Patricia Inácio, PhD, science writer —

Patricia holds her PhD in cell biology from the University Nova de Lisboa, Portugal, and has served as an author on several research projects and fellowships, as well as major grant applications for European agencies. She also served as a PhD student research assistant in the Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Columbia University, New York, for which she was awarded a Luso-American Development Foundation (FLAD) fellowship.

Articles by Patricia Inácio

Protective Mechanism in Lung Immune Cells, Mitophagy, Surprises by Contributing to PF Development

Mitophagy, a protective mechanism against mitochondria reactive oxygen species (ROS), in lung macrophages is a key mechanism underlying the development of pulmonary fibrosis, according to a study titled “Macrophage Akt1 Kinase-Mediated Mitophagy Modulates Apoptosis Resistance and Pulmonary Fibrosis,” and published in the journal Immunity. Alveolar macrophages,…

Interaction of Cells in Lung Vasculature Focus of New Pulmonary Fibrosis Research

An interaction between cells in the lungs’ vasculature appears to spur tissue regeneration and is a potential target for therapies against fibrosis, according to a study titled “Targeting of the pulmonary capillary vascular niche promotes lung alveolar repair and ameliorates fibrosis,” published in the journal Nature Medicine. Lungs, as a result of their…

Pulmonary Fibrosis-linked Genes Targeted by Specific Nanoparticles

Researchers recently developed new nanoparticles more efficient at delivering in vivo (living) RNA interference (RNAi) for silencing pulmonary fibrosis-associated genes. The study entitled “Self-assembled Micelle Interfering RNA for Effective and Safe Targeting of Dysregulated Genes in Pulmonary Fibrosis” was published in the Journal of Biological Chemistry. RNAi, a natural…

Mechanotherapy Promotes Regeneration of Fibrotic Tissues, Study Shows

Researchers discovered that mechanotherapy on damaged muscle tissue reduces both fibrotic tissue accumulation and inflammation while helping to increase tissue regeneration, according to a new study titled “Biologic-free mechanically induced muscle regeneration,” published in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS). Although focusing on the repair…

IPF Disease Carries High Economic and Healthcare Burden

A retrospective study analyzing data on insurance claims from patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) revealed that the disease is associated with a significant economic and healthcare burden. The study, titled “Clinical and economic burden of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis: a retrospective cohort study,” was published in the…

IPF-related Decline in Lung Function May Be Evident Within 6 Months

A new study reported that patients with newly diagnosed idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) often experience lung function decline, which furthers disease progression. The study, titled “Change in forced vital capacity and associated subsequent outcomes in patients with newly diagnosed idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis,” was published in the journal…