Inflammation News and Research

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Immune system attacks beneficial bacteria in several chronic human diseases

The human gut is loaded with commensal bacteria - "good" microbes that, among other functions, help the body digest food. The gastrointestinal tract contains literally trillions of such cells, and yet the immune system seemingly turns a blind eye. However, in several chronic human diseases such as inflammatory bowel disease, HIV/AIDS, cancer, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes, the immune system attacks these normally beneficial bacteria, resulting in chronic inflammation and contributing to disease progression.

23 May 2013

Johns Hopkins researchers find possible trigger of rheumatoid arthritis

In a series of lab experiments designed to unravel the workings of a key enzyme widely considered a possible trigger of rheumatoid arthritis, researchers at Johns Hopkins have found that in the most severe cases of the disease, the immune system makes a unique subset of antibodies that have a disease-promoting role.

23 May 2013

Genetic risk factor for pulmonary fibrosis can be used to identify individuals at risk for lung disease

A paper recently published in the New England Journal of Medicine and co-written by physicians and scientists at the University of Colorado School of Medicine finds that an important genetic risk factor for pulmonary fibrosis can be used to identify individuals at risk for this deadly lung disease.

22 May 2013

Systemic inflammation is linked with depression in COPD patients, say researchers

Depression is common in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and has been linked with disease severity and impaired quality of life. Now, for the first time, researchers at the University of Pittsburgh have linked the systemic inflammation associated with COPD with depression in these patients.

22 May 2013

Obesity directly tied to several cancers

"Obesity is a major risk factor for developing cancer, roughly the equivalent of tobacco use, and both are potentially reversible. Further, obese cancer patients do worse in surgery, with radiation or on chemotherapy - worse by any measure." Karen Basen-Engquist, Ph.D., Director of MD Anderson's new Center for Energy Balance in Cancer Prevention and Survivorship and professor of Behavioral Science.

22 May 2013

Caltech biologists show that microRNA-146a protects stem cells during inflammation

When infections occur in the body, stem cells in the blood often jump into action by multiplying and differentiating into mature immune cells that can fight off illness. But repeated infections and inflammation can deplete these cell populations, potentially leading to the development of serious blood conditions such as cancer.

22 May 2013

LDCT helps identify earliest stages of lung cancer

A study of veterans at high risk for developing lung cancer shows that low-dose computed tomography can be highly effective in helping clinicians spot tiny lung nodules which, in a small number of patients, may indicate the earliest stages of the disease.

22 May 2013

Alzheimer's disease: Researchers find new drug to prevent, treat the disease

Researchers at USC have found that a class of pharmaceuticals can both prevent and treat Alzheimer's Disease in mice.

22 May 2013

Exercise-induced bronchoconstriction (EIB) guidelines: an interview with Dr Jonathan Parsons, The Ohio State University Asthma Center

Exercise-induced bronchospasm (EIB) is defined as acute, transient airway narrowing that occurs in association with exercise. Exercise-induced bronchospasm can occur during or, more frequently, after exercise.

21 May 2013

Multiple studies examine ideal biomarkers for Huntington's disease

While Huntington's disease (HD) is currently incurable, the HD research community anticipates that new disease-modifying therapies in development may slow or minimize disease progression. The success of HD research depends upon the identification of reliable and sensitive biomarkers to track disease and evaluate therapies, and these biomarkers may eventually be used as outcome measures in clinical trials. Biomarkers could be especially helpful to monitor changes during the time prior to diagnosis and appearance of overt symptomatology.

21 May 2013

Honokiol protects muscles from normal inflammation caused by intense exercise

Honokiol is a powerful polyphenol compound extracted from Magnolia officinalis bark. Extensive pre-clinical research shows that honokiol (pronounced ha-no-kee-ohl) supports cellular health and provides gentle relaxation, as well as being a potent antioxidant.

20 May 2013

Researchers examine how BRD4 contributes to sustained presence of NF-kappa B in cancer cells

In a new study described in the journal Oncogene, researchers reveal how a key player in cell growth, immunity and the inflammatory response can be transformed into a primary contributor to tumor growth.

20 May 2013

Novel medicine for chronic wound treatment

Every 20 seconds, a limb is lost as a consequence of diabetic foot ulcer that does not heal. To date, medical solutions that can change this situation are very limited.

20 May 2013

Purified components of ginger help asthma patients breathe more easily

Gourmands and foodies everywhere have long recognized ginger as a great way to add a little peppery zing to both sweet and savory dishes; now, a study from researchers at Columbia University shows purified components of the spicy root also may have properties that help asthma patients breathe more easily.

20 May 2013

Promising method to distinguish pancreatic cancer from chronic pancreatitis

Researchers at Mayo Clinic have developed a promising method to distinguish between pancreatic cancer and chronic pancreatitis - two disorders that are difficult to tell apart. A molecular marker obtained from pancreatic "juices" can identify almost all cases of pancreatic cancer, their study shows.

20 May 2013

Patient compliance: an interview with Dr. Bassam Damaj, CEO of Innovus Pharma

A medication’s optimal results are achieved with specific dose levels and times of administration. In order for patients to achieve the maximum benefit from a medication, they have to adhere to the prescribed dose and time of use.

20 May 2013

Researchers link coffee consumption with reduced risk of primary sclerosing cholangitis

Research presented today at Digestive Disease Week explores new discoveries in liver disease research, with findings about the impact of coffee on autoimmune disease and palliative care for cirrhotic patients.

20 May 2013

Certain varieties of clay have ability to kill MRSA, says ASU researcher

In the race to protect society from infectious microbes, the bugs are outrunning us. The need for new therapeutic agents is acute, given the emergence of novel pathogens as well as old foes bearing heightened antibiotic resistance.

20 May 2013

Researchers examine new zinc-based bioabsorbable stents

In 2012, more than 3 million people had stents inserted in their coronary arteries. These tiny mesh tubes prop open blood vessels healing from procedures like a balloon angioplasty, which widens arteries blocked by clots or plaque deposits. After about six months, most damaged arteries are healed and stay open on their own. The stent, however, is there for a lifetime.

20 May 2013

Research: Women's reproductive function may be tied to their immune status

New research indicates that women's reproductive function may be tied to their immune status. Previous studies have found this association in human males, but not females.

18 May 2013