A new study analyzing 40 years of Framingham Heart Study data found an association between lowered rates of hip fractures and decreases in smoking and heavy drinking. The study suggests that modifiable lifestyle factors may be beneficial to bone health, along with treatments.
Research supported by the Accelerating Medicines Partnership has provided new insights into tissue damage in rheumatoid arthritis and lupus. Novel molecular signatures have been identified in kidney cells and specific white blood cells may reflect their active role in disease process.
Researchers have identified the genetic basis of melorheostosis, a rare bone disorder characterized by excess bone formation resembling dripping candle wax. The study found that mutations in the MAP2K1 gene were responsible for the condition, offering potential treatment targets and insights into bone development.
The NIH has released datasets for rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus disease tissue, providing clues about potential research targets. Researchers can access the data to explore new approaches to understanding autoimmunity and developing medicines.
The NIH Molecular Transducers of Physical Activity in Humans Program aims to develop a comprehensive map of molecular changes triggered by physical activity. Researchers will collect samples from diverse populations and analyze them to identify targeted exercise recommendations for better health outcomes.
Researchers found that innate lymphoid cells (ILCs) are fully prepared for rapid response to infection, with their genetic information set up beforehand. ILCs release cytokines to transmit signals and defend the body's barrier regions against microbes.
Researchers identified super-enhancers in T cells as key to regulating the immune system, which may lead to new treatments for autoimmune disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis. The study found that these enhancers control genes involved in T cell function and activity.
The National Institutes of Health has established an Accelerating Medicines Partnership in Rheumatoid Arthritis and Lupus (AMP RA/Lupus) Network to transform the current model for identifying promising biological targets for new drugs and diagnostics. The network will analyze interplay among biological pathways, including at the single...
Researchers have identified a gene linked to STING-associated vasculopathy with onset in infancy (SAVI), a devastating autoinflammatory condition. Repurposed drugs, such as tofacitinib and ruxolitinib, show therapeutic potential in laboratory studies and are currently being studied in children with the disease.
John J. O'Shea has made groundbreaking discoveries related to cytokine signaling and primary immunodeficiencies, earning him the Ross Prize in Molecular Medicine. The award recognizes his innovative research that bridges basic science and clinical practice.
A new NIH study found that bracing significantly reduces the risk of curve progression and the need for surgery in adolescents with idiopathic scoliosis. Wearing a brace for more than 13 hours per day is associated with success rates of 90-93 percent.
A study published by the NIH shows that Kineret therapy is effective in stopping the progression of organ damage in people with neonatal-onset multisystem inflammatory disease (NOMID). By preventing organ inflammation, scientists were able to preserve organ function in most patients.
Researchers at the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases have developed a novel approach to view the inner structures of viruses, known as bubblegram imaging. This technique allows for the visualization of previously invisible proteins within viruses.
Researchers have discovered that graphite carbon is a key component of the lubricating layer on metal-on-metal hip implants. This finding could lead to improved designs and longer lifespan for these devices, which are often used by younger, more active individuals.
Researchers identified a genetic mutation causing CANDLE, a spectrum of diseases characterized by inflammation, fat loss, and elevated temperatures. The discovery may lead to the development of new treatments targeting the interferon pathway.
The NIH study found that etanercept reduces symptom frequency and severity in TNF receptor-associated periodic syndrome (TRAPS) patients. However, long-term treatment effects on preventing amyloidosis are uncertain.
Scientists have developed a novel technique to measure and document tumor-inducing changes in DNA, revealing the earliest stages of cancer formation. The study provides insight into chromosomal rearrangements known as translocations, which can lead to tumors in leukemias, lymphomas, and sarcomas.
Researchers at the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases have identified a key player in muscle repair: the gene Ezh2. By activating this gene, satellite cells may proliferate and compensate for underlying defects, potentially increasing quality of life for individuals with degenerative diseases.
Researchers at Nationwide Children's Hospital and two other centers will explore new treatment strategies for Duchenne muscular dystrophy, a debilitating disease affecting children and young adults. The goal is to identify existing drugs that can inhibit muscle fibrosis and develop non-invasive imaging techniques to assess muscle damage.
Researchers will explore fundamental questions about bone health and the immune system in a microgravity environment. The NIH is funding experiments on osteoporosis, immune response suppression, and excessive alcohol use.
Researchers have identified associations with the HLA-B51 region of the MHC and variants on chromosome 1, including a known variant of the IL10 gene. These findings suggest that low levels of IL-10 protein may be a risk factor for Behcet's disease.
Researchers used microsequencing technology to identify various microRNAs in mouse immune cells, revealing their role in regulating protein levels. The study provides a map to the complexity of cellular protein regulation and offers insights into how miRNAs contribute to host defense mechanisms.
Researchers discovered that activated basophils cause kidney damage in a mouse model of lupus nephritis, potentially leading to new treatments with an asthma medication. The study found increased IgE responses and activated basophils in people with SLE, strongly associated with disease activity.
The National Institutes of Health has awarded grants to further develop and test the Patient Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS), a tool that assesses pain, fatigue, and other aspects of quality of life in a standardized manner. The second phase of PROMIS aims to strengthen assessment of patient-reported outcomes ...
Scientists have identified gene expression patterns in children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) that can help predict their disease outcome and guide treatment. These findings could lead to more precise classification of JIA subtypes and the development of individually tailored treatments.
Researchers at NIH/National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases have discovered a new autoinflammatory syndrome, DIRA, which affects children from birth to 2 weeks of age. The disorder is caused by mutations in the IL1RN gene and can be treated with anakinra, a synthetic form of human IL-1Ra.
The NIH-NASA partnership aims to facilitate biomedical research on the International Space Station, addressing pressing health questions through unique microgravity conditions. Biomedical experiments will focus on bone and muscle deterioration, infectious disease, cancer growth, and more, with the goal of improving human health on Earth.
Researchers found that deleting furin in helper T cells led to autoimmune disease in mice, highlighting the importance of regulatory and effector T cell balance. The study's findings have implications for developing drugs to increase immune response in diseases like cancer and HIV.
Researchers from NIAMS identified a promising new target for autoimmune disease treatment, a cell-surface receptor called DR3. Blocking this receptor could slow or stop damaging inflammation characteristic of autoimmune diseases without leaving the body vulnerable to serious infections.
Researchers developed a new test to detect bacterial infections in prosthetic joints, which can help spare patients from unnecessary surgery. The test uses mRNA detection and has shown promising results in clinical trials.
Researchers found a significant relationship between bone mineral density and fracture risk, regardless of trauma severity. Women who experienced high-trauma fractures were at increased risk for future fractures.
A genetic region on chromosome 9 containing two genes, TRAF1 and C5, has been identified as a potential contributor to rheumatoid arthritis risk. The study suggests that understanding the role of these genes may lead to new targets for therapy.
Researchers have identified a genetic risk factor for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and lupus, with the STAT4 gene variant linked to increased disease risk in both conditions. The study suggests a shared disease pathway between RA and lupus, paving the way for potential new therapies targeting this pathway.
A new study shows surgery significantly improves results for patients with degenerative spondylolisthesis and spinal stenosis compared to non-surgical alternatives. Surgery provides quick relief from symptoms and improved function, especially within six weeks after the procedure.
Researchers found that a specific enzyme, ATM, plays a crucial role in shutting down transcription near sites of DNA damage, ensuring repair in an undisturbed environment. This discovery could lead to a better understanding of genetic aberrations and cancer development in individuals with ATM deficiency.
A recent study published in Arthritis & Rheumatism found gabapentin to be an effective treatment for fibromyalgia pain, with patients reporting significantly less pain and improved sleep. The medication was well-tolerated, with mild side effects such as dizziness and sedation.
Researchers have created mouse strains that enable them to trace the activity of activation-induced cytidine deaminase (AID) enzyme in live animals. This breakthrough allows scientists to understand how AID regulates the immune response and its role in autoimmunity and B cell tumor development.
Researchers discovered a key gene, NALP1, associated with vitiligo and other autoimmune diseases. The gene controls the innate immune system and may help trigger these conditions.
Researchers at NIH/National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases found that up to 10% of B cells retain faulty receptors, escaping correction. This discovery sheds light on the development of self-reactive B cells in autoimmune disease.
Researchers found that losartan improves muscle regeneration and repair in a mouse model of Duchenne muscular dystrophy, a devastating disease characterized by rapid progression of muscle degeneration. The study also showed that losartan can attenuate the entire disease when treated over time.
Scientists at NIH/National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases have successfully imaged the influenza virus using electron tomography, revealing five distinct types of particles. This breakthrough provides insight into the virus's structure and potential targets for vaccine development.
The National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS) has funded four new Centers of Research Translation (CORTs) to translate basic discoveries into new treatments for arthritis and related diseases. The CORTs will focus on lupus, X-linked hypophosphatemic rickets, scleroderma, and other conditions.
Researchers demonstrate that trichostatin A can counteract muscular dystrophy in mice by promoting muscle regeneration and upregulating follistatin, a key protein involved in muscle development. Further studies are needed to determine the effectiveness of the drug in larger animals before it can be tested in humans.
A new study shows that anakinra, a rare arthritis drug, brings marked improvement to children and young adults with the devastating inflammatory disease NOMID. The treatment reduces inflammation, improves symptoms, and has a significant impact on the central nervous system.
The Osteoarthritis Initiative (OAI) has released its first set of data, featuring images and clinical outcome information for nearly 5,000 participants at risk of knee osteoarthritis. The data will facilitate the discovery of biomarkers for development and progression of OA.
A study of 183 women with inactive or stable lupus found that taking oral contraceptives had no statistically significant difference in the occurrence of flares compared to those taking a placebo. Mild-to-moderate flares and disease complications were also similar between the two groups over a 12-month follow-up.
The new CD-ROM provides a wide range of resources, including patient education brochures, professional educational materials, and web links to numerous useful resources. The CD-ROM has been overwhelmingly approved by healthcare professionals, who will use it to better understand and manage childhood rheumatic diseases.
Two new research centers will explore new treatment strategies and biochemical pathways contributing to muscular dystrophy. Clinical trials and laboratory studies will focus on increasing muscle growth, inhibiting enzyme breakdown, and identifying genetic modifiers.
A new study evaluates patients with rheumatoid arthritis to understand their perception of treatment improvements and develop patient-based criteria for evaluating new treatments. The study will recruit 300 participants who have been diagnosed with RA and are currently treated with various medications.
Researchers at the NIH will conduct a clinical study to assess the safety and efficacy of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in treating severe forms of lupus. The study aims to create a new immune system that doesn't attack healthy cells, offering hope for patients with limited treatment options.