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The 'S' stands for surprise

Researchers found that mice lacking protein S suffered massive blood clots and defective blood vessels, highlighting the protein's dual role in coagulation and inflammation. Protein S also binds to receptors that regulate immune responses, suggesting new targets for gene therapy.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateSep 1, 2009

Natural compound stops retinopathy

Researchers at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center discovered a natural compound that restores balance in the eye to stop diabetic retinopathy, a disease affecting five million Americans. The treatment prevents leakage, blocks inflammation, and stops unwanted blood vessel growth.

SourceUniversity of Oklahoma·JournalDiabetes·DateJul 2, 2009

Ambati study published in PNAS

A new study by Dr. Jayakrishna Ambati and colleagues found that the siRNA treatment is toxic to both blood and lymphatic endothelial cells, with potential applications in cornea transplantation and treatment of lymphatic diseases.

SourceUniversity of Kentucky·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 6, 2009

Deciphering the body's healing secrets

Researchers at the Centenary Institute have discovered a mechanism controlling endothelial cell growth and function. The process of differentiation, triggered by high levels of sphingosine kinase-1, allows cells to mature into functional endothelial cells, potentially leading to new treatments for cardiovascular disease and diabetes.

SourceResearch Australia·JournalBlood·DateFeb 11, 2009

Researchers may have found why women have an edge on salt-sensitive hypertension

Researchers have found that female hormones play a crucial role in the body's ability to regulate salt levels, potentially explaining why women are less prone to salt-sensitive hypertension. The study suggests that estrogen drives the beneficial action of ETA receptors, which increase sodium excretion without increasing blood pressure.

JCI online early table of contents: Nov. 13, 2008

New research reveals that alkaline pH activates TRPA1 protein in human cell lines and mouse nerve cells, causing pain sensation. The study suggests a potential link between TRPA1 activation and human alkaline pH-related pain sensations, contributing to the understanding of pain mechanisms.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateNov 13, 2008

Arsenic linked to cardiovascular disease at EPA-regulated drinking water standards

Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh discovered that exposure to EPA-approved levels of arsenic in drinking water can lead to cardiovascular disease by closing pores in liver blood vessels. The study found that mice exposed to arsenic had impaired sinusoidal cell functions, leading to a loss of nutrient exchange and waste removal.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateNov 13, 2008

Yale researchers unravel mystery of brain aneurysms

A study published in Nature Genetics has identified three chromosome segments where common genetic variations can create significant risk for ruptured aneurysms, leading to strokes. The findings could lead to new screening tests and therapies to strengthen blood vessels in the brain.

SourceYale University·JournalNature Genetics·DateNov 9, 2008

Discovery of natural compounds that could slow blood vessel growth

Scientists at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine have identified over 100 human protein fragments that can slow or stop the growth of cells making up new blood vessels. These compounds, known as antiangiogenesis peptides, could lead to treatments for diseases such as cancer, macular degeneration, and rheumatoid arthritis.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 3, 2008

Look to the future: New drug reduces one cause of vision loss

A new small molecule inhibitor of Src kinases was found to eliminate VEGF-induced fluid accumulation in the retina of mice and rabbits. The approach, which involved topical application or intravenous injection, showed promise for reducing vision loss due to VEGF-mediated blood vessel permeability.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateMay 15, 2008

JCI online early table of contents: April 15, 2008

New data shows that vectors derived from AAV5 can accommodate large genes, including those missing in a mouse model of recessive Stargardt disease. This breakthrough has implications for treating individuals with the disease, which is characterized by progressive loss of sight.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateApr 15, 2008

Human vascular system in mice

A team of researchers created a functional human vascular system in mice by injecting spheroids of endothelial cells into the skin. The newly formed blood vessels are exclusively made of human endothelial cells and establish contact with mouse vessels, allowing for study of tumor growth and angiogenesis inhibitor effects.

SourceHelmholtz Association·JournalNature Methods·DateApr 14, 2008