Articles tagged with Scars
A study by University of Arizona researchers reveals a previously unknown population of circulating immune cells that play a critical role in fibrosis, the buildup of scar tissue. Blocking signals from these cells during wound healing can reduce scar tissue formation and promote normal healing.
Catherine Whittington, a WPI researcher, has received a CAREER Award to develop laboratory models for the study of fibrosis in pancreas, skin, and uterine fibroids. The models will help researchers better understand factors at the cellular level that lead to fibrosis and how interventions can interrupt or reverse it.
Researchers identified a molecule, fibromodulin, that regulates myofibroblasts at the site of tissue closure to prevent excessive scarring. A peptide drug derived from fibromodulin may help reduce scarring in cleft lip repair and other surgical procedures.
A study published in Nature Communications identifies fibromodulin as a protein that forms a complex with interleukin 1β to stop myofibroblasts from forming excessive scar tissue. This finding could lead to a new way to reduce or prevent excessive scarring, benefiting patients recovering from surgery, injuries, or burns.
Researchers at Tulane University identified a potential new way to treat idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) using an FDA-approved cancer drug. The treatment works by blocking the CTLA4 protein, which blocks overactive T cells, allowing the immune system to clear out damaged cells that cause lung scarring.
Researchers developed an AI model that creates synthetic fibrosis patterns to aid in treating atrial fibrillation. The system accurately mimics real heart scarring and enables clinicians to test different treatment approaches on digital models before performing procedures.
Researchers have identified a potential precision medicine approach to prevent chronic kidney disease progression by targeting type 5 collagen, a minor component of scar tissue. A repurposed anti-cancer drug, Cilengitide, has been shown to slow kidney scarring and disease progression in high-risk individuals.
Surgical adhesions form after surgery, causing severe complications like bowel obstructions, chronic pain, and infertility. A new report explores solutions to this widespread problem, including the development of standardized tools and innovative treatments.
A collaborative study reveals two distinct types of scarring, referred to as “hot” and “cold,” which require entirely different treatments for diseased hearts. The researchers found that hot fibrosis is driven by an immune response, while cold fibrosis is a self-maintaining process.
Scientists have pinpointed two proteins in immune cells that, when blocked, can significantly reduce lung tissue scarring and restore regeneration. Blocking YAP and TAZ can curb scar formation by dampening inflammation, maintaining a healthy immune cell ratio, and disrupting their communication with nearby cells.
A new laparoscopic imaging technique uses stereo depth estimation and speckle-illumination SFDI to accurately map the optical properties of biological tissue. The device provides detailed optical property maps, enabling surgeons to identify critical tumor margins and improve clinical outcomes.
Researchers have identified a novel therapeutic pathway for treating keloid scars by targeting the enzyme CYP24A1 and vitamin D. The study found that inhibiting CYP24A1 can reduce profibrotic gene expression, offering a fresh perspective on keloid treatment strategies.
Researchers have identified vitamin D and CYP24A1 as key factors in keloid scar development, providing a novel therapeutic pathway to mitigate fibrotic characteristics. Inhibiting CYP24A1 may improve treatment efficacy and prevent recurrence.
Researchers have discovered that dextromethorphan, an FDA-approved ingredient found in many cough syrups, has potential to treat fibrotic lung disease. The study, published in Science Translational Medicine, showed how dextromethorphan can impede collagen formation, reducing lung scarring and stiffness.
A new study finds that a blood test using phosphatidylethanol (PEth) can detect liver disease caused by excessive drinking, offering a more reliable alternative to self-reported measures. The test has shown strong correlation with Fibrosis 4, an indicator of liver risk, and could be included in routine blood tests.
Researchers assess 20 years of clinical trials for cell therapy's safety and efficacy in treating heart failure, highlighting progress despite challenges. The field continues to evolve through lessons learned from past studies, with ongoing trials taking novel directions.
Researchers review different types of scars and existing treatment options, exploring new therapies that can reduce scar formation through skin regeneration. New treatments aim to balance VEGF inhibitors and TGF-β3 administration to improve scarring and promote skin regeneration.
Researchers found that ablation reduced ICD shocks for ventricular tachycardia and episodes of VT not detected by the ICD. This minimally invasive procedure destroys abnormal heart tissue causing VT, offering a better alternative to long-term medication side effects.
Researchers from Texas A&M University synthesized research findings to improve medical devices and therapy success rates. The review emphasizes the need to understand macrophage cell behavior to develop targeted immunotherapy treatments.
Collymer is a regenerative collagen polymeric biomaterial designed for various medical applications. It can be engineered into materials with different shapes and properties to address unmet clinical needs in wound care, tissue reconstruction, aesthetics, orthopedics, and therapeutic cell delivery.
Researchers used genomic technology to study Marjolin's ulcer, a rare and highly aggressive skin cancer that grows on chronic burn wounds. The study reveals insights into how keratinocytes switch their function to become cancerous, creating a fertile environment for tumor cells to grow and spread.
Scientists at UCLA have engineered an experimental therapy that shows promise in enhancing heart repair following a heart attack, preventing the onset of heart failure. The new single-dose therapy targets the protein ENPP1, which is responsible for increasing inflammation and scar tissue formation.
A new study suggests that immunotherapy may be an effective treatment strategy for heart failure by blocking scar tissue formation and improving heart function. Researchers identified a type of fibroblast cell responsible for scar tissue and used a monoclonal antibody to reduce its formation, showing promising results in mouse models.
Researchers created a single cell atlas of prenatal human skin, providing a molecular recipe for building skin. The study also led to the creation of a mini organ model that grows hair, offering insights into scarless skin repair and potential clinical applications in regenerative medicine.
A new study demonstrates the potential of semaglutide in treating hidradenitis suppurative (HS) in people with obesity. The results show marked improvements in patient outcomes across several key measures, including reduced flare frequency, improved quality of life, and better glycaemic control.
Researchers at UCSF have identified a molecular pathway that controls the formation of scar tissue in spinal cord injuries. By activating this pathway, they were able to reduce scarring and promote healing in mice with spinal cord injuries.
Researchers have identified key cellular interactions and microenvironments that contribute to the development of chronic kidney disease (CKD) after acute kidney injury (AKI) in mice. The study, published in Nature Communications, provides new insights into how damaged cells interact within disease-promoting microenvironments.
Researchers discovered faulty immune processes responsible for lingering lung issues after COVID-19, which can be disrupted by existing drugs. The study also identified molecules responsible for the issue and potential therapeutic options for patients with ongoing lung damage.
A new imaging device that combines optical coherence tomography (OCT) with traditional otoscopy improves diagnostic capabilities for hearing clinics. The integrated device provides detailed views of the eardrum and middle ear, enabling more accurate diagnoses and treatment.
Researchers discovered a parasite protein that enhances wound healing in mice by stimulating immune cells to promote tissue regeneration and inhibit scarring. The protein, TGM, accelerates wound closure and improves skin regeneration.
Research found higher bacterial concentrations in keloid tissue, especially in deep layers, leading to increased inflammation and fibroblast production. Antibiotics and phage treatments may help reduce bacteria and improve treatment outcomes for keloids.
Researchers at UVA discovered an unknown cause of long COVID inside lung tissues, promoting chronic inflammation that drives lasting respiratory symptoms. They found that immune cells can go haywire and promote tissue scarring, leading to conditions like interstitial lung disease.
A team of researchers has created a new approach to deliver drugs precisely to surgically repaired tendons using nanoparticles, reducing scar tissue formation and improving function. The treatment targets the Acp5 gene, which is highly expressed at the injury site, and delivers medication directly to the healing tendon.
A new study reveals that zebrafish have a unique ability to remove scar tissue after an injury, allowing their hearts to regenerate and fully regrow. Researchers found that the type of collagen cross-linking in zebrafish is different from mammals, making it potentially reversible. The discovery points to a new target for reversing scar...
Researchers developed adhesive hydrogel coatings that eliminate fibrosis, a common issue with medical implants. The coatings bind devices to tissue and prevent the immune system from attacking them.
A team of scientists at the University of Ottawa has developed a novel peptide-based hydrogel that can be used for on-the-spot repair to damaged organs and tissues. The material shows great potential for closing skin wounds, delivering therapeutics to damaged heart muscle, and reshaping and healing injured corneas.
Researchers developed a new experimental strategy to tackle scarring and fibrosis by releasing enough collagen to prevent tissue damage while protecting it from excessive amounts. The strategy, which uses molecules known as peptides to block the export of collagen from cells, shows promise in treating conditions such as scleroderma.
Researchers at Michigan Medicine discovered a pathway that reverses idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), a common type of lung scarring. The study found that inhibiting the molecular brake MKP1 is essential for spontaneous resolution of fibrosis, offering new hope for patients with IPF.
University of Virginia researchers have identified a single gene on the Y chromosome that can account for the disease-promoting effects of Y chromosome loss. This discovery provides new avenues for understanding the causes of heart disease and could lead to a treatment for men with Y chromosome loss.
A team of researchers at Weill Cornell Medicine has discovered a critical protein sensor called SEL1L that regulates collagen clearance from tissue. This finding provides new insights into the development of therapeutic strategies for diseases like lung fibrosis, which currently have no effective treatments.
Researchers found that young breast cancer patients who received a low-dose radiotherapy boost had a lower risk of local recurrence after 10 years, with only 4.4% experiencing recurrence. In contrast, high-dose boosts resulted in fewer recurrences but also more severe fibrosis and cosmetic issues.
Researchers at UVA Health discovered a potential blood test to predict patients with severe COVID-19 who are likely to recover well and those at risk of long-term lung problems. The study found that patients with late-resolving symptoms had fewer immune cells in their blood, correlating with symptom severity.
A study published in Nature Communications reports the discovery of a wound-homing molecule called CAR peptide, which accelerates tissue repair by activating natural healing pathways. The treatment shows promise for treating various injuries, including muscle ruptures and bone fractures, without forming less functional scar tissue.
Researchers at University of Virginia Health System developed a new approach to machine learning that identifies drugs minimizing harmful scarring after heart attacks. The tool predicts and explains drug effects for other diseases as well.
Researchers discovered that microRNA-29 can restore normal skin structure rather than producing a scar, promoting faster and more efficient wound healing. The release of microRNA-29 targets, particularly LAMC2, is crucial in this process, suggesting a potential new approach for treating large-area or deep wounds.
Researchers at Salk Institute discovered how anti-cancer drugs can prevent fibroblast activation, a protective barrier around pancreatic tumors. The therapy reduces tumor growth and slows disease progression in mice and human patients, offering a promising treatment for pancreatic cancer.
Researchers at Nagoya University have discovered a unique healing mechanism in newts that could aid humans in recovering faster from tendon injuries. By understanding how newts regenerate damaged tendons without scar tissue, scientists hope to develop more effective treatments for human athletes.
Postoperative wound infections in the head and neck region are common complications, with risk factors including age, smoking, and comorbidities. Aseptic operating conditions and peri/postoperative antibiotics can help minimize infection rates.
A new study finds that faces with acne, especially adult female acne, are perceived as less attractive, trustworthy, confident, successful, dominant, and happy. The study also highlights the emotional and psychological burden experienced by individuals with acne.
A major European study found that almost all patients with skin diseases face embarrassment, leading to a huge psychological toll. The study also revealed that stigmatization is a major impact of skin diseases on personal and professional life.
A team of researchers from Keck School of Medicine of USC identified key cells involved in lizard cartilage regeneration and discovered their role in rebuilding cartilage damaged by osteoarthritis. They successfully induced cartilage building in a lizard limb by recreating a tail-like signaling environment.
Research identifies Indian Hedgehog protein as a key driver of chronic kidney disease and heart damage, offering new hope for treatments. The findings suggest that blocking the protein's actions could improve kidney function and reduce cardiovascular risk.
A recent study by Bocconi University found that corruption can have a long-lasting effect on trust in democratic institutions. First-time voters who experienced the Mani Pulite investigation in 1994 were more likely to vote for populist parties and express lower institutional trust even 20 years later. The study highlights the need to ...
The Texas Heart Institute and The University of Texas at Austin receive a four-year, $2.37 million NIH grant to develop injectable hydrogel electrodes for preventing and managing ventricular arrhythmias. Researchers have already demonstrated the feasibility of pacing the heart using the hydrogel in a porcine model.
Researchers discovered ERK signalling is a crucial switch between scarring and regeneration, with prolonged activation promoting regenerative success. Modulating ERK activity could potentially stimulate regeneration in clinical settings.
A recent study led by Dr Rachael Rigby from Lancaster University found that delays in stoma reversal surgery do not impact on risk of complications or commensal microflora loss, atrophy, or scarring. However, a higher degree of microflora loss is associated with an increased risk of complications.
The American Roentgen Ray Society presents its 2023 Honorary Lecture on Advanced High-Resolution CT, dedicated to the late Dr. W. Richard Webb, who transformed thoracic imaging with his foundational work in HRCT. The lecture explores multiple conditions diagnosed via HRCT and the radiologist's role on multidisciplinary teams.
Researchers have developed a glycine-based tripeptide that successfully treats nonalcoholic fatty liver disease in non-human primates and mice. The compound, DT-109, reverses fat buildup and prevents scarring by stimulating fatty acid degradation and antioxidant formation.
A new condition, Caesarean Scar Disorder (CSDi), has been defined by an international study led by Amsterdam UMC. More than 30% of women who undergo a caesarean section experience long-term symptoms like abdominal pain and fertility problems, caused by abnormal uterine scars.
Researchers from Kyushu University found that the single mechanosensitive protein VGLL3 induces fibrosis, thickening and scarring tissue. The study suggests targeting this protein could lead to new treatments against fibrosis.