Articles tagged with Muscles
Research reveals that humans can't pump enough blood to meet the demand of highly trained muscles during exercise, leading to hypotension. This finding has implications for understanding reduced exercise tolerance in pathologic conditions and may guide new therapeutic approaches.
Researchers found that expressing LARGE protein in cells from patients with distinct gene defects can restore alpha-dystroglycan's ability to bind to the extracellular matrix, leading to improved muscle structure and function. This approach may have clinical benefits for patients with muscular dystrophy.
Researchers at the University of Wisconsin-Madison have developed a groundbreaking gene therapy technique that safely delivers therapeutic DNA to muscle cells. The innovative approach, which uses a non-viral method to inject genes into limb veins, has exciting implications for treating muscle and blood vessel disorders.
Researchers found that histamine cell activity continues during cataplexy, while norepinephrine and serotonin cell activity ceases, leading to loss of muscle tone. The study sheds light on the biological causes of narcolepsy and may aid in developing drugs to induce sleep and increase alertness.
Researchers found that exercising in a swimming pool during plyometric training significantly decreased muscle soreness two to three days after the workout. Muscle strength and mass increased in both groups, with no significant differences between gym-based and pool-based exercise.
A study on tablet splitting found that the practice can lead to significant weight variability and uneven drug content, potentially putting patients at risk of experiencing side effects. Researchers recommend taking the prescribed dose as intended to ensure consistent medication amounts.
Researchers found that HDAC inhibitors promote adult muscle growth and regeneration by stimulating follistatin levels in skeletal muscle tissues. Follistatin is proposed as a potential drug target to regenerate healthy new muscle tissues in animal models of muscular dystrophies.
A University of Pittsburgh study found that women with overactive bladder experience reduced sexual function and thoughts. Overactive bladder affects half of the 17 million Americans suffering from it, significantly impacting their quality of life.
A six-year study by University of Pittsburgh researcher found botox injections to be a safe and effective treatment for bladder dysfunction, reducing incontinence in 67.2% of patients. The therapy works by blocking muscle contractions, restoring normal bladder function and improving quality of life.
Max Planck researchers discovered that the body's own cannabinoid receptor acts as a protective system against colon inflammation. The study found that mutant mice lacking this receptor are more prone to inflammatory responses, but treatment with cannabinoids can alleviate inflammation in wild-type animals.
Researchers found that intact eye movements are necessary for reflexive attention development. Voluntary orientation works even with impaired eyesight.
This May 2004 Ophthalmology journal issue covers a range of topics including refractive surgery, protective eyewear in the military, and ultraviolet absorption of intraocular lenses. Key findings also include higher risk of multiple falls among elderly women with visual acuity loss and patterns of macular edema in patients with uveitis.
Researchers at Wake Forest University Baptist have developed a non-surgical treatment for cerebral palsy patients using Botox injections. The treatment has shown significant improvement in functional ability and muscle relaxation, allowing patients to perform daily activities with greater ease.
A study by Dr. Jonathan Strober found creatine supplementation to be safe in children with neuromuscular disorders, but failed to improve muscle mass or motor function. The treatment had varying effects on range of motion in patients with different conditions.
A study at Massachusetts General Hospital found that natural testosterone delivery products improved muscle strength and function in HIV-infected women with low testosterone levels. The treatment resulted in significant improvements in muscle mass and overall quality of life.
A Mayo Clinic study found that most children with juvenile dermatomyositis (JDM) carry a particular gene from their mother, triggering an immune response. The research suggests that maternal cells may play a role in the development of JDM, a rare condition that causes inflammation and muscle damage.
A three-year study shows that Botox injections significantly improve the voices and quality of life of patients with spasmodic dysphonia. The treatment produces a powerful and sustained improvement in voice-related quality of life, even after repeated injections.
A new study found that sacral nerve stimulation significantly reduces the number of weekly episodes of incontinence, from 16 to 3-2 per week after one-two years. The technique also shows an improvement in quality-of-life scores and is a safe option for patients with intact or repaired anal sphincters.
Researchers successfully converted muscle stem cells into cells showing properties of neurons through the use of an artificial gene. This breakthrough suggests that stem cells may be 'flexible' and able to develop into different cell types, paving the way for potential neuroregeneration techniques.
Researchers found that ultrasound treatment didn't hasten healing for muscle contusions in rats. In fact, the treated muscles healed at the same rate as non-treated muscles, suggesting no physiological benefit from ultrasound.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center have discovered a second chemical pathway that enhances smooth-muscle cell contraction when the primary pathway is limited. This finding has implications for treating conditions such as hypertension and other smooth muscle-related disorders.
Defects in mitofusin 2, a critical mitochondrial fusion gene, underlie CMT type 2A. Gene therapy may alleviate symptoms by restoring lost gene function.
Researchers discovered a myosin gene mutation that correlates with anatomical changes in early hominid fossil record, including smaller jaw muscles and larger brain size. The mutation, estimated at 2.5 million years ago, may have lifted an evolutionary constraint on brain growth in early humans.
A new study found that carbohydrate intake has a limited positive impact on muscle protein synthesis after resistance exercise, but not enough to achieve the desired effect. Muscle protein breakdown decreased and net balance improved in the carbohydrate group compared to the placebo group.
Studies investigate relationships between energy expenditure, lean muscle mass, and upper-body strength in persons with SCI. Researchers also explore potential treatments for bowel movement issues, respiratory problems, and pain management.
A study found that mice with silenced small-conductance calcium-activated potassium (SK) channels in the DCN had increased firing rates and ataxia. Despite this, Purkinje cell input into the DCN remained intact, indicating a direct relationship between SK channel regulation and proper muscle coordination.
A study suggests that genetic enhancement can increase muscle mass and strength in rats, which could benefit elite athletes, patients with muscle wasting, and elderly individuals. The research also highlights the need for regulatory bodies to distinguish between allowed and banned endurance enhancement practices.
Researchers discovered that Ozz-E3 ligase is essential for the correct assembly of sarcomeres, which disrupts muscle formation. The study also found a close link between PPCA and Ozz genes, potentially explaining why some children with severe neurodegenerative disease suffer from muscle disorders.
Researchers have created a strain of mouse whose muscle cells continuously produce mIGF-1, leading to significant muscle regeneration and tissue repair. This breakthrough sheds light on how stem cells specialize and integrate into damaged tissues.
Researchers have found that patients with spinal cord injuries can generate muscle activity independent of brain signals when one leg is moved during therapy. This discovery has significant implications for developing rehabilitation strategies and improving walking abilities in spinal cord injury patients.
A traditional herbal medicine enhances bilirubin clearance by activating the nuclear receptor CAR, potentially improving pharmaceutical treatments for neonatal jaundice. Additionally, a viral cure for type 1 diabetes has been discovered, where infection with lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus completely abolishes the diabetic process i...
Researchers at Northeastern University have demonstrated that swinging limbs during running requires significant energy, contrary to previous research. They estimated energy use by measuring blood flow to hind leg muscles of guinea fowl and found swing-phase muscles consume 26% of energy.
Research by Stanford researcher Thomas Rando and postdoctoral scholar Irina Conboy found that older muscles produce less Delta after injury, leading to slower regeneration. However, artificially activating Delta in older muscles restored regenerative ability comparable to younger muscle, suggesting a potential therapeutic target.
Women with myasthenia gravis are at increased risk of complications during pregnancy and childbirth, including higher rates of cesarean section and preterm rupture of amniotic membranes. However, neonatal deaths and prematurity were not significantly affected by the condition.
The Rochester center will focus on three uncommon neurological disorders: periodic paralysis, episodic ataxia, and nondystrophic myotonias. These disorders are caused by abnormal cell channels or gates that regulate crucial chemicals in our cells, leading to symptoms such as paralysis, muscle stiffness, and coordination loss.
Researchers are developing a new drug to treat myasthenia gravis by targeting the nerve-muscle communication point and reducing complement activation. The study aims to provide a more effective treatment with fewer side effects than existing therapies, which have limited success due to their adverse effects.
Regular exercise has been shown to have a generalized beneficial effect on how the brain functions, reducing symptoms of depression in both animals and humans. Mental practice can also improve strength and recovery from spinal cord injuries.
Researchers have created a ring of muscle from the patient's own body and transplanted it to the bladder as a replacement sphincter. The new treatment uses an implanted electrical stimulator for a reliable method of passing urine only when needed, offering hope for millions suffering from severe stress incontinence.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center have developed a new treatment for degenerative eye disease, macular translocation surgery with 360 degree peripheral retinectomy (MT360), which has shown promising results in recovering reading vision in patients. The procedure involves rotating the retina to shift the degenerating macula ...
Patients with achalasia often experience impeded digestion due to reduced muscle contraction and sphincter relaxation. Research finds that nerve cell loss may cause constipation in these patients, which persisted even after treatment for achalasia.
Researchers at three new NIH-funded centers are working on developing gene and stem cell therapies to treat Duchenne muscular dystrophy. The centers will study various aspects of gene therapy, including the delivery and engraftment of muscle stem cells into diseased heart tissue.
The University of Pittsburgh has been designated as a cooperative research center to develop treatments for muscle-wasting diseases. The center will focus on gene and stem cell therapies to treat Duchenne muscular dystrophy, the most common and debilitating childhood disease.
The study found that specific Hox genes direct the formation of nerves controlling muscles for eye movements and facial expressions. Disabling these genes led to abnormalities in mouse embryos, including cross eyes and breathing difficulties.
Researchers at Northwestern University found that imagining movement of affected limbs can improve stroke rehabilitation. The study used a motor imagery training program with patients experiencing hemiparesis, resulting in increased assessment scores and functionality.
Caffeine was found to reduce thigh muscle pain in young adult men during cycling exercise, suggesting its potential as a pain relief aid for endurance activities. The study's results may help explain why prior reports showed that caffeine improves exercise performance.
Researchers identified a genetic region on chromosome 11 associated with eye and kidney problems in individuals with Joubert syndrome. The study provides hope for developing a genetic screening test to inform parents about the risk of passing the condition to future children.
A study of elite male athletes found that about one in five believed they weren't sufficiently muscular and wanted to gain weight. The findings showed that 17.5% of athletes in lean sports exhibited symptoms of eating disorders compared to 9.2% in non-lean sports.
Researchers found that injecting a gene producing insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) into muscles delayed disease onset by 31 days, preserved nerve cells, and reduced muscle wasting. This study may lead to a new, gene-based treatment for ALS affecting over 30,000 Americans.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins and Salk Institute develop gene therapy that slows progression of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a devastating disease affecting thousands. In experiments with mice, injection of insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) into muscles extends survival and improves strength.
A study found that applying a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug cream to the skin reduced muscle soreness by 37-45% in healthy males after exercise. This method avoids systemic side effects associated with oral NSAID use, which are common among patients.
Researchers have found that stem cells from blood vessels can regenerate wasting muscle in mice with muscular dystrophy-like symptoms. The study's results provide a possible new approach for treating the disease, which currently has no cure.
A study of 23 West Nile patients reveals early symptoms include rash, low back pain, and limb pain, progressing to muscle weakness and respiratory failure in severe cases. The disease can cause significant disability and death if left untreated, emphasizing the importance of early diagnosis and treatment.
Researchers found a major neurochemical deficit in patients with multiple system atrophy, a rare degenerative disease, which correlates with worsened sleep problems. The study suggests that brain chemistry disruptions may also be linked to other neurological diseases like Parkinson's.
A recent study found that androgens increase lean body mass and strength proportionately, but combining with resistance training provides a more muscular gain. Muscle quality, however, was not significantly improved by androgen therapy alone.
Researchers found that carbon monoxide helps regulate smooth-muscle contraction in the gastrointestinal tract, enabling precise movement of food through the stomach and bowels. This discovery suggests potential clinical applications for carbon monoxide as a therapeutic agent in treating motility disorders.
Researchers uncover the critical 'on-switch' enzyme Abl kinase plays a crucial role in activating the pathway preparing receptors on muscle cells to react to nerve impulses. This finding has broad implications for understanding neuromuscular diseases and developing targeted treatments.
Myasthenia, a severe form of muscle weakness, has been linked to a novel genetic mutation that disrupts muscle responsiveness to nerve electrical impulses. Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center have identified a new cause for the debilitating disease, which may lead to new therapeutic approaches.
Researchers have created a protein mimetic that induces relaxation in smooth muscle cells by adding a phosphate group, making it effective for treating conditions like coronary artery disease. The mimetic is promising for promoting blood vessel relaxation and could lead to more successful coronary bypass surgeries.
Research reveals a mutant form of the muscle protein dysferlin prevents normal muscle repair in two muscular dystrophies, limb-girdle muscular dystrophy type 2B (LGMD2B) and Miyoshi Myopathy (MM). The discovery identifies a critical component in membrane-repair machinery, offering potential clues for future therapies.
The study identifies dysferlin as a critical protein involved in the repair process, which is faulty in two types of muscular dystrophy. Without dysferlin, muscles are unable to heal themselves, leading to progressive muscle degeneration.