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Possible new compound for treatment of cerebral malaria

Researchers discovered a new compound, LMP-420, that potently reduces activation of endothelial cells and inflammation in cerebral malaria. This finding offers a promising avenue for treating the condition, which has a high fatality rate despite existing treatments.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateAug 22, 2005

JCI table of contents June 1, 2005

Researchers discovered FGF-21 regulates glucose uptake in human fat cells, decreasing plasma glucose levels and triglycerides in diabetic animals. Additionally, FGF-21 protected animals from diet-induced obesity, defining a functional role for FGF-21 in vivo.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateMay 2, 2005

Targeting tumor growth

Researchers discover that MT1-MMP controls blood vessel response to PDGF-ß signaling, essential for normal vessel formation. MT1-MMP-null mice exhibit severely compromised vascular architecture, suggesting potential therapeutic targets for controlling tumor growth and metastasis.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalGenes & Development·DateMar 31, 2005

Origins of blood vessel cells

Researchers from Indiana University have identified adult type stem cells that can be grown in large quantities and easily modified with genes. These endothelial progenitor cells show promise as a new gene therapy tool for treating circulatory problems, such as diabetes-related amputations and heart attack repair.

SourceIndiana University·JournalBlood·DateJul 1, 2004

JCI table of contents, 15 October, 2003

Researchers found that fibroblast growth factor-2 (FGF-2) boosts new brain cell production and protects existing neurons from degeneration following traumatic brain injury. The study suggests FGF-2 supplementation may improve TBI outcomes.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateOct 15, 2003

Spanish fertility experts bring hope of avoiding serious complication of assisted reproduction

Spanish fertility experts have found a protein called Vascular Endothelial cadherin linked to ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome. The study suggests that modulating the way ovaries are stimulated can reduce the risk of severe OHSS. Researchers propose a novel approach, 'coasting', which enables treatment cycles to continue with less risk.

Scientists find genetic link between blood flow patterns and cardiovascular disease

Researchers found a genetic connection between blood flow patterns and cardiovascular disease, with oscillatory shear stress leading to increased expression of the protein BMP4. This finding may help explain why physical inactivity promotes heart disease and could lead to new diagnostic tests or gene-based therapies.

SourceEmory University Health Sciences Center·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateMay 27, 2003

JCI Table of Contents, December 2, 2002

Researchers have discovered that angiopoietin-1 can restore faulty blood vessel architecture in mice by promoting sprouting, survival, and stability of new vessels. This study highlights the importance of pericytes in maintaining normal vessel stability and may lead to new treatments for diseases like diabetic retinopathy.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateDec 3, 2002

Bone-marrow cell transplantation could save limbs

Researchers have developed a potential treatment for limb ischemia by injecting bone marrow cells into the affected area, stimulating the growth of new blood vessels. This process can reduce pain and improve ulcer healing rates, offering a promising alternative to surgical interventions.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateAug 8, 2002

Adult stem cells selectively delivered into the eye and used to control angiogenesis at TSRI

Researchers at TSRI have developed a technique to selectively deliver adult stem cells into the eye, which can stimulate vessel growth and address inherited retinal degenerations. The cells can incorporate into the vasculature and make it normal, or be loaded with antiangiogenics to selectively wipe out the formation of new blood vessels.

SourceScripps Research Institute·JournalNature Medicine·DateJul 29, 2002

Cellular link between sleep apnea and atherosclerosis found

A study led by Dr. Lena Lavie found that sleep apnea patients have increased adhesion molecules and free radicals on their white blood cells, which contribute to the development of atherosclerosis. Effective treatment with CPAP may not reverse this process, highlighting the need for further research.

SourceAmerican Society for Technion - Israel Institute of Technology·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateApr 2, 2002

Chemokines and angiostasis

Human microvascular endothelial cells express CXCR3 receptor in response to cell cycle regulation, leading to antiproliferative effect. This mechanism provides an additional pathway for controlling angiogenesis, potentially blocking tumor growth.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateDec 31, 2000