Articles tagged with Pancreas
Researchers at Columbia University have developed a non-invasive method to measure beta cell mass in diabetic rats using positron emission tomography (PET)-based quantitation of pancreatic radiolabeled VMAT2 receptors. This method has the potential to study the pathogenesis of diabetes and monitor therapeutic interventions.
A new study discovered that BMP4 signaling is necessary and sufficient for the proliferation of pancreas progenitor cells, leading to an increase in Id expression. The researchers also found that inhibition of BMP4 results in a decrease in proliferating duct cells and an increase in the expression of a bHLH protein-dependent factor PAX6.
Scientists have made significant breakthroughs in understanding how proteins are transported across cell membranes, a process fundamental to all living organisms. The findings could lead to new insights into the treatment of type-2 diabetes and other diseases.
Three research teams successfully replicated a controversial diabetes therapy, curing 32% of treated mice by manipulating the immune system. However, they were unable to regenerate beta cells from spleen-derived stem cells, leaving the source of these cells unknown.
Researchers are testing rituximab to see if it can prevent the immune system from attacking the pancreas, a key component of insulin production. The study aims to reduce long-term complications associated with type 1 diabetes, such as heart disease and kidney damage.
Researchers at the University of Liverpool discovered that caffeine in coffee can partially close special channels within cells, reducing damaging effects of alcohol on the pancreas. This finding suggests a potential new target for chemical agents to treat pancreatitis and warns against binge drinking.
A study of 298 simultaneous kidney-pancreas transplant recipients found metabolic syndrome to be a risk factor for long-term kidney dysfunction. Patients with metabolic syndrome were 10 times more likely to experience reduced kidney function three years post-transplant compared to those without it.
Research reveals that mice lacking SMAD4 gene in the liver exhibit dramatic iron accumulation, similar to human hemochromatosis. The liver plays a central role in iron regulation, and boosting TGF-ß signaling pathway holds promise for treatment.
A new imaging technology has shown promise in detecting pancreatic inflammation in type 1 diabetes, allowing for early prediction of disease progression and response to treatment. The technique uses magnetic nanoparticles and MRI to identify inflamed pancreatic islets, potentially reducing the need for invasive biopsies.
Researchers developed a novel MRI strategy to visualize inflammatory lesions in the pancreas that cause type-1 diabetes. This new approach provides preclinical data on mouse models, guiding the application of an in vivo MRI technique to patients with autoimmune diabetes.
Researchers found that patient and organ survival rates in transplants involving organs from 'extreme' donors were similar to success rates with conventional donors. The studies suggest that pancreas donor criteria can be liberalized without adverse outcomes, potentially increasing the number of available organs for transplant.
Researchers successfully transplanted islets from a single donor pancreas into eight women with type 1 diabetes, achieving insulin independence and freedom from hypoglycemia. The trial resulted in superior glycemic control in four of five recipients with sustained insulin independence.
Researchers discovered human islet-derived precursor cells that reproduce easily and can differentiate into hormone-producing cells. The findings may eventually have implications for islet transplantation, an experimental treatment for type 1 diabetes.
The study reveals that VAMP8 is essential for the normal functioning of pancreatic acinar cells, which produce digestive enzymes. Mice lacking VAMP8 showed reduced levels of digestive enzymes and partial resistance to pancreatitis, suggesting a potential link between VAMP8 and this condition.
Researchers at Joslin Diabetes Center have developed a new imaging technology using magnetic resonance imaging to detect early signs of type 1 diabetes. The technology tracks miniscule magnetic nanoparticles leaking from the blood vessels of the pancreas, allowing for non-invasive monitoring of the disease's progression.
A new treatment approach has been developed to prevent autoimmune diabetes in mice by blocking the interaction between NKG2D on T cells and proteins found on abnormal cells. This breakthrough finding suggests a potential therapeutic strategy for preventing or controlling type 1 diabetes.
Scientists have developed a new genomics tool that enables the efficient mapping of genome binding sites for transcription factors in human organs. This technology has been used to study the role of transcription factor HNF4 in type 2 diabetes, revealing its association with about half of all genes needed to make the pancreas and liver.
Researchers have successfully treated individuals with Type 1 diabetes using a single infusion of islet cells, with recipients maintaining insulin independence for over one to three years. The new treatment approach uses optimized recipient immunosuppression and a novel anti-CD3 monoclonal antibody.
Researchers found no survival benefit from solitary pancreas transplantation for patients with diabetes, but may justify procedure for quality of life benefits. The study suggests weighing potential benefits against increased mortality risk, particularly in the early posttransplant period.
Research suggests that GLP-1 can generate new insulin and increase the growth of new islet cells in human pancreas tissue. This treatment delayed cell death by up to 45% and improved insulin secretion in response to glucose, offering a potential therapeutic approach for Type 2 diabetes.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine found that pancreatic cancer may be triggered by the reactivation of a growth signal normally turned off in adult tissues. By blocking this pathway, they hope to prevent the early cellular changes leading to cancer.
Researchers found that blood vessel formation in the pancreas is crucial for normal insulin production in fetuses. Exendin-4, a pancreatic hormone analog, can rescue insulin-producing cells and prevent diabetes by regulating PDX protein.
Researchers successfully transplanted bone marrow cells from a male donor mouse to a female recipient, where they developed into functional insulin-expressing cells. The findings suggest that bone marrow may be a viable source for ex vivo expansion and autologous transplantation of pancreatic beta-cell precursors.
Researchers at Vanderbilt University Medical Center have discovered a gene, PTF1p48, that plays a crucial role in the development of the pancreas. The study found that p48 is required for the formation of both exocrine and endocrine cells, which could lead to the production of insulin-secreting cells from embryonic or other stem cells.
The NIH/Office of the Director's panel endorses ERCP for diagnosing suspected ampullary cancers and treating conditions like symptomatic gallstone disease, but emphasizes caution due to potential complications such as pancreatitis.
Researchers discovered that blood vessels signal pancreatic cell differentiation, challenging the long-held assumption that organs develop independently. The study found that removing blood vessels from pancreatic tissue disrupts normal gene expression and insulin production.
A study by University of Pittsburgh surgeons found that organs from marginal donors can be just as effective as ideal donor organs in pancreas transplants. The researchers accepted organs from donors over 45 years old, resulting in a high graft survival rate and improved quality of life for patients with diabetes.
A novel surgical technique developed at the UPMC has improved graft survival rates in patients receiving combined pancreas and kidney transplants. The technique protects the pancreas from injury during removal and transport, resulting in higher patient survival rates.