Researchers discover bacterial toxin ST can slow down metastatic colorectal cancer tumor growth by targeting GCC receptor. GCC is a protein marker on cancer cells that allows scientists to detect if they have spread, and it can also be used as a diagnostic tool.
Researchers found that pramipexole prevented nearly 100% of brain cells from dying in mice with a Parkinson's-like condition. The drug also showed neurotrophic effects by increasing dopamine cell size, suggesting potential as a neuroprotective agent.
A new study led by Thomas Jefferson University researchers found that once-a-day injections of the blood thinner enoxaparin sodium are just as safe and effective as twice-daily treatments in treating blood clots. This finding has significant implications for medical cost savings.
Researchers found that gene Rb2 inhibits angiogenesis, a critical process for tumor growth. The study suggests that Rb2 may be used to treat lung cancer and glioblastoma by blocking blood vessel formation.
Jefferson scientists discover that blocking a protein affects collagen gene expression in both normal and scleroderma cells, offering new hope for treating the disease. The findings suggest that therapeutic compounds may be developed to inhibit this pathway and reduce collagen production.
Children from poor, minority communities are more likely to have asthma and suffer severe symptoms. A recent study found that almost half of high-absentee children self-reported asthma despite having worse symptoms compared to low-absentees.
Scientists have characterized gene mutations in families affected by pseudoxanthoma elasticum (PXE), a rare disorder that can lead to progressive loss of vision, gastrointestinal bleeding, and cardiovascular disease. The study provides the basis for DNA-based carrier detection and prenatal testing.
Researchers describe a medical paradox where some AIDS patients develop opportunistic infections after regaining immune strength from HAART therapy. The 'immune reconstitution disease syndrome' occurs when the strengthened immune system reacts to bacteria or viruses already present in the patient.
Researchers at Thomas Jefferson University have developed a new gene therapy system that uses DNA and bacterial proteins to deliver genes to specific places in human DNA, avoiding viruses and their associated immune reactions. The technique shows promise for treating genetic diseases such as hemophilia and sickle cell anemia.
Researchers at Jefferson Medical College successfully introduced a therapeutic gene into the brain of two children with Canavan disease, showing decreased NAA concentration and increased myelin. The gene transfer demonstrated positive neurological improvements in the patients, offering hope for future use of gene therapy for brain dise...
Researchers have determined the 3-dimensional structure of a Rosetta Stone protein, which may help scientists understand how cells are programmed to die and shed light on the role of loss in cancer. The human Fhit protein is encoded at the most fragile site in the genome and is lost in many human cancers.
Researchers found that patients with localized prostate cancer who received higher doses of radiation lived longer and had better local control of their cancer. The study, published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology, examined data from 1560 patients treated between 1975 and 1995.
A study by Jefferson researchers found that blocking the transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) protein can prevent diabetic kidney disease in mice. The antibody treatment prevented kidney scarring and renal failure, offering hope for a new treatment option for humans with type 2 diabetes.
A custom-made vaccine created from a patient's own cancer tumor cells has proven effective in prolonging the survival of patients with malignant melanoma. The vaccine resulted in a 47% five-year survival rate among 214 patients with disease spread, outperforming standard treatment.
Researchers found two protein biomarkers, cIAP-1 and XIAP, that correlate with distant metastasis-free survival in prostate cancer patients. Elevated levels of these proteins were associated with a higher risk of relapse after radiation therapy.
Researchers have reported promising results from a Phase I-II trial of an ovarian cancer vaccine made from patient's own cancer cells. Eight of 10 patients showed immunological response, with one experiencing complete tumor disappearance and CA125 levels normalization.
Researchers found that concurrent chemotherapy and daily chest radiation can help lung cancer patients live longer, with an average survival of 17 months. In contrast, sequential treatment resulted in an average survival of 14.6 months.
Molecular geneticists have characterized gene mutations in families with pseudoxanthoma elasticum (PXE), a rare inherited disorder that can lead to blindness, early heart attacks, and cardiovascular disease. The study provides the basis for DNA-based carrier detection, prenatal testing, and improved diagnosis of the condition.
A study by Thomas Jefferson University found that Pennsylvania's Early Discharge legislation resulted in longer hospital stays for new mothers and babies, increasing maternal and infant healthcare costs. The average maternity stay rose from 34 to 48 hours, with estimated annual costs of $20-25 million.
Scientists have successfully cloned calves from old cells, showing a return to a more youthful state and longer lifespan. The study's findings could lead to effective cloning methods in medicine and agriculture.
Researchers at Thomas Jefferson University have discovered a new connection between the FHIT gene and hereditary colorectal cancer. The study suggests that the FHIT gene plays a crucial role in preventing carcinogen-caused tumors, and its loss may contribute to the development of HNPCC-like disease.
Researchers found that HIV inactivates a tumor suppressor gene, contributing to Burkitt's lymphoma development. The study suggests a new mechanism linking HIV and the disease.
Researchers aim to uncover molecular signatures of cancer initiation using gene expression profiles. They will compare genes in hereditary colon, breast, and kidney cancers with normal tissues to identify altered genes and target potential chemopreventive agents.
Researchers at Thomas Jefferson University have created a vaccine using a weakened rabies virus to carry an HIV envelope protein into cells, prompting the immune system to produce anti-HIV antibodies. The successful test in mice lends promise to eventually developing a human vaccine against HIV.
Researchers found changes in brain cells in rats treated with anti-depressant and obesity drugs, including shriveling and abnormal corkscrew shapes. The study raises concerns about the prolonged use of such commonly prescribed drugs as fluoxetine and sertraline.
Researchers identified a biological marker that predicts breast cancer return in some women, with higher levels of damaged p53 protein found in those whose cancer recurred within four years. The finding may lead to personalized treatments, such as higher doses of radiation and novel therapies.
Researchers have developed an oral vaccine that protects rats' brains from stroke and prevents seizures, with significant protection for at least five months after a single dose. The vaccine targets the N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor, blocking it to prevent brain cell death and damage.
The international Consensus Conference Committee outlines treatment options for DCIS to determine the appropriate treatment for each patient. The committee recommends treating women with DCIS with breast conservation through lumpectomy or lumpectomy along with radiation therapy, while mastectomy may still be an option.
Researchers at Thomas Jefferson University have used gene therapy to replace a damaged Rb2 gene with a healthy version, dramatically shrinking lung cancer tumors in mice. The study provides direct evidence that Rb2 is a tumor suppressor and demonstrates its potential as a target for human gene therapy trials.
Researchers at Thomas Jefferson University have used a gene repair technique to genetically change white albino mice hairs to black, showing stable and long-lasting changes in skin cells. The technique has potential as a treatment for some hereditary diseases by correcting genetic mutations.
Researchers discovered that high levels of BAG-1 protein correlate with better long-term survival and overall survival rates for women with early breast cancer. The study found a significant difference in 10-year survival rates between women with high and low BAG-1 protein levels.
Researchers at Thomas Jefferson University found that a tumor suppressor gene, Rb2/p130, can halt rapid cell growth and prevent smooth muscle cells from building up in arteries. This gene may be used as an adjunct to angioplasty to treat clogged coronary arteries and reduce the risk of restenosis.
Researchers at Thomas Jefferson University have developed a blood test to detect the spread of colorectal cancer to lymph nodes by identifying the presence of a protein called GCC. This test may help doctors diagnose the disease more accurately and provide better treatment options for patients.
Researchers at Thomas Jefferson University and Oxford University have found a promising drug against the hepatitis C virus (HCV), called N-nonyl-DNJ, which inhibits the activity of an important cellular enzyme, glucosidase. This drug may sidestep resistant viruses, a major problem with current treatments.
Researchers at Jefferson Medical College have uncovered a potential switch that helps control the manufacture of red blood cells and blood-clotting platelets. Activating 'death receptors' on immature red blood cells triggers caspases, which can halt excessive production by blocking cell growth and differentiation.
Researchers found that women with BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutations have a 40% risk of local recurrence and developing new tumors, making breast-conserving therapy less optimal. The study suggests that mastectomy may be a more suitable treatment option for these women to reduce the risk of recurrent disease.
Researchers at Thomas Jefferson University have isolated hematopoietic stem cells using a specific marker, enabling laboratory production of all types of blood cells. This breakthrough has the potential to alleviate blood shortages for transfusions and develop innovative approaches to bone marrow transplants and gene therapy.
Researchers developed a transgenic mouse model of chronic liver disease caused by hepatitis B virus (HBV), enabling the study of immune responses and drug development. The model opens opportunities for scientists to test drugs in the liver and understand how HBV causes liver disease.
A 5-year clinical trial led by Thomas Jefferson University aims to investigate the effects of GM1 ganglioside on improving Parkinson's disease symptoms, delaying disease progression, and restoring damaged brain cells. The study will compare the drug to standard treatments, using advanced imaging techniques to visualize dopamine termina...
Researchers found that HIV-infected pregnant women receiving care at specialized centers or state-funded sites were more likely to receive antiretroviral therapy, reducing transmission by up to two-thirds. The study highlights the importance of access to quality medical care in preventing mother-to-newborn transmission of AIDS.
Scientists have extended their gene repair technology to correct point and frameshift genetic mutations, with potential applications for treating cystic fibrosis and other diseases caused by DNA deletions.
Researchers at Thomas Jefferson University describe the workings of an enzyme caspase-9 crucial for understanding apoptosis. They hope to develop drugs that inhibit this enzyme to fight neurodegenerative diseases.
Hereditary colorectal cancer tumors with high microsatellite instability (MSI) levels show a lack of genes responsible for DNA mismatch repair, vital to DNA replication. This can lead to faulty repair and colon cancer development.
Researchers at Thomas Jefferson University have found that radiation therapy helps patients with localized prostate cancer live longer. After examining the results of 1560 patients who received radiation therapy alone for prostate cancer, they discovered that those with high-risk disease benefited the most from higher doses of radiation.
Jefferson researchers report progress in using a vaccinia-based vaccine to treat advanced melanoma, with two patients achieving complete remission. The vaccine works by boosting the immune system with granulocyte macrophage colony stimulating factor (GM-CSF), but more research is needed to enhance the treatment.
Researchers at Thomas Jefferson University found that stimulating environments can help prevent neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's. Rats living in enriched surroundings showed 45% less brain cell death compared to those in basic conditions.
Researchers at Thomas Jefferson University found latent HIV in the semen of seven infected men taking HAART, which may be transmissible. The study suggests that even if detectable virus is not present in blood, individuals should practice safe sex to prevent transmission.
Researchers at Jefferson Medical College successfully used a gene repair technique to change the color of white albino mice cells to black, restoring melanin production and correcting a genetic mutation. The breakthrough holds promise as a potential treatment for some hereditary diseases by correcting the underlying genetic defect.
Researchers at Thomas Jefferson University have developed a method to reverse dangerous cerebral vasospasms. The treatment involves administering a drug that dilates cerebral blood vessels, reversing constricting effects within 30 minutes.
Scientists at Thomas Jefferson University have demonstrated that a normally protective anticancer gene can block tumors from growing. Led by Dr. Antonio Giordano, they found that the damaged version of the gene, pRb2/p130, suppresses tumor growth in animal models, paving the way for gene therapy to treat lung cancer and other cancers.