Serotonin — a chemical produced by nerve cells — aggravated pulmonary fibrosis by promoting inflammation, oxidative stress (an imbalance between the production of reactive oxygen species and antioxidant defenses), and activating fibrosis-associated genes in a mouse model of pulmonary fibrosis, a new study shows. The study, “Serotonin Exhibits Accelerated…
A scary moment I recently had a scare while in my backyard. I was cutting some ivy, an easy task I can do without bending over or digging in the dirt. I had a full tank of oxygen with me, and I was trimming on my back…
People close to idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) patients and those they interact with — from family members and acquaintances to healthcare professionals — influence their acceptance of their disease and quality of life, a small U.K. study reports. It found that a solid understanding of IPF’s nature and disease…
I’ve experienced increased sensitivity to comments, gestures, or unusual behavior from others since my IPF diagnosis. Sometimes this is attributed to the medications I take for the management of my disease, such as high doses of steroids. At other times, I feel increasingly sensitive because I am aware…
A plant compound called parthenolide significantly reduces lung fibrosis and its associated inflammatory responses, according to a study conducted in mice with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). The work also exposed the mechanisms behind parthenolide’s actions, providing a deeper understanding of lung fibrosis’ mechanisms and potential therapeutic targets. The study,…
The American Lung Association’s Better Breathers Club is now extending its resources and support network to patients with pulmonary fibrosis (PF), among others with chronic lung diseases. Getting a PF diagnosis can be overwhelming, as the disease remains without a cure and is characterized by a progressive decline in lung health.
Many patients living with chronic illness are considered immunocompromised due to the medications they take to treat their disease. This means that their immune system is not as strong as people who are healthy and that they can fall ill more easily. A patient living with a chronic…
Agricultural workers, veterinarians, and steel and metal industry workers are at higher risk of developing idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), a new study from central Italy reports. The findings also showed that organic dust, metal dust, and fumes are risk factors for the disease. The study, “Occupational risk…
About two years ago I had a very touching experience. I had retired from my counseling practice of 30 years. I was part of a group of 10 wonderful therapists who were good friends as well as colleagues. Once a year we went on a retreat to a…
Gossypol — a pharmacological inhibitor of the LDHA enzyme — shows promising results in the prevention and treatment of lung fibrosis, according to a study performed in a mouse model of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). The results point to LDHA as a potential therapeutic target for this disorder. The study, “…
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