Drugs targeting TIE2 protein could help prevent formation of cerebral cavernous malformations

Researchers in the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania have identified a cell surface receptor protein called TIE2 as the missing link between two key signaling pathways that drive the growth of blood vessel abnormalities known as cerebral cavernous malformations (CCMs). The study, to be published March 27 in the Journal of … Read more

Blood pressure readings may help identify future dementia risk

Measures of blood vessel health derived from routine blood pressure readings may help identify adults at increased risk for dementia, according to research being presented at the American College of Cardiology’s Annual Scientific Session (ACC.26). The findings from two studies that tracked patterns of arterial stiffness over time align with growing evidence that uncontrolled hypertension … Read more

Researchers identify cellular drivers of gut scarring in Crohn’s disease

As inflamed regions of the gut form scar tissue, the space within the gut lumen becomes smaller and more restricted, leading to symptoms of gut obstruction. There is currently no drug treatment available for this complication – eventually as fibrosis worsens, surgery becomes the only option. The researchers discovered that the biggest build up of … Read more

Common cardio drugs proven safe in myeloma patients

Commonly prescribed cardiovascular medications—such as statins, diuretics, and blood pressure drugs—appear to have little or no negative impact on survival among people living with multiple myeloma, according to new international research. The study, published in Scientific Reports, reflects a collaboration among scientists and oncologists in the United States, Australia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates … Read more

Road traffic noise linked to immediate heart and blood vessel stress

A new study published in the journal Cardiovascular Research shows that a single night of road traffic noise, at levels that are typical of those living in a city, causes stress to the heart and blood vessels. The findings could help explain why people exposed to long-term traffic noise have higher rates of high blood … Read more

Lingering brain inflammation found after mild COVID infection

Even a mild case of COVID-19 or the flu can impact the body long after the fever and cough fade, according to new Tulane University research that may help explain why some people struggle to feel fully recovered weeks or months later. Tulane researchers found that while both viruses can leave lasting lung damage, only … Read more

Transcription factor HOXD13 drives melanoma growth and immune evasion

A molecule that helps regulate gene activity has also been shown to drive skin cancer growth and tumors’ ability to evade attack by the body’s immune system, a new study shows. Led by researchers at NYU Langone Health and its Perlmutter Cancer Center, the study showed that a key protein – the transcription factor HOXD13 … Read more

Everday diabetes medicine linked to less progression of age-related macular degeneration

Doctors have found that metformin, an everyday medicine for diabetes, is associated with less progression of age-related macular degeneration (AMD), the commonest cause of blindness in western countries. People with diabetes over the age of 55 years taking metformin were 37% less likely to develop the intermediate stage of AMD over a five year period … Read more

Study finds no safety or efficacy gap between paracetamol and ibuprofen for neonatal PDA

A small but rigorous randomized trial suggests paracetamol may be a feasible alternative to ibuprofen for late PDA treatment, while underscoring the need for larger multicenter studies to guide neonatal care. Study: Paracetamol or ibuprofen? A pilot study comparing rescue therapy for PDA in preterm infants within the first month. Image Credit: Jana Kollarova / … Read more

Air pollution fuels artery damage and accelerates heart disease, review finds

New research reveals that even low levels of air pollution can trigger dangerous changes in blood vessels, underscoring the urgent need for clean air to protect heart health worldwide. Review: Air pollution and atherosclerosis In a recent review article published in the journal Atherosclerosis, researchers provided an overview of how air pollution contributes to the … Read more