Researchers found a genetic link between bleomycin hydrolase and Alzheimer's disease, with individuals having two copies of the G allele being four times more likely to develop AD. This discovery offers new opportunities for early intervention and potential therapy targeting this enzyme.
Researchers Matthew Botvinick and Jonathan Cohen found that the brain uses intersensory matches to identify the body as its own, leading to a sense of ownership and self-awareness. This study's findings could have implications for understanding clinical conditions such as phantom limb and alienation phenomenon.
Researchers at UPCI have found that a steroid drug improves the effectiveness of a vitamin D analogue in killing cancer cells while reducing a potentially life-threatening side effect. The combination of dexamethasone and 1,25-D3 was more effective than 1,25-D3 alone in preventing tumor growth and reducing blood calcium levels.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh have constructed a novel delivery system for gene therapy of liver disorders, using a reconstituted chylomicron remnant (RCR) that can safely transport genes to target cells. The system has resulted in extended production of therapeutic proteins in animal models.
A study by Pitt researchers found that adolescents with alcohol problems were more likely to have experienced traumatic events such as physical or sexual abuse. The study suggests that prevention programs targeting these individuals may be effective in preventing substance abuse.
A thin polymer coating on coronary arteries may prevent platelet formation and reduce the risk of acute thrombosis following angioplasty. The study found significant inhibition of platelet deposition for at least one hour, supporting a novel treatment approach.
A study by UPMC found that minimally invasive heart bypass surgery greatly reduces the number of deaths and complications in very high-risk cardiac patients. The procedure resulted in a mean hospital stay of just 3.9 days, with no patient mortality or strokes after five months.
Researchers developed a method to detect early abnormal endothelial cells that lead to atherosclerosis using microbubbles and contrast echocardiography. The technique showed a 40-fold increase in adherence of specific microbubbles to activated endothelial cells, enabling earlier intervention.
A new study surveyed 26 men and 26 women with congestive heart failure, using standardized measurements to assess their quality of life. Women scored higher than men in physical functioning, bodily pain, general health, vitality, social functioning, mental health scores, depression, and feelings of peacefulness.
A study by UPMC researchers found that serotonin receptors in the brain decline by 55% with age, even after accounting for normal aging changes. This decline may contribute to the development of depression and Alzheimer's disease, highlighting the need for effective treatments.
Researchers at UPMC Health System found abnormally high metabolism in the amygdala, a small area of the brain, may cause many symptoms of depression. The study's findings may lead to more effective antidepressant and mood stabilizing treatments for nearly 19 million people affected by these disorders.
Researchers from the University of Pittsburgh analyzed blood samples and found no difference in homocysteine levels between men who suffered heart attacks and those who did not. The study suggests that homocysteine may be more closely linked to atherosclerosis or inflammation rather than promoting processes leading to heart disease.
Researchers developed an iNOS gene therapy that prevents chronic organ rejection and transplant arteriosclerosis in animal models. The study found that the gene therapy suppressed the disease process by triggering production of nitric oxide, which blocks blood flow in transplanted organs.
A UPMC study found that people think more slowly at night due to increased information-processing requirements. After losing a night of sleep, participants showed a slowing in the speed of information processing during the day.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute have found a biological switch that drives the growth of lung cells in ex-smokers, leading to an increased risk of lung cancer. The 'switch' is triggered by gastrin-releasing peptide (GRP) receptors, which capture circulating hormones and spur lung cell division.
Researchers found that nearly 77% of participants reported a trigger event preceding their successful weight loss. The majority of participants made significant changes in their dietary intake and physical activity levels to achieve serious weight loss. On average, they expended calories equivalent to walking 28 miles per week.
Researchers at UPMC and Carnegie Mellon University identified brain regions responsible for learning through subconscious awareness, potentially impacting disorders like OCD and addiction. This discovery may reveal a new perspective on how the brain learns and adapts to change.
A University of Pittsburgh study has successfully weaned 41 adults and children off immunosuppressive drugs for extended periods, with 25 patients remaining drug-free after seven years or more. Close surveillance is crucial to manage rejection and prevent graft loss, says Dr. Reyes.
A novel surgical technique developed at the UPMC has improved graft survival rates in patients receiving combined pancreas and kidney transplants. The technique protects the pancreas from injury during removal and transport, resulting in higher patient survival rates.
A study of kidney patients found that those taken off steroids had significantly better one- and three-year survival rates compared to those still on the medication. One-year patient survival was 99% in the group no longer taking steroids, while one- and three-year graft survival rates were also higher.
Researchers found significant brain tissue loss in individuals with bipolar and unipolar depression, which may help understand the causes of mood disorders. The study's findings provide new information for developing more effective treatments.
Researchers infected mouse melanocytes with a retrovirus and observed transformed cells behaving like melanoma cells. The study aims to understand the molecular mechanisms underlying melanoma in people by identifying cellular genes disturbed by the virus.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute have found that vitamin D significantly reduces prostate cancer growth in rats. Tumors in treated rats were 88% smaller than those in control rats, and lung metastases were also reduced.
Researchers found that genetic variations in enzymes metabolizing drugs contribute to cancer risk, particularly head and neck cancer. Individuals with certain enzyme genotypes or histories of environmental exposures are at increased risk for cancer.
Moderate hypothermia therapy has been shown to improve patient outcomes for those suffering from severe traumatic brain injury. The study found that patients who received the treatment had better recovery rates and lower mortality rates compared to those treated conventionally.
Researchers at University of Pittsburgh Medical Center have made significant progress in treating rheumatoid arthritis using gene therapy. They successfully expressed the interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1Ra) gene in synovial cells within joints treated with the approach.
Researchers at UPMC's Musculoskeletal Research Center found that the oral prescription drug alendronate can prevent bone destruction around failed joint implants. This breakthrough could reduce the need for repeat surgeries and save an estimated $200 million annually.
Researchers found that viral load in semen increases with progression of the disease in most patients. Using antiviral therapy, they were able to reduce viral load in semen to undetectable levels in six patients.