A biophysical smoking gun
Scientists discover tau protein can form compact droplets with RNA, creating conditions for aggregation. The novel state highly concentrates tau and makes it vulnerable to fibril formation.
Disease Progression
Articles tagged with Disease Progression
Genetic modifier for Huntington's disease progression identified
Researchers have identified a genetic modifier associated with the rate of progression in Huntington's disease. The study used high-quality data from two cohorts and found a significant result linked to the MSH3 gene.
The extent of neuronal loss in the brain during MS
A study by Queen Mary University of London researchers found significant neuronal loss in MS brains, with a 39% difference in neuron count compared to healthy controls. Cortical volume and density were also affected, highlighting the importance of early treatment.
Scientists create novel model that shows progression from normal blood cells to leukemia
Researchers created a model showing the progression from normal blood cells to leukemia, allowing for testing of therapeutic interventions at each stage. The model enabled the transplantation of leukemia from humans to mice, paving the way for valuable research into therapies for blood cancer patients.
The Lancet Oncology: Immediate aggressive treatment may not be necessary for all adults with advanced kidney cancer
A recent study published in The Lancet Oncology found that adults with slow-growing kidney cancer can live for months or even years without worsening disease progression through active surveillance. The approach was most successful in patients with limited metastatic disease and fewer risk factors.
Simultaneous pregnancy and leukaemia offer a treatment challenge
A 36-year-old woman with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) becomes unintentionally pregnant and seeks a treatment approach that balances cancer remission and healthy delivery. Through her successful experience, doctors and patients gain insight into the complexities of managing CLL during pregnancy.
Continued smoking after MS diagnosis associated with accelerated disease progression
A recent study published in JAMA Neurology found that continued smoking after an MS diagnosis is associated with accelerated disease progression. The study analyzed data from over 1,000 patients and found that those who continued to smoke converted to secondary progressive multiple sclerosis (SPMS) faster than those who quit.
Reasons for ibrutinib therapy discontinuation in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia
A study of 308 patients with CLL found that 10% discontinued ibrutinib therapy due to disease progression and Richter's transformation, while others stopped for other reasons. Patients who discontinued therapy had poor prognosis, highlighting the need for new research targets.
Positive study data could improve standard of care for Hodgkin lymphoma patients
A late-stage clinical trial demonstrated that brentuximab vedotin can improve progression-free survival and overall survival in patients with relapsed or refractory Hodgkin lymphoma after autologous stem cell transplant. The study showed a 20% improvement in progression-free survival rate and high response rates among patients.
Genotype found in 30 percent of ALS patients speeds up disease progression
A recent study has discovered a genotype variant that speeds up the progression of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) in mice, leading to faster disease progression and shorter life spans. The research aims to better understand the molecular pathway of this accelerated model to develop more successful drug trials for all ALS patients.
Mining mountains of data for medical insights
Researchers developed a new method to predict disease progression by analyzing Denmark's entire population health records. The approach revealed surprising correlations between diseases, such as gout and cardiovascular disease, and showed that certain diagnoses are often followed by others in a causal sequence.
Anti-dsDNA, surface-expressed TLR4 and endosomal TLR9 cooperate to exacerbate lupus
Researchers found that anti-dsDNA, surface-expressed TLR4, and endosomal TLR9 cooperate to worsen lupus progression. Co-activation of these receptors triggers a more intense immune response, leading to increased disease severity.
Prolaris test predicts mortality risk in prostate cancer biopsy study
The Prolaris test accurately predicted 10-year death rates from prostate cancer and outperformed antiquated upgrading practice. In conservatively managed patients, the test differentiated high-risk disease from lower-risk disease.
Myriad publishes clinical utility study for Prolaris
The PROCEDE 500 study demonstrates that the Prolaris test provides personalized risk assessment for prostate cancer patients, leading to significant changes in treatment plans. The study found a 50% reduction in surgical interventions and a 30% reduction in radiation treatment.
Micronutrient supplements reduce risk of HIV disease progression and illness
Supplementation with multivitamins plus selenium reduced HIV disease progression, immune decline, and illness risk in antiretroviral therapy-naive adults in Botswana. The supplement delayed time to HIV disease progression and improved markers of immune function.
Therapy slows onset and progression of Lou Gehrig's disease, study finds
A new therapy has shown promising results in slowing the onset and progression of Lou Gehrig's disease, increasing survival rates by up to 39% in animal models. The treatment targets the SOD1 gene, which is mutated in some cases of familial ALS, and was administered via non-invasive delivery.
Women seek alcohol treatment between an average of 4 to 5 years earlier than men
Research reveals women progress to treatment with similar negative consequences as men but reach threshold earlier, sparking need for tailored interventions and greater awareness of women's issues. The study analyzed data from over 530 individuals seeking treatment, finding a significant gender gap in the time it takes to seek help.
Scientists identify early predictors of disease progression which could speed Huntington's disease drug trials
Researchers have identified key biological changes in people with presymptomatic Huntington's disease, which can predict disease progression and guide treatment trials. Baseline measures from brain imaging were found to be the clearest markers of disease progression beyond age and CAG length.
Millions of patients still waiting for medical 'breakthroughs' against neglected diseases
Only a small fraction of new medicines developed between 2000 and 2011 were for the treatment of neglected diseases, highlighting significant gaps in innovation. Despite this, some progress has been made through drug reformulations and repurposing of existing drugs.
By 2030, 7 in 10 deaths globally will be due to noncommunicable diseases; health systems must be strengthened to respond to this growing crisis
A growing burden of chronic disease threatens low-income and middle-income countries; weak national health systems hinder effective interventions. Strengthening health systems can improve responses to chronic diseases, benefiting other health services as well.
Finasteride reduces symptoms and disease progression associated with enlarged prostates
Long-term finasteride use has been shown to reduce disease progression and improve urinary tract symptoms associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia. The treatment also reduces the risk of acute urinary retention and surgical intervention, making it an effective option for men with moderate to severe lower urinary tract symptoms.
Research heralds potential for early diagnosis of degenerative brain disorders
Researchers have developed a new diagnostic tool using Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy that can identify neurological diseases in patients without clear symptoms. The study shows promise for early diagnosis of degenerative brain disorders such as Huntington
Erlotinib maintenance therapy prolongs survival in patients with the most common form of lung cancer
Erlotinib maintenance therapy significantly improves progression-free and overall survival in patients with non-small-cell lung cancer. The treatment is generally well-tolerated, with mild to moderate side effects.
HIV and noncommunicable diseases hinder the progress of poor countries' Millennium Development Goals
A study published in PLoS Medicine examines the impact of HIV and noncommunicable diseases on poor countries' progress towards the UN Millennium Development Goals. The research found that these factors are strongly associated with the difficulty countries have meeting health targets, accounting for over half of the inequality in progress.
Prozac and Celexa exhibit anti-inflammatory effects
Research found fluoxetine (Prozac) and citalopram (Celexa) significantly inhibited disease progression of collagen-induced arthritis in mice. The study suggests potential drug development opportunities for arthritic conditions like rheumatoid arthritis.
Treatment for herpes in patients co-infected with herpes and HIV could delay HIV disease progression
A new study finds that aciclovir, used to treat herpes simplex virus type 2, can reduce the risk of HIV-1 disease progression by 16% in patients co-infected with both conditions. The treatment also delays CD4 cell count decline and reduces HIV transmission.
Antiretroviral therapy can be delivered safely in Africa without routine laboratory monitoring for toxic effects
Researchers found that first-line ART can be delivered safely without routine biochemistry and haematology monitoring, but CD4-cell count monitoring has a small benefit in disease progression and mortality. The trial suggests that monitoring should start from the second year of ART to guide the switch to second-line treatment.
The protein APC slows Lou Gehrig's disease in mice
Researchers found that administering APC and its analogs slowed disease progression and extended survival in mutant SOD1-expressing mice. These compounds worked by decreasing SOD1 expression in brain cells, indicating a potential neuroprotective effect of APC in mouse models of inherited ALS.
Mount Sinai leads large multicenter study finding evidence that a drug might slow Parkinson's
Researchers at Mount Sinai School of Medicine report a promising result from the ADAGIO trial, finding that rasagiline may slow Parkinson's disease progression. The study used a novel design to examine the effect of early treatment on disease progression, and found benefits for patients starting therapy with rasagiline.
Lung cancer survival improved by maintenance therapy with pemetrexed
A randomized phase III study found that pemetrexed significantly improved progression-free survival (4.3 months vs 2.6 months) and overall survival (13.4 months vs 10.6 months) compared to placebo in patients with advanced non-squamous NSCLC who did not progress after initial platinum-based chemotherapy.
Some donor factors affect outcomes for HCV-positive liver transplant recipients
Researchers found that donor steatosis does not affect liver disease progression, but transplants from donors with higher Donor Risk Index scores negatively impact HCV-positive recipients' outcomes. The studies suggest using high-risk grafts carefully in HCV-positive patients.
In retinal disease, sight may depend on second sites
A team of scientists discovered a genetic modifier, A229T, that increases the risk of retinal degeneration and blindness in patients with ciliary diseases. The study found that this change affects protein interactions critical for retinal function, leading to progressive vision loss.
Why do black pigment stones cause gallbladder contractility function disorder?
Researchers found black pigment stones significantly impair gallbladder contractility and ejection rate, leading to bile stagnation. This new understanding may shed light on the disease mechanism of gallstone diseases.
Glaucoma patients with poor health literacy may have greater disease progression
A study found that glaucoma patients with poor health literacy have lower understanding of the condition, miss more appointments, and experience faster visual field loss. The authors emphasize the need for culturally and linguistically appropriate communication to improve patient compliance with medications and treatment.
Study helps explain how allergic reactions are triggered
A study led by Monika Vig and Jean-Pierre Kinet found that calcium ion channels play a crucial role in triggering inflammatory responses, providing new insights into asthma and allergy symptoms. The discovery highlights the importance of CRACM1 calcium channels in mast cell activation.
Donors must play catch-up with the reality of chronic diseases
The Lancet report highlights the need for donors to invest in chronic disease prevention and treatment. The authors argue that evidence is not dichotomous, but rather a continuum that should trigger action under certain conditions. Policymakers must evaluate the level of evidence required before intervening.
Pregnancy may slow -- not accelerate -- progression to AIDS
A study of HIV-infected women found that pregnancy can actually slow disease progression, not accelerate it. The use of HAART during pregnancy significantly reduces the risk of transmitting the virus to the child, and pregnant women tend to have lower risks of disease progression before and after pregnancy.
Study shows link between alcohol consumption and HIV disease progression
Researchers found that heavy alcohol consumption is associated with lower CD4 cell counts and faster HIV disease progression in HIV-infected persons who are not on antiretroviral therapy. The study suggests that abstaining from alcohol use may decrease the risk of disease progression for these individuals.
New sepsis model may help shape patient care
A new mathematical model of sepsis can predict patient outcomes, including deaths, discharges, and disease progression. The model was developed using data from over 1,800 patients with pneumonia-related sepsis and showed high accuracy in predicting these outcomes.
Smoking and sleep top the list of lifestyle factors impacting oral health
A study by the American Academy of Periodontology identifies smoking and lack of sleep as significant lifestyle factors impacting periodontal health. The study found that current smokers were at high risk for periodontal disease progression, while getting seven to eight hours of sleep can help prevent it.
Periodontal diseases may aggravate pre-diabetic characteristics
Researchers found that periodontal disease can cause pre-diabetic characteristics and contribute to the progression of Type 2 diabetes. The study used rat models to investigate the relationship between periodontitis and pre-diabetes, highlighting the importance of oral health in preventing diabetes.
PTPN22 gene associated with both susceptibility and disease progression in rheumatoid arthritis
The study found that the PTPN22 gene risk variant is associated with increased articular damage progression in rheumatoid arthritis patients. The researchers also discovered a link between the T allele carrier status and the annual rate of radiographic damage progression.
16-Year follow-up study reinforces Betaseron long-term efficacy, safety and tolerability in MS
Patients with relapsing forms of MS taking Betaseron experienced a sustained 40% reduction in annual relapse rates over 16 years. Long-term treatment showed slower disease progression, with those on therapy reaching EDSS 6.0 after a median time of 13 years.
Brain derived neurotrophic factor alleviates disease symptoms in a mouse model of Rett Syndrome
Researchers have found that brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) can alleviate disease symptoms in a mouse model of Rett Syndrome. Increasing BDNF levels slowed down disease progression and improved mouse survival, suggesting potential therapeutic applications for the disorder.
The impact of body weight on the progression of knee osteoarthritis
A study published in Arthritis & Rheumatism found that weight gain significantly increases the risk of disease progression in knees with moderate malalignment, but has no impact in neutrally aligned or severely malaligned legs. Researchers suggest targeting weight loss efforts for patients with moderate malalignment to slow disease pro...
CNS cancers and other diseases: Using proteomics to identify unique protein 'fingerprints'
Researchers used SELDI-TOF mass spectrometry to analyze proteins in CSF of patients with known malignancies and non-cancerous conditions. They identified specific protein fingerprints that reliably distinguished between cancerous and non-cancerous disease, offering a promising diagnostic tool.
Drug combination increases life span of mice with ALS
A new drug combination has been shown to delay disease progression and increase the longevity of mice with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The therapy, which combines minocycline, riluzole, and nimodipine, reduced muscle strength loss and nerve cell degeneration in ALS-mice.
A new way for cells to die
Researchers have identified a new form of programmed cell death called paraptosis, characterized by the formation of vacuoles and mitochondrial swelling. This alternative pathway may offer novel therapeutic targets for cancer and neurodegenerative diseases.
New drug studies show promise for reducing joint damage in rheumatoid arthritis
Two new research studies have shown significant promise for reducing joint damage in rheumatoid arthritis, with a combination of infliximab and methotrexate halting progression and improving symptoms in patients. Etanercept also demonstrates efficacy in slowing joint damage and decreasing symptoms.
Cedars-Sinai Medical Center researchers shed new light on mechanisms causing neurodegeneration
Researchers analyzed biologic, chemical, and genetic mechanisms to understand how SCA2 gene mutations cause damaged nerve cells. They found basic mechanisms in SCA2 cells differ from other genes associated with neurodegenerative diseases, suggesting new treatment possibilities for ataxia and related conditions.
New campaign brings attention to jaw joint diseases
The TMJ Association has launched a national awareness campaign to raise awareness about jaw joint diseases, which affect over 10 million Americans, mostly women. The campaign aims to promote quality research and improved treatments for the condition, which causes debilitating pain and dysfunction.
Enbrel shown safe, effective in children and teenagers with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis
A clinical trial of Enbrel in children with polyarticular juvenile rheumatoid arthritis found significant improvement in joint pain, stiffness, and inflammation. The drug was well-tolerated, with a 74% response rate among treated patients.
PAHO Details Successes In Fight Against Communicable Diseases
The Pan American Health Organization reports progress in controlling poliomyelitis, measles outbreaks, and Chagas' disease. The region has also seen a decline in cholera cases, with only 5% of reported cases in 1997 compared to six years earlier.
Using PET Scans To Monitor Cancer Cells' Activity And Predict Who Will Develop Alzheimer's, Other Diseases
Using PET scans to track glucose metabolism, researchers can identify malignant tumors and detect early metabolic changes in neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and Huntington's. Serial scans also assess disease progression and therapeutic interventions.
A Mutation In The CCR5 Coreceptor Slows HIV Disease Progression In Children Born To Seropositive Mothers
Researchers found that heterozygous children with the delta 32 mutation experienced slower disease progression and delayed onset of severe immunodeficiency. This discovery provides important arguments for the beneficial effect of delta 32 heterozygosity on HIV disease progression in children.
Immune Response To HIV Predicts Disease Progression
Researchers found that certain patterns of immune responses to HIV during primary infection are highly predictive of an individual's subsequent rate of disease progression. The study suggests that the immunologic factors at work during this early period, as much or more than virologic factors, determine the outcome of HIV disease.