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New evidence of the benefits of home dialysis for kidney patients

Researchers at St. Michael's Hospital found that cells protecting blood vessels work better in patients undergoing nighttime home dialysis than those on standard hospital dialysis. This suggests that frequent nighttime dialysis might be beneficial for some patients with blood vessel damage, improving overall health outcomes.

SourceSt. Michael's Hospital·JournalClinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateJun 21, 2011

Using magnets to help prevent heart attacks

Researchers at Temple University discovered that a magnetic field can reduce blood viscosity by 20-30%, posing a potential new way to prevent heart attacks. By polarizing red blood cells and streamlining their movement, the magnetic field decreases friction against blood vessel walls.

SourceTemple University·JournalPhysical Review E·DateJun 7, 2011

Researchers find that inhibiting microRNAs may help prevent degenerative eye disorders

UT Southwestern Medical Center researchers have found that blocking two specific RNA molecules can suppress abnormal blood vessel growth in degenerative eye disorders. This finding suggests a potential strategy to treat age-related macular degeneration, a leading cause of blindness among older people.

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 7, 2011

JCI table of contents: May 23, 2011

Researchers identified a new probiotic bacteria-derived soluble protein that can protect intestinal cells from inflammation and injury in mice models of colitis. The protein's delivery to the colon provided therapeutic protection against ulcerative intestinal inflammatory disorders.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateMay 23, 2011

They shall not pass!

A study by LMU researchers found that neutrophils play a crucial role in blood coagulation and antimicrobial defense, trapping pathogens in small blood vessels. Excessive clotting, however, can lead to life-threatening conditions like heart attack and stroke.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalNature Medicine·DateAug 3, 2010

Chili peppers come with blood pressure benefits

A recent study found that long-term dietary consumption of capsaicin in chili peppers can reduce blood pressure in genetically hypertensive rats by activating the TRPV1 channel and increasing nitric oxide production. This could lead to potential benefits for humans with high blood pressure.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell Metabolism·DateAug 3, 2010

Morphine blocks tumor growth

Researchers found that chronic morphine use decreases levels of tumor angiogenesis, mediated by suppression of signaling induced by low oxygen concentrations. This effect suggests morphine may inhibit tumor growth and serve as an anti-angiogenic agent in cancer pain management.

SourceAmerican Journal of Pathology·JournalAmerican Journal Of Pathology·DateJul 28, 2010

NIH-supported study finds novel pathway may open doors for new blood pressure treatments

A recent NIH-supported study has discovered a novel pathway that may lead to the development of new treatments for high blood pressure. By increasing certain proteins in mouse blood vessels, researchers were able to relax the vessels and lower blood pressure, reducing damage to the kidneys compared to normal mice.

The protein tPA provides protection for nerve cells

The protein tPA provides protection for nerve cells in the hippocampus by preventing death caused by reduced blood flow during stroke. Analysis of tPA's protective process reveals implications for therapeutic strategies to prevent nerve cell death.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateMay 3, 2010

How muscle cells control fatty acid uptake

Researchers at Karolinska Institutet identified the role of VEGF-B protein in regulating fatty acid transport proteins in blood vessel walls, leading to increased fat intake and potential new treatments for metabolic diseases. The study found that blocking VEGF-B signalling may reduce insulin resistance and blood glucose levels.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalNature·DateMar 15, 2010

'Starving' fat suppresses appetite

A study by University of Cincinnati researchers found that proapoptotic peptide treatment reduced food intake and fat loss in obese mice and rats, without affecting energy expenditure. The findings suggest a novel system informing brain activity about fat tissue size, influencing appetite and weight regulation.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·JournalDiabetes·DateFeb 1, 2010

JCI table of contents: Dec. 28, 2009

Researchers have identified Notch signaling pathway activation in human angiomyolipomas and TSC2-deficient rat cells, suggesting that TSC proteins regulate Notch activity. This finding supports the idea that Notch dysregulation may underlie some of the distinctive clinical features of Tuberous Sclerosis Complex.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateDec 28, 2009

Sight gone, but not necessarily lost?

Researchers at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine found that cells in the retina can remain alive for many months and recover some or all normal function even without a proper blood supply. The study suggests that restoring blood supply to deprived regions of the retina may restore visual function.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalCell·DateOct 30, 2009

Blood vessel builders

Researchers at Case Western Reserve University are developing a novel approach to building vascular networks in engineered tissues using custom-designed synthetic molecules and embryonic stem cells. Their goal is to produce networks that can grow and maintain themselves like natural blood vessels, paving the way for improved human lives.