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Designed proteins to treat muscular dystrophy

Researchers have designed two proteins that stabilize the cell scaffolding, restoring muscle structure and function in animal models of congenital muscular dystrophy. The study demonstrates significant improvements in muscle force, body weight, and lifespan, providing a potential gene therapy treatment for this rare disease.

SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateJun 28, 2017

Can you smell through your lungs?

Researchers discovered two olfactory receptors in human lung tissue that regulate airway smooth muscle cell contraction. Activation of these receptors may help constrict or prevent airway constriction in diseases such as asthma and emphysema.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Physiology·DateNov 3, 2016

Eating your greens could enhance sport performance

A recent study published in Frontiers in Physiology found that taking nitrate supplements alongside Sprint Interval Training can improve athletic performance in low-oxygen conditions. After just five weeks, the muscle fiber composition changed with enhanced nitrate intake during training in these conditions.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Physiology·DateOct 5, 2016

A new key in fighting Kennedy's disease

Scientists at Michigan State University have discovered a new target for treating Kennedy's disease by focusing on the role of genes in muscles. Contrary to previous beliefs, researchers found that the affected gene does not cause muscle fibers to lose connections with neurons, but rather appears broken and disorganized.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalHuman Molecular Genetics·DateAug 31, 2016

Lab-grown nerve cells make heart cells throb

Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine have successfully grown lab-grown human nerve cells that can partner with heart muscle cells to stimulate contractions. The nerve cells, derived from pluripotent stem cells, were found to connect with and control heart muscle cells, similar to their natural counterparts.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalCell Stem Cell·DateJun 16, 2016

Many ICU patients trade critical illness for new illness, ICU-acquired weakness

A study found that some ICU patients experience persistent muscle wasting even after recovery from critical illness, leading to debilitating disability. The loss of satellite cells is a key factor in this process, contributing to age-related muscle loss and potentially permanent changes in muscle biology.

SourceSt. Michael's Hospital·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateApr 8, 2016

Towards the prevention of cardiac failure in the chronic phase

Researchers at Osaka University have developed a therapeutic method using periostin1-specific neutralizing antibodies to inhibit the onset of cardiac failure in the chronic phase, improving patients' quality of life and reducing medical costs. The study's findings suggest that periostin1 is the primary cause of cardiac failure after AMI.

SourceOsaka University·JournalHYPERTENSION·DateJan 24, 2016