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When it comes to respiratory effects of wood smoke, sex matters

A recent study found that wood smoke exposure results in higher inflammatory markers for male subjects and lower inflammatory markers for female subjects. The researchers suggest that sex-specific effects may be missed when lumping data together, emphasizing the need to consider sex-specific responses when studying environmental pollut...

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateOct 26, 2018

New research reveals how the body clock controls inflammation

Researchers at RCSI and Trinity College Dublin have discovered how the body clock regulates inflammatory response in macrophages, a key immune cell. This study may lead to targeted treatments at specific times of the day to alleviate excess inflammation in conditions like asthma, arthritis, and cardiovascular disease.

SourceRCSI·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 20, 2018

Working the (immune) system

Aging individuals with implants face unique challenges due to immunosenescence and delayed immune responses. The study investigates the impact of aging on macrophage activity and white blood cell function, seeking ways to optimize implant success and minimize negative effects.

UAB researchers find protein that improves mobility after spinal cord injuries

UAB researchers have identified a protein called IL-37 that suppresses the inflammatory response after spinal cord injuries, minimizing tissue degeneration and functional disabilities. This discovery opens the door to a new treatment for acute spinal cord injuries, which currently has no effective treatment available.

SourceUniversitat Autonoma de Barcelona·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 22, 2016

Why the flu vaccine is less effective in the elderly

Researchers identified molecular signatures that predict immune protection in response to flu vaccination, with elderly individuals showing high levels of monocytes and low antibody-producing B cells. This study provides insight into potential mechanisms underlying reduced vaccine efficacy in older adults.

SourceCell Press·JournalImmunity·DateDec 15, 2015

Computer simulation accurately replicated real-life trauma outcomes, says Pitt team

A study published in Science Translational Medicine uses a computer simulation to replicate known individual outcomes and predict population results for traumatic injury. The model accurately predicted hospital length of stay and multi-organ dysfunction, but found limitations in extrapolating from single mechanisms to outcomes.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateMay 11, 2015

Manipulating cells' shapes could treat breast cancer

A study by the Institute of Cancer Research found that breast cancer cells with a 'mesenchymal-like' shape are more sensitive to inflammatory signals, which could be harnessed to treat cancer. The researchers used robotic microscopy and automated algorithms to measure the shape of hundreds of thousands of different breast cancer cells.

SourceInstitute of Cancer Research·JournalMolecular Systems Biology·DateMar 4, 2015

Scientists override the body's inflammatory response

Researchers have deciphered the mechanism of interleukin 37 (IL-37), a powerful inhibitor of inflammation, revealing its ability to regulate and control inflammation by binding to specific receptors on target cells. The findings hold promise for developing new drugs to treat inflammatory diseases such as stroke, heart attack, and autoi...

SourceMonash University·JournalNature Immunology·DateMar 2, 2015

Smoking impairs treatment response in inflammatory back arthritis

Research published in Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases found that smoking impairs the response to biological drugs used to treat inflammatory back arthritis. Current smokers responded significantly less well to treatment and achieved smaller reductions in disease activity scores compared to non-smokers.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalAnnals of the Rheumatic Diseases·DateFeb 9, 2015

Immune biomarkers help predict early death, complications in HIV patients with TB

Researchers identified key immune biomarkers that can help distinguish between HIV patients who experience life-threatening complications and those who fare well on treatment. The findings suggest that personalized approaches may be necessary for these patients, as a one-size-fits-all approach could worsen outcomes.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalThe Lancet Infectious Diseases·DateFeb 9, 2015

Signaling pathway helps protect healthy tissue from overly active immune responses

A study published in the Journal of the American Society of Nephrology reveals a key signaling pathway that helps protect healthy tissue from excessive immune activation. This finding may lead to improved treatment options for patients with autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalJournal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateFeb 5, 2015