Protein Called TRAIL Linked to Lung Fibrosis by Igniting ‘Signaling Cascade,’ Study Reports

A protein in the tumor necrosis factor (TNF) alpha family, called TRAIL, regulates a signaling cascade that promotes pulmonary fibrosis, researchers report, suggesting this protein opens potential new avenues for treating PF. The study, “TRAIL signals through the ubiquitin ligase MID1 to promote pulmonary fibrosis,” was published in the…

Patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) have, on average, only slight cognitive impairment compared to healthy people. Also, IPF patients with severe obstructive sleep apnea have worse cognitive impairment. The study with those findings, “Impact of moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea on the cognition in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis,”…

Feeding black tea extract to mice in models of pulmonary fibrosis (PF) lessened several disease-associated fibrotic markers, a recent study found. The results suggest black tea extract may have a beneficial therapeutic effect by reducing fibrotic features. The study “Anti-fibrotic effect of black tea (Camellia sinensis) extract in experimental…

Any patient living with a chronic illness is familiar with the topic of self-care. It’s something that many of our medical team members, especially the allied healthcare professionals, talk to us about. But practicing self-care is not always as easy as it sounds. It has taken me nearly…

At 12:06 a.m. on Dec. 3, 2015, the much-anticipated phone call came. I knew what the call pertained to as soon as I saw the first digits on the phone’s screen. The caller identified himself as a nurse coordinator from Cleveland Clinic’s Transplant Center and then handed the phone over…

Vitamin D deficiency in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is associated with functional and clinical predictors of disease severity and a higher risk of mortality, according to a new study. The findings also revealed that vitamin D is able to partially prevent lung fibrosis in a mouse model.

A protein called PU.1 plays a central role in the deposition of connective tissue during fibrosis, according to new research. The findings also suggested that blocking PU.1 may be a therapeutic strategy for pulmonary fibrosis and other fibrotic disorders. The study, “PU.1 controls fibroblast polarization and…

It’s cold and flu season, and unfortunately, people with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) and compromised immune systems are bound to get sick. Despite our best efforts, it is likely that we’ll end up with the flu, a cold, or a more serious respiratory illness such as pneumonia. It…

Scores of events are afoot worldwide to mark Feb. 28, Rare Disease Day 2019. The activities aim to raise awareness about rare diseases and the millions of people — estimates run as high as 350 million — they are thought to impact. Across countries, patients, caregivers and advocates will paint faces, wear…

Evotec and Galapagos will work together to develop a strategy to target fibrosis affecting several organs, the companies announced. The collaboration will focus on the development of small molecules designed to specifically target a new fibrosis biomarker identified and validated with Evotec’s proprietary platforms for fibrotic diseases…