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ALS and frontotemporal dementia show origins in utero, according to evidence from mice and patient-derived stem cells

Researchers found that C9ORF72 mutations impair neural stem cell renewal, leading to reduced brain regions during embryonic development. This impairment could contribute to disease symptoms later in life. The study used patient-derived nerve cells and laboratory mice to demonstrate the impact of C9ORF72 on neurodevelopment.

SourceKeck School of Medicine of USC·JournalCell Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 18, 2023

Human senescent fibroblasts cause lung fibrosis in mice

Researchers found that human senescent fibroblasts trigger progressive lung fibrosis in immunodeficient mice by inducing paracrine senescence and pro-fibrotic activities. The study also suggests that senolytic compounds like navitoclax can ameliorate lung fibrosis induced by senescent human fibroblasts.

SourceImpact Journals LLC·JournalAging-US·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 31, 2023

New brain cells can replace diseased and aged cells. That may help people with severe brain diseases

Researchers at the University of Copenhagen have discovered a way to replace diseased and aged brain cells with new ones, which could lead to treatments for neurodegenerative diseases like Huntington's disease and multiple sclerosis. The study used humanized mice models to test the effectiveness of glial cell transplantation.

NEW STUDY: Discovery of chemical means to reverse aging and restore cellular function

A team of scientists at Harvard Medical School has identified six chemical cocktails that can restore cellular aging and rejuvenate human cells. The study builds upon the discovery of Yamanaka factors, which can convert adult cells into induced pluripotent stem cells, raising hopes for treating age-related diseases and injuries. The im...

SourceImpact Journals LLC·JournalAging-US·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 12, 2023

Innovative gene therapy may help treat a severe and fatal developmental epilepsy syndrome that affects children

Researchers at Tel Aviv University have developed an innovative gene therapy that shows promise in treating Dravet syndrome, a severe developmental epilepsy affecting children. The treatment was found to be effective in improving epilepsy, protecting against early death, and enhancing cognitive abilities.

SourceTel-Aviv University·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJun 22, 2023

Discovery slows down muscular dystrophy

A team of researchers has identified TAK1 as a regulator of skeletal muscle mass, slowing down disease progression and improving muscle function in Duchenne muscular dystrophy. By targeting this protein, they can suppress muscle fiber death and enhance myofiber growth, offering a promising new approach to treatment.

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalJCI Insight·DateMay 24, 2023

Alternating estrogen and anti-estrogen therapies is effective in treating metastatic breast cancer

Researchers at Dartmouth Cancer Center found that alternating estrogen stimulation and anti-estrogen therapy is an effective treatment for patients with metastatic or advanced ER+ breast cancer. The POLLY trial showed that 42% of patients experienced tumor stabilization, while no patients discontinued treatment due to side effects.

SourceDartmouth Health·JournalClinical Cancer Research·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMay 15, 2023

Brain images just got 64 million times sharper

Researchers at Duke University have successfully improved the resolution of Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), capturing images of a mouse brain with unprecedented sharpness. The breakthrough allows for the visualization of microscopic details within the brain, enabling new insights into neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's an...

SourceDuke University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeImaging analysis·DateApr 17, 2023

Gene essential to making DNA appears to be a good target in minimizing pulmonary hypertension

Researchers discover that inhibiting a gene crucial for DNA production can significantly reduce destructive cell proliferation and disease progression in pulmonary hypertension. This finding presents a potential treatment target for the condition, which affects females aged 30-60 with limited treatment options.

SourceMedical College of Georgia at Augusta University·JournalEuropean Heart Journal·DateMar 14, 2023

First nasal monoclonal antibody treatment for COVID-19 shows promise for treating virus, other diseases

Researchers at Brigham and Women's Hospital tested a new nasal monoclonal antibody treatment, Foralumab, which decreased inflammatory markers and lung inflammation in patients with COVID-19. The treatment also showed similar effects in multiple sclerosis patients, suggesting its potential use for treating other diseases.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeObservational study·DateMar 8, 2023

Obesity puts people at higher risk of diabetes and hypertension than dyslipidemia, especially women

Research reveals obesity increases risk of diabetes and hypertension more significantly in women, with weight loss effective in reducing disease risk. However, merely losing weight is insufficient for reducing dyslipidemia in women, highlighting the need for lifestyle improvement guidance and treatment.

SourceKobe University·JournalScientific Reports·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 2, 2023

What is clinically meaningful to slow Alzheimer’s progression?

The work group reframed what is clinically meaningful to slow Alzheimer's disease progression, including the need for combination therapies and realistic expectations of benefits and risks. Slowing brain deterioration by four to six months in early stages may preserve function, leading to meaningful outcomes for patients and families.

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalAlzheimer s & Dementia·DateFeb 7, 2023

Novel spatial-omics technology enables investigation of diseases at their early stages

Researchers developed a new spatial-omics technology called DISCO-MS to detect early molecular changes in diseases. This approach allows for the characterization of diseased cells in intact tissues, revealing new biomarkers and therapeutic targets for conditions like Alzheimer's disease and atherosclerosis.

Exercise is medicine for cancer and every dose counts - even in late stages in the disease

A new study from Edith Cowan University found that a single bout of exercise can significantly suppress tumour growth in people with late-stage prostate cancer. The researchers observed increased levels of anti-cancer myokines after high-intensity exercise, which helped fight cancerous cells and stimulated anti-cancer processes.

SourceEdith Cowan University·JournalProstate Cancer and Prostatic Diseases·TypeObservational study·DateDec 13, 2022

Protein mutation that causes Parkinson’s may prevent another neurodegenerative disease

Researchers have discovered that a specific mutation in the misfolding protein causing Parkinson's disease can also protect against multiple system atrophy (MSA), another fatal neurodegenerative disorder. The findings provide a promising lead for developing targeted treatments using personalized medicine approaches.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalPLOS Pathogens·TypeObservational study·DateDec 1, 2022

New Journal of Pharmaceutical analysis articles highlight progress in the search for therapies to treat challenging diseases

Studies on 18beta-glycyrrhetinic acid, human islet amyloid polypeptide (hIAPP), and fluoroquinolone derivatives explore new approaches to treating challenging diseases. Researchers aim to develop better therapeutics for liver diseases, which cause almost 2 million deaths worldwide every year.

SourceCactus Communications·JournalJournal of Pharmaceutical Analysis·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 25, 2022

Regular physical activity may boost effectiveness of COVID-19 jab

Research suggests that regular physical activity enhances vaccine effectiveness against COVID-19 by improving antibody levels and mitochondrial function. High levels of physical activity were associated with higher vaccine protection rates, with significant reductions in hospital admissions and severe illness risk.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalBritish Journal of Sports Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateOct 24, 2022

Small test group shows ALS patients’ own cells may provide a safe pathway to slow or halt progression of the deadly degenerative disease

A small test group has shown that using a patient's own cells in combination with regulatory T-lymphocyte and IL-2 treatment can safely and effectively slow or halt the progression of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). This treatment approach was found to be tolerable and biologically active over a period of one year.

SourceHouston Methodist·JournalNeurology·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 6, 2022

HKUMed finds 52% and 66% death reduction for molnupiravir and nirmatrelvir–ritonavir users among inpatients with COVID-19; supports early use of oral antivirals in this population of patients

A retrospective cohort study of hospitalised patients with COVID-19 found significant reductions in all-cause mortality and disease progression among those receiving oral antivirals like molnupiravir and nirmatrelvir–ritonavir. The study supports the use of these antivirals in this population.

SourceThe University of Hong Kong·JournalThe Lancet Infectious Diseases·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 5, 2022

Traditoinal medicine could give new hope to heart patients

Researchers from the University of Copenhagen have identified a new mechanism in ARVC that could lead to a potential treatment strategy. They found that activating sirtuin-3 can slow down disease progression, and honokiol, a natural product extracted from the tulip tree, has been shown to work similarly.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - The Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences·JournalCirculation·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 19, 2022

Alliance Foundation trials study finds combination hormonal therapy delivered in finite period improves PSA levels in patients with prostate cancer

A randomized phase III trial found that combination hormonal therapy, delivered for a finite treatment interval of 12 months, more durably suppresses PSA levels compared to hormone injections alone. The treatment approach improved disease progression in patients with high-risk biochemically relapsed prostate cancer.