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Steroids to treat asthma: How safe are they?

A new study from the University of Montreal found that a short burst of oral steroids may temporarily depress the immune system in children with asthma, leading to reduced antibody production. However, this effect is considered transient and rare, occurring only when exposed to new antigens during an asthma attack.

Sleep mode: The energy cost of sleep deprivation

A study by Colorado University's Sleep and Chronobiology Laboratory found that missing a night of sleep burns approximately 135 calories. Eight hours of sleep, on the other hand, saved the same amount of energy. The findings demonstrate a direct correlation between the sleep-wake cycle and energy expenditure.

SourceWiley·JournalThe Journal of Physiology·DateJan 12, 2011

JCI online early table of contents: Nov. 15, 2010

A team of researchers identified the gene Trib1 in mice, which regulates lipid production by the liver. Overexpression of Trib1 decreased blood lipids, while lack of Trib1 increased them. This suggests that TRIB1 is responsible for associations between chromosome 8 and lipid levels.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateNov 15, 2010

NIH scientists find more health benefits from starting HIV treatment early

A new study found that HIV-infected individuals who start antiretroviral therapy (ART) soon after acquiring the virus have stronger immune responses to other pathogens compared to those who start ART later. Early treatment restores resting memory B cells and reduces immature B cells, leading to improved immune system function.

Researchers find clues to gut immunity evolution, reveal similarities between fish and humans

A study at the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine has identified a key player in animal gut immunity and revealed surprising similarities between fish and humans. The discovery provides new insights into how humans maintain healthy intestines and could lead to improved approaches for keeping fish safe from pathogens.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalNature Immunology·DateAug 10, 2010

Boosting the efficacy of anticancer vaccines

Researchers developed an alphavirus vector to overcome neutralizing antibodies and Tregs, inducing clinically relevant immune responses in patients with metastatic cancer. Repeated administration led to longer overall patient survival, making the approach a promising therapeutic option.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateAug 2, 2010

Adaptation is (not) in the eye of the beholder

Researchers used DNA barcoding to reveal that parasites infecting freshwater fish mostly specialize on specific hosts, except for those targeting the eyes which can infect many different species and even frogs. This discovery may have practical benefits for wildlife managers and fish farmers.

SourceWiley·JournalMolecular Ecology·DateJun 22, 2010

Only some like it hot

A study found that song sparrows from California displayed higher body temperatures during the night due to their longer breeding season, allowing them to prioritize their immune response. In contrast, sparrows from Washington had shorter breeding seasons, which may limit their ability to invest in immune reactions.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalFunctional Ecology·DateMar 31, 2010

What is the function of the protein CD20?

Researchers have found that CD20 protein is essential for generating optimal B cell immune responses, particularly to T-independent antigens. The discovery was made by analyzing a patient with a mutation in the CD20 gene, who had impaired B cell responses and recurrent infections.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateDec 21, 2009

JCI online early table of contents: Nov. 9, 2009

Research suggests that NSAIDs can prevent the early appearance of neuronal cell cycle events in a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease. However, treatment with NSAIDs does not reverse existing neuronal CCEs. Additionally, interstitial macrophages may play a role in preventing asthma by inhibiting LPS-induced immune responses.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateNov 9, 2009

Alcohol, pregnancy and brain cell death

Alcohol consumption during pregnancy can lead to a range of adverse outcomes, including learning disabilities and increased susceptibility to diseases. The destruction of beta-endorphin neurons in the hypothalamus region can result in permanent impairment of stress and immune system functions throughout life.

Maternal immunity not all good for a fetus

Researchers found that fetal immune cells eliminate transplanted allogeneic blood cells, but only triggered by maternal breast milk antibodies. This limits engraftment following in utero hematopoietic cell transplantation.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateAug 3, 2009

JCI online early table of contents: Aug. 3, 2009

Researchers at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia have identified an immune mechanism responsible for graft failure in a mouse model of IUHCT. Maternal alloantibodies, produced in response to IUHCT, trigger a postnatal immune response that limits engraftment following in utero hematopoietic cell transplantation. This finding opens the...

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateAug 3, 2009

Toward an explanation for Crohn's disease?

A study has found that a mutation in the NOD2 gene may predispose individuals to Crohn's disease by impairing the immune system's ability to recognize and fight off mycobacteria. The research, published in the Journal of Experimental Medicine, highlights the potential for new therapeutic approaches to combat the disease.

SourceMcGill University Health Centre·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·DateJul 9, 2009

JCI online early table of contents: June 1, 2009

Researchers have identified a mechanism by which influenza virus makes individuals more susceptible to secondary bacterial pneumonia. Type I IFNs, key mediators of the antiviral immune response, impair the ability to mount an adequate immune response to subsequent pneumonia-causing bacterial infection.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJun 1, 2009

Lice can be nice to us

Lice parasites have been found to modulate the immune system of wild wood mice, suggesting a potential link between parasite exposure and reduced autoimmune disease risk. This research implies that modern humans, lacking natural parasite exposure, may develop less regulated immune systems leading to increased disease susceptibility.

SourceUniversity of Nottingham·JournalBMC Biology·DateApr 24, 2009