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JCI early table of contents for Feb. 17, 2014

A neurotensin conjugate has shown effective transportation across the blood brain barrier and dose-dependent pain relief in animal models. In contrast, hematopoietic stem cell transplantation has been found to impact T cell repertoire in multiple sclerosis patients, with diverse repertoires associated with better treatment responses.

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

Researchers use nasal lining to breach blood/brain barrier

A team of researchers has successfully developed a method to breach the blood-brain barrier using the nasal lining, allowing for higher molecular weight drug delivery to the central nervous system. This breakthrough opens up new treatment options for neurodegenerative and CNS diseases affecting millions of people worldwide.

SourceMass Eye and Ear·JournalPLOS ONE·DateApr 24, 2013

Experimental therapy crosses blood-brain barrier to treat neurological disease

Researchers have developed an experimental molecular therapy that crosses the blood-brain barrier to reverse neurological lysosomal storage disease in mice. The therapy uses a modified enzyme called IDUAe1, which penetrates the blood-brain barrier and delivers large-molecule therapeutic agents to treat brain diseases.

SourceCincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 4, 2013

The obese brain may thwart weight loss

Research indicates diets high in saturated fat and refined sugar may impair brain function in obese individuals, leading to increased overconsumption of high-calorie foods. Obesity-related changes may also lead to permanent cognitive decline, making it a lifelong battle to maintain weight loss.

SourceAmerican University·JournalPhysiology & Behavior·DateOct 1, 2012

Breaching the blood-brain barrier

Researchers found that adenosine can modulate the entry of large molecules into the brain, establishing a gateway into the blood-brain barrier. They successfully transported large dextrans and antibodies into the brain using an FDA-approved drug, Lexiscan.

HIV disrupts blood-brain barrier

A recent study found that HIV infection in astrocytes breaks down the blood-brain barrier, leading to cognitive impairment and other neurological complications. The researchers suggest that minute numbers of infected astrocytes can trigger a cascade of signals that open the brain to toxic influences.

The blood-brain barrier: A misunderstood key to finding life-saving cures to brain disease

An international team of scientists proposes strategies to overcome obstacles posed by the blood-brain barrier, a gate-keeping system protecting the brain from toxins and letting in nutrients. The review article highlights the importance of understanding the blood-brain barrier in treating brain diseases such as Alzheimer's, multiple s...

SourceSaint Louis University·JournalThe Lancet Neurology·DateDec 17, 2007

Jefferson immunology researchers show blood-brain barrier damage could affect MS severity

Immunology researchers at Jefferson University have found that blood-brain barrier damage correlates with multiple sclerosis (MS) severity. The study used mice models and found that permeability changes are critical in disease development, with even mice lacking immune system components able to develop disease.

SourceThomas Jefferson University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 5, 2007

OHSU researchers show technique to deliver brain tumor chemotherapy across the blood-brain barrier is reproducible at sites across the country

OHSU researchers successfully delivered chemotherapy across the blood-brain barrier for patients with primary central nervous system lymphomas. The study showed that 93% of treated patients achieved a complete response and participating centers outperformed OHSU in blood-brain barrier disruptions.

Oregon Scientists Discover A Second Blood-Brain Barrier; Important Finding For Patients With Brain Cancers And Neurological Disorders

Researchers have found a secondary barrier in the brain that prevents certain drugs from reaching tumors and neurological disorders. The barrier is called the basement membrane and traps stealth agents while allowing others to pass through, highlighting challenges for gene therapy and drug delivery.

SourceOregon Health & Science University·JournalAmerican Journal of Neuroradiology·DateMar 2, 1999