Researchers at Thomas Jefferson University have discovered a complex of two proteins in the intestine that plays a crucial role in cholesterol transport. Treating mice with ezetimibe disrupts this complex, leading to impaired cholesterol absorption, suggesting new therapeutic possibilities.
Researchers at Thomas Jefferson University have found that statins interfere with a biochemical pathway crucial for germ cell migration in embryonic zebrafish. This understanding may lead to insights into disease processes, including cancer, as abnormal germ cell migration can contribute to deadly cancer spread.
A phase II trial of a melanoma vaccine showed promising results, with nearly half of patients living at least five years after receiving the treatment. The vaccine's effectiveness was influenced by the dosing schedule and immune response, highlighting the importance of personalized medicine in cancer treatment.
A phase II trial found that AMD-3100, a new drug, increases the availability of stem cells in cancer patients undergoing transplantation. This boosts the chances of successful transplantation and may reduce the number of collections needed.
Researchers at Thomas Jefferson University have found that combining radiation with VEGF Trap, a protein engineered to block angiogenesis activity, can delay tumor growth by up to 40 days. The study suggests that radiation may enhance the effectiveness of VEGF Trap in treating glioblastoma, a common and aggressive brain tumor.
Researchers successfully restored heart cell function by inhibiting the ßARK1 enzyme in laboratory-dish experiments using a gene therapy approach. The study's findings suggest that blocking this enzyme could increase signaling and improve heart function in individuals with end-stage heart failure.
Researchers discovered that low levels of lead exposure can significantly impact the proliferation and development of neural stem cells. Dr. Jay Schneider's team found that lead inhibited the differentiation of stem cells into neurons or oligodendrocytes, but increased their ability to become astrocytes.
Researchers at Thomas Jefferson University have identified a new cell type, the dermal dendrocyte, that increases in number in tumors of early human Kaposi's sarcoma. The discovery offers a potential tool for studying the disease and its connection to abnormal wound healing and other conditions.
A recent study from Thomas Jefferson University found that middle school students in poorer performing Philadelphia schools had a higher prevalence of undiagnosed asthma. The researchers screened over 6,700 students and found that those in Edison-managed schools had more severe cases of the disease.
Researchers at Thomas Jefferson University and the University of Michigan have identified a gene defect behind a devastating muscle-wasting disease. The study found that a mutation in the Omi/HtrA2 protein causes neuronal cell death by impairing mitochondrial function.
Researchers found that EPO reduced programmed cell death in heart cells, leading to smaller infarcts and increased heart function. The study suggests that EPO may offer novel protection against ischemic events in patients with acute coronary syndrome.
A recent study by Jefferson and Brigham and Women's researchers has found that blue light plays a vital role in regulating the body's internal clock. The discovery highlights the importance of blue wavelengths in controlling melatonin production, which is essential for maintaining circadian rhythms.
Jefferson scientists have developed a tobacco plant that produces human antibodies against rabies, addressing a global shortage of the treatment. The plant-based antibody is safer and less expensive than traditional methods, offering hope for millions affected by the deadly disease.
Researchers found that CEM15 renders HIV dead by altering DNA, causing mutations and preventing replication. The virus can subvert this system, enabling it to make numerous mutations and evade the host's defense.
A new scale aims to improve physician empathy by measuring their personal qualities, particularly in patient care situations. The Jefferson Scale of Physician Empathy has been developed to help identify physicians who need more empathy training and evaluate the effectiveness of medical education programs.
Researchers are testing a new stroke prevention drug, NC-758, to determine its effectiveness in reducing amyloid angiopathy-related strokes. The trial aims to assess the drug's potential benefits for patients with Alzheimer's disease, which is characterized by excessive amyloid buildup.
A nationwide study found that frovatriptan succinate prevented menstrually associated migraines (MAM) in as many as half the women evaluated. The drug significantly reduced MAM severity and duration, as well as patients' functional impairment and use of rescue medications.
Researchers have discovered a novel photoreceptor system in the human eye that controls melatonin production, which plays a key role in circadian rhythms. The study suggests that exposure to blue light at night may disrupt melatonin production and increase the risk of breast cancer.
Scientists at Thomas Jefferson University found that a bacterial toxin opens a cellular door, allowing calcium to flow into tumor cells, which slows cell division and may lead to new methods of treating colorectal cancer. The discovery could also enable the use of the toxin as an intravenous infusion to treat metastatic tumors.
Researchers at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital have successfully treated chronic tendon problems like tennis elbow with ultrasound-guided needle therapy. The procedure involves injecting corticosteroids, smoothing out bone and tissue, and eliminating calcifications to promote healing.
A clinical trial led by Dr. Joseph Friedberg at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital is exploring the effectiveness of photodynamic therapy (PDT) on non-small cell lung cancer, with patients showing survival times between three and four times the usual six to nine months after surgery.
Researchers at Thomas Jefferson University have successfully converted human neural stem cells into dopamine-making neurons in a laboratory setting. Approximately 25% of the stem cells were able to produce the enzyme tyrosine hydroxylase, which is necessary for dopamine production. The breakthrough could potentially lead to the develop...
Researchers found a significant increase in Delta FosB protein in the striatum of adolescent mice following chronic exposure to psychostimulants. This adaptation may contribute to increased sensitivity to addiction and therapeutic use of these medications in adolescents.
A study by Jefferson researchers found that women who underwent uterine artery embolization for fibroids were at a higher risk of complications during future pregnancies, including increased rates of premature delivery, miscarriage, postpartum hemorrhage, and cesarean section. The study analyzed 50 published cases and found significant...
Researchers successfully used gene therapy to change the brain's circuitry in rats with Parkinson's disease, producing nearly 70% fewer symptoms. The treatment involves altering glutamate and GABA signaling pathways to protect dopamine neurons from deterioration.
Researchers found that combining whole brain radiation with stereotactic radiosurgery improved survival rates by one to two months for patients with single brain metastases. Those with multiple metastases showed some improvement in survival, but not as much, and added medications may further enhance treatment outcomes.
Researchers found a genetic link between a specific enzyme and increased risk of heart failure in alcoholics, with those having two copies of the D allele facing a 16 times greater risk. This discovery opens up possibilities for uncovering other genetic predispositions for various alcohol-related diseases.
A study of 42 female organ recipients found mostly successful pregnancies without birth defects, but lung transplant patients faced higher risks. Complications and health issues were more common in mothers with pre-existing health problems during pregnancy.
Researchers have identified a natural inhibitor of HIV called CEM15, which can stop the virus from replicating. By targeting Vif, a regulatory protein that enables HIV replication, scientists may develop new antiviral treatments.
Researchers at Thomas Jefferson University are conducting a study on Mindfulness-Based Art Therapy (MBAT) to reduce psychological stress and medical symptoms in cancer patients. The therapy combines creative expression, meditation, and art-making to improve overall quality of life.
Scientists have discovered a new method to inhibit HIV replication using short interfering RNAs (siRNAs), a type of RNA interference technology. Researchers demonstrated the effectiveness of siRNAs in human cells, showing promise for novel HIV treatments.
A new clinical trial, led by Scott Waldman, aims to determine if a test for the protein guanylyl cyclase C can accurately diagnose colorectal cancer spread. The test may improve diagnoses and treatment outcomes by detecting tiny amounts of cancer in lymph nodes.
Researchers at Thomas Jefferson University found that COX-2 expression is higher than normal in meningioma and pituitary macroadenomas, with more aggressive disease associated with greater enzyme presence. The study opens up opportunities for designing potential therapies against brain tumors.
Researchers at Thomas Jefferson University developed an animal model of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), a disease characterized by uncontrolled proliferation of white blood cells. The model enables scientists to investigate biochemical and molecular mechanisms underlying the disease and test potential new drugs.
In a Phase I trial, patients receiving recombinant Angiostatin with radiation showed significant tumor regression and minimal toxicity. The findings support the safety of Angiostatin when combined with radiation therapy, paving the way for future trials of combination therapy.
Researchers are developing a new method to improve the diagnosis of prostate cancer by using contrast-enhanced ultrasound. The study aims to identify areas in the prostate with more blood vessels, allowing for targeted biopsies and potentially reducing the number of unnecessary procedures.
Researchers at Thomas Jefferson University found that low doses of paclitaxel and docetaxel inhibit the growth of endothelial cells, leading to smaller tumors. The study suggests that oral versions of these drugs could be effective in treating cancer with chronic, low dose concentrations.
A new study by researchers at Thomas Jefferson University found that the protein GCC is present in intestinal metaplasia, a sometimes precancerous condition in the esophagus and stomach. GCC's presence was detected in five of five cases of esophageal cancer and eight of nine cases of stomach cancer.
Researchers at Jefferson Medical College and University of Barcelona found that moderate drinking from one to four drinks a day improved heart function in men with alcohol-related heart failure. The study suggests a threshold drinking level for alcohol-related heart damage, below which there is no harm.
Researchers at Thomas Jefferson University identified a possible link between APC gene mutation and colon cancer, suggesting survivin's role in preventing programmed cell death. The study found that abnormal regulation of survivin may contribute to the development of colon cancer by allowing stem cells to overpopulate.
Researchers found that a specific mutation in collagen II affects the interaction with another collagen, leading to cartilage damage and osteoarthritis progression. The study's results provide insight into how mutations in collagen genes contribute to the disease.
Researchers at Thomas Jefferson University developed a computer model showing that familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) may begin when adult stem cells in the colon go out of control. The model suggests that an increase in stem cells triggers colon cancer, indicating that cancer may be a stem cell disorder.
According to Roger J. Pomerantz, M.D., physicians should treat HIV-infected individuals when their CD4 lymphocyte count is below 350 or their HIV RNA level exceeds 50,000, rather than immediately upon diagnosis.
A pilot study demonstrates a new self-expanding cylindrical filter is effective in preventing plaque dislodgement and blockage in older vein grafts. The procedure collected plaque material from 77% of patients without complications, paving the way for further clinical trials.
Researchers have successfully converted adult human bone marrow stem cells into functional brain cells in the lab, using a combination of growth factors and nutrients. The breakthrough could potentially lead to new treatments for neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson's disease.
Researchers at Jefferson Medical College have demonstrated in the laboratory that prostratin can stimulate two main hiding areas in patients with HIV infection who are taking HAART, leading to death of the virus from anti-viral drugs. The work shows promise for a new second-generation approach to eradicate HIV from the body.
Research suggests that Vioxx and Celebrex can enhance the effects of radiation on tumors by interfering with angiogenesis, a process that feeds tumor growth. This discovery has potential implications for treating various types of cancer and is being explored in ongoing clinical trials.
Researchers at Thomas Jefferson University found that daily doses of Angiostatin, combined with radiation, caused a partial response in patients with advanced cancer. The treatment was well-tolerated, with few side effects reported.
Researchers at Thomas Jefferson University have identified a novel photopigment in the human eye that regulates melatonin production, which plays a vital role in the body's circadian rhythms. Exposure to blue light has been found to be most effective in controlling melatonin levels.
Jefferson researchers successfully introduced 90 billion copies of a healthy gene into the brains of three children with Canavan disease. The goal is to increase enzyme production and reduce toxic compound buildup, potentially improving brain development and function.