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Does boosting 'good' cholesterol really improve your health?

A new review suggests that augmenting the function of HDL cholesterol rather than increasing its concentration is crucial for protecting against cardiovascular disease. The study highlights the importance of addressing adipose tissue-associated inflammation to support the atheroprotective role of HDL.

SourceWiley·JournalBritish Journal of Pharmacology·DateMar 22, 2017

Study reveals surprises concerning COPD and smoking

A new study reveals a significant decrease in airway wall cells and certain inflammatory cells in smokers and mild to moderate COPD patients. The findings challenge the widely accepted description of airway inflammation in these individuals, suggesting a more complex underlying mechanism.

SourceWiley·JournalRespirology·DateMar 22, 2017

'Good' bacteria is potential solution to unchecked inflammation seen in bowel diseases

Researchers found that adding back beneficial bacteria can help end a cycle of unchecked inflammation, suggesting a new treatment for inflammatory bowel disease. The study suggests targeting the inflammation downstream of NLRP12 with anti-inflammatory drugs or feeding specific beneficial bacteria to potentially lead to treatments.

SourceUNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center·JournalNature Immunology·DateMar 13, 2017

Could a ketogenic diet alleviate gout?

A recent study suggests that a ketogenic diet can protect against gout flares in rats by increasing levels of ketone bodies and inhibiting the NLRP3 inflammasome. This could potentially improve treatment outcomes for humans with the disease.

SourceYale University·JournalCell Reports·DateFeb 28, 2017

New RNAi treatment targets eye inflammation

A new RNAi treatment has shown significant improvement in mouse models of acute uveitis and chronic diabetic inflammation without apparent side effects. The therapy targets the receptor-associated prorenin system, involved in uveitis pathogenesis.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalMolecular Therapy — Nucleic Acids·DateFeb 13, 2017

Type 1 diabetes linked to gut inflammation, bacteria changes

A new study reveals that individuals with Type 1 diabetes exhibit distinct gut inflammation and microbiome changes compared to those without diabetes or celiac disease. The research found specific genes associated with gut inflammation and unique combinations of gut bacteria in patients with Type 1 diabetes.

SourceThe Endocrine Society·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateJan 19, 2017

Gut bacteria may hold key to treating autoimmune disease

Researchers discovered that replacing missing gut bacteria or restoring a key metabolite called inosine could help treat children with IPEX syndrome, an often fatal autoimmune disease. The study found that probiotic Lactobacillus reuteri and A2A receptor agonists inhibited T cell-mediated autoimmunity, extending the animals' life span.

SourceRockefeller University Press·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·DateDec 19, 2016

Test used to diagnose asthma may not be accurate

A new study found that the mannitol challenge test may not be accurate in detecting asthma in non-clinical settings. The test's predictive value was low in the general population, highlighting the need for caution when interpreting results.

SourceWiley·JournalRespirology·DateDec 5, 2016

A new window to understanding the brain

Researchers at Harvard University have developed syringe-injectable mesh electronics that stably record neural activity in mice for eight months or more, opening up new possibilities for studying neuro-degenerative diseases and aging processes. The technology also enables the delivery of electrical stimulation to the brain over three m...

SourceHarvard University·JournalNature Methods·DateAug 29, 2016

Cellular snowplow keeps genes open

A new study reveals how immune cells access specific genes to fight inflammation and infections, using the cellular snowplow mechanism. The researchers found that nucleosome remodelers clear away blizzards of nucleosomes, allowing genes to be expressed.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateAug 16, 2016

Self-rated health worth doctors' attention

A new study from Rice University found that patients' self-rated health is a strong predictor of morbidity and mortality, even stronger than blood tests and measurements. The researchers linked low self-rated health to high levels of herpesvirus activity and inflammation, which are associated with poor cellular immunity and disease.

SourceRice University·JournalPsychoneuroendocrinology·DateJul 14, 2016

Natural metabolite can suppress inflammation

Scientists discovered that itaconate, a natural substance produced by macrophages, acts as an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent. It reduces the activity of immune cells and may be used to treat pathologies caused by excessive inflammation or oxidative stress.

SourceITMO University·JournalCell Metabolism·DateJun 30, 2016