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Gene variations for immune and metabolic conditions have persisted in humans for more than 700,000 years

A recent study by the University at Buffalo has discovered that genetic variations affecting immunity and metabolism have been preserved in humans for millions of years. This finding supports the theory of balancing selection, which suggests that certain genetic traits can be beneficial or harmful depending on environmental conditions.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournaleLife·DateFeb 21, 2023

β-damascone: Aroma component of rose fragrance as a novel immunomodulator

Researchers from Tokyo University of Science discovered β-damascone, a natural aroma compound found in rose fragrance, modulates dendritic cell functions and reduces inflammatory cytokine production. The study showed β-damascone inhibits antigen-dependent activation and Th1 cell development, as well as ear inflammation in mice models.

SourceTokyo University of Science·JournalFrontiers in Nutrition·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 10, 2023

Harnessing good fats to relieve MS symptoms

A study published in the Journal of Biological Chemistry found that a fish oil derivative called DHEA can reduce inflammation and disease severity in mice with multiple sclerosis. By supplementing the diet of mice with DHEA, researchers noticed a decrease in MS-like disease symptoms and an improvement in the immune system's response.

SourceAmerican Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 8, 2023

Two previously unknown bacterial species identified from patients with inflammatory bowel disease

Researchers have isolated two new bacterial species from patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), which break down the protective mucus layer of the gut. The bacteria, Allobaculum mucilyticum and Allobaculum fili, are highly efficient at degrading intestinal mucus, leading to potent immune responses.

SourceUniversity Medical Center Utrecht·JournalINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF SYSTEMATIC AND EVOLUTIONARY MICROBIOLOGY·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 12, 2023

For antiphospholipid syndrome patients, lab results don’t always paint the full picture

APS patients often experience internal feelings of poor health despite normal lab values, with significant impairments in physical and cognitive function linked to lifestyle factors and mental health medications. Researchers are now working to better understand these impacts through systematic patient-reported outcomes measures.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalACR Open Rheumatology·TypeSurvey·DateDec 30, 2022

Flip-flopping cholesterol in the cell membrane

Researchers at Kyoto University have discovered a vital role of two proteins, ABCA1 and Aster-A, in maintaining the asymmetric distribution of cholesterol within cells. This process allows for selective control over substances entering and leaving cells.

SourceKyoto University·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 15, 2022

Researchers determine genetic variants offered protection during Black Death, associated with current autoimmune disorders

A study found that genetic variants near ERAP2 and TICAM2 provided protection against Yersinia pestis, the bacterium responsible for the Black Death. These variants were also associated with improved detection and resistance to other pathogens, but at a cost: increased risk of autoimmune disorders like Crohn's disease.

Aging | The potential benefit of metformin to reduce delirium risk and mortality: a retrospective cohort study

A retrospective cohort study of 1,404 subjects with type 2 diabetes found that metformin use reduced the risk of delirium by 50% and decreased 3-year mortality rates. The study suggests that metformin may be a potential benefit for patients with diabetes, particularly in reducing age-related disorders such as dementia.

SourceImpact Journals LLC·JournalAging-US·TypeObservational study·DateDec 7, 2022

Promise of better treatment for diabetes in Greenland after discovery of widespread genetic variant

A novel HNF1A gene variant has been found to cause monogenic diabetes, affecting almost seven percent of all cases in Greenland. This discovery may pave the way for precision treatment using tablet therapy with sulphonylurea, offering a simpler and cheaper alternative to insulin.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - The Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences·JournalThe Lancet Regional Health - Europe·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 15, 2022

Immune system reboot in MS patients

Researchers from the University of Zurich have discovered why a stem cell transplant is effective in treating multiple sclerosis. The study found that memory T cells reappear immediately after the transplant and do not trigger an autoimmune reaction due to pre-damage caused by chemotherapy. This knowledge enables the body to gradually ...

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalScience Translational Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 10, 2022

New enzyme inhibitor shows promise for treating cancers, autoimmune diseases

Researchers at the University of Illinois Chicago have discovered a small molecule capable of manipulating an immune process that plays a crucial role in cancers and autoimmune diseases. The newly identified enzyme inhibitor could enhance immune responses against tumors, increasing their visibility to T-cells.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 25, 2022

Lenabasum, a cannabinoid receptor agonist, is an effective and safe treatment for amyopathic dermatomyositis

Lenabasum has been shown to improve skin symptoms in patients with amyopathic dermatomyositis, demonstrating significant reductions in inflammation and disease severity. The study's findings suggest that lenabasum is a well-tolerated treatment option for refractory skin disease.

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of Investigative Dermatology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateSep 21, 2022

Finding a way to defend a self-attack

Osaka University researchers identified medullary thymic epithelial cells (mTECs) expressing neuromuscular molecules in myasthenia gravis-thymoma samples. These findings suggest a new connection between the two diseases and may lead to novel therapeutic methods.

SourceOsaka University·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 28, 2022

Higher rate of COVID-19 death before vaccination linked to certain common inflammatory immune conditions

A study analyzing 17 million patient GP records in England found that people with certain inflammatory immune conditions were at higher risk of dying or needing hospital care from COVID-19. The analysis suggests that targeting prevention strategies and early interventions towards those most at risk can help inform evidence-based policy.

SourceLondon School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine·JournalThe Lancet Rheumatology·DateJun 8, 2022

Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology researchers develop a tool for studying inflammatory diseases related to COVID-19

Researchers at Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology have developed a new bioinformatics pipeline, CRESSP, to investigate the mechanism underlying autoimmune diseases following SARS-CoV-2 infection. The tool identified potential epitopes responsible for COVID-related autoimmune diseases and predicted cross-reactive epitopes of di...

SourceGIST (Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology)·JournalBriefings in Bioinformatics·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMay 16, 2022

Findings open way for personalised MS treatment

Researchers at Karolinska Institutet have developed a method to identify the immune cells involved in autoimmune diseases and identified four new target molecules for personalized treatment of multiple sclerosis. This approach could lead to more precise treatments with fewer side effects, potentially benefiting other autoimmune diseases.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalScience Advances·DateApr 27, 2022

Scientists find a genetic cause of lupus

Researchers have identified a genetic cause of lupus, a chronic autoimmune disease that affects 50,000 people in the UK. The TLR7 gene mutation causes inflammation in organs and joints, leading to debilitating symptoms. This discovery paves the way for new treatments targeting the mutated gene.

SourceThe Francis Crick Institute·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 27, 2022

Regulating the regulators of the immune system

Researchers discovered that checkpoint inhibitors can activate regulatory T cells, which can counteract the immune response. Blocking PD-L1 enhanced effector Treg activity, reducing ability to control parasite infections. This finding highlights complexity of immune system's balance between controlling pathogens and protecting healthy ...

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalNature Immunology·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 19, 2022

Illumination of immune checkpoint LAG3 ‘black box’ could yield new cancer and autoimmune therapies

Researchers have shed light on how immune checkpoint protein LAG3 modulates T cell activity, providing crucial information for the development of new LAG3-blocking therapies. The study found that LAG3 suppresses T cell activation by disrupting coreceptor-Lck association, even in the absence of MHC Class II molecules.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalNature Immunology·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 18, 2022

Journal of Hepatology COVID-19 news brief

Research in the Journal of Hepatology suggests that COVID-19 vaccines are unlikely to cause liver injury, but liver transplant patients may experience delayed care due to the pandemic. The study found that vaccinated patients with liver disease had a lower antibody response compared to healthy patients.

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of Hepatology·TypeObservational study·DateMar 21, 2022

LJI team uncovers new subsets of CD4+ 'helper' T cells

A recent study by La Jolla Institute for Immunology researchers has identified new subsets of CD4+ 'helper' T cells that are linked to autoimmune disease risk. The team used single-cell RNA sequencing to compare gene expression in over 1 million CD4+ T cells from 89 healthy donors, revealing sex-based differences in immune cell functio...

SourceLa Jolla Institute for Immunology·JournalScience Immunology·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 25, 2022

Researchers identify protein complex critical in helping control cell death

A preclinical study identified a protein complex critical for regulating apoptosis and necroptosis. Inhibiting this complex may help prevent excessive cell death and tissue damage associated with heart attacks, autoimmune disorders, and COVID-19. Researchers believe that targeting the PPP1R3G/PP1γ pathway could lead to new treatments f...

SourceUniversity of South Florida (USF Health)·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 18, 2022

Step Up: walking may reduce Type 2 Diabetes risk for adults 65 and older

A study published in Diabetes Care found that walking regularly at greater intensity and taking more steps can lower the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes among adults aged 65 and older. For every 1,000 additional steps per day, the risk is reduced by 6%, with a 12% reduction possible if an average adult takes 2,000 more steps daily.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalDiabetes Care·TypeObservational study·DateJan 20, 2022

Treadmill exercise training shows promise for managing cognitive effects of multiple sclerosis

Researchers found improvements in verbal learning and memory and preservation of hippocampal volume in participants with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis after 12 weeks of supervised treadmill walking exercise. A targeted pilot randomized controlled trial demonstrated the effectiveness of this intervention for managing cognitive ...

SourceKessler Foundation·JournalContemporary Clinical Trials·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 3, 2021

Immune cell receptor and ligand regulation: A therapeutic avenue for inflammatory diseases

A study by Tokyo University of Science researchers identifies a novel regulatory axis targeting dendritic cell activity, suppressing autoimmune disease symptoms and bone loss. They discovered DCIR binds to glycoproteins on macrophages and osteoclasts, reducing inflammation and immune responses.

SourceTokyo University of Science·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 24, 2021

Systemic lupus erythematosus linked to altered gut microbiome

A recent study published in Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases reveals a link between systemic lupus erythematosus and an altered gut microbiome. Researchers at Osaka University identified two species of Streptococcus bacteria significantly increased in SLE patients, which can affect the body's functions by altering plasma metabolites. T...

SourceOsaka University·JournalAnnals of the Rheumatic Diseases·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 27, 2021