Researchers found that blocking the mutated BRAF protein in melanoma cells sets off a cellular cascade in other skin cells with pre-disposing mutations, leading to accelerated development of skin squamous cell carcinomas. The study provides molecular insight into this side effect and suggests strategies to prevent secondary tumors.
Researchers at UCLA have identified dihydromyricetin as a potential treatment for acute alcohol intoxication and withdrawal symptoms. The compound blocks the action of alcohol on the brain's GABAA receptors, reducing voluntary consumption without major side effects.
A new study suggests that home monitoring strategies, including self-care, phone calls from nurses, and telemedicine, can effectively track heart failure disease-management and early identification. The authors recommend a multi-pronged approach, combining monitoring with patient follow-up and feedback to improve outcomes.
Researchers at UCLA have discovered that two-way signaling between niche cells, the progenitor cells themselves, and their daughter blood cells is necessary for maintaining a balanced population of blood cells. This balance ensures the creation and maintenance of the blood supply in Drosophila fruit flies.
Researchers found that routine removal of neck lymph nodes during initial thyroid surgery for papillary thyroid cancer may lead to lower disease recurrence rates and lower levels of thyroglobulin, a thyroid tumor marker. This procedure may reduce the need for further surgeries in the critical central area of the neck.
Researchers found that surgery to snip nerves related to the sympathetic nervous system on both sides of the chest can help control dangerous incessant ventricular arrhythmias. Four out of six study patients completely responded with no more arrhythmias, and one patient had a partial response.
Researchers identified STARD9, a kinesin-like protein involved in cell division, as a potential target for cancer therapy. Depleting STARD9 stops cancer cells from dividing and causes them to die quickly, showing promise in treating certain types of melanoma and non-small cell lung cancers.
A study by researchers at UCLA and RAND Corp. found that children's hospitals in California served largely unhealthy food, with only 7% of entrees rated as healthy. The average score for the 16 hospital food venues was 19.1 on a scale of 0 to 37.
Researchers found that newly derived human embryonic stem cell lines have a better molecular signature than established lines, indicating higher quality and potentially better performance in disease modeling. The study suggests that maintaining the original state of X chromosome inactivation could be crucial for achieving optimal results.
Researchers from UCLA's cancer and stem cell centers have successfully engineered blood stem cells to create cancer-killing T-cells that seek out and attack human melanoma. The approach could lead to a sustained immune response, potentially protecting against cancer recurrence.
A recent study found that women taking combination estrogen and progestin menopausal hormone therapy are at a greater risk of developing breast cancer if they experience new onset breast tenderness. In contrast, women on estrogen alone without breast tenderness did not have an increased risk of breast cancer.
Researchers found that pluripotent stem cells respire at the same level as differentiated body cells but produce very little energy. UCP2 protein blocks respiration substrates from entering mitochondria, allowing glycolysis to dominate. The study suggests that changes in metabolism drive cell differentiation.
Researchers used a unique brain scan to assess amyloid plaques and tau tangles in older adults with severe depression. The study found higher protein levels in critical brain regions, suggesting a link between depression and possible dementia later in life.
A topical gel containing an anti-HIV drug was found to be safe and effective in reducing HIV infection when applied to rectal tissue exposed to HIV. The study suggests a significant reduction in HIV transmission, particularly for receptive anal intercourse, which accounts for a major route of new infections.
UCLA researchers developed a new therapy based on small molecules that mimic the effects of hepcidin, a hormone regulating iron flow in the body. The findings could lead to new drugs to help prevent iron overload conditions.
A low-fat diet with fish oil supplements slowed the growth of prostate cancer cells in human tissue compared to a traditional Western diet. The men on the low-fat diet also showed changes in cell membrane composition, increasing omega-3 fatty acids and decreasing omega-6 fatty acids.
Post-menopausal women experiencing new onset breast tenderness after starting combination hormone therapy may have an increased risk of breast cancer compared to those without breast tenderness. Higher breast density is associated with a higher risk of breast cancer, with extremely dense breasts posing a four to six times higher risk.
Researchers discovered that vitamin D is essential for triggering an effective immune response against tuberculosis, a potentially fatal lung disease. They found that T-cells release a protein called interferon-γ that requires sufficient levels of vitamin D to activate immune cells and kill the bacteria.
Researchers identified 694 compounds that showed some activity against brain cancer stem cells, including four lead compounds that most successfully inhibited the cells. The study aims to reveal the biology of these stem cells and potentially result in a new therapy for deadly brain cancers.
A study by UCLA's Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center found that a combination of chemotherapy and Herceptin significantly increases survival in patients with HER-2 positive breast cancer. The regimen without Adriamycin was comparable to the standard therapy, reducing heart toxicity and acute side effects.
Researchers created a mouse model that displays remarkably similar symptoms and behavior as children and adults on the autism spectrum. The animals responded well to an FDA-approved drug prescribed to treat repetitive behaviors often associated with the disease.
A new study reveals that tobacco companies were aware of cigarette radioactivity since the 1950s and conducted research on its effects. The industry used misleading statements to suppress information, including a technique that could have eliminated radioactive particles from tobacco.
Researchers at UCLA developed a risk scoring system to predict long-term survival after liver re-transplantation, identifying eight key risk factors for potential failure. The predictive index will help guide physicians in determining patient risk and provide patients with informed consent information.
A study found that men over 75 with prostate cancer are being undertreated, while those with a single comorbid condition are being overtreated. The study suggests that individual medical problems impact survival more than age alone.
Researchers found that GABA suppressed inflammatory immune responses involved in Type 2 diabetes development. The supplement also improved glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity even after disease onset.
Researchers found that a key signaling pathway, Wnt, plays an important role in the disease and may offer a potential treatment target. The study suggests increasing a specific receptor, FZD2, could promote brain-cell survival and alleviate symptoms.
Researchers at UCLA's Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center have developed a gene-based imaging system that can detect castration-resistant prostate cancer earlier than conventional methods. The system uses specific genes and reporter genes to accurately identify the spread of the disease, giving oncologists more time to treat it and pot...
Researchers found a six-fold increase in pancreatitis cases and a higher rate of pancreatic cancer among patients using sitagliptin and exenatide. The study also suggests a possible link between these drugs and an increased risk of thyroid cancer.
Researchers at UCLA's Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center found that blocking cholesterol uptake in brain cancer cells could provide a new strategy to battle glioblastoma. The study, published in Cancer Discovery, identified the LDL receptor as a key regulator of cancer cell growth and survival.
Researchers at UCLA found that estrogen treatment can reverse the progression of pulmonary hypertension to heart failure and restore lung and ventricle structure and function. The study suggests that even short-term estrogen therapy may suffice to reverse the disease, offering new potential therapeutic applications for human patients.
A pilot study using human saliva found that curcumin inhibited a critical cell signaling pathway and reduced pro-inflammatory cytokines in patients with head and neck cancers. The study suggests curcumin could be combined with other treatments to treat head and neck cancer, and may be given to high-risk patients as an adjuvant treatment.
The new duty-hour limits will require US teaching hospitals to spend up to $1.3 billion a year on implementing the changes, which aim to reduce medical errors caused by fatigue. The reforms also introduce changes in the training environment, including standardized hand-overs and education on fatigue and patient safety.
Researchers at UCLA found that brain cancer stem cells can change their metabolic state from glycolysis to oxidative phosphorylation, allowing them to evade treatment. This unique ability makes glioma stem cells resistant to conventional treatments, highlighting the need for new therapies targeting these cells specifically.
A UCLA study reveals that the loss of a critical protein regulating estrogen and immune activity can lead to metabolic syndrome, characterized by Type 2 diabetes, atherosclerosis, and cancer. The research found that this protein's absence promotes increased fat accumulation, inflammation, and glucose intolerance in female mice.
Researchers found that stage 3 comprehensive, multidisciplinary intervention programs can lead to successful outcomes and cost savings. The investment in services is recovered in 6.5 years for privately insured patients and 3.5 years for Medicaid-insured patients.
Rasmussen Encephalitis is a rare neurological disease causing seizures, cognitive deficits and paralysis of half the body. Researchers at UCLA aim to narrow down the cause(s) of the disease using animal models and collaboration between experts in brain immunology and neuropathology.
A new UCLA study found that a six-week memory fitness program improved verbal memory and reduced age-related memory decline in seniors over 80. The program included education on lifestyle factors impacting memory ability and overall brain health, resulting in enhanced self-perceived memory and cognitive function.
A study analyzing medication trials published in high-impact general medicine journals found that surrogate outcomes, composite outcomes, and disease-specific mortality are used, which can be misleading. These outcome measures may not accurately reflect a medication's impact on important clinical outcomes like heart attacks or strokes.
Research finds children of mothers with extreme morning sickness may suffer from anxiety, bipolar disorder, and depression as adults. A UCLA-USC study suggests prolonged malnutrition and stress during fetal brain development could contribute to these lifelong neurobehavioral disorders.
A UCLA study found that smokers with alcohol, drug, and mental disorders are five times more likely to quit with help from their primary care physician. The study suggests targeting these patients for smoking cessation counseling to reduce tobacco-related healthcare costs.
Researchers identify a molecular process by which human cells can neutralize toxins released by Clostridium difficile, offering a promising new treatment for intestinal disease. The discovery could also be applied to other bacterial diseases and has the potential to revolutionize the treatment of hospital-acquired infections.
A new UCLA study finds that implementing complete smoke-free rules can reduce smoking-related costs by nearly half, resulting in estimated property savings of $18 million. Nearly half of properties have no smoke-free policies, with smaller ones having a higher rate of compliance.
Researchers found that human embryonic stem cell-derived cells bear striking differences from human tissue cells in gene expression, functionality, and appearance. The cells' developmental maturity is also a concern, particularly for transplantation and disease modeling, as they may not mature to the same levels as adult cells.
Researchers at UCLA have found that adult human cardiac myocytes lose their ability to proliferate due to their primitive state being incompatible with proper heart function. This knowledge could lead to reprogramming a patient's own cardiac myocytes to replace damaged heart muscle, potentially revolutionizing treatments for heart cond...
A UCLA preclinical study found that Intralipid, a man-made fat emulsion, can prevent extensive heart damage and preserve heart function when used during blood flow return after a heart attack. This discovery may introduce a new way to significantly decrease damage to the heart muscle due to reperfusion injury.
Researchers at UCLA's Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center developed combination treatments to combat BRAF gene mutations in melanoma. The study identified optimal combinations of molecules to block key pathways, showing promise for extending treatment effectiveness and improving patient outcomes.
Researchers at UCLA have created the first genome-wide mapping of 5-hydroxymethylcytosine (5hmC) in human embryonic stem cells, discovering its role in activating genes. The study's findings may lead to better understanding of gene regulation and potential cancer control.
A recent study by UCLA found that nearly all patients with high-grade, non-invasive bladder cancer are not receiving comprehensive care recommended by the American Urology Association and National Comprehensive Cancer Network. This is critical as it can significantly minimize the likelihood of patient death from their cancer.
A large clinical trial found that low-dose spiral CT scanning reduced lung cancer deaths by 20% compared to chest X-ray screening. The study involved over 53,000 participants and provided conclusive evidence of the mortality benefit from CT screening.
Researchers at UCLA have identified a new stem cell that plays a vital role in repairing the large airways of the lungs. The discovery has implications for understanding airway diseases and developing novel cell-based therapies.