Caitlin Lovejoy Fund Archives
Study identifies molecular trigger of severe injury-induced inflammatory response
Jan. 19, 2022—Vanderbilt researchers have discovered that early inappropriate activation of the enzyme plasmin caused by severe injury is a trigger of systemic inflammatory response syndrome and resulting organ failure.
Calcification after severe injury
Feb. 23, 2021—Vanderbilt researchers have linked bone-related complications of severely injured patients — findings that could help minimize these complications.
Keeping bone in its place
Apr. 11, 2019—Jonathan Schoenecker and colleagues have discovered a new mechanism for the formation of bone in soft tissues — a complication of severe injuries that causes pain and limits mobility.
Plasmin prevents muscle ‘hardening’ after injury: study
Dec. 8, 2016—Vanderbilt researchers have made the surprising discovery that the protease plasmin, known for its clot-busting role in the blood, protects soft tissue from turning to bone after severe injuries and certain orthopaedic surgeries.
VUMC study shifts thinking on how bone fractures heal
Aug. 13, 2015—New findings show that fibrin, a protein that was thought to play a key role in fracture healing, is not required, shifting understanding of how fractures heal.
