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Drug helps reprogram macrophage immune cells, suppress prostate and bladder tumor growth

A novel therapy has been developed to reprogram macrophage immune cells, shifting their balance toward antitumor activity. The treatment, JHU083, blocks the use of glutamine in tumors, reducing growth and triggering cell death. It also boosts immune-activating macrophages, recruiting tumor-killing T-cells and natural killer cells.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalCancer Immunology Research·DateMay 21, 2024

Few moderate or severe asthma patients prescribed recommended inhaler regimen

Only 14.5% of adult patients with moderate or severe asthma are prescribed the recommended Single Maintenance and Reliever Therapy (SMART) combination inhaler regimen. Older age and Medicare insurance are associated with not being prescribed SMART, suggesting providers may resist changing treatment regimens for these groups.

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateMay 21, 2024

The beginning of becoming a human

Researchers Polina A. Loseva and Vadim N. Gladyshev challenge the existing definition of human life, suggesting a new meaning for the 14-day stage in organismal life grounded in recent mechanistic advances and insights from aging studies. This stage defines the separation of soma from the germline and marks the boundary between rejuven...

SourceImpact Journals LLC·JournalAging-US·TypeLiterature review·DateMay 9, 2024

Faster approach for starting extended-release naltrexone to treat opioid use disorder shown effective

Starting people with opioid use disorder on extended-release, injectable naltrexone within five to seven days of seeking treatment is more effective than the standard method. This rapid treatment protocol requires closer medical supervision and could make XR-naltrexone a more viable option for treating opioid use disorder.

SourceNIH/National Institute on Drug Abuse·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateMay 8, 2024

First effective treatment found for spitting cobra snakebite

Scientists have found an effective treatment for spitting cobra snakebites by blocking one of the major dermonecrosis-causing toxins with varespladib. The study suggests that this repurposed drug can prevent tissue damage and may become a valuable treatment against black-necked and red spitting cobra venoms.

SourceLancaster University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 7, 2024

Massive study identifies new biomarkers for renal cancer subtypes, improving diagnosis and—eventually—treatment

A massive study identifies new biomarkers for renal cell carcinoma subtypes, improving diagnosis and treatment. The researchers' integrative analysis of proteogenomic datasets reveals molecular features shared by clear cell and non-clear cell RCC tumors, as well as unique features to various subtypes.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalCell Reports Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 6, 2024

Cover paper: Senescent characteristics of human corneal endothelial cells upon UV-A exposure

Researchers investigate senescence phenotypes of human corneal endothelial cells upon treatment with ultraviolet (UV)-A. Cells exhibit enlarged morphology, increased β-galactosidase activity and decreased proliferation. UV-A-induced senescent cells show similar gene expression profiles to ionizing radiation (IR)-induced cells.

SourceImpact Journals LLC·JournalAging-US·TypeObservational study·DateApr 30, 2024

Targeted use of enfortumab vedotin for the treatment of advanced urothelial carcinoma

A new study published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology identified NECTIN4 amplification as a potential genomic biomarker for predicting treatment response to enfortumab vedotin in patients with advanced urothelial carcinoma. The study found that over 90% of patients with NECTIN4 amplification showed tumor response to EV therapy.

SourceUniversitatsklinikum Bonn·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·DateApr 24, 2024

Evidence of a pan-tissue decline in stemness during human aging

Researchers found that ~60% of tissues exhibit a significant negative correlation between age and stemness score, indicating a pan-tissue decline in stemness. This study adds weight to the idea that stem cell deterioration contributes to human aging, with hematopoietic stem cells from older individuals showing higher stemness scores.

SourceImpact Journals LLC·JournalAging-US·TypeObservational study·DateApr 16, 2024

Next-generation treatments hitch a ride into cancer cells

Researchers from Osaka University have discovered a way to deliver antisense oligonucleotides to their targets inside cancer cells by opening specific calcium permeable channels. The new compound, L687, promotes efficient uptake of ASO into cancer cells, suppressing target gene activity and enhancing ASO efficacy.

SourceOsaka University·JournalNucleic Acids Research·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 15, 2024

Targeted liver cancer treatment kills cancer cells and cuts chemo side effects

Researchers have developed a new treatment that uses tailored doses of anti-cancer drugs released directly into the surgical cavity to treat liver cancer. The approach has shown promise in reducing recurrence rates and minimizing chemotherapy side effects, with potential applications for other types of cancer.

SourceUniversity of South Australia·JournalInternational Journal of Pharmaceutics·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 14, 2024

In the drive to deprescribe, heartburn drug study teaches key lessons

A new study shows that a massive effort to reduce the overuse of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) led to a nearly 30% reduction in prescriptions, but also resulted in some veterans missing out on protective use. The intervention, which imposed limits on PPI prescription size and refills, was carried out in one region of the Veterans Healt...

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalBMJ·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 11, 2024

Mechanism of action of the hepatitis B and D virus cell entry inhibitor bulevirtide deciphered

Researchers deciphered the molecular structure of bulevirtide in complex with HBV/HDV receptor NTCP, revealing a unique 'plug' that inhibits virus entry. The study also sheds light on evolutionary adaptation of HBVs to host species and provides insights for developing smaller, more effective active agents.

SourceGerman Center for Infection Research·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 10, 2024

Chinese Medical Journal Review highlights novel pathogenic mechanisms and therapeutic potentials in cancer treatment targeting internal N6-methyladenosine and N7-methylguanine

Researchers highlight the role of post-transcriptional RNA modifications in AML pathogenesis, identifying m6A and m7G regulators as potential therapeutic targets. Targeted therapies, including selective inhibitors and Traditional Chinese Medicine compounds, show promise in promoting cell differentiation and reversing AML phenotypes.

SourceCactus Communications·JournalChinese Medical Journal·TypeLiterature review·DateApr 10, 2024

Unnecessary use of beta-blockers after a heart attack

A new study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that half of patients discharged from hospital after a heart attack are treated with beta-blockers unnecessarily. The study shows that these patients have suffered a small heart attack and have retained heart function afterwards.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateApr 8, 2024

Exploring the impact of pancreatic enzyme therapy in pediatric pancreatitis: a leap toward personalized medicine

A retrospective cohort study found that PERT significantly reduced the incidence of acute pancreatitis episodes among children with recurrent or chronic pancreatitis. The study also identified genetic markers, such as SPINK1 mutation, that influence treatment outcomes and suggest a tailored approach to patient care.

SourceOchsner Health System·JournalThe American Journal of Gastroenterology·DateMar 27, 2024

Using machine learning to save lives in the ER

A study published in Critical Care identified eight different trauma phenotypes associated with lower in-hospital mortality when treated with tranexamic acid. The researchers used a machine learning model to analyze data from over 50,000 patients and found subgroups of patients who received no benefit from treatment.

SourceOsaka University·JournalCritical Care·TypeObservational study·DateMar 26, 2024

New evidence-based guideline for the management of osteoporosis in men

The International Osteoporosis Foundation and European Society for Clinical and Economic Aspects of Osteoporosis have issued new guidelines for managing osteoporosis in men. These recommendations cover disease burden, fracture risk assessment, treatment thresholds, and interventions to reduce the substantial morbidity and mortality ass...

SourceInternational Osteoporosis Foundation·JournalNature Reviews Rheumatology·TypeLiterature review·DateMar 25, 2024