Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Is giant cell arteritis associated with race?

A recent study by Anna M. Gruener et al., published in JAMA Ophthalmology, investigated the association between giant cell arteritis and race. The researchers found a significant association between the disorder and certain ethnic groups, with increased risk observed in African Americans, Hispanics, and individuals of mixed ancestry.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Ophthalmology·DateAug 8, 2019

Boosting the anti-inflammatory action of the immune system

Researchers have identified a molecule called Gas6 that induces macrophages to clean up cellular debris and reduce inflammation. Boosting Gas6 levels in macrophages has been shown to resolve inflammation in mouse models of acute lung injury, holding promise for treating diseases such as heart disease, cancer, and rheumatoid arthritis.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 30, 2019

New knowledge on the development of asthma

A study published in Immunity reveals that the synthesis and breakdown of fats play a crucial role in asthma-related inflammation. Researchers used single-cell RNA sequencing to analyze gene expression in immune cells exposed to house dust mites, finding a unique profile of genes linked to fat metabolism.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalImmunity·DateJun 26, 2019

Distinguishing helpful and harmful gut immune cells offers new view on inflammatory diseases

A study has characterised two distinct populations of gut immune cells, which could help scientists develop treatments targeting inflammation while preserving healthy gut function. The 'good' cell population helps keep the gut lining healthy, while the 'bad' cells cause excessive inflammation and are associated with inflammatory diseases.

SourceThe Francis Crick Institute·JournalImmunity·DateJun 19, 2019

Studies: Benralizumab not effective reducing exacerbations in moderate to very severe COPD

A recent study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that benralizumab, an asthma drug, was ineffective in reducing exacerbations in patients with moderate to very severe COPD. The study involved over 3,000 patients and showed no significant decrease in COPD exacerbation rates among those receiving benralizumab.

SourceTemple University Health System·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateMay 20, 2019

Photoacoustic endoscopy could improve Crohn's disease treatment

Researchers developed a capsule-shaped photoacoustic imaging endoscope to examine intestinal changes in Crohn's disease. The device can differentiate between inflammatory and fibrotic strictures, allowing for more targeted treatment and potentially reducing adverse effects. This technology could also provide real-time diagnostic inform...

SourceOptica·JournalBiomedical Optics Express·DateApr 24, 2019

Advanced imaging technology predicts cardiovascular risk from inflammation detected in arteries

Researchers used advanced PET/MRI technology to analyze inflammatory processes in arteries of individuals with atherosclerotic plaques. The study found that inflammation is present at early stages of atherosclerosis, particularly in regions without developed plaques.

SourceCentro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares Carlos III (F.S.P.)·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateMar 25, 2019

Green tea cuts obesity, health risks in mice

A new study published in the Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry found that green tea extract reduced weight gain and inflammation in mice fed a high-fat diet. The researchers also discovered improved gut health, including more beneficial microbes and less permeability in the intestinal wall. These findings suggest that green tea may h...

SourceOhio State University·JournalThe Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry·DateMar 14, 2019

What happens when sand fleas burrow in your skin?

Researchers report five cases of severe tungiasis in traditional Amerindian communities, highlighting the disease's potential for life-threatening progression. Treatment with dimeticone oil has shown effectiveness in resolving inflammation and restoring mobility within a week.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases·DateFeb 7, 2019

Resist! TAK1 enables endothelial cells to avoid apoptosis

A study published in Developmental Cell reveals that TAK1 preserves endothelial cell survival in an inflammatory environment, suggesting its potential as a target for anti-angiogenic therapy. The researchers used a unique mouse model to show that TAK1 is essential for endothelial cell survival during inflammation and injury.

SourceOsaka University·JournalDevelopmental Cell·DateJan 17, 2019

New inflammation inhibitor discovered

A multidisciplinary team of researchers from Karolinska Institutet in Sweden has developed a new anti-inflammatory drug molecule that inhibits inflammation by targeting a protein involved in the repair of oxygen damage to DNA. The discovery could lead to new treatments for inflammatory diseases such as sepsis, COPD, and severe asthma.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalScience·DateNov 15, 2018