Research on the lungs and respiratory health. Covers asthma prevention, immune cell activity, age-related decline, and pulmonary care.
A study published in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine found that young adults with chronic cough and phlegm are at a fourfold increased risk of developing COPD. The presence of these symptoms is an early marker of airflow obstruction.
A study published by the American Thoracic Society found that human rhinovirus, a leading cause of common colds, can lead to progressive respiratory failure and death in immunosuppressed lung transplant patients. The virus was found to infect both upper and lower airways, contradicting previous assumptions.
A breakthrough discovery by Vera Krymskaya at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine has linked a potential treatment for Lymphangioleimyomatosis (LAM), a rare lung disease targeting only women during childbearing years. The treatment, utilizing a medication to inhibit abnormal growth, is now in clinical trials.
In a study published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation, researchers used RNA interference (RNAi) to silence the gene encoding prion protein, suppressing its accumulation in mice. This breakthrough provides hope for developing a new therapeutic approach to treat neurodegenerative disorders like CJD and BSE. Further research is ne...
A randomized, multi-center study found that adding inhaled iloprost to bosentan treatment increases exercise capability and reduces clinical deterioration in PAH patients. In some cases, the combination also improves diagnostic functional class by one stage.
A study of 44 patients with pulmonary embolism from illicit silicone injection found high fatality rates and severe complications. Transsexual males were disproportionately affected, highlighting the need for increased awareness and medical checks.
Researchers developed an ultrasound-based stethoscope that can accurately read heart and lung sounds at high noise levels, revolutionizing medical auscultation for critically injured patients. The new device is expected to save lives by enabling doctors to diagnose conditions like collapsed lungs and asthma in noisy environments.
Researchers have successfully tested a gene therapy to combat alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency, a common hereditary disorder that causes lung and liver disease. The treatment showed no adverse effects and introduced the corrective gene into patients' blood, with some evidence of protein production.
The University of Minnesota's Maryam Valapour has received a grant to analyze the ethical and policy issues surrounding living-donor lung transplants. She aims to identify factors that encourage and discourage wider use of this procedure, which is currently less common than deceased donor transplants.
Researchers have identified eosinophils as a major contributor to asthma symptoms, finding that they play a crucial role in mucous production and airway obstruction. The study suggests that targeting eosinophils could lead to the development of new treatments for asthma, which affects an estimated 17 million people in the US.
The Long-term Oxygen Treatment Trial aims to determine whether supplemental oxygen improves patients' quality of life and lifespan. The six-year study will monitor 3,500 patients with moderate COPD to guide Medicare's policy decisions.
Researchers at Yale University found that Ang2 protein levels are higher in patients with acute lung injury and pulmonary edema. The study suggests that modulating Ang2 levels may help control acute lung injury, offering new potential therapeutic targets.
Researchers at Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh have identified interleukin-23 (IL-23) as the key molecule causing destructive lung inflammation in cystic fibrosis patients. This discovery provides a specific target for developing new therapies to improve quality of life for these patients.
Researchers found that chronic alcohol abuse disrupts the protective barrier in the lungs, making it harder for the body to handle fluid accumulation. This can lead to serious illnesses like pneumonia and ARDS.
Researchers have identified unique expression domains for two proteins, SPLUNC1 and SPLUNC2, in the lungs of people with cystic fibrosis. The discovery could help understand the immune system's role in the disease and potentially prevent lung damage.
A study has identified three proteins that can predict chronic lung rejection in transplant patients, offering new hope for early intervention and prevention. The proteins, which form a 'biosignature' of organ rejection, were found using advanced high-tech tools and analysis techniques.
Researchers found that mice with a genetic predisposition to severe flu symptoms mount an enhanced immune response in the lungs compared to those with milder disease. The study aims to identify genes controlling inflammation variation during influenza infection and may help determine who would benefit most from limited vaccine supply.
Researchers at the University of Minnesota have successfully differentiated umbilical cord blood stem cells into type II alveolar cells, which can secrete surfactant and repair airways. This breakthrough may lead to new treatments for lung diseases like cystic fibrosis.
Current and former smokers who used statins had lower lung function decline than those not using statins, regardless of smoking status. Statin use was found to decrease the decline in lung function by 10.3% in controls versus 1.3% in statin users.
A year-long study in the six-county Chicago metropolitan area identified a large proportion of subjects with significant impairment and encouraged smokers to quit. Fourteen percent of those tested had severe or very severe impairment, highlighting the need for public health intervention.
A new 'umbrella-like' valve has been shown to be safe and effective for patients with emphysema, improving ventilation and reducing complications. The device, known as the IBV Valve, may provide a noninvasive alternative to lung surgery for patients who are not good candidates.
A new finger-stick test for alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency may help identify patients at risk of developing lung conditions, enabling early screening and treatment. The test shows that World Trade Center rescue workers with low levels of A1AT protein had faster decline in lung function compared to those with normal levels.
Two studies published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation reveal key roles for PLC-gamma-2 and NF-kappa-B in immune responses. PLC-gamma-2 regulates osteoclast development and B cell differentiation, while NF-kappa-B controls endothelial cell function in models of sepsis and cancer.
A study published by the American Thoracic Society found that an antioxidant called heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) is elevated in the lungs of patients with chronic silicosis. HO-1 protects against reactive oxygen species, which cause tissue injury and scar formation.
Researchers at UTMB have developed an antioxidant treatment that reduces oxidative stress and inflammation caused by RSV, a common and dangerous early-childhood infection. The treatment, tested on laboratory mice, also lowers asthma-like symptoms after the virus has been cleared.
A study published by the American Academy of Neurology found that childhood IQ and physical fitness are indicators of cognitive ability in old age. The research examined 460 participants who underwent cognitive tests at ages 11 and 79, revealing that physical fitness contributes more to cognitive function than childhood IQ.
A recent study found that the tumor suppressor gene H-REV107-1 stimulates growth in non-small cell lung carcinomas via mitogenic signaling. In contrast to expected function, cytoplasmic localization of H-REV107-1 correlates with decreased patient survival.
Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh researchers aim to develop more effective treatments for patients with chronic lung diseases, including cystic fibrosis and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. The $12.8 million NIH grant will support the development of new diagnostic methods and therapies.
A recent study found that African American smokers who prefer menthol cigarettes are less likely to quit smoking compared to non-menthol smokers. Despite the potential for menthol to increase harm, the study suggests that switching from menthol to non-menthol cigarettes may facilitate smoking cessation and reduce health disparities.
Researchers have identified calcineurin as essential for complete lung development, and its absence led to respiratory problems in mice. A new model of human placental development also sheds light on the complex process of placentation, while a study on thyroid structures reveals that mature T cells trigger their formation.
In a study published in JCI Journals, researchers found that calcineurin is essential for complete lung development in mice. Mice lacking calcineurin function died shortly after birth due to lung failure.
A study published in the American Journal of Roentgenology found that helical high-resolution multi-detector CT (MDCT) is more effective than conventional high-resolution CT in detecting bronchiectasis. The new technique can identify abnormal airways with greater accuracy, but at a higher radiation dose.
A new study found that IPF patients who can cover less than 680 feet during the six-minute walk test are four times more likely to die. The test's accuracy was found to be superior to other measures, such as forced vital capacity percent (FVC%).
The International Society for Heart and Lung Transplantation releases comprehensive global guidelines for managing heart failure patients prior to transplantation. The guidelines aim to enhance patient care, optimize outcomes, and improve resource allocation.
Researchers enhanced donor lungs using clinical maneuvers, increasing transplant procedures without compromising recipient function. The San Antonio Lung Transplant protocol improved lung procurement rates by up to 50%, reducing lengthy wait times and potentially eliminating deaths among patients awaiting lung transplantation.
Researchers at the University of Illinois College of Medicine identified a molecule that plays a critical role in lung tissue recovery following severe injury. The study found that FoxM1, a protein controlling cell proliferation, is involved in endothelial regeneration and barrier integrity restoration.
Researchers at the University of Cincinnati are studying whether environmental toxicants can worsen lung disease by activating a receptor that causes the immune system to attack stressed lung tissue. Chronic exposure to toxins like tobacco smoke and air pollutants may exacerbate damage, leading to additional health problems.
A study by Maria-Christina L. Machado and colleagues found that women with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) who use long-term oxygen therapy have a 54% increased risk of death compared to men. The primary risk factor for developing COPD is smoking.
Research found that longstanding anger and hostility compromise lung function and hasten natural decline in lung power with age. The study of 670 men aged 45-86 showed a significant association between higher levels of hostility and poorer lung function.
The NHLBI guide provides information on the impact of physical activity on your heart, including tips for incorporating physical activity into daily life. Regular physical activity is essential for maintaining a healthy heart, with benefits including burning extra calories, building stamina, and improving balance.
Researchers have developed a novel technique using the abdominal cavity to exchange gas, supplementing lung function in patients with reversible lung failure. The technique increases arterial oxygen levels by a significant degree and shows potential for treating critically ill patients.
The latest NETT results confirm that selected severe emphysema patients with upper-lobe emphysema and poor exercise capacity before surgery can benefit from surgery with improved survival rates. Long-term follow-up also shows symptom relief in some patients, but no improvement in overall survival.
A large-scale study found that NYC firefighters' lung function declined by 12 years of age due to WTC dust exposure, with early arrival time-based periods showing more frequent respiratory symptoms. Researchers emphasize the importance of medical surveillance for high-risk jobs and call for better protective equipment.
Researchers found a chemical compound in many air fresheners and deodorizing products may cause modest reductions in lung function. The study, published in Environmental Health Perspectives, analyzed blood concentrations of common volatile organic compounds and pulmonary function measures in a representative sample of adults.
Researchers found that glucocorticoids (GCs) alter the activity of bone-forming and bone-degrading cells, leading to delayed bone formation and resulting in GC-induced osteoporosis. Antisense oligonucleotides can be delivered through cerebrospinal fluid to treat neurodegenerative diseases like ALS.
Inhaled nitric oxide significantly reduces chronic lung disease and brain injury risk in very low birthweight premature infants. The therapy, given within the first few weeks of life or within 48 hours after birth, appears to protect against long-term breathing problems and brain damage.
Researchers created a 3D computer simulation to mimic the complex process of reopening collapsed airways. The study found that 'fluid inertia' plays a crucial role in assessing the pressure required to reopen blocked airways, which is essential for preventing lung damage.
Researchers conclude that enzyme urokinase is the primary treatment against infection in the lung lining due to its cost-effectiveness. The study suggests a significant healthcare savings of $15 million if used as the first line of treatment for pediatric empyema.
Quitting smoking significantly improves lung function test scores in asthmatics, even after just one week of no cigarettes. The study found a notable increase in lung function improvements compared to high-dose anti-inflammatory treatment.
Researchers have found that gene-expression profiling can predict a lung cancer's prognosis, with tumors resembling early lung development having the worst prognosis. The study identifies key genes involved in biological pathways believed to be crucial in lung cancer development, offering potential targets for therapy.
Familial idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is linked to the ELMOD2 gene, which regulates apoptosis and cell migration. The study identified a susceptibility haplotype associated with an increased risk of IPF, supporting ELMOD2 as a prime candidate gene.
A randomized clinical trial has proven that a drug can slow down deterioration of lung function in scleroderma patients. Participants who received treatment had a small but statistically significant improvement in lung function and less shortness of breath compared to those who were not treated.
A new nationwide study found that cyclophosphamide improved breathing, lung function, quality of life, functional disability, and skin thickness in patients with scleroderma. The findings will help researchers develop new drug therapies and better understand the disease's development.
Researchers found a novel tumor suppressor, HLJ1, that slows down lung cancer cell proliferation and reduces cancer recurrence. Patients with high HLJ1 expression lived longer than those with low expression.
Researchers found that stopping inhaled corticosteroids in cystic fibrosis patients had no significant increase in lung-related adverse effects. The study showed that replacing the medication with a placebo was safe for most patients, suggesting that it may be possible to lower drug burden and reduce side effects.
A recent clinical trial has shown that heart attack patients with cardiogenic shock who undergo emergency angioplasty or bypass surgery within six hours experience improved long-term survival rates compared to those receiving intensive medical therapy. The study enrolled 302 patients and found significant benefits from early revascular...
A study by Duke University Medical Center found that telephone counseling can improve the quality of life for patients waiting for a lung transplant, reducing emotional distress and anxiety. The researchers believe this approach could be useful for patients with chronic diseases who cannot access face-to-face counseling due to distance...
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh's Simmons Center have developed a warm autopsy program for studying pulmonary fibrosis, allowing them to compare tissue samples from biopsies and organs retrieved soon after death. This approach may help understand IPF mechanisms and lead to new treatments.
Researchers compared accuracy of three diagnostic methods for pulmonary embolism, finding chest CT with leg CT scan detects clots in 90% of patients. The study suggests that imaging technologies greatly expand our ability to diagnose and treat disease.
Researchers developed a new MRI technique using hyperpolarized helium to detect early signs of emphysema in asymptomatic smokers. The technology shows promise for early disease detection, surgical planning, and monitoring patient response to treatments without radiation exposure.