Articles tagged with Bone Diseases
Researchers at the La Jolla Institute have identified a previously unknown role of an enzyme in suppressing tumor growth, which may lead to new treatments for myeloproliferative diseases and certain types of leukemia. The discovery could also provide insights into the mechanisms underlying blood cancers.
Research led by David Hess identified how to use bone marrow stem cells to grow new blood vessels in mice with ligated leg arteries. These pro-angiogenic stem cells have a natural ability to induce blood vessel repair and improve blood flow in ischemic limbs.
Scientists at Boston University discovered Resolvins, a new family of biologically active products of omega-3 fatty acids with therapeutic potential. These compounds have been shown to resolve periodontal inflammation and regenerate tissues in experimental gum disease models.
Scientists have identified a key molecule in Apert Syndrome, a severe form of craniosynostosis that affects one in every 2500 live births. By 'dampening down' the levels of this molecule, FGF10, they demonstrated for the first time that it can reverse the effects of the disease.
Researchers have found that bone marrow-derived stem cells can increase production of the col7 protein and form anchoring fibrils, improving the connection between the dermis and epidermis. This treatment has shown promise in increasing survival time and reducing blister formation in mouse models of the disease.
Researchers have developed a new imaging method that uses glycosaminoglycan concentrations to diagnose osteoarthritis in its early stages. This non-invasive technique has the potential to monitor diseases like inter-vertebral disc degeneration and heart valve defects.
A recent study found that patients with severe periodontal disease incur higher overall health care expenses compared to those with no periodontal disease. Treating periodontal diseases early on using simple non-surgical techniques can help restore a healthy mouth and potentially lower total health care costs.
A study from Massachusetts General Hospital found that genetic alterations in the bone marrow of mice can cause a type of myeloproliferative syndrome, an overproduction of certain blood cells. The discovery may help find better therapies for these disorders, which can be difficult to treat, and also for some leukemias.
Researchers mapped the stiffness of bovine shin bone using a molecular force probe, revealing non-uniformity in bone's mechanical properties within a single region. The study's findings could lead to improved diagnoses and treatments of bone diseases, as well as the development of new materials with improved toughness.
A University at Buffalo study finds that IL-17, a primary cause of bone destruction in autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, protects bones from infectious pathogens in the oral cavity. Researchers discovered that blocking IL-17's receptor increases susceptibility to periodontal disease.
Researchers at U of MN have discovered a treatment to halt disease progression in advanced ALD patients by combining NAC and transplant. This breakthrough offers new hope for devastating disease affecting young boys.
Researchers have discovered that mutations in the p62 gene are associated with abnormal bone cell development, but do not cause full-blown Paget disease. Meanwhile, a study found that GIP and GLP1R hormones influence energy levels beyond the pancreas, affecting brain cells, adipose tissue, and body weight.
A new study reveals a molecular mechanism underlying bone marrow failure in X-linked human disease, dyskeratosis congenita. Telomere maintenance defects are caused by reduced telomerase RNA, contradicting previous hypotheses about ribosome biogenesis.
A population-based study found that people with hand osteoarthritis had significantly shorter white cell telomere lengths compared to those without the disease. Telomere length was also associated with the severity of osteoarthritis, suggesting a link between biological ageing and degenerative inflammatory bone disease.
Researchers found a positive association between periodontal disease and coronary heart disease, particularly in individuals under 60 with significant alveolar bone loss. The study suggests that chronic infections and inflammatory responses from periodontal disease may contribute to the development of atherosclerosis.
A human study confirms that immune cells play a destructive role in periodontal disease. Researchers found that B cells and T cells produce RANKL, which induces osteoclasts and leads to bone loss.
Researchers have discovered a gene, matrilin-3, that prevents the onset of osteoarthritis in adult mice. The study reveals a correlation between matrilin-3 and osteoarthritis, suggesting potential diagnostic and predictive uses. Matrilin-3 plays a role in early bone development and controls bone mineral density in adulthood.
A team of researchers, including biological anthropologists and physicians, studied the relationship between the brain and skull in infants with craniosynostosis using CT scans and MRIs. They found a strong correlation between neural structures located near the top of the brain and bony features at the base of the skull.
Researchers found that Resolvin E1 provided remarkable protection against soft tissue and bone loss associated with gum disease. The study supports the concept that inflammation is a good therapeutic target in the treatment of periodontal disease.
A study identified osteopontin as a protein more prevalent in lungs of patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. The protein increased cell proliferation and movement involved in lung fibrosis, offering potential new treatment targets.
Researchers have identified a regulatory element within the 52-kilobase deletion region responsible for Van Buchem disease. This discovery provides strong causal evidence linking the deletion to the disease and opens up new avenues for understanding bone formation and potentially developing therapeutic agents.
A new electronic exhibit developed by Andrea Walker and Vesna Kriss aims to help radiologists confidently diagnose child abuse using imaging techniques. The exhibit highlights red flags such as fractures in different stages of healing, posterior rib fractures, and long bone fractures in children who are not walking.
Researchers at Imperial College London have discovered a link between chromosome 'caps' and the prediction of rare bone marrow diseases. The study found that shorter telomeres in chromosomes can indicate an increased risk of disease severity and early onset, providing a potential new mechanism for understanding disease anticipation.
Scientists give mice with damaged kidneys injections of BMP-7 to prevent adynamic bone disorder, a condition causing weakening and distortion of bones. The treatment is shown to be effective in normalizing bone cell counts and structures.
A 12-month study comparing FOSRENOL and calcium carbonate found that FOSRENOL led to a 'considerably better outcome' on bone histology, with halved rates of patients with osteomalacia, adynamic bone disease, or hyperparathyroidism. This contrasts with the calcium carbonate group, which showed an increase in these conditions.
A study found whole body MR imaging detected skeletal metastases in 80% of patients, outperforming bone scans in predicting complications like fractures. MR imaging also provided additional information about primary tumors and soft tissue metastases.
The National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases has awarded five new grants to researchers studying stem cells and their potential in treating various musculoskeletal diseases. These studies aim to investigate growth factors, muscle regeneration, connective tissue repair, bone disease treatment, and the develo...
A study of 16 patients with active multiple myeloma found that FDG PET scans accurately identified those at high risk, revealing disease spread outside the bone marrow. The scan also showed promise in identifying new disease sites for patients with relapsing disease, suggesting its potential as a complementary diagnostic tool.
A diagnostic scan called capromab pendetide immunoscintigraphy can detect recurrent disease if it is localized to the area of prior prostate surgery or has spread to other parts of the body. The study found that this imaging tool is more sensitive than CT and bone scans in identifying the site and extent of disease recurrence.
Researchers found osteopontin is present in higher levels in the brains of individuals with MS and mice models. Osteopontin's presence may accelerate disease progression, prompting efforts to block its effects.
Researchers at Stanford and UCSF have identified osteopontin as a key gene in the progression of multiple sclerosis, with findings suggesting its expression levels are related to disease severity. The study also revealed that osteopontin-deficient mice experienced significantly less severe symptoms and higher remission rates.
A public-private partnership has been launched to combat osteoarthritis, a chronic disease affecting millions of Americans. The Osteoarthritis Initiative will provide critical funding and resources for clinical research centers to establish natural history databases and biospecimen repositories.
Scientists at Princess Margaret Hospital have discovered the role of CD45 in regulating cellular signals and found that it acts as an 'off switch' to prevent diseases. The discovery could lead to targeted treatments for chronic diseases such as diabetes, cancer and heart disease by controlling the body's immune response.
Research findings indicate that viral infections can cause chronic vascular disease by establishing a protected niche within the elastic media of large arteries. This 'immunoprivilege' allows viruses to evade the immune system, leading to destructive arteritis and inflammation.
A study of 705 individuals found that cigar and pipe smokers have nearly three times the prevalence of moderate to severe periodontitis as non-smokers, with an average of four missing teeth. Smoking cessation efforts are crucial for improving periodontal health and preventing tooth loss.
A recent Penn study reveals that bone is actively involved in the process of sinus disease, confirming a link between bone involvement and disease spread and chronicity. The study suggests that removal of bony partitions during endoscopic sinus surgery may be crucial for effective treatment.
Researchers at Indiana University School of Medicine isolated the gene responsible for autosomal dominant hypophosphataemic rickets, a rare disorder affecting bone development. The discovery was made possible by using online resources from the Human Genome Project, paving the way for potential new therapies.
A new molecular diagnostics laboratory at Virginia Tech aims to investigate the genetic foundations of disease in horses and its implications for humans. The lab will focus on four major projects, including studying environmental toxins, COPD, osteoarthritis, and diabetes-related complications.
A University at Buffalo study has found that people with severe gum disease are twice as likely to suffer a stroke due to blocked arteries. Periodontal disease was associated with an increased risk for cerebrovascular events, particularly non-hemorrhagic strokes.
The University of North Carolina School of Medicine has received a $5 million federal grant to investigate ANCA vasculitis, a disease causing small blood vessel inflammation. Researchers will explore the cause of the disease and develop better treatments.
The project aims to catalog the HLA gene complex and explore its differences among populations worldwide. The goal is to create a searchable database linking multiple interacting genes with function, ethnicity, and disease.
An international team is accelerating the investigation of immune-related genes to improve organ transplant matches and develop vaccines for specific diseases. The Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA) gene complex holds clues to many medical questions.
Two new Phase III studies published in Neurology show that Reminyl (galantamine) significantly improves cognition, global function, and behavioral symptoms of Alzheimer's disease over a period of 12 months. The treatment also maintains activities of daily functioning for patients with mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease.
A new UC Francisco study reveals a link between chronic use of protease inhibitors and the development of avascular necrosis (AVN) of the femoral head in HIV/AIDS patients. Early diagnosis can lead to effective treatment, but high-risk hip replacement surgery is associated with infection risk for these patients.
A new study shows Bexxar produced tumor shrinkage in 97% of patients with advanced-stage, low-grade non-Hodgkins lymphoma. Most patients achieved complete remission, with no sign of cancer, and molecular remissions lasting up to three years.
A new study suggests Reminyl, a treatment for Alzheimer's disease, provides significant cognitive and functional improvements in patients. The medication has been shown to delay the emergence of behavioral symptoms and maintain daily functioning for up to a year.
A recent study found that the genetic marker associated with periodontal disease in people of European heritage is barely present in Chinese populations. This suggests that oral hygiene habits, smoking, and other risk factors may be more important in explaining the high prevalence of periodontal disease in Chinese populations.
Researchers identified a link between genetic mutations in the cathepsin C gene and severe gum disease and periodontitis. The study found that individuals with normal functioning of the cathepsin C gene tend to have healthy gums, suggesting dietary, bacterial, and other genetic factors can compromise its function.
Researchers successfully demonstrated the effectiveness of a new oral form of ganciclovir to treat CMV retinitis, a blinding disorder that affects AIDS patients. The experimental valganciclovir offers a simpler treatment option with fewer pills needed per day.
A study using polymerase chain reaction detects MRD in long-term CML survivors, finding that approximately 25% of patients had evidence of disease at some time after transplant. The team aims to identify patients who appear cured but may still harbor disease and benefit from early therapeutic intervention.
A recent University of Iowa Health Care study calls into question the reliability of a classification system used to evaluate treatment outcomes in children with Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease. The Stulberg Classification System, developed in 1981, predicts long-term patient outcomes but has poor reliability among surgeons.
Researchers used embryonic stem cells to repair damaged nerve fibers in a rat model of Pelizaeus-Merzbacher disease. The study showed that transplanted cells can promote myelin sheath growth, potentially leading to improved function and clinical applications.
Researchers developed a transgenic mouse model of chronic liver disease caused by hepatitis B virus (HBV), enabling the study of immune responses and drug development. The model opens opportunities for scientists to test drugs in the liver and understand how HBV causes liver disease.
The Rosalind Russell New Arthritis Treatment Program at UCSF is testing innovative therapies targeting specific cells that promote inflammation and joint damage. Current clinical trials focus on rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus, with promising results expected to lead to nationwide approval.
Researchers have successfully replicated human bone disorder McCune-Albright syndrome in mice using a novel animal model. The model utilizes a combination of normal and mutant stromal cells, which are mixed together before transplantation into immune-compromised mice.
A study of 228 diseased heart valves found organized, hard-bone tissue in 30 valves, suggesting an active process of calcification. The discovery could lead to the development of treatments to prevent or treat heart-valve disease and provide insights into rare disorders like fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva.
Thomas Jefferson researchers discovered that lower levels of the tumor suppressor gene Rb2/p130 correlate with increased risk of returning disease and higher mortality in women with endometrial cancer. The study suggests a potential diagnostic test to guide treatment and improve patient outcomes.
Researchers discovered a genetic defect in ALL1 gene duplication that signals poor prognosis and shorter survival time in AML patients. Patients with this defect require aggressive treatment, including allogenic bone marrow transplant, to improve survival rates.
A nationwide effort to find genes that determine susceptibility to rheumatoid arthritis has been launched, with researchers collecting medical information and genetic material from 1,000 families. The project aims to identify genetic regions shared by affected siblings, which may contain genes involved in the disease.
Researchers have identified the genetic link to Griscelli disease, a rare autosomal recessive disorder characterized by partial albinism and immunologic abnormalities. The gene responsible for the condition is myosin-5a, which plays a crucial role in organelle transport within cells.