Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Controlling bone formation to prevent osteoporosis

A team of researchers has identified a key player in maintaining bone balance, finding that the protein Maf promotes bone formation and prevents osteoporosis. By understanding this age-related switch in cell type generation, new approaches to treat age-related osteoporosis may be developed.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateSep 27, 2010

Could diabetes be in your bones?

Two new studies reveal a key molecular link between bone remodeling and metabolism, finding that osteocalcin levels are tied to insulin resistance and glucose intolerance. Osteocalcin treatment improves symptoms in mice with diabetes-like conditions.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell·DateJul 22, 2010

Salmon in hot water

Researchers found that raising juvenile salmon at 16°C causes skeletal deformities. Fast growth temperatures disrupt bone and cartilage production, leading to increased deformity rates. The study suggests temperature-induced growth is severely affecting osteoblasts and chondrocyte cells.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Physiology·DateJul 5, 2010

Subchondral bone changes contribute to cartilage damage and loss

A recent study found that subchondral bone mineral density positively predicts cartilage defect development at the medial tibial site, but not cartilage loss. Researchers believe subchondral bone changes and loss of cartilage contribute to osteoarthritis, a condition affecting millions worldwide.

SourceWiley·JournalArthritis & Rheumatism·DateJun 23, 2010

New complication seen in stem cell therapy

Researchers found a new complication of stem cell therapy: angiomyeloproliferative lesions at injection sites, which can lead to kidney failure and death. The study highlights the need for further research to determine the circumstances that cause these masses to form and strategies to avoid them.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalJournal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateJun 17, 2010

New answers on rare childhood disease

Researchers at Sanford-Burnham Medical Research Institute created a new mouse model of multiple hereditary exostoses, a rare childhood disease characterized by abnormal bone growths. The study reveals the molecular basis of the disease and provides a tool to screen new treatments.

SourceSanford Burnham Prebys·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 31, 2010

New research suggests fat mass helps build bone mass in girls

A new study suggests that fat mass is essential for increasing bone size and thickness in girls, particularly during puberty. The research found that excessive reduction of fat mass in girls may increase the risk of osteoporosis later in life. In contrast, lean mass has a stronger impact on bone development in boys.

SourceThe Endocrine Society·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateJan 5, 2010

JCI online early table of contents: Nov. 16, 2009

Researchers have identified a microRNA (miR-2861) that regulates bone formation, and its mutation is linked to primary osteoporosis. In addition, studies on Lyme disease transmission revealed a biphasic mode of dissemination by Borrelia burgdorferi microbes within ticks.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateNov 16, 2009

Liking sweets makes sense for kids

Research from the University of Washington and Monell Center found that children's high growth rate is linked to their heightened liking for sweetness. Children prefer higher levels of sweetness as their physical growth increases, but this preference declines as growth slows down.

SourceMonell Chemical Senses Center·JournalPhysiology & Behavior·DateMar 18, 2009

Misplaced metamorphosis

A recent study at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine reveals that immature cells in blood vessels deep within skeletal muscle orchestrate aberrant bone formation. Cells from the inflammatory response to injury trigger skeleton-stimulating proteins to transform muscle tissue into bone.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalJournal of Bone and Joint Surgery·DateMar 3, 2009

Drug doubles survival of patients with pre-leukemia

A new study published in The Lancet Oncology found that azacitidine significantly improves the survival of patients with high-risk forms of myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS). Patients treated with azacitidine had a median overall survival of 24.5 months, compared to 15 months for those receiving conventional care.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet Oncology·DateFeb 17, 2009

Farming at young age may lead to bone disease in adulthood

A recent study suggests that excessive weight-bearing activities in children can affect the mechanical properties of developing bones, leading to a higher risk of degenerative skeletal disorders later in life. Researchers found that young boys who participated in regular farming activities had significantly lower bone-damping ability c...

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·JournalJournal of Agromedicine·DateJul 14, 2008

Novel model of osteosarcoma

Researchers have developed a high-fidelity animal model of osteosarcoma by genetically modifying mice to lack the p53 and Rb tumor suppressor genes. This model closely recapitulates human osteosarcomagenesis, providing valuable insights into the disease's genetic contributions.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalGenes & Development·DateJun 14, 2008

JCI online early table of contents: June 12, 2008

A new class of natural compounds has been identified that can enhance the sensitivity of mouse cancer cells to standard anticancer chemotherapeutic agents. Fever, on the other hand, is associated with prolonged QT intervals in heart cells of patients with LQT-2, a potentially fatal genetic disease. These findings suggest potential ther...

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJun 12, 2008