Research on inflammation and its role in disease. Covers eye inflammation, personalized anti-inflammatory medicine, aging, and chronic pain links.
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.
Researchers have developed a new tool to visualize leukocytes in the brain vasculature during in vivo two-photon laser scanning microscopy. The tool uses a fluorescent antibody targeting CD45, a ubiquitously expressed protein on white blood cells, allowing for tracking of circulating leukocytes over time and space.
A study published in Nature Cardiovascular Research reveals that rare T cells targeting apolipoprotein B can contribute to inflammation and atherosclerosis progression. Researchers discovered these cells resemble regulatory T cells but develop a new identity as heart disease develops.
Researchers linked dietary cholesterol to exacerbation of viral infections in mice, showing that high levels of cholesterol made mice sicker when infected with influenza. The study found that dietary cholesterol increased the number of cytokine-producing immune cells in the lungs, contributing to excessive inflammation.
A new review highlights the risks of fatty liver disease caused by metabolic dysfunction, characterized by fat accumulation in liver cells and oxidative stress. The progression of the disease can lead to inflammation, fibrosis, and cirrhosis with a high risk of hepatocellular carcinoma.
Research finds that excessive mitochondrial damage caused by alcohol exposure can lead to chronic liver disease. Mitochondrial depolarization triggers mitophagy, a process removing damaged mitochondria; however, constant removal causes additional liver tissue damage.
A randomized clinical trial found that a specific probiotic supplement accelerated the maturation of the microbiome in extremely preterm infants, leading to reduced intestinal inflammation and improved feeding tolerance. The study also showed potential benefits for reducing the risk of food allergies in these vulnerable infants.
A McMaster University research team found that Type I interferon regulates the immune response to target infected tissues, preventing bystander damage. The study used mice and COVID-19 patient data to investigate IFN's role in regulating a potentially dangerous immune response.
A study found that high blood adenosine levels at 15 days of life correlated with white matter lesions and brain injury in very low birth weight premature infants. Adenosine may play a role in oligodendrocyte maturation and neuronal development, suggesting its potential as a biomarker for complications of prematurity.
Researchers have found that flu viruses can directly infect heart cells, leading to electrical malfunctions and scarring. The study suggests that clearing the viral infection may be key to reducing flu's effects on the heart.
Researchers discovered a potential pathway linking early life infections to cardiovascular disease risk later in adulthood. High rates of infant infections were associated with elevated inflammation markers and changes to metabolic profiles.
A new study suggests that supplementing a diet with Ascidiacea, also known as sea squirts, reverses some main signs of aging in animal models. The researchers found that plasmalogens, vital to body processes, decrease with age and contribute to neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.
Researchers found that hypoxia can activate immune cells called ILC2s, which respond to harmless environmental allergens and drive mucus production and inflammation in the lungs. The study identifies adrenomedullin as a new target for treating inflammatory and allergic lung diseases.
A Brazilian study analyzing data from 3,875 elderly men and women found that weak muscles combined with abdominal obesity can indicate an early sign of functional decline. The study suggests that monitoring simple actions such as sitting down, standing up, walking short distances may help identify this condition.
Research finds that intestinal inflammation liberates chemicals that nourish E. coli's growth and promote inflammation, highlighting new treatment targets for Crohn's disease. The study identifies key compounds that feed E. coli, such as phospholipids and amino acids, and shows that these compounds can enhance the bacteria's virulence.
A UCLA-led team found that an abnormally suppressed immune system, not a persistently hyperactive one, may be to blame for some cases of long COVID-19. The study suggests boosting immunity in those individuals could be a treatment option.
Researchers identified estrogen-related receptor gamma (ERR γ) as crucial for preventing pancreatic auto-digestion in mice. In humans, lower levels of ERR γ were found in cells affected by pancreatitis. These findings suggest new therapies regulating ERR γ activity could help prevent or treat these conditions.
Researchers at Terasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation have developed a flexible, antibacterial conductive hydrogel-ePatch that accelerates wound healing with minimal side effects. The e-Patch uses silver nanowires and alginate to promote cell proliferation and migration, resulting in faster wound closure and reduced scarring.
A new study published in PLOS ONE finds that high and very high cardiovascular risk are associated with depressive symptoms, especially in women. The researchers used data from a Mediterranean Diet trial and found that participants with higher cardiovascular risk had lower depressive status scores after following the diet.
Researchers found daily e-cigarette use altered inflammatory markers in the brain, colon, and heart, while lungs showed gene expression changes; flavors influenced organ responses to infections like COVID-19.
Heart complications from COVID-19 are rare but treatable in children and young adults. The American Heart Association statement highlights the importance of ongoing research to understand long-term cardiovascular effects.
A Johns Hopkins Medicine-led study found that COVID-19-induced loss of smell is linked to inflammation-caused nerve damage, weakening odor signals to the brain. The researchers discovered more severe vascular injury and fewer axons in the olfactory bulb of patients with diminished or complete loss of smell.
A study of almost 57,000 hospitalizations with COVID-19 found acute myocarditis occurred in about two out of every 1,000 people. This rare condition is associated with more severe illness and complications, especially among those with pneumonia. The analysis suggests a need for intensive care unit admission in up to 70.5% of cases.
A new study found that older children (6–12 years, 13–17 years) and those with high inflammation markers were at highest risk of severe MIS-C. Gastrointestinal symptoms and cardiac involvement were common in affected children.
Researchers developed innovative smart sensors to test new vaccines, revealing significant discrepancies between subjective self-reports and objective measurements. The study found that side effects escalate over the first 48 hours and then stabilize, with parameters returning to pre-vaccination levels.
A study published in the Journal of Cachexia, Sarcopenia and Muscle found that BAM15 improves health outcomes for aged mice with obesity by preventing muscle loss and increasing energy expenditure. The compound helped mice lose fat, gain strength and increase physical activity.
A recent study suggests that many older adults with rheumatoid arthritis are not prescribed disease-modifying medications, despite guidelines calling for early and aggressive treatment. Only 45% of patients over 65 were prescribed these medications, highlighting the need to improve prescribing practices among primary care physicians.
Researchers found that cereal fiber, but not fruit or vegetable fibers, was associated with lower inflammation and cardiovascular disease risk in older adults. The study used data from a large cohort of elderly individuals and confirmed previous associations between dietary fiber and CVD.
A study led by Boston Children's Hospital researchers found that COVID-19 causes severe inflammation through infected immune cells. Antibodies developed during infection may sometimes contribute to inflammation.
A study found a shift in the profile of specialized lipid mediators from pro-resolving to pro-inflammatory in patients with cognitive impairment, correlating with severity of cognition impairment. The researchers identified novel mechanisms of brain health and potential therapeutic targets for slowing down Alzheimer's disease onset.
A new technique developed at the University of Birmingham uses electroencephalography (EEG) to measure brain activity in patients before surgery, predicting their likelihood of severe pain after recovery. This allows clinicians to plan additional preventative pain medication and potentially reduce chronic symptoms.
Scientists create nanoparticles coated in mannose to block production of scar-promoting protein in lung cells. The treatment holds promise for preventing severe lung scarring disease.
A study analyzing blood samples from premenopausal women with breast cancer found high levels of inflammatory markers and low antioxidant levels. These findings may reveal a new diagnostic tool for the disease, with implications for identifying early stages and improving treatment outcomes.
A recent study suggests that eating nutrient-rich prunes every day may benefit bone health in postmenopausal women by reducing inflammatory factors. The research found significant reductions in inflammatory markers in prune-eating groups compared to a control group.
Researchers at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center discovered that a combination of two anti-inflammatory drugs may prevent lung damage and asthma in infants born prematurely due to chorioamnionitis. The study used animal models, but further research is needed to confirm the results.
Research identifies genetic variants associated with reduced grey matter volume in brain regions linked to schizophrenia and autism spectrum disorders. The study suggests a potential new target for treating severe mental illnesses by targeting the IL-6 gene.
A study published in Nutrients found distinct bacteria and metabolomes associated with each personality trait, including mental energy and physical fatigue. The research team discovered unique gut bacteria profiles for different energy and fatigue traits.
A National Jewish Health-led study found that over a third of identified genetic risk factors for asthma are associated with altered function of airway epithelium. The research discovered genetic changes in genes related to mucus production and type 2 inflammatory pathways, increasing asthma risk.
A new Penn Medicine study suggests that clinically depressed older individuals without other inflammatory conditions do not have elevated levels of inflammation. The study found no significant difference in bloodstream levels of inflammatory markers between depressed and healthy individuals.
Researchers at UConn Health found that deleting TRPM2 from macrophages in mice reduced atherosclerosis by inhibiting the TRPM2–CD36 inflammatory axis. This approach prevented foamy macrophages and alleviated inflammation in arteries.
This year's Experimental Biology 2022 meeting features groundbreaking studies on COVID-19 vaccine-associated symptoms in non-menstruating people, a plant compound showing promise for alleviating food allergies, and the potential of omega-3s to boost immunotherapy's cancer-fighting power. Researchers also explore the safety of using CBD...
Researchers developed a novel approach to diagnose, monitor, and predict the course of myocarditis using CMR parameters and AI. The goal is to provide personalized counseling for athletes and optimize treatment options.
A comprehensive literature review found that consuming plant-based alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) rich in walnuts and flaxseeds can lower cardiovascular disease risk by 10% and fatal coronary heart disease risk by 20%. ALA may also benefit heart health when combined with other omega-3s.
Researchers identified common features of pediatric antiphospholipid syndrome, a rare autoimmune disease causing inflammation and recurring blood clots. Nearly half of children with APS experienced recurrent blood clots despite treatment, highlighting the need for early diagnosis and prevention.
Researchers found that post-COVID patients displayed altered autonomic nervous system functioning, with increased sympathetic activity and decreased parasympathetic activity. Obesity and physical inactivity were key factors contributing to these changes.
A new study from Karolinska Institutet and Helmholtz Center Munich found that macrophages show altered inflammatory and metabolic expression several months after mild COVID-19. Even though most individuals were symptom-free, their immune systems were more sensitive than those of healthy counterparts.
Research suggests exercise can break the vicious cycle of inflammation that leads to diabetes and depression in people with Long COVID. A 30-minute session of moderate-intensity exercise, such as walking, can be beneficial.
Researchers found that brains from patients with Alzheimer's disease had higher levels of the protein Fli-1 and fewer pericytes lining their smallest blood vessels, leading to leakage. Blocking Fli-1 improved memory in mice, suggesting a promising new approach to treating the disease.
Scientists have identified a new immune process that regulates inflammation in human fat, which may help manage obesity. The research found that specific immune cells can work together in fat tissue to cause weight gain and obesity.
A new study found that e-cigarette vapers and hookah smokers are more likely to exhale particles through their nose compared to cigarette smokers. This unique breathing pattern may expose the nose and sinuses to higher levels of emissions, increasing the risk of upper respiratory diseases.
A new study by University of Bonn researchers found that cow's milk protein casein triggers an autoimmune response in mice, damaging neurons and myelin sheath. This cross-reactivity can occur when the immune system mistakes similar molecules for each other.
A study suggests that targeting necroptosis in muscle fibers using an inhibitor can lessen myositis-induced muscle weakness and cell death, promoting muscle regeneration. This approach shows promise for treating polymyositis with potentially fewer infectious complications than current immunosuppressive therapies.
A study published at Tokyo Medical and Dental University found that Mkx regulates cellular heterogeneity and gene expression in the PDL, revealing its importance in homeostasis. The results showed that a deficiency of Mkx promotes ossification in the PDL and suggests a compensatory mechanism via Scx to maintain homeostasis.
A new study found that cashew stem bark extract inhibits abnormal gut motility associated with diarrhea, revealing a potential low-cost remedy for treating and managing the condition. The extract's mechanism of action involves blocking muscarinic acetylcholine receptors responsible for gastrointestinal motility.
A series of studies by NYU researchers found that e-cigarette users have a distinct oral microbiome less healthy than nonsmokers but potentially healthier than cigarette smokers. The study also reveals altered immune responses, including increased inflammation and suppression of immune reactions.
A new study from Massachusetts General Hospital found that living through the COVID-19 pandemic can lead to brain inflammation and symptoms like fatigue, concentration difficulties, and depression in uninfected people. The research suggests that societal and lifestyle disruptions during the pandemic may trigger this inflammatory response.
A new study from the La Jolla Institute for Immunology reveals that two groups of regulatory CD4+ T cells develop at different times to combat acute inflammation. The early Tregs reduce autoimmune damage, while the second wave shuts down the entire immune response to signal infection clearance.
Researchers at University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center developed a novel PET imaging tool to selectively monitor inflammation and innate immune activity. The new radio-labeled molecule, [18F]4FN, is more specific and robust than existing agents, offering potential for early biomarker detection of immune-related adverse events.
A natural product from the dried root of Sophora flavescens, combined with an enzyme inhibitor, has been found to reduce neuroinflammation in a mouse model of Parkinson's disease. The compound kurarinone may provide hope for alleviating symptoms of the incurable disorder.
Researchers at the University of Tsukuba investigated the effect of sevoflurane on sleep disturbance caused by systemic inflammation. Sevoflurane preconditioning promoted significant increases in REM sleep after LPS injection, while postconditioning had no effect.