Research found that black and Hispanic kidney donors are more likely to develop hypertension, diabetes, and chronic kidney disease compared to white donors. The study highlights the need for better pre-donation counseling and post-donation follow-up to address these health disparities.
Researchers at Saint Louis University have successfully engineered a new version of the blood-regulator enzyme thrombin with optimized anti-blood clotting properties. This breakthrough opens the door to potential new medications that can treat diseases related to thrombosis without carrying a risk of hemorrhage.
The study found that 40-60% of Americans living with HIV/AIDS are smokers, twice the rate in the general population. Researchers emphasize the need for effective interventions to help these individuals quit smoking.
A Saint Louis University study shows that a residential summer weight-loss camp improves the health of obese children by reducing their weight, BMI, and blood pressure. The program also boosts their physical fitness and self-esteem, as they connect with peers who share similar struggles.
Researchers found that telaprevir, combined with standard treatment, cures a significantly higher number of difficult-to-treat patients than standard treatment alone. The addition of telaprevir eliminated hepatitis C in over 50 percent of patients who had shown no response to previous treatment.
A Saint Louis University doctor found no evidence supporting the use of natural treatments like St. John's wort for anxiety, instead recommending selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) as a safe and effective first-line treatment option.
Research suggests that including both strains of influenza B in the seasonal flu vaccine could improve its effectiveness in preventing the disease. Studies found that vaccines containing only one strain of influenza B were less effective in protecting against the flu, particularly in children.
Researchers at Saint Louis University have found that bitter melon extract significantly induces death in breast cancer cells and decreases their growth and spread. The study, published in Cancer Research, suggests that bitter melon extract may be a promising area of research for breast cancer treatment.
Recent IOM guidelines recommend obese women gain more weight, contradicting research that shows higher BMI levels are associated with severe medical conditions. Obese pregnant women can safely limit weight gain through a nutrient-rich diet and physical activity under doctor guidance.
A new Saint Louis University research suggests that individuals with type 2 diabetes and coronary artery disease have a more favorable prognosis when properly managed with medical care. The BARI 2D trial found significant improvements in treatment outcomes for patients receiving intensive medical therapy or bypass surgery.
Researchers found that low doses of amyloid beta protein improved learning and memory in healthy mice, while blocking the protein caused learning impairment. The study suggests that the optimal amount of amyloid beta is crucial for maintaining cognitive function.
Researchers designed smartphone games and easy-to-use logging features to help elderly Chinese diabetics manage their health. Initial studies of the system, called CADA, show promising results, enabling diabetics to track vital information for better doctor-patient interaction.
Research studies by Saint Louis University suggest that inflammation may trigger Alzheimer's disease. Indomethacin, an anti-inflammatory medication, could hold promise as a treatment by protecting the LRP pump that regulates amyloid beta protein accumulation in the brain.
A new combination therapy of daily consensus interferon and ribavirin has been found to be effective in some hepatitis C patients who have not responded to previous treatment. The study, led by a Saint Louis University researcher, showed a success rate of above 30 percent for patients with less severe liver damage.
A new study from Saint Louis University found that taking DHEA supplements combined with vitamin D and calcium improves spinal bone density in older women. The treatment resulted in a 2-4% increase in bone density, which is comparable to other current therapies.
Researchers found that imiquimod cream, used with surgery, can treat lentigo maligna melanoma, a type of skin cancer. This approach may reduce the area needing surgery, manage the cancer, and minimize its recurrence. The study suggests that imiquimod could be an effective treatment option for some patients.
Researchers at Saint Louis University have developed a universal influenza vaccine that evokes high antibody titers, similar to those found in small animals infected with the disease. The vaccine, known as BIPCV, is well-tolerated and safe, even at low doses.
Researchers have found a protein in tick saliva that works as a complement inhibitor, improving the health of rats with mild and severe models of myasthenia gravis. The protein, rEV576, may have therapeutic value in human myasthenia gravis and could offer a new treatment option with reduced side effects.
Researchers found that patients who lost at least 9% of body weight showed reversal of their liver damage, while those who lost 5% or more experienced improvement in insulin resistance and fat accumulation. Weight loss was the key factor in improving fatty liver disease.
Cachexia is a wasting disease that can be life-threatening if left untreated. It's often linked to an underlying disease and requires specialized care from a physician familiar with the condition.
Researchers at Saint Louis University discovered genetic patterns that can predict which patients are likely to respond to hepatitis C treatment. The study identified 'covariance networks' in the genes of patients who responded and resisted therapy, revealing a complex web of amino acid interactions.
Researchers found no benefit from low-dose peginterferon treatment for patients with advanced chronic hepatitis C, who experienced a surprising health decline over four years. The study showed a significant progression of liver disease in these patients, ruling out maintenance therapy as an effective treatment option.
SLU researchers found a way to get a promising treatment for Alzheimer's and stroke into the brain, reversing symptoms. They discovered a unique approach to delivering drugs past the blood-brain barrier, which had blocked treatments in the past.
A recent study by Saint Louis University reveals a significant increase in the use of type 2 diabetes medications among American tweens and teens between 2002 and 2005. The study also found increased utilization patterns for blood pressure, cholesterol, asthma, ADD/ADHD, depression, and other medications.
Researchers at Saint Louis University have identified an investigational vaccine that induces a better immune response and is more effective at protecting against tuberculosis. The vaccine uses a weakened TB germ from one of the strains of the current tuberculosis vaccine.
A new study from Saint Louis University has identified the PET-CT scanner as a reliable tool for detecting secondary cancers in head and neck cancer patients. The research suggests that this technology can replace traditional tests, allowing patients to begin treatment earlier and potentially improving outcomes.
New research from Saint Louis University found that combining nuclear medicine clinicians and treating physicians to interpret PET-CT scans reduces false positive results by 51%, resulting in fewer unnecessary biopsies. This collaboration improves scan accuracy, sparring patients from painful and potentially catastrophic complications.
A new study found that calorie restriction, reducing daily intake by 300-500 calories, can lower levels of thyroid hormone T3 in humans. This decrease may slow metabolism and tissue aging. The researchers suggest this strategy could be a promising approach to slowing the aging process.
A Saint Louis University study found that patients with advanced heart failure may not benefit from implantable cardiac devices due to their underlying illness. The researchers identified two red flags: prolonged hospitalization and use of inotropic therapy, which are associated with higher risk of in-hospital mortality.
Researchers at Saint Louis University have made a breakthrough finding that a smallpox drug, hexadecyloxypropyl-cidofovir (CMX001), successfully targets adenovirus in animal models. CMX001 provided protection from the virus when administered prophylactically or therapeutically and reduced viral load to undetectable levels.
Women with a family member who has had a hernia or prolapse are more likely to develop the condition themselves. Lifestyle changes, such as avoiding heavy lifting and maintaining a healthy weight, can help reduce the risk of pelvic organ prolapse.
A study by SLU cardiologist Melda Dolan found that ultrasound contrast agents are safe and beneficial for diagnosing life-threatening heart disease. The researchers examined nearly 24,000 patients who received contrast agents during echocardiograms and compared their results to those of approximately 6,000 patients without the agents.
Obese women should not be encouraged to gain at least 15 pounds during pregnancy, according to Saint Louis University obstetrician Raul Artal. Engaging in physical activity and proper diet can help prevent health issues like hypertension and diabetes.
A new Saint Louis University study suggests that nursing home residents can form strong connections with both real dogs and robotic companions like Aibo. The research found that these interactions alleviate loneliness and attachment issues in residents.
Researchers at Saint Louis University find that immune cells with pro-survival proteins accumulate in the bodies of patients with lupus, contributing to disease progression. The team aims to develop a therapy that blocks these proteins to restore balance in the immune system.
A tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy has been shown to provide dramatic relief from obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in children, with 80-90 percent experiencing significant improvement. The surgery can lead to a profound positive effect on children's quality of life.
A Saint Louis University study found that less than a quarter of physicians can accurately predict patients' six-month mortality from heart failure. The study highlights existing knowledge gaps and uncertainty among doctors about end-stage care options, including palliative measures and hospice referrals.
A study published in Dermatologic Surgery found that chemical peels using alpha-hydroxy acid or beta-hydroxy acid are highly effective in reducing facial acne lesions. Both types of treatments yielded similar results, with BHA having slightly fewer side effects and longer-lasting results.
Scientists at SLU and UAB have made a breakthrough in understanding how poxviruses replicate and wreak havoc on the immune system. Their findings could lead to the development of new drugs for inflammatory and immunological disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis.
A new study by Saint Louis University researchers found a striking correlation between patient prognosis and tumor size at diagnosis. Patients with tumors under 20mm had the highest median survival rates, but only accounted for 18% of cases.
Research reveals hereditary hemochromatosis is more prevalent among men with the genetic marker C282Y, posing a significant risk for liver fibrosis and joint disease. The study emphasizes the need for careful clinical assessment to detect the condition in high-risk individuals.
Researchers at SLU School of Medicine have found a way to prevent or reverse muscle weakness in myasthenia gravis by blocking the immune response that causes it. This breakthrough could lead to new treatments for related autoimmune disorders like arthritis and lupus.
An international team of scientists proposes strategies to overcome obstacles posed by the blood-brain barrier, a gate-keeping system protecting the brain from toxins and letting in nutrients. The review article highlights the importance of understanding the blood-brain barrier in treating brain diseases such as Alzheimer's, multiple s...
A national study found that long-term pegylated interferon does not prevent the progression of liver disease in patients who haven’t responded to previous treatments. Despite significant viral level decrease and inflammation reduction, 34.1% of treated patients experienced worsening outcomes.
Between 2002 and 2005, the number of children taking type-2 diabetes medications increased by 166% among girls aged 10-14. Obesity is a likely cause of this trend. Additionally, changes in prescribing behaviors and increased office visits are also possible explanations.
Researchers discovered that peroxynitrite plays a critical role in developing morphine tolerance. Therapeutic manipulation of peroxynitrite can prevent its formation or decomposition to maintain the pain-relieving effect of morphine, reducing side effects and improving patient outcomes.
Researchers at Saint Louis University School of Medicine discovered a key brain chemical that causes Parkinson’s disease. They found that dopamine itself is converted into DOPAL, which triggers the death of dopamine-producing cells and leads to Parkinson’s.
Researchers at Saint Louis University have found an injectable antibody that can reverse learning problems in mice with an animal version of Alzheimer's disease. The antibody, part of the IgM class, targets amyloid beta protein and prevents it from becoming toxic.
A Saint Louis University study suggests severely obese women should lose weight during pregnancy, while obese women who are pregnant should gain less weight. Limiting weight gain reduces the risk of preeclampsia, cesarean delivery, and has babies with normal birth weights.
Researchers found that cholesterol limits the activity of a key protective protein called transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta), allowing atherosclerosis to develop. Statins, which lower cholesterol levels, enhance TGF-beta's protective qualities.