Articles tagged with Lungs
Researchers have developed a technique to observe cystic fibrosis cellular intricacies, revealing the role of CFTR in regulating ENaC activity. The study found that healthy CFTR prevents ENaC overactivity, while defective CFTR allows it to occur.
Researchers have discovered a protein called ubiquitin ligase Nedd4L as a new regulator of cystic fibrosis. Mice lacking Nedd4L in the lung developed cystic fibrosis-like disease, highlighting a promising therapeutic target. Enhancing Nedd4L function or inhibiting ENaC may alleviate symptoms of the disease.
A minimally-invasive procedure aimed at reducing lung inflation and shortness of breath in patients with severe emphysema has failed to demonstrate sustained long-term effects. Despite initial improvements, the procedure's durability was lacking, with no significant differences noted between treatment and sham groups after six months.
A US patient has received the world's first transplanted lungs treated with an experimental repair process. The treatment, part of a national study, uses STEEN SolutionTM to evaluate suitability of donor lungs for transplantation. If successful, it could increase transplantable lung supply and reduce wait times.
Researchers at The Wistar Institute have discovered protein signals responsible for preserving anti-viral antibody memory. The study highlights how BLyS and APRIL sustain cells that produce antibodies against viruses, crucial knowledge for vaccine development.
A new study by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) has found that adding azithromycin to daily treatment regimens for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) can lower frequency and severity of flare-ups. The medication was shown to improve breathing ability and overall well-being in patients with COPD.
Acute lung injury is a life-threatening condition that occurs when blood vessels leak into the lungs, causing fluid buildup. Researchers are exploring new therapies to improve patient odds by identifying key events and developing treatments to block them. Potential treatments include HSP90 inhibitors and adenosine agonists.
A national study of 327 patients published in the Journal of Pediatrics found that lung function declines as chest deformity deepens. The more severe the deformity, the more lung function was compromised, primarily due to lung restriction rather than airway obstruction.
Researchers at the University of Toronto have identified a new treatment target for human respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), a common cause of severe lung infections and estimated 10% of colds. The study found that RSV interacts with healthy cells by binding to a molecule called nucleolin, allowing it to decrease or increase infection.
Researchers found that a diet of flaxseed protects lung tissues before and after exposure to radiation, reducing damage and improving survival rates in mice. Flaxseed's bioactive lignan component is believed to confer its antioxidant properties, making it an attractive radioprotector and mitigator.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine identified a molecular pathway that helps explain how an enzyme elevated in asthma patients contributes to inflammation and mucus production. The study reveals unique interactions between biological molecules that could be targeted to develop new asthma treatments.
Researchers at Montana State University found a surprising condition where common lung mold causes a shortage of oxygen in the lungs. The study reveals that the mold's fermentation can influence the host immune response and adapt to low oxygen levels.
Patients with chronic lung illness exhibit improved emotional functioning and quality of life when they have a sense of humor, but laughing can temporarily reduce lung function. Researchers found that appreciating humor may be more beneficial than actually laughing out loud for patients with moderate to severe COPD.
Researchers used CT scans to identify structural changes in lungs of COPD patients linked to exacerbations. These findings suggest that distinct subgroups of patients may require targeted therapies, independent of spirometry measures.
A team of Brandeis researchers has created artificial cilia-like structures that spontaneously organize into active bundles and beat in a periodic manner. This breakthrough offers a new approach for studying the beating patterns of real cilia, which could lead to advances in nanotechnology.
A new study reveals that roads in North Dakota contain high levels of the cancer-causing mineral erionite, which can increase the risk of developing mesothelioma. The research team found that airborne concentrations of erionite in North Dakota were comparable to those found in Turkish villages with high mesothelioma rates.
The University of California, San Diego has received a major $18 million grant to further develop the science of glycobiology. The grant will focus on training scientists fluent in glycan chemistry and biology to study how glycans modulate inflammatory responses and fund collaborative projects.
Research identified demographic, clinical, and psychosocial factors contributing to work disability in systemic scleroderma. Findings suggest that retraining and additional support can help individuals with the disease maintain or regain employment.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine have been awarded $32 million to establish two Programs of Excellence in Glycosciences. The programs aim to better understand the roles of sugars in molecular mechanisms of disease, particularly lung and heart diseases.
Patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) face a higher risk of death when accessing tertiary care centers, according to recent research. Early detection and referral methods can shorten the time from symptoms onset to referral, ultimately improving patient outcomes.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center have discovered a possible new treatment for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) by targeting the invasive type of cell that leads to lung fibrosis. By reducing the production of hyaluronan and blocking its receptor, they were able to prevent fibrosis in living mice.
Research finds that growing up in a stressful household is associated with larger traffic pollution-induced lung deficits in healthy children. High levels of perceived stress among parents, particularly Hispanic and Asian families, led to decreased lung function in children exposed to traffic-related pollutants.
Researchers analyzed over 5,000 children in rural Nepal to assess the impact of early-life vitamin A supplements on asthma development. The study found no difference in asthma risk or lung function between children receiving supplements and those not receiving them.
Physicians at Washington University used an artificial lung to treat a two-year-old boy with severe pulmonary hypertension, saving his life. The boy, Owen Stark, was initially treated with medication and a ventilator before being placed on the life-support machine called ECMO.
A recent study by the University of Edinburgh found that certain types of carbon nanotubes could cause cancer in the lining of the lung. Researchers discovered that longer nanotubes were more likely to get stuck in the lung cavity and ultimately cause mesothelioma.
Researchers discovered that a calcium-sensing receptor plays a major role in the development of hypercalcemia, a deadly syndrome associated with squamous-cell lung cancers. The receptor releases a hormone that sets off a biological cycle leading to bone erosion and calcium release, ultimately promoting cancer growth and spread.
A study found that circulating levels of surfactant protein-D were associated with cardiovascular disease and mortality in patients with coronary artery disease, independent of other risk factors. Blood levels of SP-D increase when the lungs are inflamed, such as in smokers or those with chronic lung conditions like COPD.
Researchers found that myeloid-derived suppressor cells mediate immune suppression during pregnancy, allowing tumors to spread more easily. This mechanism may also be relevant to lung cancer patients with poor prognosis.
A new Johns Hopkins research suggests that nighttime surgery has no effect on patient survival for heart and lung transplants. Despite concerns about surgeon fatigue, the study found no significant difference in outcomes between day and night surgeries.
A study of heart and lung transplant recipients found that nighttime organ transplant surgery was not significantly linked to poorer survival rates up to one year after transplantation. The researchers also noted a higher rate of airway dehiscence associated with nighttime transplants, but similar hospital length of stay.
Research suggests that aging lung cells are more susceptible to infection by pneumonia-causing bacteria, increasing the risk of community-acquired pneumonia. Controlling inflammation may hold the key to preventing this deadly disease in the elderly.
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.
Researchers found that carbon black nanoparticles activated a double source of inflammation in the lungs, causing immune cells to die and leading to a secondary inflammatory response. The study suggests environmental exposures to diesel exhaust or printer ink could contribute to lung inflammation.
Researchers and clinicians face challenges in diagnosing and managing occupational lung diseases in veterans returning from Southwest Asia deployments. Key findings include a unique pattern of fixed obstruction in half of cases and clinically-reversible new-onset asthma in most, as well as rare interstitial lung disease.
A new study found that bacterial infection alone is not a reliable indicator of poor lung function in adolescents with cystic fibrosis. Instead, early childhood factors such as body mass index and nutritional status appear to play a significant role in determining lung function later in life.
Researchers found that inhaling small amounts of hydrogen reduces hyperoxic lung injury, inflammation and fluid buildup in the lungs. Hydrogen also induces activation of heme-oxygenase (HO-1), an enzyme that protects lung cells from damage.
A lung protein called EMAPII has been identified as a key player in smoking-related emphysema. An antibody targeting this protein shows promise in reducing cell death and inflammation in mice with emphysema, suggesting potential as a new treatment for the condition.
Researchers found that COPD patients' lung cells exhibit senescence, leading to increased inflammation. The study suggests that accelerated cellular aging contributes to persistent lung inflammation in COPD.
Pirfenidone reduces lung function decline in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis patients, showing a clinically meaningful benefit and favourable safety profile. The treatment has been approved for mild to moderate idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis in Europe and shows promise for the estimated 100,000 people affected across the continent.
A systematic review found that PDE4 inhibitors, such as roflumilast and cilomilast, improve lung function and reduce the likelihood of a flareup in patients with COPD. However, these treatments do not increase general quality of life. Further research is needed to assess longer-term effects
A team of researchers has detailed the molecular mechanism by which FTY270 causes adverse effects in the lungs of mice with multiple sclerosis. The study suggests that developing a drug targeting S1P receptors on immune cells could provide a therapeutic with decreased side effects.
A new study confirms that 'healthy' smokers exhibit gene expression changes similar to those of patients with moderate and severe COPD. Smoking is identified as a critical factor in causing these alterations. The findings support the need for developing new therapies to slow down COPD progression.
A new study by Johns Hopkins Medicine shows that simple exercise can improve lung function and overall fitness in children with cystic fibrosis. Patients who increased their exercise capacity by 10 or more walking intervals showed significant improvements in lung function scores.
Researchers discovered that immune cells play a crucial role in the worsening of atopic dermatitis when exposed to food allergens, with implications for prevention and treatment. Additionally, studies identified TIF1-gamma as a tumor suppressor in mouse and human chronic myelomonocytic leukemia.
A study published in Pediatric Pulmonology found that azithromycin can reduce the risk of bronchopulmonary dysplasia in preterm infants colonized or infected with Ureaplasma bacteria. The treatment showed a 21% reduction in BPD development and death rates in treated infants, compared to placebo.
Scientists have identified MMP-1 as a key enzyme responsible for destroying lung tissue in tuberculosis, leading to the development of drugs that can prevent this damage. The findings suggest that existing MMP inhibitor drugs may be effective in reducing deaths from TB.
A recent NIH-funded genome study has identified a common genetic variant associated with an increased risk of developing idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and familial interstitial pneumonia. The variant, found in the mucin 5B gene, is present in over half of individuals with IPF/FIP and increases their risk by five- to eightfold.
A recent study published in the American Journal of Physiology found that prenatal exposure to thirdhand smoke can have as serious or even more negative impacts on an infant's lung development than postnatal or childhood exposure. Pregnant women should take precautions to avoid homes and places where thirdhand smoke is likely to be found.
The La Jolla Institute has identified LIGHT as a promising therapeutic target for chronic asthma, COPD, and other lung conditions. Blocking LIGHT's interactions with its receptors significantly inhibited airway remodeling in mouse models of chronic asthma.
Research at Ohio State University found that polluted air can activate a protein triggering white blood cell release, leading to widespread inflammation. Chronic exposure to particulate matter increases the risk of cardiovascular problems and diseases like diabetes and obesity.
The Toronto XVIVO System successfully treated and improved the function of high-risk donor lungs, allowing them to be safely transplanted. This technique could significantly expand the donor organ pool and improve outcomes after transplantation.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health developed a non-steroid based strategy to improve lung's innate immune defense against bacterial infection in COPD patients. Sulforaphane, an ingredient present in broccoli, was used to enhance the Nrf2 pathway in the lungs.
Researchers discovered that sirolimus stabilizes lung function and improves quality of life in women with lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM), a rare lung disease. OHSU expert Alan Barker co-authored the study, which could also inform cancer treatment.
Dr. Larissa Shimoda's research focuses on understanding the mechanisms behind hypoxic pulmonary hypertension, a condition affecting patients with chronic lung diseases. Her work identifies key changes in pulmonary vascular smooth muscle cells that contribute to the development of the condition.
A new study found that taking bosentan did not improve health outcomes for patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). Researchers suggest a subset of IPF patients may still benefit from the drug, but further studies are needed to confirm this.
A study found that early menstruation (before age 10) increases the risk of lung complaints in adulthood, with southern European women being most affected. Women who started their periods earlier also tend to have lower lung capacity and higher body fat.
A study of 60 burn patients found that those who died from their injuries had lower inflammatory responses in their lungs compared to survivors. This unexpected finding may lead to better therapies for improving outcomes in burn care.
The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) has awarded $383,000 to nine state and local organizations to enhance COPD education initiatives across the country. These organizations will focus on increasing awareness among at-risk populations and enhancing leadership for prevention and treatment.
Researchers report that US military personnel in Iraq are frequently exposed to polluted air with fine particulate matter, exceeding guidelines and posing long-term health threats. Chronic exposure has been linked to various health problems, including increased hospital admissions and cardiovascular disease.
Research tracking lung transplant patients living near roads found they had double the risk of bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome and mortality. The study suggests traffic air pollution is a significant risk factor for lung transplant recipients, with proximity to main roads impacting health outcomes.