A cross-sectional study of over 70,000 Asian Americans found significant variation in obesity prevalence among subgroups, with Filipino Americans having the highest rate at 28.7% and Chinese Americans the lowest at 13.2%. The study highlights the need for tailored strategies to address obesity disparities among Asian American populations.
Lenabasum has been shown to improve skin symptoms in patients with amyopathic dermatomyositis, demonstrating significant reductions in inflammation and disease severity. The study's findings suggest that lenabasum is a well-tolerated treatment option for refractory skin disease.
SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of Investigative Dermatology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateSep 21, 2022
Researchers have combined tesaglitazar and GLP-1 in a new hormone combination for type 2 diabetes treatment, improving glucose metabolism with minimal doses. The new drug has shown promise in animal studies, reducing kidney damage and increasing insulin sensitivity.
Researchers have discovered a functional link between STING signaling and immunometabolism, suggesting that PET imaging could measure the pharmacodynamic effects of STING-activating drugs. This approach may enable a whole-body analysis of immune activation in humans, guiding clinical development of anti-tumor therapy.
A cohort study found that reinfection rates are low after successful hepatitis C virus (HCV) treatment in people who inject drugs, suggesting a benefit of treatment in this population. The risk for reinfection was highest among those with ongoing injecting drug use and needle sharing.
A recent study investigated the relationship between passive muscle mechanical properties and dynamic performance in athletes. The research found a positive correlation between the shear modulus of the vastus lateralis muscle and performance outcomes during high-speed activities, suggesting that passive muscle properties are essential ...
Researchers have found that infusing glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) hormone can improve impaired islet cell function in the pancreas of cystic fibrosis patients, potentially improving blood sugar control and treatment burden. The study suggests a new therapeutic approach for treating cystic fibrosis-related diabetes.
A study of 56 transgender youth found that longer treatment with puberty-delaying medications was associated with lower bone mineral density. The researchers recommend discussing the impact of these medications on bone health and exploring interventions to improve bone health.
Research reveals pridopidine enhances autophagy in ALS model, reducing toxic protein aggregation and promoting neuronal health. The study supports pridopidine's potential as a treatment for neurodegenerative diseases like Huntington's disease and Alzheimer's.
Researchers at Tokyo University of Science identify brain regions and signaling pathways involved in fear extinction via delta receptor activation. The study suggests a potential therapeutic agent for post-traumatic stress disorders by suppressing fearful memories.
A study by Florida Atlantic University found that only 5.4% of individuals with opioid use disorder received treatment as part of their criminal justice involvement. The study also identified predictors of treatment access for justice-involved individuals, including demographics and substance use severity.
Researchers found that astrocytes regulate cognitive flexibility by releasing D-serine and glutamate, which integrates synaptic plasticity. Heterosynaptic long-term depression is mediated by astrocytes, critical for memory modification.
A recent study found significant inequities in the use of GLP-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RA), a medication typically used for treating diabetes, among different racial and ethnic groups. The study, published in JAMA Health Forum, showed that Black patients were 19% less likely to have a GLP-1 RA prescription compared to white patients.
Scientists at La Jolla Institute for Immunology and MIT have discovered a new adjuvant called SMNP, which combines saponin and TLR agonist to boost the protective power of vaccines. The study found that SMNP triggers a strong immune response in mice, promoting lymphatic drainage and activating multiple parts of the immune system.
A University of South Florida Health-led team discovered a lead candidate that selectively relaxes airway smooth muscle cells with no detectable drug desensitization. The biased beta-agonist, C1-S, offers a therapeutic option for asthma and obstructive lung diseases without the rapid loss of effectiveness seen with traditional β-agonists.
A new study suggests that a treatment for canine glioblastoma may also be effective in humans, with some dogs experiencing significant tumor shrinkage. The treatment uses an immunotherapy drug called STING agonist, which induced a robust immune response against cancer cells.
A global review found that Opioid Agonist Therapy (OAT) is associated with lower risk of multiple causes of death among people with opioid dependence. OAT was linked to reduced overdose-related, suicide, alcohol-related, cancer, and cardiovascular-related mortality.
A novel ghrelin receptor inverse agonist was developed for positron emission tomography (PET) imaging of functional expression in health and disease, particularly in cancer. The compound demonstrated specific binding to the Ghrelin receptor and imaging of tumors and normal tissues expressing the receptor.
Researchers identified systemic inflammation as a potential biomarker for predicting patient response to CD40 immunotherapy in advanced pancreatic cancer. Patients with systemic inflammation had worse overall survival rates than those without, suggesting that immune therapies may be less effective in these cases.
Researchers have identified a promising new compound that activates bitter taste receptors to promote airway relaxation. The most potent compound, T5-8, demonstrates marked effectiveness in human airway smooth muscle cells.
Researchers have discovered stable, synthetic STING agonists that induce anticancer immune responses in mice. These non-nucleotide small molecule STING agonists show robust anti-tumor activities and may represent an attractive approach for targeting the STING pathway.
Warren J. Leonard is recognized for pioneering work in X-linked severe combined immunodeficiency and cloning the IL-2 receptor alpha chain. His findings led to a deeper understanding of cytokine signaling and immune dysregulation.
Scientists from Tokyo University of Science discovered that an opioid compound called KNT-127 can help mask fear memory, reducing anxiety in individuals with PTSD. The study suggests that combining KNT-127 with cognitive behavioral therapy may enhance treatment efficacy for anxiety disorders.
A study published in PLOS Medicine found that co-prescribing benzodiazepines with opioid agonist treatment increases the risk of overdose death by three-fold. Doctors should avoid this practice, especially for patients who have recently left treatment or continue to use opioid drugs.
Guidelines recommend universal screening for opioid use and offering opioid agonist therapy, counselling, and mental health supports. Ongoing support in the postpartum period is crucial for women with opioid use disorders at increased risk of fatal overdose.
The new national guideline provides evidence-based treatment options for people with severe opioid use disorder, including injectable opioid agonist treatment with prescription heroin and hydromorphone. The guideline aims to reduce overdose deaths by supporting health care providers in delivering life-saving treatments.
A synthetic compound based on a brain hormone has shown surprising benefits in treating lung and other cancers in mice, but its effect on human cells was the opposite. The compound, MR409, is one of several GHRH analogs that spur healthy tissue growth and may alleviate concerns about stimulating cancer cell growth.
A new approach for treating liver cirrhosis has been found with aleglitazar, which reduces inflammation and portal hypertension in rats with cirrhosis. Aleglitazar suppresses inflammation, vasoconstriction, angiogenesis, and tumor necrosis factor overproduction in cirrhotic rats.
A network meta-analysis found that SGLT-2 inhibitors and GLP-1 agonists improved survival rates compared to DPP-4 inhibitors in patients with type 2 diabetes. The study analyzed data from 236 clinical trials involving 176,310 participants.
Phase 2 studies of tropifexor and seladelpar demonstrate potent anti-cholestatic and anti-inflammatory activity without increasing pruritus. Tropifexor and seladelpar are being explored as potential treatments for patients with primary biliary cholangitis, a progressive liver disease.
The new Canadian guideline recommends opioid agonist treatment with buprenorphine-naloxone as the preferred first-line treatment to reduce risk of overdose and death. It also identifies common practices that should be avoided, such as withdrawal management alone without transition to long-term treatment.
A study found that Medicaid coverage for methadone maintenance therapy increases planned use of opioid agonists among pregnant women with opioid use disorder. The rate of planned OAT use was about 61% in states with Medicaid coverage compared to 28% in states without coverage.
Researchers identified beta-2 adrenergic receptor agonists as compounds that can suppress alpha-synuclein gene expression, reducing the genetic risk factor for Parkinson's disease. The findings suggest that widely used beta-2AR agonists should be rigorously tested in PD patients.
Researchers have found that somatostatin receptor sst2 antagonist tracers can target a greater number of sst2 sites in non-NET tumors than agonists. The study shows high binding of the antagonist in 12 breast cancers, all renal cell carcinomas, and 5 medullary thyroid cancers, while agonist binding was low or absent in these cases.
Researchers have found a new pathway in the liver that opens the door to treat non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. The pathway involves activating a protein called TRPV4, which releases nitric oxide and blocks an enzyme contributing to the disease.
Researchers developed a 'biased' KOR agonist that suppresses pain and itch while avoiding common side effects like sedation and dysphoria. This breakthrough offers a promising new way to treat pain and intractable itch without the potential for abuse.
A study published in JAMA found that liraglutide did not improve post-hospitalization clinical stability in patients with advanced heart failure. The drug was tested in a randomized controlled trial involving 154 patients, but showed no significant effect on primary end points such as death and rehospitalizations.
A recent study examined opioid agonist therapy (OAT) use among Medicare Part D beneficiaries. The analysis found that only approximately 81,000 patients received buprenorphine-naloxone therapy, despite an estimated 300,000 patients struggling with opioid use disorder and over 200,000 requiring hospitalization for opioid-related issues.
A Mayo Clinic study reveals a drug combination of TLR agonists and cyclophosphamide to effectively treat advanced and metastatic cancers in mice. The treatment promotes the destruction of cancer cells and activates immune responses without toxicity.
Temple researchers are investigating novel compounds that activate cannabinoid receptor type 2 (CB2) to prevent HIV-associated neurocognitive disorder (HAND). The study aims to test the safety and effectiveness of these compounds in cell models and mice with HIV infection.
Researchers have discovered a new class of drugs that specifically induce apoptosis in B cell malignancies, such as leukemia and lymphoma. The drugs target the STING protein, which plays a critical role in regulating the immune system, and have been shown to be effective in treating chronic lymphocytic leukemia and multiple myeloma.
Researchers tested a low-dose dopamine-1 receptor agonist for treating cognitive and negative symptoms of schizophrenia, but found no significant improvements. The study suggests that higher doses of the medication may be more effective in counteracting these symptoms.
Researchers at Drexel University found that mothers who took B2AR agonist drugs during pregnancy were 30% more likely to have children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. The study suggests that these medications may influence a newborn's neurodevelopment, highlighting the need for further research on potential risks.
A new TSRI study defines an unexpected mechanism at work in an anti-autoimmune drug candidate, ozanimod. The researchers found that S1PR1 agonists directly target immune cells to slow the overproduction of proteins known to cause autoimmune disease.
Researchers have developed a new way to enhance the effectiveness of antigen-based vaccines by mimicking the natural arrangement of multiple TLR agonists. This triply-linked activator more effectively triggers an immune response than mixing individual components, paving the way for improved vaccine design.
A new study reveals that GLP-1 agonists may activate glucagon receptors, potentially promoting high blood sugar levels in patients with diabetes. The researchers emphasize the need for a more comprehensive understanding of how these drugs interact with receptors in different parts of the body.
Researchers found that GLP-1 receptor activation decreases anticipatory food reward, reducing cravings, and increases feeling of food reward during consumption, reducing overeating. The study suggests a potential therapeutic target for substance abuse disorders, offering new insights into the mechanisms of obesity.
The ELIXA study found no increased risk of cardiovascular death, heart attack, stroke, or heart failure in patients with type 2 diabetes taking lixisenatide. Lixisenatide also showed a modest benefit for weight control and no increase in hypoglycemia or pancreatic injury risk.
Local physician Jeffrey H. Samet recommends retiring the term opioid substitution therapy due to its unintended adverse consequences, suggesting the use of opioid agonist treatment instead. This change in terminology could have broad and substantial impact on patient care for opioid use disorders.
Researchers discover cannabinoid CB2 agonist AM1710 suppresses chemotherapy-induced pain in mice without tolerance or withdrawal symptoms. The therapeutic effect of AM1710 is preserved even after repeated dosing and blocking CB1 receptors produces no signs of withdrawal.
Researchers observed a crucial protective role for farnesoid-X receptor in cholestatic liver injury, with oral FXR-agonist INT-747 normalizing dysfunctional intestinal FXR-signaling and changing in intestinal permeability, inflammation, and bacterial translocation. The study suggests potential new therapeutic avenues for liver disease.
A patient who suffered a traumatic brain injury unexpectedly recovered full consciousness after receiving midazolam, a mild depressant drug. The administration of this medication resulted in the first reported case of an 'awakening' from a minimally-conscious state using this therapy.
Researchers suggest that peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) agonists may be effective in treating alcohol dependence. The study found that PPARα or PPARγ agonists, such as fenofibrate, reduced alcohol intake and preference in mice, indicating potential for repurposing these drugs for human treatment.
Researchers found no evidence of asymptomatic myocardial dysfunction or deterioration of systolic function in patients taking pramipexole and ropinirole. This suggests that non-ergot derived dopamine agonists may be safe for the heart, contradicting previous concerns about an increased risk of heart failure.
A study published in JAMA Internal Medicine found that maintenance opioid agonist therapy with methadone or buprenorphine reduces the incidence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection among young injection-drug users. The treatment was associated with a lower risk of HCV transmission, highlighting its potential as a prevention strategy.
A study found that maintenance opioid agonist therapy with methadone or buprenorphine reduced the incidence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in young injection-drug users. The treatment strategy is crucial for preventing the spread of HCV among this high-risk group.
A study found associations between dopamine receptor agonist drugs and serious impulse control disorders, including pathological gambling and hypersexuality. The medications were prescribed for Parkinson disease and restless leg syndrome, but the reports showed mostly male patients, median age of 55, primarily in the US.
A systematic review and meta-analysis found that combining basal insulin with a GLP-1 agonist resulted in improved blood sugar control, similar rates of hypoglycaemia, and greater weight loss compared to other anti-diabetic treatments. This combination therapy showed a 92% greater likelihood of achieving target blood sugar control.
A new observational study investigates the prevalence of paradoxical bronchoconstriction after using β2 agonists in smokers and ex-smokers with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). The study reveals that African-American patients are twice as likely to experience a paradoxical response, leading to worse respiratory outcomes.
Phase III study results show obeticholic acid produces meaningful biochemical improvements, including reduced ALP and bilirubin levels. The treatment also demonstrates significant clinical benefits, such as improved liver function parameters and a lower risk of liver transplantation and death.