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Tobacco and e-cigs may put healthy young people at risk of severe COVID illness, new UCLA research suggests

New UCLA research finds that tobacco smoking and vaping can predispose healthy young people to increased inflammation and severe COVID-19. The study, published in Journal of Molecular Medicine, found higher levels of key proteins in plasma from smokers and vapers compared to non-smokers.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalJournal of Molecular Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 9, 2023

Spanish scientists identify a new therapeutic target in macrophages for the treatment of obesity-related diseases

Macrophages adapt their metabolism according to the organ they reside in, reveals Spanish scientists. This discovery highlights a vulnerability of macrophages that contributes to chronic inflammatory diseases and could be exploited therapeutically for conditions like cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes.

Statistics remove bias from debate about how well mouse models mimic human disease

A team of biostatisticians created a framework to evaluate the congruence and discordance of laboratory animals with specific human diseases. The tool removes bias from scientific interpretation of animal data for human conditions, revealing that some models mimic biological mechanisms well while others poorly.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 2, 2023

Two previously unknown bacterial species identified from patients with inflammatory bowel disease

Researchers have isolated two new bacterial species from patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), which break down the protective mucus layer of the gut. The bacteria, Allobaculum mucilyticum and Allobaculum fili, are highly efficient at degrading intestinal mucus, leading to potent immune responses.

SourceUniversity Medical Center Utrecht·JournalINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF SYSTEMATIC AND EVOLUTIONARY MICROBIOLOGY·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 12, 2023

Study links genetic variant to digestive disturbances in patients with Chagas disease

Researchers identified a genetic variant linked to digestive disturbances in patients with Chagas megaesophagus, a disorder characterized by esophageal dilation and loss of motility. The study suggests that increased interferon-gamma production leads to mitochondrial dysfunction, contributing to the development of the disease.

Thirdhand smoke can trigger skin diseases

A UC Riverside-led study found that acute THS exposure initiates mechanisms of inflammatory skin disease and elevates urinary biomarkers of oxidative harm. The researchers discovered elevated molecular biomarkers in blood associated with early-stage activation of contact dermatitis, psoriasis, and other skin conditions.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalEBioMedicine·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 11, 2022

ProDERM study results of Octagam® 10% treatment in patients with dermatomyositis published in the New England Journal of Medicine

A large randomized clinical trial demonstrated Octagam 10% as an efficacious and well-tolerated treatment option for adult dermatomyositis patients. The study showed improved outcomes in patients with this rare disease, providing a much-needed treatment alternative.

SourceYankee Public Relations·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateOct 6, 2022

Long-term study supports link between inflammation and cognitive problems in older breast cancer survivors

A long-term study of over 300 breast cancer survivors found a link between chronic inflammation and cognitive problems. Higher levels of CRP were related to lower reported cognitive function, suggesting that this common test for inflammation may also indicate risk for cognitive concerns.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·TypeObservational study·DateSep 30, 2022

Immune function remodeled by mitochondrial shape

A new study led by Erika Pearce at Johns Hopkins Medicine found that the shape and function of mitochondria in Th17 cells play a crucial role in controlling their autoimmune activity. The researchers identified several molecules, including LKB1, that can influence this process, paving the way for potential therapeutic modifications.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalNature·DateSep 28, 2022

A consistent lack of sleep negatively impacts immune stem cells, increasing risk of inflammatory disorders and heart disease

A new study finds that consistently losing an hour and a half of sleep per night can negatively impact immune stem cells, leading to increased inflammation and cardiovascular disease. Even after catching up on sleep, the effects of disrupted sleep remain long-lasting.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 21, 2022

New Chinese Medical Journal review elucidates potential contributors to non-alcoholic fatty liver disease

A new Chinese Medical Journal review article elucidates the potential contributors to non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) progression, highlighting the role of bile acid and sphingolipid biology. Researchers summarize current understanding of NAFLD, its progression, and potential therapeutic strategies.

SourceCactus Communications·JournalChinese Medical Journal·TypeSystematic review·DateSep 20, 2022

When microbiomes collide

A team of EMBL researchers used data from over 300 human faecal microbiota transplants to investigate the ecological understanding of what happens when two gut microbiomes clash together. The study found that species richness and how different a recipient's gut microbiome is from a donor's are key factors in determining which microorga...

SourceEuropean Molecular Biology Laboratory·JournalNature Medicine·DateSep 15, 2022

DNA guardians out of control

Scientists at the University of Bonn discovered that an overactivated cGAS/STING signaling pathway leads to severe inflammation in ANCA-associated vasculitis. The study involved patients with the disease and a novel mouse model, providing new insights into potential drug targets.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 24, 2022

Racial, sex disparities of gout

A recent study reveals racial and sex disparities in gout prevalence, with Black adults more commonly affected. Culturally informed efforts targeting diet and social determinants may help reduce these disparities.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateAug 15, 2022

Severe acute hepatitis of unknown causes in children is on the rise: A pediatric investigation review probes deeper for insights

A rise in severe acute hepatitis of unknown causes (SAHUC) in children has been reported worldwide, with symptoms including jaundice, vomiting, and diarrhea. Diagnostic tests such as liver enzymes and biopsy reports can help identify the disease, but its etiology remains unclear.

SourceCactus Communications·JournalPediatric Investigation·TypeSurvey·DateJul 19, 2022

Simple skin biopsy can assess tissue damage related to COVID-19

Researchers found clots in small venous and arterial blood vessels in normal-looking skin from patients with severe COVID-19, distinguishable from other forms of respiratory illness. Antiviral proteins and interferon-induced inflammatory proteins were also detected, associated with disease severity.

SourceElsevier·JournalAmerican Journal Of Pathology·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 14, 2022

Modeling a devastating childhood disease on a chip

A team of researchers created an in vitro human model of environmental enteric dysfunction (EED) using the Human Organ Chip technology. The EED Chips recapitulate features of EED found in biopsies from human patients, including inflammation and intestinal barrier dysfunction. The study sheds light on the complex interplay between malnu...

SourceWyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard·JournalNature Biomedical Engineering·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 23, 2022