A high-fat diet and aging are associated with inflammation in heart failure, as well as changes to the gut microbiome. In mice, a calorie-dense diet altered the composition of the gut microbiome and increased neutrophils, leading to nonresolving inflammation.
Researchers developed a powerful new tool to investigate brain development, memory, and learning, and the role of gene regulation in neuropsychiatric diseases. The tool selectively and robustly turns on genes in neurons, allowing for controlled expression of individual or multiple genes.
Researchers from the University of Alabama at Birmingham found that spending 20 minutes in an urban park can boost happiness and reduce mental fatigue. The study suggests that time spent in a park is more important than physical activity for emotional well-being.
A mutant gene encoding a human brain protein linked to autism has been introduced into the brains of fruit flies, producing abnormal behaviors reminiscent of autism impairments. The study found hyperactivity, repetitive behavior, and impaired social interaction in the fruit flies.
Researchers found that NSAID carprofen triggered low-grade inflammation in the heart and kidneys, amplifying cardiorenal syndrome. Biomarkers of kidney injury increased, indicating compromised glomerular structure integrity.
Researchers at UAB identified overconnectivity in unimodal-subcortical connections and underconnectivity in supramodal-subcortical connections in individuals with autism spectrum disorder. This finding may help understand the expression of ASD and develop biomarkers for earlier diagnosis.
Researchers discovered that kidney-resident macrophages in mice undergo a developmental reprogramming after acute kidney injury, similar to those found in newborn mice. This reprogramming may aid in promoting healing and tissue regeneration, potentially leading to new therapeutic approaches for patients.
Researchers discovered activated PMN exosomes cause destruction in COPD lungs, harboring protease enzymes like NE that degrade collagen. These tiny entities, similar to those found in human COPD patients, can also cause damage when instilled into healthy mice.
Research suggests that infant mice need a higher dose of bacterial LPS to prevent asthma, while adult mice can tolerate lower doses. This mechanism supports the hygiene hypothesis, which proposes that decreased exposure to microorganisms in childhood leads to increased allergies.
After obesity surgery, new microbial strains emerged in the human fecal microbiota, changing the gut environment. The study used a novel informatics technique to identify these new strains, which were more competitive in the altered GI tract environment.
Researchers at University of Alabama at Birmingham discover how Avian Sarcoma Virus binds to cell membrane, providing insights into HIV-1 replication and potential treatment strategies. The study reveals a crucial cluster of four lysine amino acids that interact with acidic membrane lipids.
A recent study published in Nature Immunology reveals that lung-resident memory B cells can provide more effective immunity against influenza infections. These cells are able to respond quickly and produce antibodies after a second infection, suggesting they play a crucial role in respiratory virus immunity.
Researchers found that vorinostat effectively inhibited HPV DNA amplification and virus production in preclinical experiments. Additionally, the treatment induced programmed cell death in infected cells. The study suggests that HDAC inhibitors could be promising compounds for treating benign HPV infections.
Researchers have identified an essential role for the protein heme oxygenase-1 in host defense against tuberculosis, highlighting its potential as a therapeutic target. Studies using human lung tissue and mouse models showed that HO-1 production is critical in protecting against TB pathophysiology.
Researchers found that mitochondrial DNA influences cellular metabolism and susceptibility to metabolic diseases. Switching mitochondrial genetic backgrounds in mice showed significant impacts on adiposity, whole body metabolism, and nuclear gene expression.
Researchers found microscopic neuropathology and neurophysiological changes in a rat model of mild traumatic brain injury. The study suggests that even mild exposure to a single blast shock wave can induce pathogenic effects that accumulate over time.
Researchers have identified two small-molecule experimental inhibitors that target the influenza protein NS1, which plays a crucial role in blocking the body's immune response. The study's findings provide strong evidence for the mechanism of action of these compounds and offer significant structural insights into NS1.
A new study published in Diabetes Care shows that community health workers and peer support can help individuals with diabetes manage their condition, reducing hospitalizations and emergency room visits. The intervention also improved self-management behaviors, diet, physical activity, medication adherence, and stress management.
UAB researchers develop potential therapy for TTP, a rare and deadly blood-clotting disorder, by delivering ADAMTS13 enzyme via platelets. The treatment inhibits thrombus formation in human and mouse blood, showing therapeutic benefit.
Researchers found that carprofen pretreatment before experimental heart attack in mice impairs the resolution of acute inflammation after cardiac injury. This leads to a non-resolving inflammation characterized by an amplified CD47 marker on neutrophils, which resists clearance and triggers more inflammatory responses.
A new study by Ludwine Messiaen extends clinical manifestations of the three-base pair deletion p.Met992del in NF1, revealing mild symptoms but potential complications. The research expands on findings first reported in 2007, providing insight into a genotype-phenotype correlation that will aid families and clinicians.
Researchers at the University of Alabama at Birmingham have described a key immune response mechanism that determines the fate of T cells. This knowledge can aid in the development of better vaccines, treatments for infections, and moderation of autoimmune diseases.
In a mouse model, researchers found that dysfunctional regulatory T-lymphocytes contribute to sustained inflammation and cardiac enlargement. Removing these cells restored normal function and reversed disease progression. This therapeutic approach suggests a new target for treating human heart failure.
A novel mechanism links epigenetic changes to translational control in the brain, controlling downstream regulation of translation during fear memory reconsolidation. This finding may help attenuate maladaptive memories in psychiatric disorders.
A new study has developed highly sensitive and specific assays to detect infectious agents in pigs, a crucial step towards ensuring the safety of xenotransplantation. The assays were validated on over 300 pig specimens and showed promising results, suggesting they can identify potential pathogens in donor pigs.
A $5.67 million federal grant will extend and expand research into acute kidney injury, affecting 1.2 million hospitalized patients yearly, with the goal of improving prevention and treatment strategies.
A team of researchers at University of Alabama at Birmingham has identified a sentinel area of the brain that may give an early warning before clinical seizure manifestations appear. An algorithm was also developed to automatically detect this early warning, allowing for neurostimulation of the sentinel area to potentially block seizures.
Researchers discovered that neonatal pig hearts can functionally and structurally recover from experimental heart attacks. The ability to regenerate heart muscle is short-lived, disappearing by day three after birth.
Newborn granule cells in the dentate gyrus become less excitable after three weeks, a crucial step for mature functioning. The researchers found that functional GIRK channels start to appear at this stage, controlled by G protein signaling, and contribute to lowering excitability of mature dentate granule cells.
A study led by Adam Wende found an underlying mechanism that reprograms the hearts of patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy, altering cellular remodeling and metabolism. The researchers identified epigenetic changes that encode a 'metabolic plasticity' in failing hearts, which may repair the ischemic and failing heart.
Researchers found that doxorubicin targets enzymes controlling immune responses in the spleen and heart, disrupting metabolism and leading to impaired inflammation resolution. The drug also poisons specific immune cells, causing a loss of host defense and promoting chronic non-resolving inflammation.
The International Antiviral Society-USA Panel has released updated guidelines for the treatment and prevention of HIV infection in adults. The recommendations include new findings, drugs, and approaches, focusing on adult patients 18 years or older with or at risk for HIV infection.
A gene mutation causes wrinkled skin and hair loss; turning off that mutation restores the mouse to normal appearance. The study reveals an important role for mitochondria in skin health, with reversed mitochondrial dysfunction leading to restored smooth skin and thick fur.
Researchers discovered that Mycobacterium tuberculosis uses a toxin to deplete NAD+ in macrophages, leading to necrotic cell death. Adding NAD+ replenishment or mitochondrial function protectants restricted bacterial growth and increased macrophage viability. These findings suggest patient-targeted therapies to treat tuberculosis.
A human clinical trial revealed verapamil as a safe and effective therapy to reduce insulin requirements and hypoglycemic episodes in adult subjects with recent onset Type 1 diabetes. The study found that regular oral administration of verapamil enabled patients to produce higher levels of their own insulin.
Researchers at the University of Alabama at Birmingham have shown that metformin can reverse established lung fibrosis using a drug treatment targeting cell metabolism. The study used human lung fibroblasts and a mouse model of lung fibrosis, finding that metformin accelerated the resolution of well-established fibrosis.
A subset of immune cells has been found to create and sustain chronic inflammatory bowel disease, a condition characterized by persistent diarrhea and abdominal pain. These cells could become therapeutic targets to treat Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis.
A recent study reveals that dying glioblastoma cells can communicate with remaining tumor cells through extracellular vesicles, increasing aggressiveness and therapy resistance. This mechanism may provide a new target for novel cancer therapies to treat glioblastoma and potentially other cancer types.
Researchers identify previously unknown protein targets of plant pathogens in Arabidopsis thaliana using systems biology and network analysis. The study's framework can help analyze other interactions between species to reveal pathogen contact points.
Researchers found changes in hippocampal neurons early after alpha-synuclein aggregates appear, suggesting potential therapeutic treatments to halt or reverse cognitive impairments. The study suggests defects in pre- and post-synaptic functions, indicating plasticity in the neurons.
A UAB-led study published in The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology found that denosumab was superior to risedronate in increasing bone density in patients with glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis. The 12-month study enrolled 795 patients and showed promising results for the new drug.
The absence of Sp7 transcription factor halts tooth development in mid-stride, preventing the maturation of cells responsible for creating dentin and enamel. This discovery adds to our understanding of craniofacial abnormalities, which are common birth defects in humans.
Researchers at UAB identified a therapeutic target to prevent or delay heart failure by blocking early infiltration of macrophages into the heart. Macrophage targeting may also reduce inflammation and T-cell expansion in patients with pressure-overload hypertrophy.
A recent study found that transfusing older stored red blood cells can lead to adverse effects in critically ill patients. Free heme, a breakdown product from degraded red blood cells, is thought to be the key culprit behind this toxicity.
Researchers have identified microRNA 876-3p as a strong predictive biomarker for bronchopulmonary dysplasia in extremely low birth-weight infants. The biomarker is associated with inflammation and impaired lung development, and its presence can help guide targeted therapies to prevent or lessen BPD.
Researchers found that splenic leukocytes play a key role in resolving inflammation after a heart attack, coinciding with cardiac repair. The study highlights the need to investigate macrophage-derived specialized proresolving mediators in heart failure.
Research found that resolvin D-1 limits heart attack-induced kidney inflammation and promotes reparative macrophage change. This suggests potential application to clinical settings for treating cardiorenal syndrome.
Scientists have detailed the normal human blood-nerve barrier transcriptome for the first time, revealing 12,881 RNA transcripts that define its structure and function. This comprehensive guide will help physicians understand how to keep nerves healthy and design targeted treatments for peripheral nerve disease.
Researchers have successfully fabricated nanocrystalline diamonds using plasma vapor deposition, enabling the creation of micro-anvils with pressures up to 500 gigapascals. The high-pressure capabilities of these nanocrystalline diamonds hold promise for studying materials under extreme conditions.
Researchers have developed biocompatible microcapsules that can scavenge reactive oxygen species, potentially aiding in antioxidant therapy or industrial applications. The novel microcapsules show improved scavenging rates compared to previous versions and do not degrade with exposure to reactive oxygen species.