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Regrowing blood vessels with a potent molecule

Scientists have developed a method to deliver growth factor to regrow blood vessels, which could lead to revolutionary heart disease treatment. The research, published in PNAS, uses a novel delivery system that increases the activity and stability of growth factor.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 2, 2011

Restoring blood flow

A novel nanostructure mimics vascular endothelial growth factor to promote blood vessel growth, potentially treating conditions like peripheral arterial disease. The nanostructure shows promise in restoring blood flow and has a longer half-life compared to the natural protein, enhancing its potency.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 1, 2011

Spanish gene expression data promise targeting of anti-angiogenesis treatment

Analyzing Spanish gene expression data may help identify patients who will benefit most from treatment with angiogenesis-inhibitor drugs. Researchers found a correlation between high levels of VEGF-A and VEGFR-1 in tumor samples and poor prognosis, suggesting these genes could be used to tailor therapy to individual patients.

SourceEuropean Society for Medical Oncology·JournalJournal of Thoracic Oncology·DateApr 29, 2010

Bioengineered materials promote the growth of functional vasculature, new study shows

Researchers at Georgia Tech have developed bioengineered hydrogels that induce significant vasculature growth in damaged tissue. The hydrogels release VEGF, stimulating blood vessel formation, and degrade in a controlled fashion, allowing for functional vascularization and integration with host circulatory system.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 21, 2009

Johns Hopkins researchers track down protein responsible for chronic rhinosinusitis with polyps

Johns Hopkins researchers found that a protein called vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is responsible for the cell overgrowth in chronic rhinosinusitis with polyps. This discovery gives scientists a new target for treating this form of the disease, which typically resists current treatments.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateNov 23, 2009

Iron-binding drug could help diabetics heal stubborn wounds, says Stanford/Einstein study

Researchers discovered that high glucose levels in diabetic tissue lead to reduced vascular endothelial growth factor production and impaired HIF-1a function. Deferoxamine, an iron-binding drug, has been shown to improve wound healing by restoring HIF-1a-p300 interaction, leading to increased growth factor production.

SourceStanford Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 27, 2009

Ophthalmology highlights January 2009

Researchers found that vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and intercellular adhesion molecule (ICAM)-1 are key players in the development of diabetic macular edema (DME), a serious complication of retinopathy. The study suggests that intravitreal injection of steroids like triamcinolone acetonide may be useful in treating DME.

SourceAmerican Academy of Ophthalmology·JournalOphthalmology·DateJan 5, 2009

First trial in patients with a potential treatment of the incurable ALS muscle disease

Researchers at VIB and NeuroNova are conducting the first trial of a potential ALS treatment, which involves administering VEGF protein directly into the cerebrospinal fluid. This innovative approach has shown promising results in animal models, with treated rats manifesting the disease later and living longer than untreated animals.

SourceVIB (the Flanders Institute for Biotechnology)·JournalJournal of Medical Genetics·DateDec 1, 2008

JCI online early table of contents: May 15, 2008

Researchers suggest a novel approach to reducing VEGF-induced vision loss by targeting Src kinases, offering a potential alternative to painful eye injections. Leaky Ca2+ release channels in the brain and heart may also contribute to seizures and irregular heartbeats in individuals with certain inherited disorders.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateMay 15, 2008

Combination therapy reverses effects of portal hypertension in rats

Researchers found that a combined treatment with rapamycin and Gleevec significantly reduced splanchnic neovascularization and portal pressure in rats with established portal hypertension. The combination treatment was more effective than using either drug alone, suggesting a potential new approach for treating human patients.

SourceWiley·JournalHepatology·DateOct 1, 2007

Draft national policy on sight-saving drugs 'unacceptable'

The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) proposes restricting use of ranibizumab and pegaptanib to patients who have gone blind in one eye. However, the Drug and Therapeutics Bulletin concludes that this approach is 'unacceptable' and calls for universal access to these sight-saving drugs. NICE has also not issu...

SourceBMJ Specialty Journals·JournalDrug and Alcohol Dependence·DateJul 2, 2007

Drug treatment slows macular vision loss in diabetics

A new study found that a commonly used drug to slow central vision loss can also treat diabetic retinopathy, a common complication of diabetes. The treatment showed promise in improving reading ability and reducing swelling in the retina by targeting vascular endothelial growth factor, a protein that promotes unwanted blood vessel growth.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalAmerican Journal of Ophthalmology·DateDec 15, 2006

JCI table of contents: Oct. 2, 2006

Researchers at University of Texas Medical School identified proteins required for E. faecalis endocarditis, potentially leading to new treatment approaches. In another study, tumors induce immunosuppressive inflammatory monocytes that can blunt the anti-tumor immune response, providing new avenues for cancer therapy development.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateOct 2, 2006

Growth factor triggers growth of new blood vessels in the heart

The study found that activating hedgehog signals in adult mouse hearts increased blood vessel density, offering an alternative to invasive procedures. The researchers believe a drug treatment targeting hedgehog signaling could provide substantial benefit to patients with ischemic heart disease and myocardial infarctions.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalGenes & Development·DateJun 15, 2006