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Psychosocial stressors linked to higher inflammation in Black pregnant women

Research found that experiences of racial discrimination and perceived neighborhood racial composition are associated with higher levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines during pregnancy. Higher macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) levels were linked to glucocorticoid resistance, a potential mechanism underlying preterm birth.

SourcePenn State·JournalBrain Behavior & Immunity - Health·TypeObservational study·DateMar 6, 2024

Study identifies blood biomarkers to predict risk of cardiovascular disease in patients with rheumatoid arthritis

Researchers identified six blood biomarkers associated with increased cardiovascular risk in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. These biomarkers improved the ability to predict arterial inflammation, an indicator of cardiovascular risk, compared to standard clinical indices.

SourceMass General Brigham·JournalJournal of the American Heart Association·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateFeb 28, 2024

Sniffing our way to better health

Researchers have discovered that certain volatile compounds emitted by microbes and food can alter epigenetic states in neurons and other eukaryotic cells. Exposure to these compounds can slow down neurodegeneration and cancer, while also affecting plant growth and responses to stress.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournaleLife·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 27, 2024

Novel treatment strategy reduces inflammation and cardiometabolic risk in adolescents with obesity

A one-year interdisciplinary therapy program reduced inflammation and cardiometabolic risk in obese adolescents, improving insulin resistance and weight management. The semi-intensive model produced better results than previous intensive models, reversing hyperlipidemia and promoting energy balance.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalInternational Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health·DateFeb 21, 2024

Gargling away the bad bacteria in type 2 diabetes

Researchers from Osaka University found that gargling with an antiseptic mouthwash can reduce periodontitis-related bacteria in patients with type 2 diabetes. This simple method may improve the lives of people with periodontitis-linked diseases such as diabetes, dementia, and cardiovascular disease.

SourceOsaka University·JournalScientific Reports·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 14, 2024

How does climate change affect eczema?

A recent study published in Allergy found that climate change has negative effects on atopic dermatitis, including increased inflammation from air pollution and stress from droughts. The researchers called for further research to address the impact of multiple climatic factors on eczema incidence and prevalence.

SourceWiley·JournalAllergy·DateJan 24, 2024

Stress, via inflammation, is linked to metabolic syndrome

A new study found that stress drives up inflammation in the body, which is linked to metabolic syndrome. Stress management techniques may be a way to improve biological health outcomes. The research suggests that reducing inflammation can help mitigate the connection between stress and metabolic syndrome.

SourceOhio State University·JournalBrain Behavior & Immunity - Health·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 12, 2024

ALS: blocking inflammation to reduce symptoms

Research suggests that structural changes in upper motor neurons send a signal to immune cells, leading to toxic effects on neurons and reduced synaptic connections. Blocking inflammation with a semi-synthetic drug can restore synaptic connections and improve ALS symptoms.

SourceUniversité Laval·JournalActa Neuropathologica Communications·DateJan 10, 2024

Perceived time has an actual effect on physical healing

New Harvard study finds that perceived time influences actual physical healing time, challenging conventional beliefs about psychological influence on health. The study used a standardized procedure to mildly wound volunteer subjects and found that wounds healed faster when participants believed more time had passed.

SourceHarvard University·JournalScientific Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 2, 2024

New insights revealed on tissue-dependent roles of JAK signaling in inflammation

Researchers have gained a deeper understanding of the nuanced roles of JAK inhibitors in inflammation across various cell types and tissues. The study reveals that activating JAK1 signaling has tissue-specific effects, including an unexpected immunoregulatory role in lung sensory neurons, which suppresses lung inflammation.

Study shows exposure to household chemicals can lower odds of getting pregnant

A study published in Environmental Health Perspectives found that exposure to phthalates can lower the odds of getting pregnant, but not lead to pregnancy loss. The researchers also discovered associations between preconception phthalate exposure and changes in women's reproductive hormones, inflammation, and oxidative stress.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalEnvironmental Health Perspectives·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 15, 2023

New study explores ways to reduce inflammation and preserve bone health with prunes

A new study published in The Journal of Nutrition found that daily prune intake can significantly reduce inflammatory cytokines and activated monocytes in postmenopausal women. Prunes contain bioactive compounds that may act synergistically to suppress activated monocytes and their secretion of bone-resorptive inflammatory cytokines.

SourceWild Hive·JournalJournal of Nutrition·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateDec 12, 2023

Repeated blast exposures may harm the brain health of military personnel

A study found increased brain inflammation and structural changes in special operations personnel exposed to blasts, potentially increasing the risk of long-term brain-related disease. The research suggests that repetitive exposure to low-level blasts may cause brain injuries and highlights the need for better protective measures.

SourceUniversity of Virginia Health System·JournalJournal of Neurotrauma·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateDec 6, 2023

ADA Forsyth scientists work to bring tissue regeneration to replace root canal treatment

Researchers at ADA Forsyth have discovered the regenerative properties of Resolvins, specifically RvE1, which promotes pulp regeneration and reduces bacterial invasion in dental pulp. The technology has far-reaching potential for regenerative medicine beyond oral health, including growing bones in other parts of the body.

SourceForsyth Institute·JournalJournal of Dental Research·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 1, 2023

Making sense of bacterial Babel

The study analyzed 170 known bacterial languages, grouping them into clusters based on molecular structure. Bacteria can understand related languages, but not those with vastly different languages. This understanding will aid in refining treatment approaches and developing biotechnology applications.

SourceAalto University·JournalAngewandte Chemie·DateNov 23, 2023

Anti-rheumatic drugs could prevent thyroid disease

Researchers found that immunomodulatory drugs used to treat rheumatoid arthritis can reduce the risk of autoimmune thyroid diseases. Patients treated with these drugs had a 46% lower risk of developing an autoimmune thyroid disease compared to those without rheumatoid arthritis.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalJournal of Internal Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateNov 22, 2023

First comprehensive guideline on using biomarkers for monitoring Crohn’s disease

The American Gastroenterological Association released a new guideline recommending the use of biomarkers to help manage Crohn’s disease. Biomarkers such as C-reactive protein and fecal calprotectin can measure levels of inflammation, helping doctors assess disease activity and guide treatment decisions.

SourceAmerican Gastroenterological Association·JournalGastroenterology·TypeSystematic review·DateNov 17, 2023

Long COVID in women may be linked to inflammation levels at peak of infection, new research suggests

A study of 144 Covid survivors found that women with elevated inflammatory biomarkers during the acute phase were more likely to experience lingering symptoms like fatigue, breathlessness, and sleep disturbance. This research sheds light on a potential link between inflammation and persistent Long Covid symptoms in women.

SourceUniversity of York·JournalImmunity Inflammation and Disease·DateNov 7, 2023

Risk of serious infection even in low-active IBD

Research at the University of Gothenburg found that even low-active IBD patients have a higher risk of serious infections due to microscopic intestinal inflammation. Achieving a fully healed intestinal mucosa may reduce this risk, contributing to lower morbidity and mortality in IBD patients.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalClinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology·TypeObservational study·DateNov 1, 2023

University of Cincinnati study: Strawberry consumption may reduce dementia risk for middle-aged individuals

A recent study published in Nutrients found that daily strawberry consumption can improve cognitive performance and reduce depressive symptoms in middle-aged adults. The research, led by Professor Robert Krikorian, suggests that strawberries contain antioxidants and micronutrients that may help mitigate the risk of dementia.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·JournalNutrients·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateNov 1, 2023

Hydrogel developed by Brazilian researchers improves skin wound healing in diabetics

Researchers developed a low-cost anti-inflammatory hydrogel containing annexin A1 that accelerated complete skin wound healing in mice with induced type 1 diabetes. The hydrogel modulated the wound microenvironment and favored tissue regeneration, reducing inflammation and improving blood vessel formation.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalBiomedicine & Pharmacotherapy·DateOct 27, 2023

Is red meat intake linked to inflammation?

A Baylor College of Medicine study analyzed metabolite data from over 4,000 adults and found no direct link between red meat consumption and markers of inflammation. The researchers suggest that body weight may be the driver of increased systemic inflammation instead.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 26, 2023

Breakthrough for ‘neglected’ rheumatic condition

A year-long clinical trial found sustained remission of polymyalgia rheumatica in 28% of patients taking sarilumab, compared to 10% of those on placebo. The treatment showed promise in reducing relapse and improving outcomes for patients tapering their steroid medication.

SourceAnglia Ruskin University·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateOct 25, 2023

B12 deficiency: a hidden trigger of inflammation?

A recent study found a compelling link between vitamin B12 deficiency and chronic inflammation, which can lead to various health problems. The research revealed an inverse relationship between vitamin B12 levels and inflammatory markers in humans and mice, suggesting that higher vitamin B12 levels may lower inflammatory markers.

SourceSociety of Chemical Industry·JournalJournal of the Science of Food and Agriculture·TypeObservational study·DateOct 17, 2023