We are currently witnessing the ability of vaccination programs to limit the burden of infectious disease on both individuals and society. Despite their success, most vaccines are not completely effective, and efficacy varies significantly due to individual immune response but also age and other factors. Understanding the cellular and molecular interactions that lead to a […]
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Exercise could be used to improve the oral environment in people with NAFLD
Liver disease, from metabolic and bacterial causes, is a growing concern. What connects these dots? The gut, or more specifically, bacteria in the gut. Bacteria that cause inflammation in the mouth are transported through the digestive tract to the gut and liver, where they can cause liver inflammation. Lipopolysaccharides, important structural molecules in some bacteria, […]
Study reveals unknown immune defense system that protects the lungs from viral infections
Researchers have uncovered a previously unknown arm of the immune defense system that protects the lung from lethal viral infections. Respiratory diseases caused by viruses such as influenza A and SARS-CoV-2 cause damage not just through their own actions, but also from collateral damage as the immune system reacts to fight the infection. A timely […]
Researchers explore potential role of TARM1 protein in pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis
TARM1 is a receptor protein whose role in the functioning of the immune system is unknown. In a new study, scientists from Japan have explored the potential role of TARM1 in the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis by analyzing mouse models. They found that TARM1 activated dendritic cells, and development of collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) was notably […]
Limiting the release of fat into the bloodstream during heart failure could help improve outcomes
University of Alberta researchers have found that limiting the amount of fat the body releases into the bloodstream from fat cells during heart failure could help improve outcomes for patients. In a recent study published in the American Journal of Physiology, Jason Dyck, professor of pediatrics in the Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry and director […]
3D microscopy sheds light on the body’s immune response to obesity
Researchers who focus on fat know that some adipose tissue is more prone to inflammation-related comorbidities than others, but the reasons why are not well understood. Thanks to a new analytical technique, scientists are getting a clearer view of the microenvironments found within adipose tissue associated with obesity. This advance may illuminate why some adipose […]
Spinal fluid of people with Alzheimer’s risk gene signals inflammation
People who have a gene variant associated with an increased risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease also tend to have changes in the fluid around their brain and spinal cord that are detectable years before symptoms arise, according to new research from Duke Health. The work found that in people who carry the APOE4 gene variant, […]
What is Common Variable Immune Deficiency (CVID)?
Skip to: What is CVID? What is the prevalence of CVID? What are the causative factors? How CVID is inherited? What are the common symptoms? How is CVID diagnosed? How is CVID treated? Common variable immune deficiency (CVID) is a genetic disorder characterized by a weakened immune system. Patients with CVID frequently suffer from infections. […]
What is Inclusion Body Myositis?
Inclusion body myositis (IBM) is a progressive inflammatory disease of the muscles. It is the most common among such conditions, but is distinct from hereditary inclusion body myopathies (hIBM). As such it is often referred to as sporadic inclusion body myositis (sIBM). Myositis refers to the inflammation of the muscles, whereas myopathy refers to disease […]
What is Phakic IOL?
A phakic intraocular lens (PIOL) is a synthetic lens that can be implanted into the eye to correct nearsightedness (myopia). Myopia. Image Credit: Neokryuger / Shutterstock What is a phakic intraocular lens? Phakic intraocular lenses (PIOL), which are made up of synthetic materials such as plastic or silicon, can be surgically implanted in the anterior […]