Research on the lungs and respiratory health. Covers asthma prevention, immune cell activity, age-related decline, and pulmonary care.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center discovered how nanoparticles from diesel exhaust damage lung airway cells, a finding that could lead to new treatments for people susceptible to airway disease. The study showed that the severity of injury depends on an individual's genetic make-up.
Researchers have identified a potential treatment for acute lung injury (ALI) and adult respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) by switching the state of macrophages to a reparative state. This approach aims to stop ongoing inflammation and improve lung repair capabilities.
A study found that vitamin D deficiencies are prevalent among patients with autoimmune lung diseases, particularly those with connective tissue disease. The study suggests a potential role for vitamin D in the development of these diseases and improving lung function.
Researchers discovered a specific enzyme inhibitor, delta-protein kinase C, that can help control lung inflammation by protecting the lungs from neutrophil-mediated damage. This could lead to new therapeutic targets for treating acute respiratory distress syndrome and reducing morbidity and mortality associated with sepsis and trauma.
Researchers at U-M have developed a new diagnostic tool to predict bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome (BOS), the leading cause of death for lung transplant recipients. A high stem cell count after transplantation is linked to an increased risk of developing BOS.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Children's Center discover that the CFTR protein regulates inflammation and cell death in emphysema, potentially leading to new treatments. Decreases in CFTR expression correspond to increased buildup of ceramide, a trigger of inflammation and cell death.
Researchers developed a method to stabilize living lung tissue for imaging, allowing observation of live cell interactions and immune responses to lung injury. This breakthrough impacts disease research by enabling scientists to look deeper into physiological aspects of injury and diseases.
A phase 3 clinical trial found that denufosol can help delay the progression of lung disease in CF patients by preventing mucus formation. The study showed improved lung exhalation rates and reduced symptoms in patients receiving denufosol compared to those on placebo.
Martina Navratilova, a former tennis champion, was hospitalized with pulmonary edema after climbing Mount Kilimanjaro. The study highlights the risks of acute mountain sickness and high-altitude pulmonary edema among climbers of high peaks.
A randomized controlled trial found that a lung protective strategy increased the number of lungs eligible for donation by nearly doubling it compared to conventional ventilation. This method included lower tidal volumes and higher positive end-expiratory pressure levels.
Researchers found that a massive, uncontrolled activation of the complement system led to severe lung damage and death in young adults. The study's findings suggest that this over-reaction is responsible for making healthy young and middle-aged adults seriously ill during pandemic flu, explaining why they are disproportionately affected.
Research suggests moderate to severe COPD may involve an auto-immune component, with 34% of patients having abnormal ANA and AT levels in their blood. The study found a significant association between these auto-antibodies and impairment of lung function.
A University of Edinburgh study reveals that nanoparticles used in various products can cause distinct lung injuries in rats, with some triggering asthmatic reactions and others leading to severe damage. Researchers emphasize the need for improved testing methods to assess nanoparticle risks.
A small study shows that VX-770, targeting the defective CFTR protein, improves lung function and other key indicators in cystic fibrosis patients. The drug has shown promise for treating the root cause of the disease.
A study found that a common transmissible strain of Pseudomonas aeruginosa is prevalent among cystic fibrosis patients in Canada, particularly in those infected with strain A, which is associated with a higher risk of death or lung transplantation. The study suggests cross-infection between CF centers in the UK and Canada.
Dr. Jay Kolls has been recognized with the prestigious MERIT Award for his work on a discovery that plays a critical role in the body's defense against pneumonia. His research uses genetically engineered mice to investigate the role of lung epithelium and explore how cells control infection defense in the lung.
A new indicator, TLR9 receptor, has been found to mark rapidly progressing idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, potentially leading to new treatments. Researchers identified the receptor in patients' lungs and showed its role in fibrotic tissue growth using human cells and mice.
The number of aware COPD cases increased from 65% in 2008 to 69% in 2010, with smokers and nonsmokers showing significant gains. Despite progress, up to 30% of Americans are still unaware of the disease, which claims over 120,000 lives annually.
Researchers used a novel imaging system to track the movement of near-infrared fluorescent nanoparticles from the lungs into the body and out again. The study found that non-positively charged nanoparticles smaller than 34nm in diameter appeared in lung-draining lymph nodes within 30 minutes.
A recent study suggests that the monkeypox virus can cause significant lung damage by decreasing production of proteins involved in maintaining lung tissue structure and lubrication. This finding may lead to new approaches for treating conditions such as bronchitis, emphysema, and other lung diseases.
A child's chances of developing allergies or wheezing are related to their growth in the womb, according to new research. Fetuses that grow quickly early on but falter later may be more likely to develop allergies and asthma as children.
Researchers found that higher estrogen levels are associated with improved blood-pumping efficiency in women on hormone therapy, while testosterone and DHEA increase RV mass in men. These findings may help explain the paradox of better survival in women with PAH.
A significant increase in lung transplant rejection was found in patients with vitamin D deficiency. The study suggests that optimal vitamin D levels are critical for positive outcomes in lung transplant patients.
A study published in Cancer Research found that melanoma cells can use the body's immune system, specifically neutrophils, to control lung metastasis development. By disrupting the interaction between cancer cells and neutrophils, a therapy could decrease lung metastases by about 50 percent.
Researchers found that oxygen therapy can increase peroxynitrite levels in the lungs, leading to inflammation, hemorrhaging, and swelling. A new compound, peptide 326, has been developed to interfere with this process, offering hope for reducing lung damage.
Researchers found that chronic infection with Stenotrophomonas maltophilia is independently linked to an increased risk of exacerbations in CF patients, as well as lower lung function.
Researchers will study proteins that trigger cell activity and functions, aiming to understand how they malfunction and cause heart disease. The project, led by UCLA, involves seven institutions worldwide and focuses on mitochondria and proteasomes, which may contribute to heart disease when defective.
Researchers at WUSTL will explore therapies and diagnostic tools for heart and lung diseases using nanotechnology. The project aims to improve treatment options for cystic fibrosis, acute lung inflammation, and atherosclerosis.
Children with chronic lung disease of prematurity who attend daycare are nearly four times more likely to experience serious respiratory symptoms than those who do not. Daycare attendance is associated with increased emergency room visits, medication use, and breathing problems in these vulnerable children.
A recent study by the Pitt/Iowa team reveals that a structural molecule and cellular pump influence pneumonia severity. Excess cardiolipin disrupts surfactant function, leading to tissue damage.
Researchers at the NHLBI found that adding tiotropium bromide to low-dose inhaled corticosteroids is more effective than doubling corticosteroids alone and as effective as adding a long-acting beta agonist. The treatment showed significant improvements in asthma control, including increased symptom-free days.
A new study by the American Lung Association finds that helping smokers quit saves lives and offers significant economic benefits to states. States can expect a 26% return on investment for every dollar spent on smoking cessation treatments, with some states receiving even higher returns.
Kendall Hunter will use non-invasive ultrasound measurements and invasive heart catheterization to diagnose and predict progression of PAH. The grant aims to improve diagnosis and treatment of this fatal disease in children and adults.
A study published in Science shows that neutrophils release enzymes that cause collateral damage to surrounding tissue, leading to chronic lung diseases. However, another enzyme LTA4H degrades a molecular fragment PGP, breaking the cycle and preventing damage.
A new study published in the Journal of Leukocyte Biology suggests that our innate immune systems are a major contributor to chronic lung diseases like silicosis. Researchers found that mice with an inactive adaptive immune system developed more severe silicosis, highlighting the importance of reducing chronic inflammation.
Researchers successfully differentiate embryonic stem cells into lung tissue using a natural cell-depleted lung matrix, demonstrating improved cell retention and organization. This breakthrough finding holds promise for developing clinical applications for engineered lung tissue.
Researchers found that sulfasalazine enhances the body's ability to clear fungal debris from the lungs, reducing inflammation and promoting better lung function. The study offers a new avenue for research on Pneumocystis pneumonia and may lead to improved treatment options for patients with weakened immune systems.
A report found that certain vena cava filters, used to prevent blood clots from reaching the lungs, can fracture and cause life-threatening complications. The filters were found to have a high rate of fracture, with some fragments traveling to the heart and causing symptoms such as rapid heartbeat or fluid buildup.
Researchers at the University of Texas Medical Branch have developed new techniques to identify specific asthma subtypes using protein patterns in airway lining fluid. This allows for targeted medication and potentially improved treatment outcomes. The study aims to reduce trial and error in asthma diagnosis and treatment.
A study has identified the BRF2 oncogene as specifically associated with lung squamous cell carcinoma, potentially serving as an identification marker and novel therapeutic target. Genetic analysis found frequent activation of BRF2 in pre-invasive stages of the disease, suggesting its role in tumorigenesis.
The International Society of Heart and Lung Transplantation has published comprehensive guidelines for the care of heart transplant recipients. The guidelines cover peri-operative care, rejection management, and long-term issues such as cardiac allograft vasculopathy and immunosuppressive adverse effects.
A randomized controlled trial found that nitric oxide treatment did not improve overall survival or reduce poor lung development in preterm infants. However, black babies showed a higher survival rate compared to non-black babies. The study suggests that ethnic origin may affect the response to nitric oxide treatment.
Smokers exposed to wood smoke face a higher risk of COPD due to increased lung function reduction and epigenetic changes. Wood smoke exposure synergistically increases the risk when combined with cigarette smoking.
Researchers found a significant link between African ancestry and pulmonary measurement in both men and women across all ages. Accounting for genetic ancestry improves prediction of normal lung function over a simple race-based classification, potentially leading to reclassification of severity in many lung diseases.
Researchers found that home care equivalent to hospital care for patients with cystic fibrosis does not compromise lung function recovery, with optimal duration of therapy ranging from 7-10 days. Longer treatment courses do not offer additional benefits.
A study found that genetic ancestry data correlates to physiologic measures, providing new evidence for personalized medicine. The research used genetic tools to estimate individual genetic ancestry and found a significant association between ancestry and lung function.
A study found significant variability in 5-year patient survival rates for lung transplantation centers in the US, with risks of death ranging from 30% lower to 70% higher. Despite controlling for procedural volume, center performance remained significant, suggesting true differences in quality of care.
Researchers have developed a diagnostic blood test that can identify lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM), a rare but serious lung disease affecting women. The test analyzes serum VEGF-D levels, showing high accuracy in diagnosing LAM, and may help screen for the disease in women with Tuberous Sclerosis Complex.
A systematic review by Cochrane Researchers concludes that alpha-1 antitrypsin replacement therapy has no clinically important effect on lung function, may cause modest harm, and is extremely expensive. The treatment should not be recommended due to the lack of evidence and potential adverse effects.
A new study found that ultrafine particles from vehicular emissions can boost allergic inflammation in the lungs, exacerbating asthma. The researchers used a real-time testing method to isolate the effects of ultrafine particles on the immune response in mice, and found significant enhancement of allergic airway inflammation with expos...
The International Society for Heart and Lung Transplantation has developed a standardized nomenclature for cardiac allograft vasculopathy, which will benefit heart transplant patients. The new classification system defines four levels of CAV severity, allowing for more accurate treatment options and improved patient outcomes.
A Yale University-led team of scientists has made an important breakthrough in regenerating fully functional lung tissue that can exchange gas. The researchers successfully implanted cultured lung cells into rats, which efficiently exchanged oxygen and carbon dioxide, mimicking the natural lungs' function.
A new UNC study found that African Americans with two or more medical conditions had almost zero surgeries, while white patients in the same situation had surgery just as often. The study also found that lack of a regular source of care led to significantly lower surgical rates for black patients.
A new study reveals that certain T cells delay their arrival to fight tuberculosis-causing bacteria, reducing the immune response. Regulatory T cells activate at the same time as effector T cells, hindering the body's ability to combat TB.
Researchers at the University of Michigan's Congenital Heart Center led a groundbreaking trial on shunts used to direct blood flow to the lungs, improving outcomes for kids born with hypoplastic left heart syndrome. The study found that one type of shunt was more effective over the first year, but its long-term impact is still uncertain.
A study of 2,230 patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) found that long-term treatment with beta-blocker medications was associated with fewer respiratory flare-ups and longer survival. The study also showed that beta-blockers may reduce the risk of exacerbations in patients with COPD.
Researchers at Mount Sinai School of Medicine have discovered that bone marrow cells play a crucial role in fighting respiratory viruses. The study found that cells produced by the bone marrow migrate to the lungs to help fight infection and produce infection-fighting proteins.
Research on older cystic fibrosis patients reveals significant differences in disease outcomes between males and females, with females living longer and having delayed but equally severe disease. The study's findings provide valuable insights into the future treatment of cystic fibrosis as this population continues to grow.
Researchers found that WTC workers had decreased sensitivity to odors and irritants, with nearly 75% experiencing impaired ability to detect irritants. The study suggests regular evaluation of sensory function is crucial for WTC responders and workers with pollutant exposures.
Researchers found that nearly half of healthy children experience lung dysfunction after intense exercise, with symptoms linked to bronchoconstriction and airway constriction.