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Lenabasum, a cannabinoid receptor agonist, is an effective and safe treatment for amyopathic dermatomyositis

Lenabasum has been shown to improve skin symptoms in patients with amyopathic dermatomyositis, demonstrating significant reductions in inflammation and disease severity. The study's findings suggest that lenabasum is a well-tolerated treatment option for refractory skin disease.

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of Investigative Dermatology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateSep 21, 2022

A consistent lack of sleep negatively impacts immune stem cells, increasing risk of inflammatory disorders and heart disease

A new study finds that consistently losing an hour and a half of sleep per night can negatively impact immune stem cells, leading to increased inflammation and cardiovascular disease. Even after catching up on sleep, the effects of disrupted sleep remain long-lasting.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 21, 2022

Amino acid supplement key to reproductive health in dairy cows

A University of Illinois study shows rumen-protected lysine can improve uterine health in dairy cows during the transition period. The supplement reduced genes involved in inflammatory proteins and increased genes keeping the uterus clean, leading to less inflammation and improved reproductive outcomes.

High cholesterol leads to long-term liver scarring and immune cell dysfunction in lab study

A lab study found that high cholesterol intake worsens fatty liver disease progression by driving inflammation and scarring. The researchers also discovered long-lasting dysfunction in immune cells responsible for fighting liver damage. Moderation is key to maintaining a healthy diet, according to the study's findings.

SourceKeck School of Medicine of USC·JournalFrontiers in Immunology·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 14, 2022

International study led by Singapore scientists discovers bacteria previously thought harmless can worsen existing lung disease

A study led by Singapore scientists found that Neisseria, a genus of bacteria once considered harmless, can cause infections in patients with bronchiectasis, asthma, and COPD. The research team identified a specific subgroup of Neisseria called N. subflava as the main culprit behind worsening disease outcomes.

SourceNanyang Technological University·JournalCell Host & Microbe·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 14, 2022

The Tokyo Medical and Dental University (TMDU) team succeeded with the world’s first Mini Organ transplantation to a patient with “Ulcerative Colitis (UC)”

The TMDU research team successfully transplanted a mini organoid into a patient with Ulcerative Colitis, showing potential for a radical cure. The treatment uses the patient's own cells and minimally invasive colonoscopy, reducing transplant rejection risk and laparotomy needs.

When recovery goes awry

A new study from Harvard Medical School reveals that patients who recover well after cardiovascular surgery exhibit precise paths for white blood cell and platelet counts. These trajectories can be used to monitor recovery in a personalized way, enabling clinicians to intervene earlier when necessary.

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 22, 2022

Study uncovers what happens inside artery plaque to trigger strokes

A study at Tulane University found that recently formed stroke plaques contain messenger RNA that causes inflammation and degrades a protective cap, leading to rupture. This discovery could lead to new tools to stop strokes from happening and develop new drugs or diagnostics to prevent heart attacks and strokes.

SourceTulane University·JournalScientific Reports·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateAug 11, 2022

Potential long-term treatment for asthma found

Researchers at Aston University have developed a new approach to tackle one of the underlying causes of asthma, not just its symptoms. The treatment, which targets the structural changes made by asthmatic airways, shows promising results in mice, reducing symptoms within two weeks and returning airways to near normal.

SourceAston University·JournalRespiratory Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 9, 2022

Air pollution, including during wildfires, shows ill effects in children

A new study from UC Davis links air pollution exposure to increased inflammation and decreased cardiac regulation in children. Elevated markers of interleukin-6 and lower cardiac autonomic regulation were found in blood samples of healthy children aged 9-11 who lived near areas with high levels of PM2.5 during wildfires.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalNew Directions for Child and Adolescent Development·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 4, 2022

NUS scientists engineer probiotic to prevent infection of large intestine

Researchers from NUS Medicine developed a probiotic that detects antibiotic-induced microbiome imbalance and regulates bile salt metabolism to prevent Clostridioides difficile infection. The probiotic significantly reduced CDI in laboratory models, demonstrating a 100% survival rate and improved clinical outcomes.

SourceNational University of Singapore, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 3, 2022

Green tea extract promotes gut health, lowers blood sugar

A new study found that consuming green tea extract for four weeks can lower blood sugar levels, improve gut health, and decrease inflammation in healthy individuals and those with metabolic syndrome. Researchers observed a significant reduction in fasting blood glucose levels and decreased gut permeability.

SourceOhio State University·JournalCurrent Developments in Nutrition·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJul 26, 2022

A common mechanism for cancer metastasis and atherosclerosis

A team of researchers has discovered that malignant tumors accumulate lipid delivery molecules called LDL and attract immune suppressor cells called neutrophils, leading to tumor progression. The study also shows that targeting the LOX-1/oxidized LDL axis may be a promising strategy for treating both cancer and cardiovascular disease.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalInternational Journal of Cancer·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 24, 2022

High blood viscosity can predict higher risk of death in hospitalized COVID-19 patients

Hospitalized COVID-19 patients with high blood viscosity have a 60% higher death rate than those with low blood viscosity. The study suggests that checking for blood viscosity early on could help determine the best treatment course and improve outcomes.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·TypeObservational study·DateJul 18, 2022

Research reveals how brain inflammation may link Alzheimer’s risk, sleep disturbance

A recent study discovered that brain inflammation may be a key link between Alzheimer's disease risk and sleep disturbance. The research found that age-related increases in brain inflammation can disrupt fast sleep spindles, which are crucial for long-term memory retention. This disruption contributes to age-related memory impairment i...

SourceUniversity of California - Irvine·JournalSLEEP·TypeObservational study·DateJul 13, 2022

Females itch less than males

Research at Kyoto University found that estradiol suppresses severe skin inflammation in females compared to males, revealing its therapeutic potential. The hormone regulates immune cells and reduces IL-17A and IL-1β cytokines production.

SourceKyoto University·JournalJournal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 23, 2022

Chinese Medical Journal review explores the role of macrophages in the progression of acute kidney injury to chronic kidney disease

A recent review article highlights the crucial role of macrophages in the progression from acute kidney injury (AKI) to chronic kidney disease (CKD). The study suggests that targeting specific signaling pathways and altering macrophage activation can prevent renal fibrosis and CKD. Therapeutic strategies such as clodronate liposomes an...

SourceCactus Communications·JournalChinese Medical Journal·TypeLiterature review·DateJun 20, 2022

Math model predicts efficacy of drug treatments for heart attacks

Researchers at Ohio State University created a mathematical model that assesses the efficacy of immunomodulatory drugs in treating myocardial infarctions. The study found that certain combinations of these drug inhibitors were more efficient at reducing inflammation, offering new possibilities for improving patient outcomes.

SourceOhio State University·JournalJournal of Theoretical Biology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 17, 2022

Targeted micronutrition ameliorates allergy symptoms

Researchers at the Messerli Research Institute developed a lozenge that compensates for micronutrient deficiencies in immune cells, reducing inflammation and allergic reactions. The study showed a 45% reduction in symptom burden during peak pollen season, presenting a new approach to allergy care.

SourceMedical University of Vienna·JournalThe Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology In Practice·DateJun 7, 2022

“Masked” cancer drug sneaks through body to deliver anti-tumor treatment with fewer side effects

Researchers at the University of Chicago's Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering have developed a version of interleukin-12 that is activated only when it reaches a tumor, reducing side effects. The new 'masked' molecule has shown promising results in eliminating cancer cells and outperforming existing immune therapies.

SourceUniversity of Chicago·JournalNature Biomedical Engineering·DateJun 1, 2022

Nerve stimulation promotes resolution of inflammation

Researchers at Karolinska Institutet discovered that electrical stimulation of the vagus nerve promotes healing in acute inflammation by shifting the balance between inflammatory and anti-inflammatory molecules. This finding opens new avenues for treating inflammatory diseases, including autoimmune and cardiovascular conditions.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 31, 2022