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CNIC researchers discover a new target for the treatment of fatty liver disease

CNIC researchers have identified a new target for the treatment of fatty liver disease, p38 gamma and p38 delta proteins. Inhibition of these proteins with specific inhibitors has shown potential as a treatment for fatty liver disease, potentially preventing inflammation, liver damage, and diabetes linked to obesity.

UTMB study uncovers mechanism responsible for pollen-induced allergies

Researchers at UTMB discovered a key mechanism behind developing allergic asthma and seasonal nasal allergies after exposure to airborne pollens like ragweed. The study found that neutrophils, white blood cells, attract in response to allergens, trigger inflammation and oxidative stress in the airways.

SourceUniversity of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory Cell and Molecular Biology·DateJul 22, 2015

New technique reveals immune cell motion

Researchers developed a new technique to study neutrophil motion in confined spaces, revealing a second mode of motion that doesn't rely on integrins. The findings suggest that physical confinement is key to reproducing this motion and may lead to the development of new drugs to optimize neutrophil movement in specific tissue types.

SourceBrown University·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateDec 19, 2014

How age alters our immune response to bereavement

The study found that younger people have a more robust immune response to grief, while elderly people are more likely to experience reduced immune function. The researchers suggest that hormonal supplements could be used to help individuals at risk of stress, but highlight the importance of a strong support network in managing grief.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalImmunity & Ageing·DateSep 9, 2014

Immune cells need a second opinion

Researchers at the University of Bonn have decoded a new immunoregulatory mechanism controlling defense in urinary tract infections. The mechanism involves two types of macrophages regulating neutrophils, with sentinel macrophages triggering an alarm and helper macrophages providing a safety mechanism to prevent collateral damage.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalCell·DateFeb 4, 2014

Jamming in tumors

Scientists at Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research find that interferon-beta inhibits neutrophil migration into tumors, reducing new blood vessel formation and tumor growth. This discovery could improve treatment options for certain cancers.

SourceHelmholtz Centre for Infection Research·JournalInternational Journal of Cancer·DateJan 29, 2014

Oxygen levels increase and decrease the effectiveness of anti-inflammatory therapies

Researchers found that oxygen levels alter the effectiveness of anti-inflammatory glucocorticoid drugs in neutrophil lifespans. This discovery may help tailor anti-inflammatory agents to specific diseases, improving treatment outcomes for patients with severe asthma, COPD, and other inflammatory conditions.

SourceFederation of American Societies for Experimental Biology·JournalJournal of Leukocyte Biology·DateDec 2, 2013

Human neutrophil peptide-1: A new anti-leishmanial drug candidate

Researchers have identified Human Neutrophil Peptide-1 (HNP-1) as a potential treatment for leishmaniasis, a vector-borne disease affecting young individuals worldwide. HNP-1 has been shown to directly kill Leishmania parasites and increase the lifespan of neutrophils, reducing their susceptibility to infection.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases·DateOct 17, 2013

Protecting the heart health of diabetic patients

Researchers found that hyperglycemia promotes the production of inflammatory cells, which contribute to plaque build-up in blood vessels. Treating diabetic mice with a drug that lowers blood sugar levels reduced circulating monocyte and neutrophil numbers and allowed plaques to heal.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell Metabolism·DateMay 7, 2013

Under the right conditions, peptide blocks HIV infection at multiple points along the way

Researchers have discovered a human peptide that effectively blocks HIV entry into cells by targeting specific targets on both the virus and the cells. The peptide, human neutrophil peptide 1, prevents early and late stages of HIV-cell fusion and inhibits viral uptake without compromising cell function.

SourceAmerican Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateJul 24, 2012

JCI early table of contents for July 23, 2012

Researchers found that miR-122 modulates fat and cholesterol metabolism and has a tumor suppressive function in hepatocytes. A mouse model with MiR-122 loss of function also promoted breast tumor growth by differentially regulating ERα and ERβ.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJul 23, 2012

JCI early table of contents for June 18, 2012

Studies found that DNA damage activates NF-κB, a transcription factor driving cellular aging. Inflammation was also linked to oxidative stress, senescence, and degenerative changes caused by aging. Meanwhile, social isolation disrupted neurotransmission in young rodents, affecting AMPA receptor delivery and synaptic function.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJun 18, 2012

New immune defense enzyme discovered

Scientists at Max Planck Institute of Neurobiology have discovered a new serine protease, neutrophil serine protease 4 (NSP4), which forms part of the antibacterial defense arsenal of neutrophil granulocytes. NSP4 could provide a new target for treating diseases involving an overactive immune system.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 3, 2012