A UAB study reveals the human protein TGF beta-1 plays a crucial role in balancing bone resorption and formation. The discovery could lead to better bone-building therapies and new osteoporosis drugs, offering hope for patients with bone diseases.
Researchers at the University of Alabama at Birmingham found that atrial fibrillation significantly increases hospitalization due to worsening heart failure in patients not receiving beta-blockers. However, the risk of all-cause mortality was similar between those with and without atrial fibrillation.
Researchers at UAB have created a 3D computer protein map of the acid-sensing ion channel-1 protein, which can help identify new drug targets and test compounds to slow brain-cell death, halt brain cancer, and improve pain control.
AT-101, a cottonseed-derived compound, has shown promise in treating glioblastoma multiforme by halting the growth of tumor cells. The treatment, which must be properly dosed and monitored, has been effective in slowing cancer progression in many patients, offering new hope for those with this aggressive form of brain cancer.
The study reveals that interleukin-21 is a crucial protein for the cross-talk between killer T-cells and helper T-cells. Its absence leads to failure of the immune system's anti-viral efforts, resulting in uncontrolled infections.
A study by the University of Alabama at Birmingham found that even minor changes in eye biology can inform lens-wear prescribing and patient preference. The research, led by Lucy Kehinde, collected tears from 80 volunteers wearing different types of contact lenses to identify key cytokine markers for eye-disease prevention and treatment.
A new UAB study reveals that prisoners with positive social support networks are more likely to maintain their religious convictions. The research, conducted in-depth interviews with 63 inmates at the Mississippi State Penitentiary, found that social support played a crucial role in helping inmates cope with prison life.
Researchers found that patients hospitalized for surgery returned to normal baseline function more quickly than those hospitalized for illness, suggesting increased expectations of recovery may be a key factor. The study highlights the importance of promoting physical and cognitive activity during hospitalization to prevent functional ...
A new study found that ultrasound and blood test screening for ovarian cancer only catches the disease in its late stages, resulting in unnecessary surgery. The positive predictive value of these tests is remarkably low, leading to many false positives.
African-Americans with Pro72 protein variant have double the risk of dying from advanced colon cancer compared to whites. The discovery sheds light on racial disparities in cancer and offers new insights into personalized cancer therapies.
A Phase II clinical trial found that the vaccine showed efficacy in mothers, with a significantly lower rate of CMV infection. The study used an experimental vaccine made from glycoprotein B and included an adjuvant to improve immune response.
Researchers analyzed genetic data from over 2,800 HIV-infected patients to identify 14 'escape mutations' that help the virus survive. These mutations allow the virus to evade the immune system's destruction, making it challenging to develop effective AIDS vaccines.
Research reveals women are 30 percent less likely to experience a stroke within 30 days of a mini-stroke, with significant reductions in cardiac events and mortality rates over the course of one year.
UAB researchers have developed a new method to produce and study HPV-18, which could lead to a better understanding of how the virus functions and causes diseases. The new approach allows for the reproduction of the entire infection cycle of HPV-18 in primary human skin cells, providing opportunities to understand its molecular mechani...
A new experimental therapy combining ultrasound and tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) has shown to be more effective than tPA alone in treating ischemic stroke, according to a recent study. The treatment, which involves tiny gas-filled microspheres activated by ultrasound waves, helped restore blood flow and improve patient outcomes.
A post-hysterectomy analysis found about half of women with pre-cancerous cell changes still had invasive endometrial cancer. Women diagnosed with complex atypical hyperplasia should be referred to a gynecologic oncologist for evaluation.
Researchers at the University of Alabama at Birmingham found that exposure to second-hand smoke and alcohol significantly raises the risk of liver disease. The combined effect led to elevated levels of liver fibrosis proteins, which can lead to cirrhosis.
A six-month diet, exercise, and behavior modification program resulted in significant weight loss and reduced urinary incontinence episodes per week by nearly half. The study found that such programs can be an effective first-line treatment for overweight and obese women.
Researchers at UAB found that children who use cell phones while crossing streets are more likely to exhibit risky behaviors, including taking longer to cross and looking both ways less often. The study's findings highlight the need for parents and caregivers to limit cell phone use in child pedestrians.
A new study by researchers at the University of Alabama at Birmingham found that geographic and racial differences do not fully explain the South's higher stroke death rate, with a greater-than 40 percent higher mortality rate in eight southeastern states.
Women choosing repeat cesarean deliveries at term but before 39 weeks are up to two times more likely to have a baby with serious complications. Babies born before 39 weeks are at increased risk for respiratory distress and NICU admission, highlighting the importance of delaying elective delivery until 39 weeks gestation.
Researchers found that obese and non-obese patients have the same overall survival rate for ovarian cancer if their chemotherapy doses are tailored to their individual body weight. The study, published in Gynecologic Oncology, challenges earlier research suggesting obesity reduces ovarian cancer survival rates.
The UAB Center will examine the risks and benefits of eight biologics used for autoimmune disorders, including women, children, minorities, and the disabled. The study aims to boost understanding of these drugs and guide medical professionals, manufacturers, and regulatory agencies.
A new study by University of Alabama at Birmingham researchers found that obese women display significantly weaker impulse control than normal-weight women. The study's findings suggest that eating-related disinhibition may be a key factor in this difference.
A study at the University of Alabama at Birmingham has identified a crucial co-receptor in parathyroid hormone signaling that selectively stimulates bone formation. This finding could lead to new osteoporosis drugs and better bone-building therapies by targeting specific cell receptors responsible for calcium uptake from the blood.
Hospital emergency room doctors and nurses express concerns about radiological event management and patient care after a terrorist attack. They prioritize protecting themselves and loved ones over decontamination protocols, highlighting the need for better preparedness training and guidelines.
A new JAMA study reveals a genetic link between obesity and colon cancer risk, showing those with a common genetic variant of ADIPOQ carry up to 30% reduced risk. This finding may lead to improved screening and early detection for colon cancer through lifestyle changes such as diet and exercise.
A multicenter study found that intravenous magnesium sulfate supplementation before preterm delivery cuts the risk for cerebral palsy in half. The study enrolled 2,241 women and found a significantly lower rate of all forms of cerebral palsy among those receiving magnesium sulfate.
University of Alabama at Birmingham researchers have developed a gene therapy virus to target ovarian cancer cells. The adenovirus-based approach has shown anti-tumor effects that appear safe for most patients, according to Drs. David T. Curiel and Ronald Alvarez.
Researchers found that combination antiretroviral therapy (cART) increased life expectancy for HIV patients by more than 13 years. The study, published in The Lancet, analyzed data from 43,355 HIV-positive participants and found a nearly 40% drop in AIDS deaths.
The new guidelines update strategies for treating rheumatoid arthritis with a focus on preventing joint damage and disability. The recommendations include the use of methotrexate or leflunomide therapy, as well as anti-TNF agents in combination with these therapies.
A new study by researchers at the University of Alabama at Birmingham found that higher gasoline prices can lead to a significant reduction in traffic deaths. According to the analysis, death rates could drop by over 1,000 per month nationwide if gas remains at $4 a gallon or higher for a year or more.
The University of Alabama at Birmingham has joined a national consortium working to improve treatment and survival for patients with glioma, a type of malignant brain tumor. The Ivy Genomics-Based Medicine Project will use advanced molecular profiling and testing to identify personalized treatments for patients.
Research found that exhausted individuals experience larger blood pressure increases when attempting tasks, even if they perceive success as achievable. Chronic fatigue can amplify effort and lead to elevated blood pressure, increasing the risk of hypertension and heart disease.
The American Heart Association recommends modifying lifestyle factors such as reducing salt intake, losing weight, and drinking less alcohol to treat resistant hypertension. Effective treatment also requires better diagnosis of secondary causes and effective use of multiple-drug treatments, including long-acting diuretics and mineraloc...
A new study reveals that among billions of HIV variants, only a few lead to sexual transmission. The researchers used genetic analysis and mathematical modeling to identify precisely those viruses responsible for HIV transmission.
Young children whose mothers are severely depressed are nearly three times more likely to suffer accidental injuries than other children in the same age group. Mothers with chronic depression may not properly safeguard their environments, leading to poor supervision and increased injury risks.
A new study from researchers at the University of Alabama at Birmingham found that carbon monoxide in air pollution and tobacco smoke triggers tuberculosis infection to shift into a dormant state. This dormant state is difficult to detect and treat, contributing to the spread of TB and its high mortality rate.
A phase 1 clinical trial showed AME-133v had a potent tumor-halting response in patients with follicular lymphoma. The drug triggered signaling pathways within cells to slow or stop cancer growth, while causing minimal side effects.
Researchers at UAB have discovered that triphendiol induces cell death in pancreatic and bile duct cancer cells, slowing tumor growth and sensitizing tumors to chemotherapy treatments. The investigational drug has shown promise as a potential treatment for pancreatic adenocarcinoma.
A 10-year retrospective study found that even small increases in serum creatinine levels during hospitalization raise the risk of end-stage renal disease and mortality in elderly patients. The study also identified that larger changes in creatinine levels were associated with higher risks.
The HPV vaccine GARDASIL has been shown to reduce abnormal Pap test results by 43% in women, preventing the development of cell changes that lead to cervical disease. This reduction also translates to fewer invasive procedures like cervical biopsies, with a 42% decrease observed in GARDASIL recipients.
A Phase II study found that the tenofovir gel was favorably self-applied and well-tolerated by HIV-negative women, with 80% following instructions to use the gel after sex. The researchers plan to proceed with larger studies to determine if the gel can prevent HIV infection.
Researchers at the University of Alabama at Birmingham found that PTC124 restored normal function in up to 29 percent of abnormal cystic-fibrosis protein cases. The drug works by rescuing faulty proteins that lead to illnesses, including cystic fibrosis and over 2,400 genetic diseases.
Scientists at UAB and Saint Louis University use X-ray crystallography to understand poxvirus infectious potency and how one protein evades the immune system, paving the way for new drug discoveries to combat inflammatory diseases like atherosclerosis and rheumatoid arthritis.
Researchers at the University of Alabama at Birmingham have uncovered the biological gateway that allows anthrax to enter healthy cells. The study reveals how the bacteria uses the Mac-1 receptor to proliferate and trigger lethal consequences, paving the way for new drugs and vaccines.
Scientists have identified nine DNA variants that increase lupus risk in women, providing a potential diagnostic tool for early detection. The study, published in Nature Genetics, highlights the importance of genetic factors in lupus susceptibility and may lead to new treatments and a cure.
Researchers found that a drug originally used to treat iron poisoning triggered the growth of new blood vessels, leading to significant increases in bone density and regeneration. The treatment has broad implications for improving treatment of bone fractures and musculoskeletal disorders.
A study led by UAB researchers found that blocking interleukin 17 (IL-17) slows disease-causing B cell actions in autoimmune disorders like rheumatoid arthritis and lupus. This discovery highlights IL-17's role in shaping B cells' ability to create more antibodies.
Researchers at UAB have provided physical proof that two proteins involved in Cystic Fibrosis (CF) interact closely enough to cause a biochemical imbalance. This discovery may aid in understanding the biological underpinnings of CF and speeding up the development of new drugs to treat or cure the disease.