A woman from Argentina has become only the second person known to ever show no detectable traces of HIV infection without receiving a stem cell transplantation treatment to cure it. The patient was diagnosed with HIV in 2013, but after 8 years of follow up checks and a total of 10 commercial viral load tests, […]
What are Umbilical Cord Mesenchymal Stem Cells? Umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (UC-MSCs) are self-renewing and multipotent. They can continuously proliferate and differentiate under specific conditions into one or more cell types that constitute human tissues and organs. They affect immune responses and can be easily harvested, separated, cultured, expanded and purified. Currently they are […]
As we age, we experience a form of chronic low-grade inflammation in our immune system. Experts have linked this kind of age-related inflammation to dementia and cognitive decline. Research suggests that different foods can influence rates of inflammation both acutely and chronically. Researchers have recently investigated the link between inflammatory diets and the risk of […]
Grapes not only contain various phytochemicals, such as catechins, proanthocyanidins, anthocyanins, leucoanthocyanidin, and others, but are also a good source of fiber. The antioxidant, antibacterial and antiviral effects of grapes, grape extract or grape phenolic compounds from grapes have been previously reported. A recent mouse study showed that table grape consumption can decrease adiposity and […]
What is Liver Cirrhosis? Cirrhosis is a late stage of scarring (fibrosis) of the liver caused by many forms of liver diseases and conditions, such as hepatitis and chronic alcoholism. Each time your liver is injured — whether by disease, excessive alcohol consumption or another cause — it tries to repair itself. In the process, […]
A self-assembling gel injected at the site of spinal cord injuries in paralysed mice has enabled them to walk again after four weeks. The gel mimics the matrix that is normally found around cells, providing a scaffold that helps cells to grow. It also provides signals that stimulate nerve regeneration. Samuel Stupp at Northwestern University […]
Cardiovascular disease is one of the many complications that a patient with type 2 diabetes can develop. It is related to a poorer clinical outcome following a cardiovascular event, especially heart attacks. A new study recently published in the journal Diabetes suggests that a lack of a specific molecule in red blood cells may be […]
What is Paroxysmal Nocturnal Hemoglobinuria? Paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH) is an acquired clonal hematopoietic cell disorder characterized by intravascular hemolysis, thrombosis and marrow failure. It is a life-threatening disease of the blood. PNH is rare with an estimated prevalence of 1 to 10 per million and has a well-defined pathophysiology in which abnormal hematopoietic cells […]
Scientists have shown how a fatty acid found in palm oil can encourage the spread of cancer, in work that could pave the way for new treatments. The study, using a mouse model found that palmitic acid promoted metastasis in mouth and skin cancers. In future, this process could be targeted with drugs or carefully […]
What is Myasthenia Gravis? Myasthenia gravis (MG) is characterized by weakness and rapid fatigue of any of the muscles under your voluntary control. It’s caused by a breakdown in the normal communication between nerves and muscles. There is no cure for myasthenia gravis, but treatment can help relieve signs and symptoms, such as weakness of […]