1) Fasting or obesity induces SDF-1 expression in adipocytes. 2) Its autocrine action activates ERK signaling. 3) SDF-1-induced ERK signal concomitantly induces serine phosphorylation of IRS-1 protein and degrades IRS-1 protein. Scientists at Osaka University have discovered that Stromal-derived factor-1 (SDF-1) secreted from adipocytes reduces the effectiveness of insulin in adipocytes and decreased insulin-induced glucose...
Post
End of ageing and cancer? Scientists unveil structure of the ‘immortality’ enzyme telomerase
Making a drug is like trying to pick a lock at the molecular level. There are two ways in which you can proceed. You can try thousands of different keys at random, hopefully finding one that fits. The pharmaceutical industry does this all the time – sometimes screening hundreds of thousands of compounds to see...
Post
Discovery of novel biomarker with remarkable specificity to rheumatoid arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disorder that occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks the body’s tissues. Unlike the wear-and-tear damage of osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis affects the lining of the joints, causing painful swelling that can eventually result in bone erosion and joint deformity. Most RA patients are positive for anticitrullinated protein antibodies (ACPA), and these antibodies are...
Post
Metastatic cancer gorges on fructose in the liver
Discovery of metabolic reprogramming in metastatic cancer could lead to new therapies DUKE UNIVERSITY DURHAM, N.C. — Biomedical engineers at Duke University have demonstrated that metastatic cancer cells can reprogram their metabolism to thrive in new organs. Specifically, the research shows that cells originating from colorectal cancer change their dietary habits to capitalize on the high levels...
Post
Noninvasive spinal stimulation method enables paralyzed people to regain use of hands
Nonsurgical technique allows them to turn doorknobs, open water bottles for the first time in years The ability to perform simple daily tasks can make a big difference in people’s lives, especially for those with spinal cord injuries. A UCLA-led team of scientists reports that six people with severe spinal cord injuries — three of...
Post
Noninvasive brain tumor biopsy on the horizon
New technique developed at Washington University in St. Louis uses blood test Taking a biopsy of a brain tumor is a complicated and invasive surgical process, but a team of researchers at Washington University in St. Louis is developing a way that allows them to detect tumor biomarkers through a simple blood test. IMAGE: A TEAM OF ENGINEERS...
Post
Meningococcal meningitis: Stomach pain should be seen as a warning sign
Patients with meningococcal infection generally develop symptoms including a high temperature, vomiting and a stiff neck… but they might also just have a bad stomach ache. This can be so severe that they are sometimes wrongly operated for appendicitis. Teams from the Institut Pasteur and the Department of Pediatrics at Bicêtre Hospital (AP-HP) decided to...
Post
Biomarkers and efficacy of vaccine responses among patients treated with new MS drug
Penn Medicine neurologist presents latest ocrelizumab research at American Academy of Neurology Annual Meeting LOS ANGELES – In March 2017, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved ocrelizumab as the first treatment for both relapsing (RMS) and progressive forms of multiple sclerosis (MS), a genetic disease that afflicts approximately 400,000 Americans with an estimated 10,000 new cases...
Post
Researchers 3-D print electronics and cells directly on skin
Groundbreaking technology could help soldiers on the battlefield and people with skin disorders In a groundbreaking new study, researchers at the University of Minnesota used a customized, low-cost 3D printer to print electronics on a real hand for the first time. The technology could be used by soldiers on the battlefield to print temporary sensors on their...
Post
Parkinson, Depression Meds Tied to Dementia Risk
Associations persisted up to 2 decades after exposure Long-term use of anticholinergic medications for Parkinson’s disease, bladder conditions, and depression was associated with an increased risk for dementia, a case-control study found. For drugs previously associated with delirium, the highest odds were seen with anticholinergic drugs for Parkinson’s (adjusted OR 1.29, 95% CI 1.11-1.50, P<0.01) and...