Study sheds light on side effects of COX-2 drugs

A team of Vanderbilt University Medical Center scientists are closer to understanding why COX-2 inhibitors — drugs that relieve arthritis pain and inflammation without the gastrointestinal side effects of other painkillers — cause heart problems in some patients.

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VUMC study shifts thinking on how bone fractures heal

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.

Study explores protein’s role in inflammation-associated cancer

An antioxidant protein may protect against colon cancer that develops in patients with inflammatory bowel disease, suggesting new strategies for reducing colon cancer risk in these patients.

Study: Why one kidney can work as well as two

Vanderbilt University researchers have come closer to solving a mystery that has puzzled scientists for more than a century: after the loss of one kidney, what causes the growth of the remaining kidney to take up the slack?

‘Redesigned’ antibodies may control HIV: study

With the help of a computer program called “Rosetta,” researchers at Vanderbilt University have “redesigned” an antibody that has increased potency and can neutralize more strains of the AIDS-causing human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) than can any known natural antibody.

Team tracks how kidney responds to blood pressure meds

Changes in the kidney can limit the blood pressure-lowering effects of thiazide diuretics, a new study reports.