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Understanding lung damage in patients with COVID-19

Researchers used a hamster model to study COVID-19 lung damage, discovering that the immune system's response plays a crucial role in disease progression. They found that certain cells involved in lung immunity ingest the virus, triggering an inflammatory response that can be brought under control by T cells.

SourceMax Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association·JournalNature Communications·TypeNews article·DateAug 11, 2021

Study reveals new aspects of gingivitis and body's response

Researchers identified three oral inflammation phenotypes: high, low, and slow responses. The 'slow' response was found in subjects with low clinical responses and demonstrated a delayed strong inflammatory response. A novel protective mechanism, utilizing neutrophils, was also discovered to save tissue and bone during inflammation.

SourceUniversity of Washington School of Dentistry·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 13, 2021

Blocking lipoxygenase leads to impaired cardiac repair in acute heart failure

A preclinical study by USF Health found that blocking lipoxygenase with a synthetic inhibitor alters the innate inflammatory response, delaying heart tissue repair after cardiac injury. The study suggests that preserving lipoxygenase is crucial for maintaining immune-mediated acute inflammation and preventing heart failure.

SourceUniversity of South Florida (USF Health)·JournalBiomedicine & Pharmacotherapy·DateMay 10, 2021

A sweet solution to hard brain implants

Researchers at McGill University developed a novel approach using silicone and sugar to create the softest brain implant yet. The new implants have shown reduced inflammation and higher neuronal density compared to traditional hard implants.

SourceMcGill University·JournalAdvanced Materials Technologies·DateMay 4, 2021

Study pinpoints target for managing inflammation, promoting tissue repair

A study by Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center found that targeting the BCAP protein could help control overactive immune responses and promote tissue repair in inflammatory diseases. The researchers suggest that modulating BCAP activity could be used to dampen inflammation and accelerate response against tumors.

SourceCincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 16, 2020

Quieting the storm

Researchers at Harvard Medical School used acupuncture to regulate inflammatory responses and improve survival in mice with cytokine storm. The study found that site, intensity, and timing of treatment influenced the response.

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalNeuron·DateAug 12, 2020

Bats offer clues to treating COVID-19

Researchers found that bats' ability to control inflammation may hold clues to developing new treatments for diseases in humans. By understanding the mechanisms underlying bats' unique abilities, scientists may be able to develop therapies to fight diseases like COVID-19.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalCell Metabolism·DateJul 9, 2020

Electronic cigarettes trigger an inflammatory response that may set the stage for gum disease

A new study finds that e-cigarettes cause a proinflammatory response in the oral microbiome, coating commensal bacteria with slime and disrupting healthy colonization. The glycerol/glycol vehicle in e-cigarettes appears to drive these changes, according to researchers who analyzed bacterial genes in plaque samples from e-cigarette users.

Study redefines exi'STING' dogma of inflammatory mechanism

Researchers at Monash University have discovered the mechanism behind one of two signalling arms involved in the cGAS-STING pathway. The findings reveal that a closely related TBK1 homologue, IKK-epsilon, plays a crucial role in cytokine production, leading to new understanding of autoimmune diseases and cancer treatment.

SourceMonash University·JournalCell Reports·DateApr 7, 2020

Immune gene activity and late-life health disparities

Research suggests that inflammation-related genes are associated with biobehavioral factors like body mass index and smoking, while interferon-related genes are linked to individual demographic factors such as sex and race/ethnicity. The study's findings could help explain social disparities in chronic diseases that emerge decades later.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 10, 2020

Hydrogels control inflammation to help healing

Researchers have developed injectable hydrogels that can tune the body's inflammatory response, promoting or reducing inflammation as needed. The study found that positively charged hydrogels triggered stronger responses for wound-healing and cancer treatment, while negatively charged gels were better suited for drug delivery.

SourceRice University·JournalBiomaterials·DateDec 16, 2019

Humans more unique than expected when it comes to digesting fatty meals

A recent study published in the Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry found that humans have highly individualized inflammatory responses to eating a high-fat meal. The researchers used a sensitive test to analyze gene expression in response to the meal, finding that responses by more than 13,000 genes differed between subjects.

SourceUS Department of Agriculture - Agricultural Research Service·JournalThe Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry·DateSep 12, 2019

Phosphorylation of Regnase-1 lets IL-17 run amok

A study published in the Journal of Experimental Medicine found that phosphorylation of Regnase-1 allows IL-17 to trigger inflammation. Blocking this phosphorylation process could lead to therapeutic agents for treating autoimmune diseases related to IL-17, such as rheumatoid arthritis and multiple sclerosis.

SourceOsaka University·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·DateJun 3, 2019

Cellular alterations increase vulnerability of obese and diabetic individuals to infection

A study published in Scientific Reports identifies changes to neutrophils that increase vulnerability of obese and diabetic individuals to infection. Alterations to neutrophils, a type of white blood cell, lead to impaired activation of toll-like receptors (TLRs), weakening the immune system's ability to combat pathogens.