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Weill Cornell team discovers how brain's own tPA helps regulate blood flow to neurons

A recent study by Weill Cornell Medical College reveals that the brain contains its own store of tissue plasminogen activator (tPA), a powerful enzyme that boosts blood flow to brain cells via nitric oxide synthase. This finding has significant implications for understanding stroke and Alzheimer's disease, and may lead to new treatments.

SourceNewYork-Presbyterian·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 17, 2008

Horphag's Prelox provides over-the-counter solution

Prelox, a patented blend of Pycnogenol and L-Arginine, shows significant improvement in men with ED after just one day, increasing nitric oxide production for enhanced blood flow. The study achieved almost 100% increase in orgasmic function, sexual desire, and overall satisfaction.

SourceMWW Group·JournalInternational Journal of Impotence Research·DateDec 3, 2007

Mitochondria send death signal to cardiac cells, study shows

Researchers at Ohio State University Medical Center found that the mitochondria send a death signal to cardiac cells when blood flow is restored, leading to cell damage and weakening heart function. The study identifies a specific enzyme, mitochondrial nitric oxide synthase, as a potential therapeutic target to stop this process.

SourceOhio State University·JournalJournal of Molecular and Cellular Cardiology·DateNov 8, 2007

Dark green blood in the operating theatre

A 42-year-old Canadian patient developed compartment syndrome and underwent emergency fasciotomies, resulting in dark greenish-black blood analysis. Sulfhaemoglobinemia was diagnosed as the cause, linked to excessive sumatriptan intake, a medication containing a sulfonamide group.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateJun 7, 2007

All itches not created equal -- Different parts of brain activated depending on cause

Researchers found that different parts of the brain are activated depending on the cause of itching, with allergen-induced itches activating the supplementary motor and posterior parietal areas. Histamine-induced itches, on the other hand, activate a smaller area of the brain, suggesting a compulsion to scratch in those cases.

SourceAmerican Physiological Society·JournalJournal of Neurophysiology·DateDec 6, 2006

Computing catches up with theory

A team of researchers has developed a model that tests Pe-ter Richardson's long-held hypothesis about the formation of blood clots. The model, which uses high-speed computing, reproduces several odd features of thrombus growth observed in laboratory experiments and tissue pathologies.

SourceBrown University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 30, 2006

Pine tree bark reduces diabetic microangiopathy

A study published in Angiology found that Pycnogenol, an antioxidant extract from pine tree bark, significantly improved blood flow and reduced swelling in patients with diabetic microangiopathy. Blood flow improvements were 34% when lying down and 68% when standing up.

SourceMWW Group·JournalAngiology·DateOct 3, 2006

Statins may improve circulation in the retina

Researchers found that long-term use of statins increased retinal blood flow and reduced intraocular pressure in healthy men. The findings suggest a potential therapy for diabetic retinopathy, a condition linked to reduced blood flow in the eye.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Ophthalmology·DateMay 8, 2006

Some heart patients vulnerable to mental stress

Researchers found that a third of patients without signs of reduced blood flow during exercise testing had temporary changes in heart rhythm or restricted blood flow when role-playing stressful situations. This phenomenon may indicate more severe coronary artery disease in these patients.

SourceUniversity of Florida·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateMar 6, 2006

New insight into cause of Crohn's disease

Researchers found that Crohn's disease patients produce lower quantities of neutrophils and inflammatory mediators in response to trauma, leading to delayed blood flow and persistence of bacteria. Treatment with Viagra corrected abnormally low blood flow, suggesting a potential role for the drug in treating the disease.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateFeb 23, 2006