Researchers at VCU's Massey Cancer Center have discovered a key enzyme involved in the spread of breast cancer cells. The study, published in the Journal of Biological Chemistry, suggests that sphingosine kinases are potential new targets for cancer therapy.
A VCU study found that low-dose oral contraceptives double the risk of cardiovascular events, such as heart attacks and strokes, among women. Women with PCOS or metabolic disorders are particularly at increased risk.
A comprehensive study of 26 international studies shows a strong correlation between brain volume and intelligence, with average intelligence increasing with brain size. The findings have significant implications for job performance and could lead to more accurate employment screening methods.
A Massey Cancer Center researcher has identified the atomic structure of angiopoietin-2, a key protein involved in the neo-vascularization of solid tumors. This discovery may lead to better exploration of how to turn off cancer growth signals and identify potential therapeutics.
Researchers at VCU have created a unique polymer coating that switches from being hydrophilic to hydrophobic when exposed to water, offering potential applications in medical testing and fluid control. The coating's reversible properties make it suitable for various industries.
Researchers at VCU demonstrated that administering Viagra before an anti-cancer drug like doxorubicin can prevent heart damage and dilated cardiomyopathy in a mouse model. The study suggests that Viagra may be used to reduce the incidence of DOX cardiomyopathy in patients receiving chemotherapy.
Researchers have identified networks of genes that respond to alcohol in the brain, which may play a role in determining genetic differences in behavioral responses to alcohol. The study found that certain genes were regulated differently in two mouse strains, leading to distinct behavioral responses to alcohol.
A new study by VCU researchers suggests that social support is a robust predictor of risk for depression in women, but not men. Women who reported higher levels of global social support were better protected against later episodes of major depression.
Researchers found that treatment with Viagra increases therapeutic levels of nitric oxide in heart cells, stabilizing mitochondria and reducing cell death. This may lead to new treatments for patients with heart failure where loss of cells is primarily due to apoptosis.