Researchers at Vanderbilt University Medical Center have identified a new potential target for preventing colon cancer: the PPARdelta gene. By 'knocking out' this gene in mice, they found that polyp development was inhibited, providing a promising avenue for safer prevention methods.
A new study by Vanderbilt University Medical Center shows the pneumococcal conjugate vaccine significantly decreases illnesses in children under 2 years old. The vaccine has been found to reduce ear infections and pneumonia cases by 7% and 17%, respectively, resulting in fewer doctor visits and cost savings.
Researchers have developed a C. elegans-based screening tool to identify novel protein regulators of a potassium channel involved in the heartbeat, which may help prevent arrhythmias and sudden death associated with blockage of the HERG gene.
A study published in Archives of Pediatric Adolescent Medicine found that antipsychotic medication prescriptions for children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) increased dramatically between 1996 and 2001, from 23 per 10,000 to 45 per 10,000. The use of these medications for ASDHD/conduct disorders also rose signific...
Researchers at Vanderbilt University Medical Center found that chronic high-dose consumption of Vioxx raises blood pressure and increases the risk of serious heart problems. A substantial number of patients continue to receive high doses of the drug, despite evidence suggesting its potential harm.
A Phase I/II trial combining bevacizumab (Avastin) and erlotinib (Tarceva) achieved 85% tumor control and 12.5-month median survival in advanced non-small cell lung cancer patients, outperforming traditional therapies.
Three outbreaks of injuries from damaged metal halide lamps in Middle Tennessee were reported, resulting in photokeratitis and UVR burns. The study found that even a single damaged bulb can cause severe symptoms, highlighting the need for awareness and prevention measures.
Vanderbilt University Medical Center students James Peacock and Olga Weinberg have been awarded HHMI fellowships to pursue research in immunology and estrogen receptors. The fellowships will enable them to conduct academic-year-long research projects culminating in the Meeting of Medical Student Fellows.
Researchers found that African Americans and whites with identical health care coverage experience no racial disparity in colon cancer survival. While subtle differences were seen in treatment options, the study suggests equal access to care can eliminate disparities
A study published in JAMA found a significant link between delirium in ICU patients and increased mortality rates. The researchers also highlighted the economic burden of treating delirium in ICUs, estimating costs ranging from $4 billion to over $20 billion nationwide.
A study found that regular exercise, as well as routine activities like walking for transportation or performing household chores, can reduce a woman's risk of endometrial cancer. The research team assessed physical activity from various periods in life and found significant benefits for women with higher levels of physical activity.
A team of scientists at Vanderbilt University Medical Center discovered that tumors can develop in normal epithelial cells due to changes in signals from nearby fibroblasts. The study, published in Science, shows that eliminating a specific cell signaling pathway in fibroblasts leads to precancerous lesions and invasive cancers in mice.
Activation of the PPAR-delta receptor increases development of precancerous intestinal polyps in mice, with larger polyps being more likely to progress to colorectal cancer. Treatment with a specific compound linked to the receptor may accelerate polyp growth through antiapoptotic pathways.
Researchers at Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center identify the Rho-ROCK signaling pathway as key to understanding how TGF-b promotes cell growth, contrary to its usual inhibition effect. The findings suggest a potential target for therapeutic intervention to restore TGF-b's growth-suppressing activity.
Researchers develop protein profiles to classify gliomas and predict aggressiveness with high accuracy. The 'molecular fingerprint' can help tailor treatment decisions for patients, distinguishing between aggressive and less aggressive tumors.
Chronic inflammation has been linked to an increased risk of colon cancer, with oxidative stress playing a key role in the development of genetic mutations. Researchers found that DNA damage caused by malondialdehye can lead to frameshift mutations, which may contribute to colorectal cancer.
Vanderbilt University is one of nine US sites participating in a phase I trial of the Merck HIV vaccine, designed to test its safety and ability to stimulate immune responses in healthy volunteers. The study aims to generate cellular immune responses that could prevent the virus from spreading in the body.
The Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center has been awarded a $13 million SPORE grant to support innovative research in breast cancer. The grant will fund four scientific projects and six core facilities, focusing on identifying molecular targets for lung, breast, and colorectal cancer.
Researchers at Vanderbilt University have identified a distinct pattern of protein expression that can predict poor or good lung cancer prognosis. The protein profile was used to analyze tiny amounts of tumor tissue and accurately distinguish between different types of lung cancer.
Scientists at Vanderbilt University Medical Center have identified a new compound that activates glucokinase, an enzyme that regulates blood sugar levels. The compound has shown promise in improving insulin secretion and glucose usage in animals with diabetes, paving the way for potential clinical trials.
A recent study found that a sepsis drug, DAA, can significantly reduce hospital care and mortality rates among older patients. The study, which followed 386 patients over two years, showed that the drug improved survival rates and reduced the need for intensive care.
Researchers at Vanderbilt University Medical Center found that a generalized rash on some smallpox vaccine recipients was not due to the virus, but rather a benign reaction called folliculitis. The study aimed to clarify this previously unwell-documented phenomenon and reassure physicians about accurate diagnosis.
Researchers at Vanderbilt University Medical Center conducted a double-blind, randomized, controlled study involving 240 participants with high cholesterol. The study showed a 16% reduction in low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol after taking green and black tea extracts enriched with the antioxidant theaflavin for 12 weeks.
A new treatment combination, FOLFOX4, has been shown to delay time-to-tumor progression and provide relief from tumor-related symptoms in patients with progressive metastatic colorectal cancer. The therapy offers an important option for those without other treatment options.
The Vanderbilt Meharry Developmental Center for AIDS Research aims to advance treatment and prevention of HIV/AIDS through collaboration and education. The center will focus on racial disparities and minority populations, building on existing collaborations between the two institutions.
A Vanderbilt University study found that mental health carveouts can lead to disruptions in care for the most fragile patients. The study, which analyzed 8,000 patients with schizophrenia, showed that those who received carved-out services missed more days of antipsychotic therapy and saw fewer doctors.
Vanderbilt University Medical Center researchers found that blocking the prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) receptor EP2 may restore the immune system's ability to kill tumors. In mouse models, tumors grew smaller and mice survived longer when the EP2 receptor was absent.
Researchers at Vanderbilt University Medical Center found that COX-1, not COX-2, is expressed in epithelial ovarian cancer tissue samples. This discovery may lead to the development of new treatments for ovarian cancer by blocking both COX-1 and COX-2.
Researchers found that cardiac surgery patients with the factor V Leiden gene variant lost less blood and required fewer transfusions than those without the mutation. The study suggests a new approach to personalized medicine, tailoring therapies based on individual genetic risk factors.
A new screening method uses glowing worms to test neuroprotective compounds, which may lead to new Parkinson's disease treatments. Researchers can selectively kill dopamine neurons in living worms using neurotoxins, and the green glow dims when they die.
A recent study by Vanderbilt researchers found that high levels of estrogen can alter the expression of genes related to implantation in mice, leading to a reduced window of receptivity for embryo implantation. This could be contributing to high implantation failure rates in women undergoing IVF.
Researchers used radiation to activate receptors in tumor blood vessels, enabling targeted delivery of anti-cancer drugs. The approach showed promising results in reducing side effects and delaying tumor growth.
Researchers at Vanderbilt University Medical Center have identified a sperm-sensing receptor in worm eggs, enabling egg maturation and ovulation. The discovery sheds light on reproductive problems in humans, including failed meiosis leading to chromosome instability.
Researchers found women with atypical lobular hyperplasia (ALH) are three times more likely to develop breast cancer in the same breast, leading to a reevaluation of surgical management and risk reduction strategies. The study's findings also highlight the importance of diligent breast screening for these women.
Researchers at Vanderbilt University Medical Center have developed a novel gene therapy approach that repairs messenger RNA, which could lead to effective treatments for inherited diseases. The method uses ribozymes to correct defective genes and has shown promising results in animal models.
Researchers discovered a biochemical signaling pathway activated by radiation that makes blood vessels resistant to therapy. Inhibiting this pathway enhances radiation-induced cell death and cytotoxicity in endothelial cells. The approach aims to destroy existing blood vessels, helping to defeat the tumor.
Researchers at Vanderbilt University Medical Center have discovered a gene, PTF1p48, that plays a crucial role in the development of the pancreas. The study found that p48 is required for the formation of both exocrine and endocrine cells, which could lead to the production of insulin-secreting cells from embryonic or other stem cells.
Researchers identified genetic mutations associated with inherited epilepsy that perturb brain cell electrical properties. These findings support a plausible mechanism for the disorder and suggest potential targets for anticonvulsant drugs.
Researchers suggest that drugs blocking the ICAM1 gene could reduce lung scarring caused by radiation therapy, potentially improving patients' breathing and exercise abilities. In a study, mice lacking this gene showed improved pulmonary function tests and reduced fibrosis, indicating inflammation's role in lung scarring.
Researchers at Vanderbilt University Medical Center have identified a key signaling pathway involved in the development of precancerous polyps. The study found that blocking this pathway can prevent polyp formation and potentially colon cancer. By understanding how this pathway works, scientists hope to develop targeted treatments.
The National Cancer Institute has awarded a $13 million grant to Vanderbilt University Medical Center to support research into molecular targets for colorectal cancer. The five-year project will focus on translational research using various molecular targets for prevention and therapy, with the goal of improving patient outcomes.
Researchers at Vanderbilt University Medical Center have identified a new protein called Interleukin 24 (IL-24) that is expressed in colon cancer cells and promotes cell growth or prevents cell death. The discovery could lead to the development of molecules to interrupt an autocrine loop, potentially fueling tumor growth.
Researchers used C.elegans to study molecular mechanisms of dopamine neuron degeneration in Parkinson's disease. The study found that exposure to a neurotoxin, 6-OHDA, caused rapid death of dopamine neurons, and blocking dopamine transporter function eliminated the toxic effect.
Researchers at Vanderbilt University Medical Center found that combining Herceptin with Iressa reduces tumor cell death and tumor size in HER2-overexpressing breast cancers. The clinical trial will enroll 150 patients and aims to shrink tumors with minimal side effects.
A new treatment combining CPT-11 and cisplatin has shown superior results in prolonging survival for patients with small-cell lung cancer. Patients receiving this treatment had a 55% improvement in one-year survival and were four times more likely to be alive at two years.
A unique 5-year study will enroll 105,000 people, including two-thirds African-Americans, to identify key factors contributing to cancer development. The Southern Community Cohort Study will explore lifestyle and genetic factors linked to cancer disparities in the southeastern US.
Researchers at Vanderbilt University Medical Center are performing the first amniotic exchange procedure in the US to treat gastroschisis. The procedure involves removing caustic amniotic fluid and replacing it with sterile saline solution to improve fetal outcomes.
Researchers at Vanderbilt University Medical Center have identified a new drug therapy that appears to be effective in reversing symptoms of Ménétrier's disease, a rare and premalignant stomach disorder. The treatment, which blocks activation of the EGF receptor, showed promising results in a patient with severe vomiting and protein loss.
Lawrence J. Marnett's research focuses on identifying functional biochemical differences between COX-1 and COX-2, which play a crucial role in cancer development. The grant will support the development of more specific and effective drugs to prevent and treat cancer.
Researchers at Vanderbilt University Medical Center have identified Bone Morphogenic Protein Receptor Two (BMPR2) as the gene responsible for causing PPH, a fatal lung disease. The mutation of this gene causes cells to grow and clog blood vessels in the lungs, leading to high blood pressure.