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Modifying heart cell metabolism unlocks self-repair system after heart attack

Researchers at Sanford Burnham Prebys discovered that blocking an energy transfer enzyme shifts mammalian hearts into a regenerative state, promoting regeneration and improving recovery after a heart attack. By modulating heart cell metabolism, scientists can potentially awaken the heart's dormant regenerative abilities.

SourceSanford Burnham Prebys·JournalNature Cardiovascular Research·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 28, 2026

Breaking down barriers to cardiac regeneration

Scientists have uncovered a new mechanism used by heart cells to resist reprogramming and found that carbohydrate sulfotransferase 7 (CHST7) is the most potent preventer of reprogramming in mouse and human cells. By targeting CHST7, researchers may develop treatments to help the heart fix itself after injury.

SourceSanford Burnham Prebys·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 28, 2026

PGK1 lactylation-driven self-reinforcing loop orchestrates glycolytic reprogramming in FSP1+ macrophages in liver fibrosis

Researchers identified a key driver of liver fibrosis progression: FSP1+ macrophages that activate PGK1 through lactylation. This self-reinforcing loop amplifies glycolytic signaling, promoting liver fibrosis. A cell penetrating peptide targeting PGK1 lactylation blocks fibrosis progression in preclinical models.

SourceResearch·JournalResearch·TypeNews article·DateJul 15, 2026

Macrophages take center stage in organ transplantation: from chronic rejection mechanisms to targeted therapies

Macrophages are critical drivers of chronic allograft failure, with emerging strategies targeting key macrophage signaling pathways providing an important conceptual shift. Targeted therapies, such as inhibiting the purinergic pathway and mTOR/NF-κB pathway, show promise in preventing chronic rejection.

SourceImmunity & Inflammation·JournalImmunity & Inflammation·TypeSystematic review·DateJul 9, 2026

Viagra could hold key to halting Peyronie’s disease

A new study published in The Journal of Sexual Medicine found that combining phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors with selective oestrogen receptor modulators may slow or stop disease progression when given early. This combination resulted in improved penile curvature and reduced pain during erections compared to standard care.

SourceAnglia Ruskin University·JournalThe Journal of Sexual Medicine·DateMay 14, 2026

MSU study demonstrates faster discovery of therapeutic drugs through AI

A team of researchers at MSU used machine learning to predict how chemicals will influence gene expression, leading to the discovery of promising compounds for the treatment of liver cancer and a chronic lung disease. The study results from years of interdisciplinary work across multiple disciplines and institutes.

SourceMichigan State University College of Human Medicine·JournalCell·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMar 17, 2026

Heart and metabolic risk factors more strongly linked to liver fibrosis in women than men, study finds

Women with cardiometabolic risk factors such as type 2 diabetes and high waist circumference face a higher risk of liver fibrosis, with rates increasing 11-fold and 2.8-fold compared to men. The study highlights the importance of managing these risk factors for liver health beyond heart disease prevention.

SourceKeck School of Medicine of USC·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 9, 2026

Single-cell atlas reveals why rotator cuff injuries heal with damaging scars

Researchers discovered that tendon stem cells and progenitor cells fail to differentiate into mature, functional cells, instead promoting scar buildup. Immune cells, including macrophages, also play a central role in sustaining fibrosis, creating a self-sustaining environment that is difficult to reverse.

SourceEditorial Office of West China School of Stomatology, Sichuan University·JournalBone Research·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 9, 2026

TF-rs1049296 C>T variant modifies the association between hepatic iron stores and liver fibrosis in metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease

A study found that the TF-rs1049296 C>T variant is associated with a higher risk of significant liver fibrosis in patients with MASLD, particularly in those with RES iron deposition. The variant was also linked to increased risk of SF in mixed hepatocellular/RES iron deposition patterns.

SourceXia & He Publishing Inc.·JournalJournal of Clinical and Translational Hepatology·DateJan 28, 2026

A type of immune cell could hold a key to preventing scar tissue buildup in wounds

A study by University of Arizona researchers reveals a previously unknown population of circulating immune cells that play a critical role in fibrosis, the buildup of scar tissue. Blocking signals from these cells during wound healing can reduce scar tissue formation and promote normal healing.

SourceUniversity of Arizona, Office of Research and Partnerships·JournalNature Biomedical Engineering·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateNov 25, 2025

Henna’s hidden healing: Treating fibrosis with a chemical derived from Lawsonia inermis

Researchers from Osaka Metropolitan University have discovered that Lawsone, a chemical derived from Lawsonia inermis, can reduce markers of liver fibrosis and promote antioxidant functions in hepatic stellate cells. The study suggests that Lawsone could be used to control and even reverse the effects of fibrosis.

SourceOsaka Metropolitan University·JournalBiomedicine & Pharmacotherapy·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 27, 2025

A bioadhesive sponge inspired by mussels and extracellular matrix offers a new way to stop internal bleeding

Researchers developed a composite bioabsorbable hemostatic sponge inspired by mussels and extracellular matrix. The sponge quickly absorbs blood and firmly adheres to tissues, enhancing hemostatic performance. It promotes wound stabilization, accelerates blood clotting, and reduces inflammation and tissue damage.

SourcePohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH)·JournalAdvanced Healthcare Materials·DateOct 14, 2025

USC physician-scientists Denis Evseenko and Toby Maher win $3.2 million grant from the National Institute on Aging to develop regenerative drug for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis

Denis Evseenko and Toby Maher are developing a regenerative drug to block cells that promote fibrosis in the lungs, aiming to slow or reverse IPF damage. The team plans to test the safety and therapeutic potential of their drug-like molecules in animals and human cells.

Exploring the therapeutic potential of TGF-β inhibitors for liver fibrosis: targeting multiple signaling pathways

TGF-β inhibition holds promise for treating liver fibrosis by targeting SMAD-dependent and -independent pathways. Various therapeutic strategies, including direct blockade, receptor inhibitors, antisense oligonucleotides, and natural products from Traditional Chinese Medicine, are being explored to disrupt the TGF-β signaling pathway.

SourceXia & He Publishing Inc.·JournalJournal of Clinical and Translational Hepatology·DateSep 25, 2025

What stiffening lung tissue reveals about the earliest stages of fibrosis

Penn Engineering researchers used a technique called photochemical cross-linking to stiffen lung tissue, revealing changes in cell behavior that may drive fibrosis. The team observed transitional cells caught in an identity crisis, unable to perform either role well, which contributed to disease progression.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Engineering and Applied Science·JournalNature Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 5, 2025

A smart sensor for your muscles and tissues

Researchers at Duke University developed a wireless patch that non-invasively measures skin and tissue stiffness, providing real-time feedback for medical applications like wound healing and chronic conditions. The technology also has potential for athletic performance optimization and rehabilitation.

SourceDuke University·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 2, 2025

Assessment of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease and liver fibrosis: A cross-sectional study in asymptomatic individuals in greater vancouver

A substantial proportion of asymptomatic individuals in Greater Vancouver have undetected MASLD and significant fibrosis. Age, male sex, ethnicity, cardiac disease, diabetes, hypertension, and obesity were significantly associated with fibrosis.

SourceXia & He Publishing Inc.·JournalJournal of Clinical and Translational Hepatology·DateAug 18, 2025

Going in for a close look at lung infections

A new study sampled different lung regions in cystic fibrosis patients before and after treatment with modulators, revealing that infections persisted throughout the lungs and drove inflammation. The findings suggest damage may not be the main cause of infection persistence, raising concerns about ongoing lung function deterioration.

SourceUniversity of Washington School of Medicine/UW Medicine·JournalCell Host & Microbe·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 5, 2025