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Smoking may cause inflammatory bowel disease

A new study reveals that cigarette smoke triggers colitis, an inflammation of the colon, in mice exposed to cigarette smoke. The researchers identified CD4+ T cells and a pro-inflammatory protein as the immune cells responsible for this effect. This finding could lead to the development of new treatments for Crohn's disease.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Immunology·DateOct 31, 2017

Disaster makes people with depression less healthy

Research from Rice University found that individuals with depressive symptoms before a disaster experience increased inflammation, a major risk factor for heart disease. The study tracked participants' health markers after the 2005 Texas City petrochemical refinery explosion and found a significant increase in inflammatory markers.

SourceRice University·JournalPsychosomatic Medicine·DateOct 23, 2017

Exercise packs a punch against inflammation

Physical activity has strong anti-inflammatory properties, playing a crucial role in chronic diseases like type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Exercise stimulates cytokines IL-6 and IL-10, inhibiting TNF-α and limiting IL-1β signalling to combat inflammation.

SourceWiley·JournalEuropean Journal of Clinical Investigation·DateJul 19, 2017

Modeling Gulf War illness: Knowing the cause of brain dysfunction is key to finding a cure

Gulf War veterans experience long-term side effects of their service due to exposure to chemicals like pyridostigmine bromide, DEET, and permethrin. Animal models demonstrate how these chemicals cause brain dysfunction, inflammation, and oxidative stress, leading to symptoms such as cognitive decline, memory problems, and chronic fatigue.

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalFrontiers in Molecular Neuroscience·DateJun 20, 2017

Research suggests link between imbalanced gut microbiome and systemic sclerosis

A study found that Americans with systemic sclerosis had a greater imbalance of good and bad gut bacteria compared to Norwegians. The researchers believe this difference is due to genetics and diet, which could lead to new treatments by restoring balance through diet modification, probiotics, and fecal transplantation.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalBMJ Open Gastroenterology·DateMay 11, 2017