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Salt-inducible kinases may have therapeutic potential for autoimmune diseases

Research suggests that salt-inducible kinases may have therapeutic potential for autoimmune diseases. By inhibiting these enzymes, scientists were able to limit the production of inflammatory molecules by certain types of human immune cells, increasing levels of anti-inflammatory IL-10 and reducing proinflammatory cytokines.

SourceFederation of American Societies for Experimental Biology·JournalJournal of Leukocyte Biology·DateApr 29, 2016

Study: Even a little air pollution may have long-term health effects on developing fetus

New research suggests that even small amounts of air pollution may have long-term health effects on the developing fetus, increasing the risk of premature birth and lifelong neurological and respiratory disorders. The study found biological evidence of intrauterine inflammation in pregnant women exposed to high levels of air pollution.

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalEnvironmental Health Perspectives·DateApr 27, 2016

Scientists find 'outlier' enzymes, potential new targets to treat diabetes, inflammation

Two unique enzymes, AIG1 and ADTRP, have been discovered that play a role in metabolism and inflammation, potentially targeting type 2 diabetes and inflammatory disorders. The enzymes are moderately inhibited by lipase inhibitors, suggesting they may be used to boost FAHFAs, which normalize glucose levels and reduce inflammation.

SourceScripps Research Institute·JournalNature Chemical Biology·DateMar 28, 2016

Cancer drug helps combat asthma in mice

Dasatinib, a cancer treatment, reduces inflammation and improves lung mechanics in mice with allergic asthma. The drug targets tyrosine kinases involved in asthma's signaling pathways.

SourceWiley·JournalBritish Journal of Pharmacology·DateFeb 1, 2016

Rapid molecular assay may help diagnose sepsis

A rapid molecular assay using RNA biomarkers in blood can differentiate sepsis from infection-negative systemic inflammation more accurately and quickly than traditional methods. The assay, known as SeptiCyte Lab, was validated in independent cohorts and showed high sensitivity and specificity.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateDec 8, 2015

Natural selection and inflammation may hold key to age-associated cancer risk

Research suggests that healthy cells are optimized for a healthy ecosystem; changes in this ecosystem allow cancer-causing mutations to outcompete healthy rivals, leading to an increase in cancerous cells. Inflammation is a critical factor in this process, hurting the growth and maintenance of healthy B-cell progenitor cells.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateNov 11, 2015

Better sleep and tai chi reduce inflammation and promote health

A new study published in Biological Psychiatry found that treatment for insomnia with cognitive behavioral therapy or tai chi reduces inflammation levels in older adults. These behavioral interventions also represent a third pillar, along with diet and physical activity, to promote health and reduce age-related morbidities.

SourceElsevier·JournalBiological Psychiatry·DateNov 5, 2015

More than skin deep

Researchers at LSU have identified a new gene regulation pathway that prevents inflammation and speeds up the skin's healing process. A nanoparticle-carried small interference RNA blocks the Nax sodium sensor, enabling faster healing.

SourceLouisiana State University·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateNov 4, 2015

Study seeks cause of fatal bereavement

A new study aims to determine the mechanisms that cause some grieving survivors to suffer unanticipated and potentially fatal heart attacks. The researcher hopes to understand how stress, depression, and anxiety contribute to inflammation, a driver of cardiovascular disease.

Infrared thermography can detect joint inflammation and help improving work ergonomics

A study from the University of Eastern Finland found that infrared thermography can detect joint inflammation in ankle joints, but not knee joints. The technique also showed potential in evaluating office ergonomics and assessing musculoskeletal conditions, which could ease the workload in specialized healthcare and reduce costs.

SourceUniversity of Eastern Finland·JournalPhysiological Measurement·DateOct 1, 2015

Queen's University developing new drug against leading causes of death -- sepsis and ARDS

Scientists at Queen's University Belfast have developed a novel anti-inflammatory nanoparticle that shows promise in treating sepsis and Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS), two leading causes of death in hospitalised patients. The treatment, known as SAN101, has the potential to reduce inflammation and prevent organ failure.

SourceQueen's University Belfast·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateSep 2, 2015

Studying the outliers

Scientists have identified a gene variant that slows Alzheimer's disease progression by preventing eotaxin levels from increasing with age. The study found that individuals carrying this variant experienced a modest delay in disease onset, suggesting a potential protective mechanism against the disease.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·DateSep 1, 2015

Flu remedies help combat E. coli bacteria

Researchers at the University of Zurich have discovered that an overproduction of E. coli bacteria is triggered by the availability of sialic acid, leading to intestinal inflammation. A sialidase inhibitor can prevent excessive E. coli formation and alleviate disease symptoms.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 25, 2015