Scientists have found that successful removal of breast cancer tumors triggers a strong immune response, which clears disseminated tumor cells from lymph nodes and organs. In contrast, leaving behind primary tumor cells supports tumor growth and metastasis.
A synthetic peptide has been found to directly disrupt destructive inflammation in the kidneys, enabling better recovery and maintaining important functions. The peptide reduced immune cell movement, resolved inflammation, and improved kidney function without increasing blood pressure.
Researchers have identified a key pathway, ufmylation, that regulates plasma cell development and antibody production. By targeting this pathway, scientists hope to develop more effective vaccines and treatments for autoimmune diseases like lupus and arthritis.
Neurons in both males and females produce estrogen, which is essential for synaptic plasticity and memory. Research shows that mice lacking estrogen have impaired spatial reference memory and recognition memory.
Scientists found that activating SIRT1 gene helps to excite neurons and improves symptoms of social isolation and loss of interest in male mice. The study suggests that drugs that activate SIRT1 might be effective therapy for some with major depression.
Researchers have discovered that removing arginase 2 enzyme reduces neuron death and degeneration of nerve fibers in the retina after optic nerve injury. The study found that deleting this enzyme decreases inflammation and promotes recovery, suggesting it as a potential treatment target.
A powerful molecule, HLA-G dimer, helps protect transplanted organs from rejection by quietening two other immune molecules. The study provides more evidence that this molecule should be an effective therapy for protecting transplanted organs, and its potential to improve outcomes in organ transplant patients.
Scientists at MCG are studying a new treatment target for retinal damage, characterized by blood vessel disruption leading to vision loss. They believe the key lies in arginase 1, an enzyme that helps regulate inflammation, which can be either damaging or reparative.
A national study is comparing three FDA-approved treatments for fecal incontinence: biofeedback therapy, inert injectable compounds, and pacemaker stimulation. The five-year study aims to determine which treatment is most effective and safe for patients with moderate to severe fecal incontinence.
Researchers are analyzing the genes of hundreds of females with Mayer-Rokitansky-Küster-Hauser (MRKH) syndrome to identify genetic causes. The study aims to improve genetic counseling and potential treatment for this condition, which affects about 7-10% of women.
A study published in Cell Reports reveals a critical connection between chronic inflammation and the development of colon cancer. Researchers found that persistent inflammation leads to increased levels of myeloid-derived suppressor cells and interleukin-10, which ultimately silence tumor suppressors and contribute to cancer growth.
A recent study found that high-fat diets significantly increase blood pressure in both young male and female rats, with comparable effects on males and females. The study also showed sex differences in inflammation response, where females maintained a higher percentage of Tregs, which help decrease blood pressure.
The TEDDY study, following nearly 9,000 children over five years, aims to identify high-risk genes and environmental factors that contribute to type 1 diabetes. Early screening and intervention may be possible through analyzing autoantibodies in newborns and tracking changes in risk factors as children age.
Aerobic exercise shows promise in improving cognitive function and reducing weight gain in schizophrenia patients. Researchers are enrolling over 200 participants to test the effects of aerobic exercise versus a control group.
Researchers found that females have a higher risk of salt-sensitive hypertension due to impaired blood vessel relaxation. A low-salt diet and drug treatment restored healthier blood pressure and endothelial function in female mice.
Researchers identified microRNA-668 as a key player in protecting kidney cells from damage caused by acute kidney injury. By upregulating this microRNA, the protective pathway can prevent most of the damage and allow cells to function ideally until blood and oxygen are restored.
Researchers have discovered a lipid called phosphatidylglycerol (PG) that may help restore healthy skin turnover in people with psoriasis. PG reduced inflammation and raised skin lesions when applied topically to a mouse model of psoriasis, suggesting it could be a new treatment option.
A small pilot study found that prazosin, commonly used to treat high blood pressure and PTSD-related sleep problems, may actually worsen nightmares and insomnia in PTSD patients, rather than reducing suicidal thoughts. The study, led by Dr. W. Vaughn McCall, involved 20 seriously psychiatrically ill patients with active suicidal thoughts.
A study found that angiotensin receptor blockers improve sodium excretion in healthy black individuals who tend to retain more salt under stress. This could lead to a better treatment strategy for those with high blood pressure, particularly blacks who are often disproportionately affected.
Scientists discover enzyme arginase 1 plays protective role in retinal health by suppressing inflammation and promoting recovery. Administering pegylated arginase 1 reduces inflammation and subsequent damage following reperfusion injury, offering potential new treatment for neurovascular injury.
Research suggests that leptin levels play a crucial role in protecting the cardiovascular system from damage. When leptin levels are optimal, they help restore balance to the body's physiological processes, reducing inflammation and oxidative stress.
A study found that home-based biofeedback therapy is about 70 percent effective in helping patients learn to coordinate and relax bowel muscles to relieve dyssynergic defecation. The therapy involves using a reusable sensor probe connected to a handheld pressure monitor to provide visual feedback on muscle contractions.
Researchers are exploring ways to speed up and enhance the recovery of the sense of taste after a significant injury. By understanding how IL-1 signaling works in the body, they hope to develop novel treatments to aid regeneration and recovery. In mice, studies have shown that IL-1 plays a crucial role in repairing the taste system.
Researchers found that pyramid-shaped neurons in the amygdala region form cliques to categorize food, including recognizing banana vs. cake, and anticipating taste and texture. This understanding may provide insight into eating disorders.
Aggressive breast cancer cells exploit the natural stress protector heat shock protein 70 (HSP70) to thrive and evade cell death, says a new study. The finding highlights how cancer cells manipulate tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα), which normally promotes self-destruction, to aid their survival.
The local LGBT community reports twice the number of poor mental health days as the general population, with transgender individuals experiencing even more days. The study found that minority stress, stigma, and lack of access to healthcare contribute to these poorer health outcomes.
Scientists discover that as we age, a small molecule called microRNA-141-3p increases and silences key signaling molecules like SDF-1 in stem cells, leading to weaker bone formation. Restoring a youthful balance could be a novel approach to reducing age-related problems like osteoporosis.
Research suggests that early life stress can lead to increased levels of 'danger' molecules, which can overwhelm the body's natural system and cause chronic inflammation. This can ultimately result in a host of health problems, including cardiovascular disease.
Researchers found that conditional release programs often work for individuals found not guilty by reason of insanity, with 66% maintaining their release and only 1 out of 81 having a new non-violent offense. The HCR-20 tool, commonly used to assess violence risk, was also found to be less effective in predicting recidivism.
Scientists discover TREM-1 amplifies inflammation, leading to liver scarring and cirrhosis. Targeting this receptor may prevent fibrosis and cancer development.
Researchers found that higher oxidative stress in males reduces the production of nitric oxide, a powerful blood vessel dilator. An antioxidant treatment restored similar production levels of protective nitric oxide between males and females.
Researchers found a significant connection between probiotic use, bacterial overgrowth in the small intestine, high levels of D-lactic acid, and brain fogginess. The study suggests that excessive probiotic use can lead to severe bloating and disorienting brain fog.
Researchers have developed a new treatment that delivers an inflammation inhibitor directly to the kidneys, reversing the course of destructive nephritis. The treatment restores mitochondrial function and reduces cell death, offering hope for patients with chronic kidney disease.
Scientists have identified a new target for treating pneumonia, which shows promise in restoring tight barriers and improving fluid clearance. The target is ENaC-alpha, a subunit of natural channels that mediate sodium uptake and play a role in fluid movement.
Researchers found that variants of the LOXL1 gene are associated with increased levels of the protein, which clogs the outflow pathway and causes high pressure in the eye. The long non-coding RNA lncLOXL1 regulates the gene's expression and is thought to contribute to the disease progression.
Researchers suggest looking at both urine and blood for answers in diagnosing monoclonal gammopathy and multiple myeloma. A study found that serum free light chain assays can miss abnormal lambda light chains in the urine, leading to false negatives.
Scientists have discovered a new relationship between the enzyme PDIA1 and Drp1 that drives endothelial cell damage in diabetes. Restoring a healthy balance of PDIA1 and Drp1 may provide new treatment targets for diseases associated with endothelial cell senescence.
Two MCG students, Saadia Hasan and Deeti Pithadia, have been selected to participate in the National Institutes of Health's Medical Research Scholars Program. The program allows them to conduct basic, clinical or translational research while pursuing their medical degrees.
Scientists investigate how high blood pressure affects the balance between blood flow and neuron activity in the brain. High blood pressure can lead to increased calcium levels in astrocytes, which may trigger inflammation and alter protective mechanisms.
Scientists have developed a novel therapy that reprograms the metabolism of tumor cells, increasing their level of reactive oxygen species and leading to death. By pushing oxidative stress levels to the point where cancer cells become deadly, this treatment shows promise in treating various types of cancer.
Researchers have discovered that neurons use the duration of silence between electrical pulses to encode information. This breakthrough, known as Neural Self-Information Theory, suggests that groups of neurons work together to enable real-time thinking and action despite ongoing variability in their responses.
Dr. Jennifer C. Sullivan has been awarded the inaugural John Laragh Research Award and Mid-Career Award for Research Excellence for her research on gender differences in hypertension. She is a prominent investigator in cardiovascular and renal sciences, with multiple NIH funding awards.
Researchers have discovered a novel treatment that reduces the deadly immune response triggered by trauma, which can lead to systemic inflammatory response syndrome and sepsis. The drug, deformylase, neutralizes N-formyl peptides released from damaged mitochondria, improving survival rates in animal models.
Researchers have found evidence that dissolving NETs can reduce swelling and improve blood flow after traumatic brain injuries. A drug called DNase, which is currently used to thin out lung mucus in cystic fibrosis, appears to dissolve NETs and has shown promise in reducing swelling and improving recovery.
Researchers aim to enhance neuron protection in glaucoma patients by activating the sigma 1 receptor, potentially increasing long-term protection. The S1R agonists have shown promising results in protecting retinal ganglion cells and may offer a new treatment strategy for glaucoma.
Researchers discovered a protective protein activated by vitamin K is inactive and abundant in African-Americans on dialysis. High levels of the protein, matrix Gla protein (MGP), correlate with increased arterial stiffness and impaired endothelial function.
Researchers have identified PFKFB3 as a key player in the development of pulmonary hypertension, a condition characterized by high blood pressure in the lungs. By targeting this enzyme, scientists hope to develop new treatments that can help alleviate symptoms and improve patient outcomes.
Immune cells called innate lymphoid cells have been found in human breast milk, which may help protect newborns from infection and aid in the development of their own protective immune system. The presence of these cells in breast milk is more evidence of the benefits of breastfeeding.
Researchers developed a novel vaccine strategy that blocks the death of tumor-specific cytotoxic T cells, leading to improved antitumor efficacy in mice. The approach involves increasing the amount of time interleukin 2 (IL2) stays in the body, enhancing the activation and survival of these immune cells.
Medical College of Georgia scientists found that drinking baking soda encourages the spleen to promote an anti-inflammatory environment, reducing destructive inflammation in autoimmune diseases. This shift was observed in rats and healthy people, with a reduction in pro-inflammatory cells and an increase in anti-inflammatory macrophages.