Astragaloside IV — a compound isolated from a traditional Chinese medicinal plant — was found to reverse epithelial–mesenchymal transition, a process crucial to the progression of fibrosis, through its impact on a protein called FOXO3a, a study by researchers in China reports. The study, “Astragaloside IV modulates TGF-b1-dependent epithelial-mesenchymal…
The introduction of bias in the design and analysis of studies likely explains a reported reduction of mortality with antacid therapy in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), according to a new Canadian review study. The research, “The effect of anti-acid therapy on survival in idiopathic…
Formaldehyde, a chemical widely used in construction, health, and manufacturing industries, was seen to worsen lung inflammation and fibrosis in a mouse model of pulmonary fibrosis (PF), a Brazilian study reports. In mice lungs, the chemical was found to increase the amount of collagen, a protein responsible for tissue…
A common oral medication for type 2 diabetes called metformin was seen to quickly reverse pulmonary fibrosis in a mouse model of the disease and lessen fibrosis in lung tissue of PF patients, a study reports, adding that similar compounds might have similar benefits. The research, “Metformin reverses…
Galectin Therapeutics was issued a patent for its lead investigative therapy GR-MD-02 for the treatment of pulmonary fibrosis by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), the company announced. GR-MD-02 is a carbohydrate-based medicine that binds and stops the action of the galectin-3 protein, which is directly involved in multiple…
The Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation (PFF) has launched its Oxygen Information Line to provide information and resources to help people using supplemental oxygen and their caregivers. Using the line, people can get reliable advice about which oxygen delivery system to use, how to manage flow settings, and how to ensure safety.
Mediaplanet, a content marketing company, recently launched a “Personal Health” campaign that helps to raise awareness of different forms of lung disease, from pulmonary fibrosis and cancer to asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. According to a press release, the campaign — which covers other chronic diseases…
The Arizona Biomedical Research Commission awarded a $750,000 grant to researchers at University of Arizona (UA) College of Medicine for their innovative, plant-based model system — a “lung” growing on a leaf — to study pulmonary diseases that range from fibrosis to inflammation and infection. The three-year grant was given to Kenneth…
A new, wireless home monitoring program designed to collect data on lung function from patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) in real time showed good results and was approved by patients in a Dutch pilot study. Findings showed that spirometry measurements, which assess the amount and/or speed of air inhaled…
The patientMpower digital healthcare app now offers a “share” tool that allows patients with pulmonary fibrosis and like conditions to easily keep caregivers, friends, and family members aware of their progress, according to a blog on the company’s website. The interactive mobile platform — the basis of the…
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