inflammation

February 12, 2014

Obesity sends immune cells to the brain

Obesity causes peripheral immune cells to move to the brain, where they may contribute to inflammation and the pathophysiology of obesity.

By Leigh MacMillan
December 12, 2013

Therapeutic target for gastric cancer

A protein kinase linked to inflammation and tumor development may be a good target for gastric cancer therapies.

By Leigh MacMillan
October 11, 2013

New target for stopping inflammation

Importin alpha 5, a member of a family of proteins that “shuttle” other proteins into the nucleus, is a potential new target for drugs to treat inflammatory diseases.

By Bill Snyder
August 9, 2013

‘Yo-yo dieting’ inflames fat tissue

Gaining and losing weight during “yo-yo dieting” may contribute to an exaggerated immune response in fat tissue that increases metabolic dysfunction more than steady weight gain alone.

By Leigh MacMillan
August 8, 2013

Nuclear shield against cell death

The protein SARM appears to protect cells from inflammation-driven death by stabilizing the nuclear laminin scaffold.

By Bill Snyder
November 6, 2012

Bacterial signals in sarcoidosis

Study adds evidence for infectious agents’ role in sarcoidosis, an inflammatory condition that can lead to respiratory failure and death.

By VUMC News and Communications
September 19, 2012

How ‘Jedi’ disposes of dead neurons

The protein Syk is essential for clearing away neuron “corpses” in the developing peripheral nervous system.
By Leigh MacMillan
June 28, 2012

Low oxygen could protect sick kidneys

Low oxygen – and the activation of factors that respond to this situation – may be protective in chronic kidney disease.
By Leigh MacMillan
April 6, 2012

Plant compound quells inflammation

Berberine, an herbal remedy for diarrhea and intestinal parasites, may be an effective treatment for gastrointestinal inflammatory diseases.
By Leigh MacMillan
March 7, 2011

Enzyme protects against inflamed colon

Increasing an enzyme required for a type of colon tissue may help dampen inflammation, a known risk factor for colon cancer.
By VUMC News and Communications