Add BrightSurf on Google Email

University of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences


UCLA study finds cholesterol regulator plays key role in development of liver scarring, cirrhosis

A new study by UCLA researchers has found that a key regulator of cholesterol and fat metabolism in the liver also plays a crucial role in the development of liver fibrosis and cirrhosis. LXRs, master regulators of cholesterol and inflammatory gene expression, control the fibrosis-making cells of the liver.

Regrowing hair: UCLA-VA researchers may have accidentally discovered a solution

Researchers at UCLA and the Veterans Administration may have accidentally discovered a solution to regrow hair by blocking a stress-related hormone, according to an article published in PLoS One. The compound, astressin-B, induced long-term hair growth in chronically stressed mutant mice through a short-duration treatment.

Most stroke patients don't get clot-busting treatment in timely manner, study finds

Researchers found that less than one-third of acute stroke patients treated with clot-busting drug tPA receive it within 60 minutes of hospital arrival. Timely tPA administration is linked to lower in-hospital mortality and fewer complications, with every 15-minute reduction associated with a 5% lower risk of death.

Health care reform can help align preventive care recommendations with Medicare coverage

A UCLA-led study finds that health care reform can improve coordination between assessing disease risk and providing appropriate tests and follow-up medical services. The law expanded coverage for an annual wellness visit, which includes assessing risk for disease and developing a personalized prevention plan.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalThe Annals of Family Medicine·DateJan 17, 2011

Protein thought to protect against oxidative stress also promotes clogging of arteries

Researchers at UCLA found that the Nrf2 protein, thought to protect against oxidative stress, actually promotes atherosclerosis by raising plasma cholesterol levels and increasing plaque formation in arteries. The study suggests that antioxidant therapies targeting this protein may not be as effective due to these additional mechanisms.

Neural stem cells maintain high levels of reactive oxygen species, UCLA study finds

Researchers at the Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research found that neural stem cells maintain high levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) to help regulate normal self-renewal and differentiation. The findings may have significant implications for brain repair and abnormal brain development.

UCLA researchers discover a potential target for therapy for patients with a deadly prostate cancer

Researchers found that the protein N-cadherin is upregulated in prostate cancer that does not respond to hormone therapy, making it a potential target for therapy. The study suggests that a monoclonal antibody targeting N-cadherin may be effective in treating this aggressive form of prostate cancer.

Study shows extreme form of pregnancy-related morning sickness could be genetic

A new study led by researchers from UCLA and USC found that pregnant women whose sisters had hyperemesis gravidarum are 17 times more likely to experience the condition. Women with a family history of extreme morning sickness may be aware they may also have it, highlighting the importance of taking a family history into account.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalAmerican Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology·DateNov 4, 2010

Peptide being tested to treat atherosclerosis inhibits ovarian cancer growth

A study found that a peptide being tested to treat atherosclerosis significantly inhibited the growth of ovarian cancer in human cell lines and mouse models. The peptide, an apoA-I mimetic, was shown to be effective when administered via injection or ingestion, with minimal side effects.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 1, 2010

Doctors' sense of mission, self-identity key in choice to work in underserved areas

A new study suggests that medical schools can tap into doctors' sense of mission and self-identity to increase the number of primary care physicians in medically underserved areas. Training students in underserved settings during medical school and residency can also improve their likelihood of continuing to serve those populations.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateOct 27, 2010

Study examines HIV treatment response in men and women, finds overall similarities

A new study found that the effectiveness of anti-HIV drugs darunavir and ritonavir was similar between men and women. However, women dropped out of the trial at higher rates than men due to reasons other than drug failure. The study aims to improve retention of diverse populations in HIV treatment trials.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateSep 20, 2010

Lung stem cells vital to lung repair associated with poor cancer prognosis when found in tumor

Researchers at UCLA's Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center have found that adult stem cells vital for lung repair are associated with a poor prognosis in patients who develop cancer. These cells may mutate into cancer-causing stem cells, making them a potential target for prevention strategies and new targeted therapies.

UCLA scientists for the first time identify a cell-of-origin for human prostate cancer

Researchers identified basal cells from benign prostate tissue as a new cell-of-origin for human prostate cancer. This discovery could lead to better predictive and diagnostic tools, as well as the development of targeted treatments. The study provides a novel model system for understanding prostate cancer development and progression.

Heart failure care improved by performance intervention at outpatient cardiology practices

A new performance intervention improved adherence to national guideline-recommended therapies for heart failure patients in an outpatient setting. The program applied clinical decision support tools, structured improvement strategies, and medical chart audits with feedback to help clinicians better provide evidence-based therapies.

UCLA scientists isolate the first stages of tissue production in human embryonic stem cells

Researchers have isolated the first stage of tissue production in human embryonic stem cells, marking a significant breakthrough in regenerative medicine. The discovery may lead to the development of safer tissues for use in treating various medical conditions, including leukemia and sickle cell anemia.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 20, 2010

Unique program boosts safe-sex habits among high-risk African-American couples

A new study found that a culturally specific intervention program based on the African concept of Eban increased condom use and reduced acts of unprotected sex among heterosexual African American couples with differing HIV status. The program aimed to improve communication, relationship health, and community respect.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalArchives of Internal Medicine·DateJul 12, 2010