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When serotonin dims the light

Researchers discover 5-HT2A receptor selectively suppresses visual information strength without inhibiting parallel processes. This mechanism regulates the importance attached to incoming information, which could help develop new therapies for psychiatric diseases.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 18, 2024

Sister hormone of GLP-1 can lead to better weight-loss drugs

Researchers have made a breakthrough in understanding the GIP hormone's role in regulating insulin levels and weight loss. The study, involving over 500,000 individuals, found that inhibiting the GIP receptor may result in weight loss, while activating it without arresting its signal is crucial.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - The Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences·JournalNature Metabolism·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 13, 2024

Novel therapeutic bispecific antibodies for B-cell lymphoma

Researchers developed novel therapeutic bispecific antibodies targeting IgM and B-cell surface antigens, which directly inhibited cell proliferation via cell-cycle arrest and apoptosis in vitro. These findings suggest that anti-IgM/B-cell surface antigen-binding specific antibodies are promising therapeutic agents for B-cell malignancies.

SourceImpact Journals LLC·JournalOncotarget·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 16, 2024

NTRK gene fusion in papillary thyroid cancer: A clinicogenomic biobank and record linkage study from Finland

Researchers identified NTRK gene fusion in 1.5% of Finnish papillary thyroid cancer patients, with notable co-occurring genetic alterations and favorable treatment outcomes. The study highlights the potential for biobank samples linked to electronic health records to describe patient characteristics and outcomes.

SourceImpact Journals LLC·JournalOncotarget·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 19, 2024

Three articles in the Journal of Pharmaceutical Analysis uncover previously unknown drug and disease mechanisms

Researchers have identified promising treatment candidates for morphine tolerance and cancer, as well as a biomarker for kidney injury. A monoclonal antibody targeting the mu-opioid receptor has been shown to alleviate morphine tolerance and physical dependence, while inducing excessive mitochondrial fission in tumor cells. Additionall...

SourceCactus Communications·JournalJournal of Pharmaceutical Analysis·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 14, 2023

Leaving on a jet plane in genes

A team of researchers from Kyoto University found that the pituitary vasopressin system is crucial for building a robust circadian clock in the suprachiasmatic nucleus. This discovery has led to the development of potential treatments for jet lag, which currently target only the suprachiasmatic nucleus.

SourceKyoto University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 23, 2023

Study reveals structure of crucial receptor in brain development, function

Scientists at OHSU elucidated the structure of Type A GABA receptors targeted by antidepressants and other pharmaceutical drugs, shedding light on their role in brain function and development. The study reveals dominant assemblies and states of the receptor, paving the way for the development of new compounds with improved efficacy.

SourceOregon Health & Science University·JournalNature·TypeImaging analysis·DateSep 20, 2023

New research sheds light on origins of social behaviors

Fruit fly research suggests visual system is involved in regulating social behaviors, which could have implications for understanding human psychiatric conditions such as autism and schizophrenia. Altering GABA signaling in the brain affects social inhibitions, leading to increased courtship behavior in males.

SourceCornell University·JournalCurrent Biology·DateSep 5, 2023

Antipsychotic drugs work differently than scientists believed

Researchers at Northwestern University discovered that antipsychotic drugs interact with a different neuron type than scientists originally believed, which could lead to better treatments for schizophrenia. The study's findings suggest that the effect of antipsychotics on dopamine receptors has little bearing on their efficacy in humans.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalNature Neuroscience·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 18, 2023

More than 80% of American adults with type 2 diabetes meet treatment criteria for GLP-1 RAs or SGLT2is but most are not getting them

A study found that over 80% of American adults with type 2 diabetes meet the criteria to use GLP-1 RAs or SGLT2is, but only a small percentage are using them. The medications have a substantially higher cost than current first-line treatments, making it difficult for patients to access them.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 27, 2023

A new therapeutic target for the prevention of heart failure due to aortic stenosis

A new gene therapy approach has been developed to boost the expression of the beta-3 adrenergic receptor in heart cells, improving mitochondrial function and preventing or reversing heart failure in a mouse model of aortic stenosis. This could potentially provide new therapeutic options for patients with this condition.

SourceCentro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares Carlos III (F.S.P.)·JournalBasic Research in Cardiology·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 30, 2022

Obesity prevalence varies significantly for Asian American subgroups

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.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 3, 2022

Peptide delivered by nasal spray can reduce seizure activity, protect neurons in Alzheimer’s, epilepsy

Researchers developed a peptide that can be administered through nasal spray to reduce seizure activity and protect neurons in both Alzheimer's and epilepsy. The A1R-CT peptide inhibits neurabin, a protein that prevents the overactivation of neurons, allowing for increased action by adenosine receptors.

Chinese Medical Journal review explores the role of macrophages in the progression of acute kidney injury to chronic kidney disease

A recent review article highlights the crucial role of macrophages in the progression from acute kidney injury (AKI) to chronic kidney disease (CKD). The study suggests that targeting specific signaling pathways and altering macrophage activation can prevent renal fibrosis and CKD. Therapeutic strategies such as clodronate liposomes an...

SourceCactus Communications·JournalChinese Medical Journal·TypeLiterature review·DateJun 20, 2022

Promising nose spray could prevent, treat COVID-19

A newly discovered small molecule, N-0385, has been found to inhibit entry of the virus into cells, protecting mice from infection prior to exposure and providing effective treatment up to 12 hours after. The treatment holds promise for preventing disease and reducing severity with a few single daily doses.

SourceCornell University·JournalNature·DateMar 28, 2022

COVID-19: Tannic acid targets key stages in the fight against SARS-CoV-2 infection

Researchers found that tannic acid targets the RBD protein and enzymes involved in viral entry and replication, suggesting its potential as a preventative or therapeutic agent. The polyphenol's low toxicity and anti-inflammatory properties make it an attractive alternative to existing antivirals.

SourceInstitut national de la recherche scientifique - INRS·JournalInternational Journal of Molecular Sciences·DateMar 9, 2022

Breast cancer patients with estrogen receptor mutations may benefit from early switch to fulvestrant/palbociclib

A recent study found that patients with hormone receptor-positive breast cancer who experience rising ESR1 mutations before disease progression can benefit from an early switch to fulvestrant plus palbociclib. This approach yields a statistically and clinically significant gain in progression-free survival, potentially justifying its a...

Keep taking the blood pressure medicine during the pandemic

A large-scale study from Aarhus University in Denmark shows that users of popular blood pressure medications had the same probability of a positive coronavirus test and no increased risk of hospitalisation or death. The study confirms previous smaller studies and reiterates the current recommendation to continue taking these medicines.

SourceAarhus University·JournalThorax·DateDec 8, 2020