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New smart drug targets and reduces site-specific inflammation

Researchers have developed a dynamic 'smart' drug that targets inflammation in a site-specific manner, reducing side effects. The new anti-inflammatory molecule reduces local inflammation while avoiding normal inflammatory processes, potentially improving treatment outcomes for immunosuppressed patients and those undergoing chemotherapy.

SourceAmerican Associates, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev·JournalThe Journal of Immunology·DateJul 22, 2015

Inflaming the drive for suicide

Researchers found elevated cytokine levels in blood and brain of individuals with suicidality, distinguishing them from non-suicidal patients. This study contributes to understanding the role of immune system dysfunction in major psychiatric disorders, potentially leading to more personalized medicine.

SourceElsevier·JournalBiological Psychiatry·DateJun 24, 2015

Increasing evidence points to inflammation as source of nervous system manifestations of Lyme disease

A new study published in the American Journal of Pathology shows that inflammation plays a causal role in Lyme disease's neurologic changes, and anti-inflammatory drugs like dexamethasone may prevent these effects. Researchers found that dexamethasone prevented many neuropathologic effects, while meloxicam was generally ineffective.

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalAmerican Journal Of Pathology·DateApr 16, 2015

Scientists make surprising finding in stroke research

Scientists at the University of Manchester discovered that inflammation in the brain causes and worsens damage after a stroke, contradicting previous theories. The study found that inflammasomes such as NLRP3 are not involved in brain injury caused by stroke, but rather NLRC4 and AIM2 inflammasomes contribute to this damage.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 16, 2015

Scientists use MRI to visualize pancreas inflammation in type 1 diabetes

Researchers have developed a novel imaging technique using ferumoxytol and MRI to visualize pancreatic inflammation in patients with newly diagnosed type 1 diabetes. The study found clear evidence of ongoing inflammation in the pancreas, which could help predict disease progression and identify potential therapeutic targets.

SourceJoslin Diabetes Center·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 17, 2015

Akt Pathway 'ramp ups' effects of transplanted umbilical cord cells used in stroke therapy

Researchers found that umbilical cord cells activate the Akt signaling pathway, leading to increased expression of antioxidant genes like Prdx5, which reduces inflammation and promotes neural cell survival. This study suggests that umbilical cord cell therapy could be a promising treatment for stroke and other brain injuries.

An end to the medicine dropper for eye injuries?

Researchers have developed a novel, drug-releasing wafer that patients can apply directly to their affected eyes once daily, showing twice the effectiveness of traditional eye drops in mice without causing inflammation. This innovative treatment could help patients recover faster and reduce side effects associated with current therapies.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Nano·DateFeb 4, 2015

Discovery of new signaling intermediates provides clues to novel therapies in pancreatitis

Researchers have discovered a new signaling intermediate, leukotriene B4, which is synthesized and released by pancreatic acinar cells. This finding provides a potential target for the development of novel therapies for pancreatitis, a common disorder that complicates many ailments.

SourceAmerican Gastroenterological Association·JournalCellular and Molecular Gastroenterology and Hepatology·DateJan 15, 2015

Smoking, alcohol, gene variant interact to increase risk of chronic pancreatitis

A 12-year study found that genetic variants, combined with lifestyle factors like smoking and drinking, can lead to chronic pancreatitis. Researchers identified a specific gene variant that may fail to protect pancreatic cells from injury, increasing the risk of inflammation and scarring.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences·JournalClinical and Translational Gastroenterology·DateJan 8, 2015

Food allergy development linked to skin exposure

A new study suggests that skin sensitization to food proteins, triggered by pro-inflammatory molecules like TSLP and IL-25, can lead to food allergy development. The research found that mice exposed to food antigens through the skin developed severe allergic reactions when ingested.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateNov 3, 2014

Intestinal barrier damage in multiple sclerosis

Researchers at Lund University discovered inflammation and changes in the intestinal barrier function early in MS, indicating a potential link to disease progression. The study suggests that damage to the intestinal barrier may prevent the body from ending an autoimmune reaction, leading to chronic diseases like MS.

SourceLund University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateSep 4, 2014

Aspirin, take 2

Researchers at UC San Diego School of Medicine found that aspirin prompts the production of 15-HETE, which converts to lipoxin to reverse inflammation. This discovery may lead to new anti-inflammatory therapies by developing drugs based on lipoxin analogues.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 18, 2014

Study shows link between inflammation in maternal blood and schizophrenia in offspring

Researchers found that higher levels of C-reactive protein in maternal blood were significantly associated with an increased risk of schizophrenia in offspring. The study suggests that pregnancy-related inflammation may play a role in the development of schizophrenia, providing new insights into its biological mechanisms.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalAmerican Journal of Psychiatry·DateJul 8, 2014

Attack is not always the best defense

Pharmacists at Jena University have developed three potential therapeutic agents that may improve the healing of inflammatory illnesses. The agents suppress a key enzyme in the body's own cascade of inflammation, specifically targeting 5-LOX, which plays a pivotal role in synthesizing leukotrienes. This breakthrough could lead to more ...

SourceFriedrich-Schiller-Universitaet Jena·JournalBritish Journal of Pharmacology·DateMay 27, 2014

Bullying may have long-term health consequences

A study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found that bullied children experience chronic, systemic inflammation that persists into adulthood. In contrast, bullies may benefit from increased social status through bullying, which can protect against increases in inflammatory markers.

SourceDuke University Medical Center·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 12, 2014

Low-carbohydrate diet reduced inflammation

A low-carbohydrate diet was found to significantly reduce inflammation in patients with type 2 diabetes, whereas a traditional low-fat diet showed no similar effect. After six months, the low-carb group exhibited reduced levels of inflammatory markers and improved glucose control.

SourceLinköping University·JournalAnnals of Medicine·DateMay 8, 2014