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Study uncovers crucial role of prostacyclin in fetal membrane healing

Prostacyclin has been found to promote fetal membrane repair through the proliferation and migration of amnion mesenchymal cells. This discovery provides new insight into the mechanisms of fetal membrane healing, which could lead to new therapeutic strategies for managing preterm birth and infant mortality.

SourceElsevier·JournalAmerican Journal Of Pathology·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 23, 2025

USC study shows persistent organic pollutants are associated with higher blood pressure in teenagers after weight loss surgery

Researchers found that exposure to persistent organic pollutants (POPs) stored in body fat leads to disruptions in lipid metabolism and altered prostaglandin pathways, contributing to long-term higher blood pressure in adolescents. POPs diminish the beneficial effect of bariatric surgery on improved blood pressure.

SourceKeck School of Medicine of USC·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·TypeMeta-analysis·DateMar 17, 2025

Study unravels pathophysiological role of Dectin-1 in promoting colorectal cancer

A study led by Tokyo University of Science researchers identified Dectin-1's role in promoting colorectal cancer by enhancing PGE2 production and suppressing IL-22BP expression. The study used mouse models and clinical samples to validate the findings, which have immediate clinical implications for CRC patients.

SourceTokyo University of Science·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 10, 2023

How the Brain Senses Infection

A study published in Nature found that a small group of neurons in the airway play a pivotal role in alerting the brain about flu infections. The researchers also identified a second pathway from the lungs to the brain that becomes active later in the infection, which may hold promise for developing new treatments.

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalNature·DateMar 8, 2023

The brain cells needed for fever

Researchers at Linköping University identified the brain cells necessary for a fever reaction in mice, finding that prostaglandin production in these cells is both necessary and sufficient for triggering a fever response. This breakthrough sheds light on the body's defense mechanism against infection and inflammation.

SourceLinköping University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 26, 2022

More than one way to skin a tumor

Researchers at Kyoto University identified the mechanism behind active inflammation and immunosuppression in tumor microenvironments. EP2/EP4 inhibitors suppress tumor growth by allowing regulatory T cells to infiltrate and activate within tumors, benefiting patients with certain cancers.

SourceKyoto University·JournalCell Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 16, 2022

Defense against intestinal infection in organism is affected by prostaglandin E2

Experimental inhibition of prostaglandin E2 enhanced the ability of mice to combat infectious colitis, resulting in increased migration of defense cells and production of antimicrobial peptides. Inhibiting PGE2 also favored the expression of defensins, considered natural antibiotics, in the colon.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 14, 2018

Fish courtship pheromone uses the brain's smell pathway

Researchers discovered that a molecule involved in fish reproduction, PGF2α, activates the brain via the nose, synchronizing reproductive behaviors between male and female zebrafish. The molecule binds to specific olfactory receptors, activating a dedicated neural pathway to areas of the brain responsible for courtship behavior.

SourceRIKEN·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateMay 30, 2016

Potential treatment prevents damage from prolonged seizures

Researchers at Emory University School of Medicine have discovered a potential lead compound that can reduce mortality when given to mice after drug-induced seizures. The compound, TG6-10-1, blocks signals from prostaglandin E2, which is involved in the toxic inflammation in the brain arising after status epilepticus.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 11, 2013

Potential new treatment for stroke

Researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine have identified EP4 as a potential new treatment target for stroke. A selective EP4 agonist administered after stroke reduced brain damage and long-term behavioral deficits in mice, suggesting its therapeutic potential.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateOct 3, 2011

Preventing heart problems while keeping a cool head

Researchers at Max Planck Institute discover that flushing phenomenon triggered by nicotinic acid is caused by activation of Langerhans cells and keratinocytes, leading to inflammation and skin redness. Development of novel 'flush inhibitors' could improve treatment outcomes for cardiovascular diseases.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJul 26, 2010

Specific antagonism lowers blood pressure

Researchers identified EP1 as a key factor in blood pressure regulation and found that inhibiting it can reduce hypertension. Targeting this receptor subtype may be a viable approach to treating high blood pressure.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateAug 16, 2007

JCI table of contents March 1, 2005

Researchers uncover how alpha-defensin-1 inhibits HIV infection in CD4+ T cells and how lubricin protects cartilage surfaces. These findings provide insights into innate immunity against HIV and may lead to the development of defensin-like drugs for prevention and treatment.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateFeb 17, 2005

Untangling prostaglandin signaling

A study by Stock et al. reveals that genetic disruption of the PGE2 receptor EP1 significantly reduces pain behavior and blood pressure responses to inflammation. The findings suggest that NSAID treatment's analgesic effect can be explained by inhibition of signaling through this single receptor type.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJan 30, 2001