A key enzyme called CEH has been identified as a potential target for reducing heart disease by increasing the removal of cholesterol from plaques. The findings suggest that increasing CEH activity may reduce existing plaques in addition to preventing their formation.
Researchers at Virginia Commonwealth University discovered that intrauterine devices (IUDs) are acceptable for women at high risk of sexually transmitted infections and pregnancy. The study, published in the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, found lower rates of complications and greater acceptability with the Mirena IUS.
Researchers at Virginia Commonwealth University identified two key proteins, KLF2 and EKLF, that regulate overlapping groups of genes during red blood cell development. The study may lead to future gene therapies for sickle cell anemia and beta-thalassemia.
A new study led by Virginia Commonwealth University researchers found that genetic factors play a crucial role in shaping how individuals choose their peer groups. The study suggests that genes become increasingly important as individuals develop, potentially influencing their risk for future substance use or deviant behaviors.
A research team at Virginia Commonwealth University has identified a new biological function for buckyballs, discovering they can block allergic responses in human cell culture experiments. The buckyballs inhibit a basic process in cells that leads to the release of an allergic mediator, preventing mast cells from releasing histamine.
A new study by VCU researchers identifies the mechanism of action used by anti-cancer drug sorafenib, which inhibits protein translation and reduces expression of pro-survival factors. This finding may lead to the development of novel regimens combining sorafenib with other molecularly targeted agents.
Researchers at VCU Medical Center report nearly all patients with hepatitis C treated successfully have no detectable virus after seven years. The study validates the use of 'cure' to describe successful treatment, offering hope for those affected by the disease.
Researchers at VCU's Massey Cancer Center are developing a new form of radiation therapy that can safely administer more aggressive cancer treatments. The project aims to enhance the safety and effectiveness of current treatments by incorporating quantitative and predictive image analysis.
Researchers at Virginia Commonwealth University Massey Cancer Center have induced cell death in leukemia cells using a combination of bortezomib and romidepsin or belinostat. The findings suggest potentiated lethality and additive effects in human CLL cells.
Researchers at Virginia Commonwealth University have decoded the genome of Streptococcus sanguinis, a bacteria normally present in healthy human mouths that can cause deadly heart infections. The findings provide unique insight into its complex life cycle, metabolism, and ability to invade host tissues.
A team of researchers from VCU and UC Cincinnati have made a significant breakthrough in spintronics by extending the spin relaxation time in organic nanostructures to over a second. This discovery has the potential to enable the development of smaller, faster, and more efficient electronic devices.
Interferon gamma has been found to play a role in tumor relapse, a development that may lead to the creation of targeted vaccines. This finding is significant as it could help induce specific immune responses in patients, potentially preventing tumor growth and relapse.
Researchers found that erectile dysfunction drugs like Viagra and Levitra can reduce heart damage after a heart attack, while nitroglycerin failed to offer similar protection. The study suggests these drugs may have potential as adjunct therapy for patients undergoing high-risk procedures or experiencing cardiac arrest.
Scientists identified an approach to boost the activity of dasatinib, a potent anti-cancer agent, by combining it with PD184352. This combination resulted in increased apoptosis in leukemia cells, particularly those resistant to imatinib mesylate.
Researchers at VCU Massey Cancer Center created a new method to improve leukemia treatment by triggering programmed cell death in cancer cells. The study found that combining agents like ABT-737 with those that reduce Mcl-1 levels can activate pro-apoptotic proteins and induce apoptosis.
A recent study published in the New England Journal of Medicine shows that medical teams can reduce catheter-related bloodstream infections by nearly 70 percent. Medical teams are critical for preventing these infections and promoting overall patient health and welfare.
Researchers at Virginia Commonwealth University conclude that antibiotics are not effective in treating short-term bronchitis, which is usually caused by viral infections. The study suggests that physicians should inform patients that there is no data to support the use of antibiotics for this condition, saving them from potential side...
Researchers at VCU have developed a unique anti-sickling agent called 5-HMF, which has shown promise in treating sickle cell disease by increasing the oxygen affinity of both normal and sickle hemoglobin. This breakthrough could lead to new drug treatments for the debilitating genetic blood disorder.
Researchers found that maintenance treatment with escitalopram reduced recurrent depression in patients with major depressive disorder by 38%. Long-term use of the medication also showed safety and tolerance.
A research team has identified a key molecular signaling switch involved in allergic disease, which could lead to the development of new strategies and target therapies. The discovery centers around ADAM10, an enzyme that releases a major allergy regulatory protein from cell surfaces, promoting a stronger allergic response.
Researchers at VCU University have identified a new therapeutic target for asthma, allergies, and cancer by uncovering the transport mechanism of bioactive molecule S1P out of mast cells. The study may lead to the development of new treatments for these conditions.
A new study found that low doses of sertraline taken before the onset of menstruation may be an effective treatment for moderate-to-severe premenstrual syndrome. Researchers also tested two other dosing strategies, including daily medication throughout the menstrual cycle and symptom-onset dosing.
Researchers at Virginia Commonwealth University identified a new mechanism of action for FTY720, an immunosuppressant drug that also inhibits the activity of key enzyme cPLA2, driving inflammatory disorders. The inhibition may shut down the entire inflammatory pathway without side effects.
A study by Virginia Commonwealth University researchers suggests a strong genetic link between neuroticism and major depression. Using twin modeling, they found that neuroticism is a substantial predictor of depression, with a significant proportion of the genetic vulnerability shared between the two traits.
A genetic variant in the SERPINH1 gene has been identified as a potential cause of premature delivery in African-American women. The variant reduces collagen production, making membranes more prone to rupture. This discovery may help physicians identify high-risk patients and prevent serious pregnancy complications.
A team of medical experts has established clinical guidelines to inform the best care for patients with pacemakers or implantable cardioverter-defibrillators under advisory or recall. The guidelines consider device failure rates, patient dependency, and mortality to guide replacement decisions.
A population-based study of twin pairs in Norway found that genetic factors influence the use and misuse of illicit drugs. The study replicated findings from previous research conducted in Anglophonic countries with higher rates of drug use disorder.
Researchers found that pretreatment with rapamycin induces a protective effect against heart attack injury by maintaining ATP levels in heart cells. The study suggests that rapamycin may be beneficial as a potential therapeutic strategy to limit cell death and prevent long-term heart damage.
Researchers at Virginia Commonwealth University developed a new vascular graft material combining polydioxanone and elastin fibers, ideal for strength and tissue regeneration. The material undergoes slow degradation, causing few adverse reactions and promoting cell recognition and interaction with the body.
Researchers have discovered a zinc finger protein that can be inhibited when exposed to a platinum complex, offering new hope for the development of targeted HIV and cancer therapies. This breakthrough could lead to more specific and effective treatments with reduced side effects.
Researchers propose criteria for standardizing newborn hearing screening, including molecular genetic testing to identify common causes of birth-Expressed deafness. Prompt confirmation of abnormal results can dramatically improve educational outcomes for deaf infants.
The study found that the protein MBD2 mediates DNA methylation to silence specific genes. This could lead to more targeted approaches to reactivate genes and treat diseases such as sickle-cell anemia and beta-thalassemia, with less risk of unintended side effects.
Researchers have developed a new method for synthesizing tailored nanorods and nanowires using microwave irradiation, enabling faster production of highly versatile materials for medical applications. This approach requires specific chemicals and solvents but offers significant enhancement in reaction rates.
Researchers found that pre-treatment with vardenafil (Levitra) can open the mitochondrial KATP channel, providing protection against heart attack injury. The findings suggest a new utility for phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors in cardiac protection beyond erectile dysfunction management.
Researchers found that childhood sexual abuse, poor parent-child relationships, and low social support were common risk factors for depression in both men and women. However, the study revealed that childhood parental loss and low self-esteem were more potent variables in men than in women.
A VCU study found that the heritability of major depression is approximately 42% in women and 29% in men, indicating a potential sex-specific genetic component. The research team analyzed data from over 42,000 twins to understand the role of genetics in depression.
Researchers designed a new trinuclear platinum compound with enhanced cellular absorption, which targets cancer cells and reduces resistance. The novel compound's non-covalent interactions minimize side effects and improve its effectiveness against common human cancers.
A new study suggests that investing in existing medical treatments could be more effective in saving lives than developing new ones. The research highlights the importance of addressing system barriers and improving access to care for underprivileged patients.
Researchers at Virginia Commonwealth University have discovered that ceramide kinase (CERK) is a potential target for developing new anti-inflammatory compounds. CERK catalyzes the production of ceramide-1-phosphate, a signaling lipid that induces inflammatory pathways.
Researchers found that patients with severe periodontitis have elevated levels of small-dense LDL in their blood, which increases the risk of heart disease. The study also suggests that platelet activating factor acetylhydrolase may play a role in this increased risk.
Researchers at VCU Massey Cancer Center have successfully combined two novel drugs to treat breast cancer, achieving profound tumor cell death in a short period. The combination of UCN-01 and a MEK 1/2 inhibitor shows great potential for treating various types of cancer.
Researchers have discovered that sphingosine kinases SphK1 and SphK2 have opposing roles in regulating ceramide biosynthesis, with SphK2 potentially sensitizing cancer cells to chemotherapy. This finding may lead to the development of more effective chemotherapeutic agents targeting specific sphingosine kinase without affecting others.
Researchers at VCU Massey Cancer Center discovered a new agent, Bay 43-9006, that targets the Mcl-1 protein to inhibit leukemia cell survival. The study found that Bay 43-9006 reduces Mcl-1 levels through an unusual mechanism, inhibiting protein synthesis.
Researchers have developed a nanoparticle that can identify brain tumor cells and selectively target them for radiation therapy. The particles, called functional metallofullerenes, have shown promise in preliminary experiments and may one day benefit patients with advanced brain tumors.
Researchers discovered that KLF2 regulates embryonic globin genes and maturation of red blood cells in a mouse model, potentially paving the way for future gene therapies. The study highlights the importance of understanding gene regulation in blood disorders like sickle cell anemia and beta-thalassemia.
Researchers designed a new cyclen-based receptor that strongly binds the fluorescent dye pyranine under near-physiological conditions. The assay enhances the evaluation of developmental drug compounds' properties, improving the development of safer drugs.
Dr. Anthony Marmarou's international team developed consensus guidelines for diagnosing and treating idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephaly (NPH). The new guidelines recommend a combination of diagnostic tests to predict patient responsiveness to shunt surgery, improving treatment outcomes.
Researchers at VCU are developing magnetic nanoparticles that can combine detection and treatment in a single process, promising new hope for breast cancer treatment. The nanoparticles use magnetodynamic therapy to kill tumor cells with minimal damage to healthy cells.
Researchers found that women with fourth-degree tears were significantly more likely to have bowel problems and incontinence of stool. The study suggests that third- and fourth-degree lacerations should not be grouped together as 'severe perineal lacerations' due to differing outcomes.
Researchers at VCU demonstrated that a cytokine called interferon gamma can induce the death of developing mast cells in a mouse model system. This finding may lead to the development of new treatments for allergy and inflammatory responses in diseases such as arthritis, multiple sclerosis, and heart disease.