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New approach to limiting organ damage in sickle cell disease

A new study found that bosentan prevents experimentally induced vaso-occlusive crises in a mouse model of SCD, reducing blood vessel resistance and preventing organ damage. Bosentan may provide a new way to limit VOCs and thereby reduce mortality and morbidity in individuals with Sickle Cell Disease.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateApr 1, 2008

Precancerous stem cells can form tumor blood vessels

A new study shows that tumor blood vessels develop from precancerous stem cells, a type of cell that can become malignant. The findings suggest that screening anti-angiogenic drugs should include these cells to improve their effectiveness in blocking tumor growth.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateFeb 19, 2008

Anemia treatment may be a double-edged sword

A mouse study reveals that erythropoietin keeps blood vessels alive and growing in the eye, but administering it at the wrong time may worsen diseases. The hormone's effects depend on timing, with early administration potentially slowing disease progression and late administration accelerating it.

SourceBoston Children's Hospital·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJan 30, 2008

Fetal surgeon shows for first time that laser procedure may treat vasa previa

A University of South Florida fetal surgeon successfully treated a rare condition where placental blood vessels block the birth canal and can rupture during labor. The laser procedure sealed off the abnormal fetal blood vessels, eliminating prolonged hospitalization and allowing the pregnancy to progress with a vaginal delivery.

SourceUniversity of South Florida (USF Health)·JournalThe Journal of Maternal-Fetal & Neonatal Medicine·DateDec 18, 2007

Engineered blood vessels function like native tissue

Researchers at University at Buffalo developed a method to isolate functional smooth muscle cells from bone marrow, which can be used in regenerative medicine for cardiovascular applications. The engineered blood vessels function similarly to native tissue, demonstrating potential as an alternative to venous grafts.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalCardiovascular Research·DateJul 5, 2007

Tumor vessels identified by unique molecular markers

Researchers have identified a set of molecular markers that can distinguish between healthy and tumor blood vessels, paving the way for more selective anticancer therapeutics. The study reveals 13 genes selectively overexpressed in tumor blood vessels, offering new targets for developing safer therapies.

SourceCell Press·JournalCancer Cell·DateJun 11, 2007

Anti-fungal drug stops blood vessel growth

Researchers have discovered that the anti-fungal medication itraconazole can stop the growth of new blood vessels, which is commonly seen in cancers. In mice models, treatment with itraconazole reduced blood vessel growth by 67%, providing a promising lead for cancer treatment

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalACS Chemical Biology·DateApr 27, 2007

Blame the brain for high blood pressure

Scientists at the University of Bristol have found that inflammation caused by trapped white blood cells can obstruct blood flow to the brain, leading to poor oxygen supply. This discovery suggests a new mechanism for high blood pressure, with potential therapeutic targets for treatment.

Nanoparticles can track cells deep within living organisms

Researchers developed nanoparticles that can label and track stem cells used in medical treatments, offering a new way to monitor tumors and diagnose cardiovascular problems. The technology uses MRI scanning to detect the presence of labeled cells, allowing for more accurate measurements and better understanding of each cell type's role.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalThe FASEB Journal·DateMar 26, 2007

Cancer cells forming blood vessels send their copper to the edge

Researchers discovered that cancer cells forming blood vessels exhibit a distinct distribution of cellular copper, which may help explain how copper-reducing cancer therapy works. This finding has implications for understanding the regulation of metal ion content in metal-binding proteins and could lead to new cancer therapies.

SourceDOE/Argonne National Laboratory·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 27, 2007

Drug treatment slows macular vision loss in diabetics

A new study found that a commonly used drug to slow central vision loss can also treat diabetic retinopathy, a common complication of diabetes. The treatment showed promise in improving reading ability and reducing swelling in the retina by targeting vascular endothelial growth factor, a protein that promotes unwanted blood vessel growth.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalAmerican Journal of Ophthalmology·DateDec 15, 2006

Repair not destruction: A new approach to treating retinopathy

Researchers propose a novel treatment strategy for retinopathy by repairing abnormal blood vessels instead of destroying them. The study shows that transplanted bone marrow-derived cells can convert leaky blood vessels into normal ones, suggesting a potential therapy for human diseases like ROP.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateNov 16, 2006

How to grow muscle cells in a dish

Researchers successfully generated smooth muscle cells from multipotent adult progenitor cells using TGF-beta and PDGFB, offering a potential source for tissue engineering. This study identifies a model system for studying the effects of therapeutics on SMC development.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateNov 9, 2006

Intrinsic eye protein halts angiogenesis

Scientists identified SFLT-1 as the protein responsible for preventing blood vessel growth in corneas. Deactivating this protein allows angiogenesis to occur, leading to conditions such as macular degeneration and cancer. The discovery opens doors to new treatments by harnessing the natural anti-angiogenic properties of the eye.

SourceUniversity of Kentucky·JournalNature·DateOct 18, 2006