Researchers discovered that low-dose naltrexone inhibits cell proliferation by targeting the OGF-OGFr axis, which regulates cell cycle and proliferation. This study provides new insights into the molecular pathway utilized by LDN, a clinically prescribed agent for cancer and autoimmune diseases.
Researchers at The Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine discovered that low-dose naltrexone (LDN) has a potent antitumor effect on human ovarian cancer. Combining LDN with chemotherapy resulted in an additive inhibitory action on tumorigenesis, reducing DNA synthesis and cell replication.
A new FRET-based sensor has been developed for real-time imaging of intracellular redox dynamics, allowing for the quantification of redox state. The sensor's dynamic range is improved, enabling better discrimination between redox states in complex biological specimens.
Researchers have discovered a gene regulatory network structure, 'medusa,' that governs gene expression profiles in cancer cells. Transcription factors play a central role, controlling the collective activity of thousands of genes.
Researchers found that low doses of penta-BDEs altered gene expression in reproductive organs and thyroid hormones in female rat offspring exposed in utero and via maternal milk. Osteopontin gene expression was significantly increased, which may have long-term implications for human health.
The Society for Experimental Biology and Medicine has recognized seven outstanding young investigators with the 2011 Young Investigator Award. These researchers demonstrated originality, importance, and presentation of their data in various fields of study, including vascular dysfunction and skeletal muscle microvascular rarefaction.
The Society for Experimental Biology and Medicine (SEBM) awarded its Best Paper Awards for articles published in 2010. These awards recognized excellence in Clinical/Preclinical and Translation Research, Experimental Biology, and Interdisciplinary Research categories. The winners were honored at the 2011 Experimental Biology Meeting.
Researchers found sitagliptin effective in preventing prediabetes from progressing to diabetes. The drug reduced glucose levels after meals and increased insulin output while decreasing glucagon levels.
Research team designed synthetic molecules to study proline residue's role in cancer cell apoptosis by XIAP protein. The results suggest that these tetrapeptide analogs can be further developed into new molecular tools to analyze protein-protein interactions and signal transduction pathways of XIAP in cancer cells.
Researchers have identified PPAR alpha and gamma as key signaling elements in remote ischemic preconditioning (IPC), a powerful form of cardioprotection that can reduce myocardial infarct size by up to 50%. The activation of these nuclear receptors is linked to the production of nitric oxide, a well-established preconditioning-mimetic.
A study by Dini et al. investigates the effect of 6 mT Static Magnetic Field (SMF) on phagocytosis in human macrophages, finding that it depends on the degree of macrophage differentiation. The results suggest that moderate intensity SMF can modify cell surface morphology and influence fluid-phase endocytosis and phagocytosis.
Researchers have discovered haptoglobin as a reliable serum biomarker for predicting the onset of virus-induced type 1 diabetes in rats. The findings suggest that sustained elevations of serum haptoglobin are predictive of ensuing diabetes, with early detection potentially allowing for timely intervention.
Researchers have discovered that RD114 envelope proteins can effectively pseudotype lentiviral vectors, offering an attractive alternative to VSV-G. This technology has the potential to enhance gene therapy approaches by increasing transduction efficiency and stability.
Researchers discovered that the OGF-OGFr axis controls entry from cytoplasm to nucleus, critical for cell proliferation. Nucleocytoplasmic transport involves karyopherin β and Ran, and is dependent on nuclear localization signals.
Researchers developed a non-invasive MRI method to visualize and quantify tumor angiogenesis, a crucial process for cancer growth. The new technique uses nanotechnology and MRI to detect early stages of blood vessel formation, enabling more accurate diagnosis and treatment adjustments.
Researchers found that Smurf1 is elevated in animal models of PAH and can degrade BMP receptors, leading to excessive growth of vascular cells. This suggests Smurf1 may be an attractive therapeutic target to block disease progression.
Researchers found thymoquinone induces oxidative stress in prostate cancer cells, leading to increased cell death and decreased tumor growth. The study suggests a new potential treatment option for highly aggressive prostate cancers.
A study published in Experimental Biology and Medicine found that the Ash2l protein is crucial for early mammalian development, with mouse embryos dying without it. The researchers discovered that Ash2l interacts with Tbx1 to regulate gene transcription, shedding light on the pathogenesis of DiGeorge syndrome.
A study published in Experimental Biology and Medicine reports the discovery of periodic heart rate decelerations in premature human infants. The researchers developed a mathematical model based on Hopf bifurcation theory to describe the dynamics of these decelerations, which are statistically correlated with impending sepsis in neonates.
A study published in Experimental Biology and Medicine found that phenytoin modulates gene expression in rats with bipolar disorder, including genes involved in neurotransmission and neuroprotection. The findings suggest that chronic phenytoin administration may have mood-stabilizing effects.
The Society for Experimental Biology and Medicine presents the inaugural SEBM Distinguished Scientist Award to recognize seminal research accomplishments. Past SEBM Presidents are among the honorees, including Hector F. DeLuca and Barbara A. Horwitz.
Researchers developed a fluorescence method to measure photosensitizer concentration in target tissue, predicting PDT effectiveness. The therapeutic effect correlation index (TECI) was also proposed, showing positive correlation with PDT outcome.
Researchers evaluated cord blood-derived CD133+ cells for treating myocardial infarction. The cells showed promising results, improving left ventricular ejection fraction and forming tubule-like structures. Further pre-clinical testing is needed to determine their clinical advantages.
This study found that variations in plasma glutamyl transferase (GGT) and albumin (ALB) levels are genetically influenced and correlate with cardiovascular disease risk factors. The researchers identified chromosomal regions containing genes that affect GGT and ALB variation, which may also influence cardiovascular health.
Concurrent imaging of metabolic and electric signals in the heart reveals a dynamic relationship between multiple cardiac variables. The new dual-camera system allows for rapid setup, dichroic image separation, and high spatial resolution, enabling correlative multimodal cardiac imaging.
Human liver cyst walls develop vascular structures, driving cell proliferation and growth. Inhibiting VEGF receptor signaling blocks angiogenesis, a promising approach to prevent liver cyst expansion in ADPKD patients.
Researchers engineered a chimeric protein that increases cell survival, migration and proliferation to improve liver stem cell engraftment. The protein, TAT-Tpr-Met, was shown to increase the number of hepatic stem cells integrated into the liver of mice.
Researchers have developed an in-vitro antibody production technique to detect HIV infection earlier, reducing the diagnostic window period. This method promotes the synthesis and release of antibodies against HIV-1 prior to detection in plasma samples, leading to safer blood supply and improved diagnosis.
Researchers have found a way to obtain large numbers of hematopoietic stem cells from human term placentas, which is an order of magnitude larger than those obtained from cord blood. The findings demonstrate that human term placentas are a high-capacity source of live and functional hematopoietic stem cells.
Researchers found that caffeic acid, an anti-inflammatory compound, inhibits colitis in mice by increasing CYP4B1 expression. This normalization of the drug-metabolizing enzyme is associated with reduced colitic damage and inflammation responses.
The Opioid Growth Factor (OGF) and its receptor (OGFr) play a crucial role in regulating cell proliferation by modulating cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitors. The study found that transport of OGFr into the nucleus required two out of three nuclear localization signals, highlighting the importance of this pathway in cancer treatment.
Researchers found that HIV-1 protease inhibitors like nelfinavir induce oxidative stress in pancreatic beta-cells, leading to decreased insulin secretion. Thymoquinone, an antioxidant from black seed oil, protects these cells by decreasing reactive oxygen species and increasing antioxidant levels.
Researchers found increased PAI-1 expression in the heart of mice with diabetes leads to profibrotic effects, including increased fibrosis and functional derangements. This link may contribute to the high incidence of heart failure after myocardial infarction in people with diabetes.
Research found that Helicobacter pylori can multiply in autophagic vesicles within macrophages, increasing resistance to antibiotics and evading the immune system. This discovery has significant implications for understanding the life cycle of H. pylori and potential new drug targets.
Researchers have identified apolipoprotein(a) as a natural regulator of inflammation, inhibiting neutrophil recruitment in vivo and reducing inflammatory responses. This novel function of apo(a) is independent of its molecular mimicry of plasminogen.
Researchers discovered adiponectin is a metabolic link between obesity and reduced bone mineral density. Adiponectin levels were lower in obese humans and mice compared to lean controls. Higher levels of adiponectin impede bone development, leading to weaker bones and increased risk of fractures.
Researchers have discovered 3-substituted indolones with neuroprotective properties, offering promising therapeutic agents for neurodegenerative conditions. The compounds are more efficacious than existing treatments and display no cytotoxicity at high doses.
A study found that vitamin A's carrier protein, retinol-binding protein (RBP), was significantly lower in obese subjects than nonobese subjects. This suggests a potential link between RBP and insulin resistance in obesity. Further research is needed to determine the role of apo-RBP, an unbound form of RBP, in mediating insulin signaling.
Researchers discovered ABC-transporters expressed on vascular endothelial cells, which decrease the intracellular concentrations of anti-HIV drugs like saquinavir and zidovudine. Inhibiting these transporters with verapamil or MK-571 increases drug retention, suggesting a potential therapeutic strategy to improve HAART efficacy.
Researchers discovered that imiquimod, an immune response modifier, relies on the Opioid Growth Factor (OGF)-OGF receptor axis for its action. This finding provides new insights into the mechanism of imiquimod's antiviral and antitumor activity.
Researchers have developed a novel gene delivery approach that targets smooth muscle cells in blood vessels, offering a new paradigm for cell-specific gene delivery. The approach uses an electric field to transiently permeabilize plasma membranes and a specific DNA sequence to control nuclear entry.
Researchers found that intermittent hypoxia treatment reduced myocardial infarction and lethal arrhythmias following coronary artery occlusion and reperfusion in dogs. The treatment also suppressed cardiac activity of nitric oxide synthase, a key enzyme involved in the production of harmful compounds.
Atrial tachycardia is associated with mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress, leading to NF-kB activation. Blockade of angiotensin II receptors, L-type calcium channels, NADPH oxidase, and inhibition of NF-κB activation can abolish or decrease tachycardia-dependent changes in atrial tissue.
Researchers found that NSAIDs up-regulate anti-metastatic genes such as SPARC and TIMP-2 in human lung cancer cells. The study reveals a novel mechanism by which NSAIDs inhibit tumor invasion and metastasis, potentially providing a new strategy for cancer treatment.
Researchers found that high zinc levels inhibit cell growth, upregulate growth arrest and DNA damage-induced gene (Gadd45) expression, and block cell cycle progression in normal human bronchial epithelial cells. Gadd45 plays a crucial role in maintaining genomic stability and apoptosis.
Researchers have designed novel peptide sequences that can detect oxidation and reduction inside cells, providing a new tool for understanding molecular mechanisms underlying complex biomedical problems. The biosensors use Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) to measure redox potentials and oxidative stress in live cells.
The journal has added several Asian researchers to its Editorial Board, including Professor Huan-Yao Lei as the first Asian Editor. An Asian office will open at NCKU Medical Center in Taiwan, increasing visibility of EBM and SEBM throughout Asia Pacific scientific communities.
Researchers found that erythropoietin administration can prevent acute cardiotoxic effects induced by chemotherapy agents doxorubicin and trastuzumab. The study suggests that rhEPO may be used to reduce acute cardiotoxic effects during chemotherapy, potentially preventing long-term development of cardiomyopathy.
Researchers have developed a new drug called nitrosyl-cobinamide, a direct NO-releasing agent that could potentially treat hypertension and heart disease. The compound binds tightly to nitric oxide, forming a reversible NO donor, which may offer a safer alternative to existing treatments.
Scientists used a genetic tool to study human embryonic stem cell self-renewal and differentiation. They found that reducing or increasing the expression of oct4 gene induced differentiation, revealing a key difference in early human development regulation compared to mice.