Aromatase, an enzyme converting testosterone to estrogen, plays a significant role in the healthy and injured brain. In healthy brains, it helps neurons produce estrogen, maintaining cognitive function. After injury, aromatase expression shifts to astrocytes, aiding their support of stressed neurons and promoting recovery.
Research finds that children experiencing multiple traumatic events are more likely to develop hypertension and coronary artery disease later in life. Studies show a significant increase in systolic pressure among those with ACEs, even after adjusting for other risk factors.
A wristband that measures motion throughout a 24-hour cycle may help identify patients with major depressive disorder who will respond best to commonly prescribed drugs like Prozac. The study found that night owls are more likely to be depressed and respond to SSRIs.
Researchers found asthma rates to be similarly high in urban Detroit and rural Georgia, contrary to the widely held theory that city life poses a risk factor. Poverty was identified as a common underlying cause of both conditions.
Dr. Ayman Al-Hendy has received two top honors from the Society for Reproductive Investigation for his outstanding record of scientific investigation and promising research career. He is being recognized for his work on fibroids, uterine growths affecting up to 75% of women, which can complicate pregnancy and cause excessive bleeding.
A recent study is comparing the direct and indirect costs of three minimally invasive fibroid treatments: global fibroid ablation, myomectomy, and uterine artery embolization. The TRUST Study aims to determine which treatment offers the best balance between cost and benefits for women seeking to preserve their uterus.
Pazopanib, a cancer drug, shows promise in reducing bleeding and small AVMs in patients with hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT), a rare genetic disorder. The study aims to assess the efficacy of pazopanib in improving symptoms and quality of life for HHT patients.
A new study identified older white males with advanced bladder cancer as a high-risk group for suicide. Researchers found that these patients have a higher suicide risk compared to those with other genitourinary cancers.
Researchers found that teen girls from rural areas were more likely to have undiagnosed asthma, with a higher rate of depression among asthmatic teens. The study suggests that depression can be a barrier to diagnosis and treatment of the disease, making it essential to address this issue.
A new study suggests that nicotine's metabolite cotinine amplifies the effect of acetylcholine, a primary chemical messenger involved in learning and memory, potentially providing therapeutic benefits for Alzheimer's and other memory disorders. Cotinine may also have synergistic effects with existing Alzheimer's therapies.
Higher levels of HMGB1, a 'danger' molecule fueling inflammation and blood pressure, may contribute to male hypertension. A new study suggests targeting HMGB1 could help prevent T cell activation and lower blood pressure.
Researchers found that treating the uninjured side of the brain can boost growth factors and create new blood vessels, aiding stroke recovery. This approach also benefits the uninjured side with a boost of growth factors.
Children taking hydroxyurea for sickle cell disease show inconsistent results, with some experiencing improved symptoms despite negative laboratory tests. A new study aims to clarify the issue by monitoring medication adherence and exploring genetic differences between responders and non-responders.
Researchers have found a new potential target for liver cancer treatment in the protein TREM-1, which accelerates chronic inflammation. Studies suggest that blocking TREM-1 can block the conversion of healthy cells to cancerous ones and even stop progression of existing cancer.
Researchers found that blocking excessive mitochondrial fission reduced reactive oxygen species production and liver cell death in cholestasis. The study suggests novel therapies targeting this process could prevent liver damage.
Researchers are investigating a protein that may be key to disabling endothelial dysfunction, a major risk factor for vascular disease in diabetes. By blocking PTP1B expression, the study aims to improve nitric oxide production and reduce inflammation, potentially leading to more effective treatments for diabetes-related complications.
A gene that regulates blood vessel constriction is linked to aberrant blood vessel growth in premature babies, leading to vision loss. The finding suggests a new therapy to prevent damage and highlights endothelin's role in both blood pressure regulation and blood vessel formation.
Scientists have found that ganglioside GD3 is crucial for maintaining neural stem cells in the brain. Removing GD3 from mice resulted in reduced stem cell populations and impaired function, highlighting its importance in brain health.
Chronic mental stress, obesity, and inflammation contribute to excessive sodium retention in blacks, increasing the risk of heart damage. Researchers aim to develop effective therapeutic strategies to treat this condition by testing angiotensin receptor blockers and other treatments.
Researchers found that limiting exposure to specific ligands in the thymus did not affect the mix of T cell types emerging. Instead, they discovered a difference in receptor overlap between weakly bound and strongly bound ligands, which may lead to new vaccine strategies.
A new theorem provides a fundamental approach to estimate the age structure of any population, from fruit flies to humans. This discovery can be applied to predict rates of infectious diseases and anticipate healthcare needs. By understanding age distribution, researchers can better comprehend risks and make informed decisions.
Researchers discovered that GILZ protein can reduce bone loss and inflammation associated with arthritis, potentially replacing synthetic glucocorticoids as a treatment option. The study used mice bred with overexpressed tumor necrosis factor alpha and GILZ to demonstrate the protein's protective effects.
Researchers found significantly decreased estrogen receptor beta expression in autistic male brains, which may explain the disorder's higher prevalence in boys. Estrogen receptor agonists could potentially reverse autism's behavioral deficits, such as reclusiveness and repetitive behavior.
A new study shows that total facial rejuvenation combining extensive facelifts, midface implants, and laser resurfacing can be performed safely at one time. Patients experienced normal wound healing and no reported complications after the procedure.
Researchers hope a drug combination will aid in understanding why patients with cystic fibrosis struggle with exercise. Studies using sildenafil and antioxidants aim to parse the role of blood flow and endothelial dysfunction in exercise intolerance.
Researchers use a virus and zebrafish to map the living brain, revealing connections between cells and potential causes of conditions like autism and schizophrenia. The study's findings could lead to better understanding of neural circuits and related behaviors.
A synthesized version of tumor necrosis factor's tip appears to work like a doorstop to keep sodium channels open inside the lungs' air sacs, clearing excess fluid. The TIP peptide may help patients survive pneumonia by targeting bacterial toxins and promoting natural defense mechanisms.
Researchers are studying how a new IBS drug, linaclotide, helps alleviate stomach pain by normalizing gut-brain communication. The study assesses the effectiveness of linaclotide in 45 IBS patients over 10 weeks.
The Medical College of Georgia's psychology residency training program has received federal funding for five consecutive cycles, focusing on interdisciplinary training and care for the underserved. The program trains nine psychologists annually, with plans to expand to ten next year, and provides special emphasis areas in working with ...
A researcher is using a $900,000 grant to resolve the debate on whether G protein-coupled receptors form dimers. He suspects that light transfer between constantly moving receptors may be random and not actual relationships. The study aims to find out how many drug targets are there and if they can help in treating various ailments.
Scientists have developed a liver cancer vaccine that is effective in preventing the disease in mice, with the goal of improving patient survival rates. The vaccine targets a specific protein expressed by most liver cancer cells, allowing the immune system to recognize and attack them.
Calciphylaxis occurs when calcium and phosphorus bind to form a biological cement that blocks and inflames small blood vessels. Risk factors include being over age 65, Caucasian, and diabetic.
Researchers are studying the role of protein kinase D (PKD1) in non-melanoma skin cell damage and death. The study aims to understand how PKD1 protects skin cells from UV damage and explore ways to reduce its activity for cancer prevention.
Researchers discovered that an enzyme called IDO plays a crucial role in regulating inflammation during reperfusion injury. By boosting stem cell efficacy, IDO reduces inflammation and cell death, leading to improved recovery rates.
Researchers are exploring a new therapy to eliminate the major risk of minor bleeding after stroke, focusing on diabetic patients who are at higher risk. The treatment involves an iron chelating agent that can remove excess iron from the brain, reducing damage and promoting recovery.
Dr. Peter F. Buckley, a psychiatrist and Dean of the Medical College of Georgia, has been awarded the Kempf Fund Award for Research Development in Psychobiological Psychiatry from the American Psychiatric Association. The award recognizes his contributions to understanding schizophrenia and improving treatments.
Researchers say a virtual patient, electronic medical record, and sleep queries are effective new tools in recognizing suicide risk. The comfort level of caregivers and family members is also crucial in talking openly about suicide.
A study of 67 transplant patients found those with naturally high levels of HLA-G dimer, a powerful immune molecule package, had the lowest risk of rejecting their transplanted kidney. High HLA-G levels also correlated with lower inflammation and higher expression of HLA-G receptors.
Researchers found that activating a receptor, Gpr109a, can inhibit inflammation in the retina and prevent vision damage in diabetes. The new grant will enable long-term studies to evaluate the therapeutic potential of this approach.
Researchers found that osteoporosis medications inhibit the ability of cells to repair their outer membranes, which can lead to jawbone destruction and other serious side effects. The study suggests that patients taking these drugs should talk to their physicians about potential risks.
Researchers have found a unique genetic pattern in leukemia cells of 22 patients diagnosed with cytogenetically normal acute myelogenous leukemia, which may lead to more targeted therapy and definitive prognosis.
Physicians report success in weaning patient off bypass with intra-aortic balloon pump due to reversible left ventricle dysfunction and minimal atherosclerosis. The pump can be an option for patients with mild to moderate aortic insufficiency who don't have severe atherosclerosis.
Researchers found that deleting YAP from vascular smooth muscle cells causes thin-walled blood vessels prone to over-dilation and aneurysms. The protein also manages cell proliferation and suppression of the cell cycle arrest gene Gpr132, suggesting its role in normal blood vessel formation.
Researchers found that low oxygen and nitric oxide levels increase red blood cell adhesion to blood vessel walls, leading to debilitating pain crises in sickle cell patients. Restoring normal nitric oxide levels can substantially reduce this adhesion, making it a potentially new therapeutic target.
A bacterial infection can alter a key protein in the lungs, leading to acute lung injury. Researchers have identified a therapeutic target using human lung cells and 3D modeling, proposing a biological shield to protect the protein.
Researchers are exploring the potential of RM-131, a ghrelin agonist, to treat constipation in Parkinson's patients. The study aims to improve bowel function and reduce symptoms such as abdominal pain and diarrhea.
Regular exercise and surgical removal of belly fat can improve cognition in obese, diabetic mice by reducing inflammation in the brain's hippocampus. Obesity and diabetes increase the risk of mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer's disease.
A new study aims to identify the causes of oral health problems in HIV-positive patients, including tooth decay, gum disease, and yeast infections. The researchers are analyzing samples from 440 patients to compare their microbiota with uninfected individuals.
Researchers at Medical College of Georgia are investigating the potential of brilliant blue G to treat traumatic brain injuries. The dye may temporarily block an immune response that leads to swelling, which can cause damage to brain tissue.
A new study reveals that adolescents consuming excessive salt are more likely to develop obesity and chronic inflammation. The research, published in the journal Pediatrics, found a significant correlation between sodium intake and fatness, even when calories were controlled for.