Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Interleukin-27: Can a cytokine with both pro & anti-inflammatory activity make a good drug target?

A new Review article explores the potential to target IL-27-activated mechanisms in diseases such as multiple sclerosis and Crohn's disease. The cytokine's dual anti-inflammatory and proinflammatory activities suggest it could be a significant determinant of inflammatory responses.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalJournal of Interferon & Cytokine Research·DateOct 20, 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

Exposure to inflammatory bowel disease drugs could increase leukemia risk

A new study published in Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology found that thiopurine therapy for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) may increase the risk of myeloid disorders, including acute myeloid leukemia. The study analyzed data from over 19,000 IBD patients and found a seven-fold increased risk among those taking thiopurines.

SourceAmerican Gastroenterological Association·JournalClinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology·DateAug 6, 2014

Intestinal parasites are 'old friends,' researchers argue

A new review argues that most intestinal parasite infections have no negative impact in well-nourished people with low overall parasite loads. In some cases, parasite infections could activate the immune system and prevent disorders caused by inflammation of the intestines.

SourceCIFAR·JournalTrends in Parasitology·DateJul 23, 2014

New diagnostic test to distinguish psoriasis from eczema

Researchers at Helmholtz Munich have created a diagnostic procedure that uses only two genes to reliably differentiate between psoriasis and eczema. The new test is expected to pave the way for personalized medicine in chronic inflammatory skin diseases, reducing the need for expensive treatments.

New discovery related to gum disease

Researchers at UofL School of Dentistry have discovered a way to prevent inflammation and bone loss surrounding teeth by blocking the natural signaling pathway of enzyme GSK3b. This finding has implications for preventing periodontal disease, a chronic inflammatory condition causing tooth loss.

SourceUniversity of Louisville·JournalMolecular Medicine·DateSep 11, 2012

JCI early table of contents for July 16, 2012

Researchers have discovered a new target for treating acute myeloid leukemia by targeting cyclin-dependent kinase 1 (CDK1), which promotes differentiation of cancer cells. Additionally, inflammation has been found to play a significant role in age-related retinal degeneration.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJul 16, 2012

Biosignatures distinguish between tuberculosis and sarcoidosis

Researchers have identified biosignatures for tuberculosis and sarcoidosis, but a single signature is insufficient to distinguish between the two diseases. A combination of markers is required to accurately diagnose a specific disease, enabling doctors to distinguish between different diseases with similar clinical appearances.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 7, 2012

Normal triglyceride levels in people of African descent may hinder diagnosis of metabolic syndrome

People of African descent may be at risk for cardiovascular disease despite normal triglyceride levels, highlighting a paradox known as the TG paradox. Researchers call for further study and development of new screening guidelines to better identify metabolic syndrome in this population.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalMetabolic Syndrome and Related Disorders·DateApr 5, 2012