Add BrightSurf on Google Email

JCI table of contents March 1, 2005

Researchers at NYU School of Medicine discovered that glycyrrhizic acid can kill cells infected with Kaposi sarcoma-associated herpesvirus, triggering apoptosis in transformed B lymphocytes. This finding suggests a potential new treatment approach for latent viral infections.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateMar 1, 2005

Boosting blood vessels with BDNF

Researchers found BDNF is as effective as VEGF in inducing growth of tiny blood vessels in organs with TrkB-expressing cells. It recruits blood stem cells that contribute to neo-angiogenesis, providing a novel therapeutic protein for organ-specific angiogenesis.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateMar 1, 2005

Study provides clues to alcohol's cancer connection

A recent study found that ethanol exposure increases tumor size, blood vessel density, and VEGF levels in chick embryos, supporting the hypothesis that ethanol-induced angiogenesis contributes to cancer progression. The study provides new insights into the mechanisms underlying alcohol's association with various types of cancer.

SourceWiley·JournalCancer·DateDec 13, 2004

Sandbagging cancer in the bloodstream

Researchers at Scripps Research Institute use a class of compounds known as Src kinase inhibitors to stabilize blood vessels and block tumor cell metastasis. By increasing the protective barrier strength of host blood vessels, the approach prevents cancer cells from exiting the bloodstream, making them vulnerable to immune system attack.

SourceScripps Research Institute·JournalJournal of Cell Biology·DateOct 25, 2004

Marijuana ingredient inhibits VEGF pathway required for brain tumor blood vessels

A study found that cannabinoids significantly lowered VEGF activity in laboratory mice and patients with late-stage glioblastoma, providing a potential new approach to treating this aggressive form of cancer. The research suggests that cannabinoid-based therapies may target the VEGF pathway, offering a novel pharmacological target.

SourceAmerican Association for Cancer Research·JournalCancer Research·DateAug 15, 2004

New discovery may help transplants survive

A new study by the Schepens Eye Research Institute reveals a previously unknown connection that stimulates immune response in the eye and other parts of the body. By blocking VEGFR-3 growth factor, researchers can arrest the rejection process, leading to improved survival rates for corneal transplant patients.

SourceSchepens Eye Research Institute·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateAug 4, 2004

Oxygen therapy may improve vision worsened by diabetes

A study published in Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science found that breathing supplemental oxygen for three months reduced fluid buildup and swelling in the macula, and improved visual acuity in some cases. The therapy was found to reduce excess thickness of the macula by an average of 43 percent.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalInvestigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science·DateMay 17, 2004

How much is too much VEGF?

Researchers at Stanford University found that microenvironmental VEGF concentration determines the threshold between normal and aberrant blood vessel growth. Long-term continuous delivery of VEGF maintains below this threshold promotes normal angiogenesis, guiding therapeutic strategies.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateFeb 16, 2004

JCI table of contents, 16 February 2004

The calcium-sensing receptor plays a crucial role in regulating mammary gland function, influencing milk production and composition. This study demonstrates that the receptor helps match milk production with available calcium levels in the mother's body.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateFeb 16, 2004

JCI Table of Contents

Researchers have identified c-myc as a key regulator of hormone-dependent prostate cancer cell growth, potentially leading to new treatment targets. Meanwhile, a novel approach using regulatory T cells has shown promise in controlling graft-versus-host disease, while a study on mast cells reveals their role in allergic diarrhea and pot...

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateDec 4, 2003

Other highlights of the March 19 JNCI

Research on STI571 and paclitaxel shows potential in controlling prostate cancer metastasis to bone. Lung cancer risk varies widely among smokers, with accurate prediction models helping individuals decide on screening. Non-BRCA mutations may be linked to high breast cancer risk in younger women.

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateMar 18, 2003

The elusive preeclampsia factor discovered?

Scientists found that elevated levels of sFlt1 protein mediate the progression to preeclampsia by reducing angiogenic factors. Reducing VEGF-A in kidney cells also caused similar kidney disease, suggesting a plausible scenario for preeclampsia

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateMar 4, 2003

Microtumor-induced vascular development

Glioma cells induce angiogenesis by interacting with host vasculature and sprouting new vessels, defying the cooptation model. Vascular outgrowth occurs as a continuous process of growth and remodeling, starting early in tumor progression.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateMar 13, 2002

Blood vessels grown in live animals

Researchers at the University of Michigan successfully grew new, mature blood vessels in live animals by implanting scaffolds that delivered critical growth factors. The innovative approach, reported in Nature Biotechnology, has potential medical applications for alternatives to heart bypass surgery and treatments for vascular disease.

SourceWhitaker Foundation·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateNov 19, 2001

Tissue engineering could become new coronary bypass

Researchers at the University of Michigan have developed a new tissue engineering method that uses a polymer to encourage the formation of healthy blood vessels in living rats. The approach, which combines VEGF and PDGF growth factors, shows promise for treating coronary artery disease and speeding up wound healing.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateNov 14, 2001

Making new veins

Researchers at UCSF have discovered that continuous expression of the HIF-1a gene can induce formation of new blood vessels in mice. This breakthrough has significant therapeutic potential for treating diseases such as diabetes and recalcitrant wounds.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalGenes & Development·DateSep 30, 2001