diabetes affecting 8.3% of Americans. The Diabetic Complications Consortium shares data on complications like heart attack, stroke, vision loss, and kidney damage.
Researchers have found that examining the chin and upper/lower abdomen is an accurate and minimally invasive way to screen for excessive hair growth in women, which can be up to 80% effective. This method has significant implications for diagnosing PCOS and related health risks such as insulin resistance, diabetes, and heart disease.
A new therapy uses folate receptors as a front door to deliver chemotherapeutic agents directly to cancer cells, improving effectiveness while reducing side effects. The strategy has shown a 72% improvement in progression-free survival for women with the most folate receptor overexpression.