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Researchers create mouse lacking key inflammation gene

Scientists from Boston University created a mouse model with reduced inflammation, which may lead to new treatments for conditions like arthritis and Crohn's disease. The study found that the LITAF transcription factor controls inflammation through a different pathway than the NF-kB regulator.

SourceBoston University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 6, 2006

Mayo Clinic links allergies to Parkinson's disease

Researchers at Mayo Clinic have discovered an association between allergic rhinitis and the development of Parkinson's disease. The study found that people with allergic rhinitis are 2.9 times more likely to develop Parkinson's, highlighting a potential link between inflammation and the disease.

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalNeurology·DateAug 7, 2006

Asthma -- obesity connection

A study published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation found that a fatty acid binding protein called aP2 plays a crucial role in controlling inflammation in asthma. The research suggests that blocking aP2 function may be a novel approach for asthma treatment and other inflammatory lung diseases.

SourceResearch Australia·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJul 13, 2006

Combined treatment cuts inflammatory cells in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

A randomized study of 140 COPD patients found that a combination therapy significantly reduced inflammatory cells and improved lung function. The treatment, salmeterol/fluticasone propionate, decreased inflammation by 36% and showed improvements in lung function similar to other anti-inflammatory treatments.

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateMar 31, 2006

Fighting inflammation with targeted liposomal therapy

Researchers developed RGD peptide liposomes to deliver dexamethasone phosphate directly to VECs at sites of inflammation, reducing arthritis severity and disease progression. The study demonstrates the potential of targeted liposomal therapy for treating rheumatoid arthritis.

SourceWiley·JournalArthritis & Rheumatism·DateMar 29, 2006

White blood cell count, inflammation linked to cancer deaths

Researchers found that high white blood cell counts were associated with an increased risk of cancer mortality, even after controlling for other factors. The association was strongest for lung cancer and suggested that aspirin may have a greater protective effect against cancer for those with high WBC counts.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Internal Medicine·DateJan 23, 2006

Bare metal stents deliver gene therapy to heart vessels with less inflammation in animal studies

Researchers at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia developed a novel technique to attach therapeutic genes to bare metal stents, reducing inflammation and restenosis. The study used animal models and found significantly lower restenosis with the new stents compared to conventional ones.

SourceChildren's Hospital of Philadelphia·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 19, 2005

JCI table of contents: December 2005

A study using mouse models found that B. pertussis toxin inhibits neutrophil recruitment, delaying antibody-mediated clearance and allowing repeated infection. Another study identified thrombospondin-1 as a novel mediator of ischemic damage in the kidney, which may be a target for drugs to reduce kidney failure risk.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateNov 17, 2005

Fatty foods fight inflammation

Researchers have discovered that eating fatty foods can dampen inflammation in the gut by stimulating the production of cholecystokinin, a hormone that sends signals to the brain and immune cells. This process may provide a way to reduce inflammatory complications after surgery.

SourceJournal of Experimental Medicine·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·DateOct 10, 2005

Scientists pinpoint inflammation gene

Researchers have discovered the SEPS1 (Selenoprotein S) gene's role in inflammation, which is a common component of many human disorders. The study found that a genetic variation in the SEPS1 gene can lead to higher levels of inflammation and increased risk of diseases like cardiovascular disease and Type 2 diabetes.

SourceMedical College of Wisconsin·JournalNature Genetics·DateOct 9, 2005

Symptoms of depression may worsen heart failure

A study of 32 patients with heart failure found that those experiencing depression had nearly twice the levels of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) in their blood. This increase was associated with worsened heart function, as TNF-alpha promotes inflammation and reduces the heart's ability to pump blood effectively.

SourceOhio State University·JournalAmerican Heart Journal·DateSep 7, 2005

Growing lymph vessels with macrophages? Surprisingly, yes!

Researchers discovered that CD11b-positive macrophages play a crucial role in the development of lymphangiogenesis in the cornea during inflammatory conditions. These macrophages transform into endothelial cells or stimulate the division of existing lymphatic cells, leading to the formation of new lymph vessels.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateSep 1, 2005

Seeing what protein C is all about

Researchers used a novel transgenic strategy to create ProC mice with low protein C levels, which spontaneously developed thrombosis and inflammation. The study found that maternal ProC is required for sustaining pregnancy, highlighting the role of protein C in development and disease.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateMay 5, 2005

A new route for treatment of IBD

Researchers found that TLR9-induced protection is mediated through type I IFN induction, which suppresses inflammation. Type I IFN has a protective role in colon injury and protects against colonic inflammation.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateMar 1, 2005

Premature births from inflammation and infection rapidly detected by proteomics technology

Researchers have developed a novel method called MR scoring to rapidly detect preterm birth from inflammation and infection in women. The test uses biomarkers Human neutrophil defensin 1, Human neutrophil defensin 2, Calgranulin C and Calgranulin A to identify women at risk of premature delivery with high sensitivity and specificity.

SourceYale University·JournalBritish Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology·DateFeb 4, 2005

Brain inflammation found in autism

Researchers have found brain inflammation associated with autism, suggesting immune activation plays a role in the disorder. The study's findings support the theory that immune activation is involved in autism, but further research is needed to understand its benefits and drawbacks.

SourceWiley·JournalAnnals of Neurology·DateNov 15, 2004

Picking prostanoids to provide protection

Researchers found that prostacyclin (PGI) protects against atherosclerosis, while thromboxane A2 (TXA2) promotes its development. TP antagonists and molecules with PG-like activity may aid in atherosclerosis prevention, aligning with previous work on low-dose aspirin therapy.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateSep 15, 2004

Rheumatoid arthritis and early indicators of disease

A study found increased levels of C-reactive protein (CRP) in the blood of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), even those without autoantibodies. The findings suggest that early inflammation is a key factor in RA development, potentially serving as a predictive marker for future symptomatic inflammation.

SourceWiley·JournalArthritis & Rheumatism·DateAug 5, 2004

Infertility treatment affects oral health

A study suggests that women undergoing infertility treatment who have periodontal disease may experience higher levels of gingival inflammation and bleeding, which could impact the success of fertility treatments like ovulation induction medication. Maintaining good oral hygiene is crucial to prevent these issues.

SourceAmerican Academy of Periodontology·JournalJournal of Periodontology·DateJun 22, 2004