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Fishing for new source of proteoglycans, an important health food ingredient

Researchers from Tokyo University of Science discovered that bony fish head cartilage contains abundant proteoglycans, including aggrecan, with similar CS structures to salmon nasal cartilage. This finding reveals the potential of sturgeon as an alternative source of CSPGs for health food formulations.

SourceTokyo University of Science·JournalInternational Journal of Biological Macromolecules·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 26, 2022

Study: Medicine for inflammatory bowel disease may protect against severe COVID-19

A recent study at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center found that biologic drugs for inflammatory bowel disease may improve the T-cell immune response in patients vaccinated against COVID-19. This could potentially offer protection against severe disease. The study suggests that these treatments may be used to monitor vaccine and booster outcomes.

SourceCedars-Sinai Medical Center·JournalFrontiers in Immunology·DateMay 26, 2022

Killing cancers with Z-DNA: A new approach to treating therapy resistant tumors that targets a very-specific cell-death pathway

Scientists have discovered a small molecule that bypasses ADAR1 suppression and directly activates tumor cell death by ZBP1, inducing highly immunogenic cell death and destroying fibroblasts supporting tumor growth. This approach has the potential to improve the effectiveness of immunotherapy in treating therapy-resistant tumors.

SourceInsideOutBio·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 25, 2022

‘Sting’ protein’s efforts to clean up brain cell damage may speed Parkinson’s disease progress

A Johns Hopkins Medicine study found that a protein called STING responds to clean-up signals in brain cells damaged by Parkinson’s disease by creating a cycle of inflammation that accelerates the disease’s progression. In mice with deactivated STING proteins, there was less microglial activity and brain cell death.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 19, 2022

Dietary cholesterol worsens inflammation, sickness in mice with influenza

Researchers linked dietary cholesterol to exacerbation of viral infections in mice, showing that high levels of cholesterol made mice sicker when infected with influenza. The study found that dietary cholesterol increased the number of cytokine-producing immune cells in the lungs, contributing to excessive inflammation.

New insight in patient response to surgical disruption in life-saving hormones

A new study reveals that cardiac surgery causes distinct patterns of cortisol secretion, which may reflect individual physiological differences and inflammatory responses. Researchers identified three dynamic phenotypes: single-pulse, two-pulse and multiple-pulse dynamics, suggesting improved diagnostics and personalized interventions ...

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalJournal of The Royal Society Interface·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 28, 2022

Fighting viruses is as easy as breathing

Researchers from the Wyss Institute discovered that applying mechanical forces mimicking breathing motions suppresses influenza virus replication and activates protective innate immune responses. The Human Lung Chip was used to model these responses, leading to repurposed drugs for treating inflammatory lung diseases.

SourceWyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 8, 2022

Emergency caesarean placenta response

A new study finds that emergency Caesarean sections are associated with increased inflammation in the placenta, which may compromise a baby's long-term health and development. The research also reveals sex differences in inflammatory gene expression between male and female babies born via C-section versus vaginal delivery.

SourceFlinders University·JournalFrontiers in Immunology·TypeSurvey·DateApr 5, 2022

New study reveals insights into how early immune response defines severity of COVID-19

A new study by Princeton University researchers reveals that macrophages, a type of immune cell, are crucial in the early immune response to SARS-CoV-2. The study used humanized mice with human lung tissue and blood stem cells to investigate the role of macrophages and identified specific genes associated with an effective antiviral re...

SourcePrinceton University·JournalCell Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 3, 2022

Drug incorporated into silicone coating reduces ‘foreign body reaction’ to implants

A new study from the University of Cambridge has developed an implant coating that incorporates the anti-inflammatory drug MCC950, reducing the 'foreign body reaction' to implants. This reduction allows for improved nerve regeneration and potentially transforms long-term implant treatment for serious disability or illness.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 14, 2022

New study in Journal of Pharmaceutical Analysis marries modern science with traditional knowledge to decipher anti-diarrheal effect of cashew stem bark extract

A new study found that cashew stem bark extract inhibits abnormal gut motility associated with diarrhea, revealing a potential low-cost remedy for treating and managing the condition. The extract's mechanism of action involves blocking muscarinic acetylcholine receptors responsible for gastrointestinal motility.

SourceCactus Communications·JournalJournal of Pharmaceutical Analysis·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 23, 2022

Starting antiretroviral therapy early essential to battling not one, but two killers

Researchers found that starting combined antiretroviral therapy against simian immunodeficiency virus two weeks after infection significantly reduced chronic immune activation, SIV replication, and latent TB reactivation. This study contributes to the growing evidence on the complex interaction between HIV and tuberculosis.

SourceTexas Biomedical Research Institute·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateFeb 15, 2022

University of South Florida awarded five-year, $1.35 million NIH institutional grant to train scientists in vascular inflammation and injury research

The University of South Florida has received a five-year, $1.35 million NIH institutional grant to train scientists in vascular inflammation and injury research. The grant will support the comprehensive training of pre- and postdoctoral scientists focused on this emerging area of research.

Small group of genetic variants found in extremely ill patients with COVID may help explain big differences in how sick people get

Researchers identified seven rare structural variants affecting 31 genes in severely ill COVID-19 patients, shedding light on individual responses to the virus. These genetic variations may help explain differences in illness severity and suggest potential targets for early intervention.

New hair dyes avoid allergic reactions

Researchers have created a range of permanent hair dyes that avoid the allergenic properties of traditional formulations, producing a range of hues from rosy pinks to deep blacks. The new dyes were found to be less reactive toward proteins and generated a reduced inflammatory response in cells compared to PPD.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering·DateJan 26, 2022

Alzheimer’s research: inflammatory markers are conspicuous at an early stage

A study published in Neuron found that inflammatory markers are elevated even before dementia symptoms appear, suggesting a potential role in neuroprotection. The researchers discovered two proteins linked to a damage control program, which may support the development of new drugs for early detection and treatment.

SourceDZNE - German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases·JournalNeuron·TypeObservational study·DateJan 12, 2022

Allergic inflammation and experimental skin cancer risk

A recent study at Tampere University discovered that the expression of an allergy-related receptor chain for proinflammatory IL-13 cytokine protects against experimental skin cancer. The absence of this receptor led to increased regulatory T cells and a suppressed immune response, allowing cancer cells to grow and form tumors.

SourceTampere University·JournalJournal of Investigative Dermatology·DateNov 22, 2021

Cystic fibrosis faithfully modeled in a human Lung Airway Chip

Researchers at Harvard's Wyss Institute have developed a microfluidic Organ Chip device that accurately models cystic fibrosis lung airway pathology. The model replicates key pathological hallmarks, including mucus layer changes and inflammatory responses, providing a comprehensive preclinical human model for investigating new therapies.

SourceWyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard·JournalJournal of Cystic Fibrosis·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 19, 2021

Researchers study the link between vitamin D and inflammation

Researchers discovered that a specialized form of vitamin D can reduce inflammation caused by T cells in lung cells, which may be relevant to severe COVID-19. The study suggests that adding this concentrated intravenous metabolite to existing treatments could help patients recover from COVID infections.

SourcePurdue University·JournalNature Immunology·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 18, 2021

The science of acupuncture

A team of researchers identified a subset of sensory neurons present in the hindlimb region that must be activated for acupuncture to trigger an anti-inflammatory response. This discovery provides a neuroanatomic explanation for acupoint selectivity and specificity, allowing for more precise targeting of electroacupuncture.

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalNature·DateNov 1, 2021

Antibody treatment prevents inflammation in lungs, nervous system in macaques with SARS-CoV-2

A new study found that monoclonal antibodies protected aged, diabetic rhesus macaque monkeys from SARS-CoV-2 disease by reducing signs of inflammation. The treatment prevented viral RNA in the cerebrospinal fluid and infiltration of activated immune cells, suggesting a potential preventative measure for elderly residents during outbreaks.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalCell Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 1, 2021

McCullough and Liu awarded $3.7M NIH grant to study sex differences in COVID-19 outcomes

The research team aims to understand the mechanisms that contribute to long-term consequences of COVID-19 infection, particularly in women who may be disproportionally affected by chronic symptoms. They plan to leverage a biorepository and longitudinal study to assess the impact of acute and chronic inflammation on brain injury and neu...

How highly processed foods harm memory in the aging brain

A study in rats found that a diet of highly processed foods led to inflammation and behavioral signs of memory loss in the brain. Supplementing with omega-3 fatty acid DHA prevented these effects almost entirely. The study suggests that limiting processed foods and increasing DHA consumption may help prevent rapid memory decline in old...

SourceOhio State University·JournalBrain Behavior and Immunity·DateOct 14, 2021

Clarification on diabetes and dementia risk

Researchers found that poorly controlled type 2 diabetes is associated with an increased risk of developing preclinical dementia, which can progress to full-blown dementia. The study also suggests that controlling blood glucose levels may be key to preventing cognitive decline.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalAlzheimer s & Dementia·TypeObservational study·DateOct 12, 2021

A Chinese medical journal review sheds light on T-cell responses in respiratory diseases

Researchers comprehensively review T-cell responses to respiratory viral infections and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), highlighting key characteristics of peptide-reactive T-cells. The review aims to improve understanding of the underlying mechanisms, leading to more effective immune protection and treatment methods.

SourceCactus Communications·JournalChinese Medical Journal·TypeLiterature review·DateSep 30, 2021

Researchers report on new way to deliver healing stem cells to kidney injury patients

A new ex vivo drug delivery system has been shown to keep MSCs viable longer and reprogram the peripheral immune response toward organ repair. The study's results suggest that SBI-101 can impact a peripheral immune response that can be transmitted to local tissue damage in vital organs, including the kidney.

SourceAlphaMed Press·JournalStem Cells Translational Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateSep 28, 2021

A genetic brain disease reversed after birth

Researchers at RIKEN Cluster for Pioneering Research have found that Kleefstra syndrome, a genetic disorder leading to intellectual disability, can be reversed after birth. Postnatal treatment with artificially induced GLP production resulted in improved brain and behavioral symptoms.

SourceRIKEN·JournaliScience·DateSep 20, 2021

Why do people with diabetes develop severe COVID-19?

A study from Michigan Medicine found that people with type 2 diabetes are more likely to develop a cytokine storm during coronavirus infection due to the enzyme SETDB2. Administering interferon beta increased SETDB2 and decreased inflammatory cytokines in diabetic mice, offering potential therapy for severe COVID-19.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 7, 2021

Rheumatoid arthritis treated with implanted cells that release drug

Researchers have genetically engineered cells that can deliver a biologic drug in response to inflammation, reducing inflammation and preventing bone damage in mice with rheumatoid arthritis. This approach could provide personalized treatments for arthritis patients, limiting side effects associated with current therapies.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 1, 2021