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Inadequate diet can lead to anemia in postmenopausal women

A new study published in the Journal of the American Dietetic Association found that inadequate nutrition is a significant risk factor for anemia in postmenopausal women. The study, which analyzed data from over 72,000 women, found that deficiencies in multiple nutrients were associated with a higher risk of persistent anemia.

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalJournal of the American Dietetic Association·DateMar 25, 2011

Helicobacter pylori infection linked to decreased iron levels in otherwise healthy children, according to research at UTHealth

Researchers at UTHealth discovered that children with asymptomatic H. pylori infections have lower iron levels compared to those without the infection. The study found that even in healthy children, the bacterium causes a decrease in iron storage, which may have long-term health consequences.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at Houston·JournalJournal of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition·DateMar 7, 2011

New approach may help dialysis patients fight anemia

Researchers have discovered a new treatment option for dialysis-related anemia using FG-2216, which increases erythropoietin (EPO) production in both healthy individuals and patients with end-stage renal disease. The study's findings suggest that the kidneys of dialysis patients retain significant EPO production capacity.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalJournal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateNov 29, 2010

Successful treatment for mice with beta-thalassemia

A team of researchers has successfully treated beta-thalassemic mice by increasing hepcidin levels, which limits iron overload and markedly reduces anemia. This approach suggests a new therapeutic strategy for patients with beta-thalassemia, potentially mitigating iron overload and anemia.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateNov 22, 2010

Mathematical model of the life cycle of red blood cells may predict risk of anemia

A mathematical model developed by researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard University can predict the risk of anemia in individuals. The model reflects how red blood cells change in size and hemoglobin content during their four-month lifespan, allowing for early detection of iron-deficiency anemia.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 12, 2010

JCI online early table of contents: Oct. 1, 2010

Researchers have discovered that growth hormone controls skeletal muscle development through IGF-1, whereas its effect on nutrient uptake is independent of IGF-1. In contrast, aldosterone promotes vascular injury by inducing expression of the protein PGF in mouse and human blood vessel walls.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateOct 1, 2010

JCI online early table of contents: April 19, 2010

Researchers have identified small molecules that bind to TrkB, a protein involved in nerve cell survival, and demonstrated their potential in treating neurodegenerative conditions. Additionally, a new compound has been found to prevent anaphylactic shock by targeting the SphK1-S1P pathway, which may lead to the development of new thera...

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateApr 19, 2010

Genetic form of anemia defined molecularly

A recent study identifies the GLRX5 gene as essential for generating iron-sulfur clusters and maintaining normal iron levels in human cells. The protein deficiency leads to sideroblastic anemia by impairing heme biosynthesis and depleting cytosolic iron in red blood cells.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateApr 1, 2010

JCI online early table of contents: April 1, 2010

Researchers have developed a new approach to treating cancer using viruses to infect and kill cancer cells. In mice, combining this with standard therapy led to substantial tumor regression and cure. Additionally, modulating VEGF signaling allowed the cells lining tumor blood vessels to be targeted by viruses, suggesting a potential wi...

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateApr 1, 2010

Case Western Reserve researchers discover the key to malaria susceptibility in children

Case Western Reserve researchers found that prenatal exposure to Plasmodium falciparum results in parasite tolerance, increasing susceptibility to malaria and anemia in young children. The study identified three groups: sensitized, exposed-not-sensitized, and not-exposed, with the latter group having a higher risk of malaria infection.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateJul 27, 2009

Anemia associated with greater risk of death in heart disease patients

A new study found that anemia in chronic heart failure patients is associated with a significantly increased risk of death and poorer left ventricular function. Researchers analyzed data from 97,699 patients and concluded that optimal treatment of anemia may reduce mortality rates and improve patient outcomes.

SourceWiley·JournalCongestive Heart Failure·DateMay 28, 2009

Removing user fees does not improve health outcomes in Ghana

A new study published in PLoS Medicine found that removing user fees for primary health care changed health utilization behavior but did not improve health outcomes among children under 5 years old in Ghana. The study's findings challenge the assumption that free healthcare leads to better health outcomes.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateJan 5, 2009

A genetic cause for iron deficiency

Researchers discovered a genetic cause for a rare form of inherited iron deficiency anemia, which may provide insights into iron deficiency in the general population and suggest new treatment approaches. The study identified a gene mutation in the TMPRSS6 protein, leading to excessive hepcidin production and impaired iron absorption.

SourceBoston Children's Hospital·JournalNature Genetics·DateApr 13, 2008

Chikungunya virus and maternal infection; and more

A study published in PLOS Medicine found that Chikungunya virus-infected mothers rarely harm infants early in pregnancy but can cause severe problems, including brain injury, in babies born near the time of delivery. Researchers recommend clinicians monitor babies exposed to chikungunya around delivery for supportive treatment.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateMar 17, 2008

A new way to boost red blood cell numbers

Researchers discovered that Gas6 protein increases cell signaling in response to Epo treatment, enhancing its therapeutic potential for treating anemia. The study also found that mice deficient in Gas6 have decreased sensitivity to Epo and reduced ability to recover from anemia.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJan 10, 2008