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Obesity a liability in cancer immunotherapy

A recent study published in The Journal of Experimental Medicine found that obesity can lead to lethal inflammation in response to certain anti-cancer therapies. This suggests that preclinical studies on young mice may not accurately predict outcomes in older patients, who are more likely to be overweight and develop cancer.

SourceRockefeller University Press·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·DateNov 3, 2014

An autoimmune response may contribute to hypertension

A new study suggests that an autoimmune response may contribute to the development of high blood pressure. Using mouse models, researchers found that compounds stimulating hypertension led to the faulty production of modified proteins in dendritic cells, triggering an immune response.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateSep 17, 2014

Yale study identifies possible bacterial drivers of IBD

Researchers at Yale University have identified a handful of bacteria that may drive inflammatory bowel diseases such as Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. The study found a correlation between high levels of an antibody coating on the surface of these bacteria and inflammatory responses in the human intestine.

SourceYale University·JournalCell·DateAug 28, 2014

Researchers discover immune signature that predicts poor outcome in influenza patients

A study by St. Jude Children's Research Hospital identified an immune signature that predicts poor flu outcomes in patients, who are more likely to develop severe symptoms and suffer from complications. The findings also explain why infants and toddlers are at elevated risk for flu-related issues.

SourceSt. Jude Children's Research Hospital·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateFeb 10, 2014

Better blood transfusions for preterm babies

Researchers at the University of Adelaide have made a promising breakthrough in reducing adverse inflammatory responses to blood transfusions in preterm babies. By understanding the mechanisms behind these responses, they aim to improve blood transfusion safety and reduce complications.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalPediatric Research·DateNov 22, 2012

Is there a 'healthy' obesity gene?

A recent study found that a specific gene linked to fat tissue inflammation may protect against diet-induced obesity-related health problems. The researchers discovered that overexpressing this gene increased fat deposition while suppressing inflammatory responses and improving insulin sensitivity in genetically modified mice.

SourceTexas A&M AgriLife Communications·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateMay 31, 2012

Bio-hybrid device acts as 'thermostat' to control systemic inflammation in sepsis

Researchers at University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine developed a bio-hybrid device that acts as an 'inflammation thermostat' to control systemic inflammation in sepsis. The device loads human liver cells engineered to produce anti-inflammatory proteins, which balance inflammation and immune responses.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences·JournalDisruptive Science and Technology·DateMay 14, 2012

A small cut with a big impact

Researchers discovered how ARTD1's DNA recruitment is regulated during inflammation, influencing gene expression and inflammation. The protein is cleaved by caspase 7 into two pieces that can no longer bind to DNA, leading to more efficient gene expression.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalMolecular Cell·DateMay 2, 2012

Study finds 'Western diet' detrimental to fetal hippocampal tissue transplants

Researchers found that a high-saturated-fat, high-cholesterol diet elevated microglial activation and reduced neuronal development in middle-aged laboratory rats. However, treatment with IL-1Ra alleviated these effects, suggesting potential use in neurological disorders involving neuroinflammation.

Black flies may have a purpose after all

Researchers at the University of Georgia discovered a protein in black fly saliva that inhibits clotting and reduces inflammation. This finding has potential applications for treating patients recovering from heart attacks and developing a vaccine against river blindness.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalPLOS ONE·DateApr 9, 2012

Surprising results from smoke inhalation study

A Loyola University Chicago study discovered that patients who died from smoke inhalation injuries had lower inflammatory responses in their lungs compared to those who survived. Researchers found that immune system modulators were present at lower concentrations in the lungs of deceased patients, contradicting expectations.

SourceLoyola Medicine·JournalJournal of Burn Care & Research·DateJan 13, 2012

Inflammation may link obesity and adverse pregnancy outcomes

Maternal obesity is associated with increased inflammatory responses in both mother and child, leading to adverse pregnancy outcomes. This includes an increased risk of preeclampsia, respiratory tract infections, and later health issues such as allergic disease and metabolic dysfunction.

SourceIOS Press·JournalAdvances in Neuroimmune Biology·DateJan 10, 2012

Traumatic injury sets off a 'genomic storm' in immune system pathways

A nationwide research collaborative found that serious traumatic injuries, including major burns, elicit a highly reproducible genomic response in human immune cells, altering around 80 percent of normal gene expression patterns. The study contradicts the widely accepted theory of an initial pro-inflammatory response followed by an ant...

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·DateDec 7, 2011

Another reason not to binge drink

A Loyola University Health System study found that binge drinking can change the body's immune system response to orthopaedic injury, complicating trauma care. This means that measuring chemical markers in the blood may be misleading when alcohol is involved.

SourceLoyola Medicine·JournalJournal of Bone and Joint Surgery·DateApr 15, 2011

Bacteria possible cause of preterm births

Research suggests that specific bacteria in the placenta during pregnancy may contribute to preterm birth and inflammatory responses. Placentas colonized by bacteria commonly associated with bacterial vaginosis showed elevated pro-inflammatory proteins in newborns, while those colonized by Lactobacillus species had lower levels.

Dampening inflammation with aspirin

Researchers at Harvard Medical School identified a new aspirin-derived molecule that reduces levels of pro-inflammatory molecules and cells in mice. This finding suggests that the molecule could contribute to the beneficial effects of aspirin.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJan 4, 2011