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…
Compound from Chinese Plant Seen to Protect Against Fibrosis in IPF Rat Model Study
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…
Since my 2016 IPF diagnosis, so much has changed for me. I can no longer participate in the sports I once enjoyed or go for a run to channel my energy or frustrations with the day. I can no longer maintain the social schedule I was so fond…
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…
This is an ongoing series. Read the May 2018 entry here. Here it is: my gratitude miniseries column for June 2018. This means that we’re halfway through the year and, overall, I’d say it has been a better one for me, compared to the past few years. That isn’t…
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…
Hello PF friends! I would so appreciate your input regarding a heartfelt project I’m considering. For about a year I’ve been pondering finishing a book to help patients like me deal with being diagnosed with a terminal illness. I started this book a year ago but set it…
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…
Since being diagnosed with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) in early 2016, I’ve had to ask for or accept help on multiple occasions. I am always appreciative of offers of help following an acute event such as an exacerbation, illness, or prolonged hospital stay due to my poor…
The Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation (PFF)Â 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.
