A protein called RUNX2 contributes to lung tissue scarring, which makes it a good target for the development of a pulmonary fibrosis treatment, a study reported. It does this differently in two types of lung cells, suggesting that scientists might need to develop therapies that targeted each of the cell types,…
In response to how to cope with a chronic illness, many reply with the following statement: “there is no rulebook, so we write it as we go.” The sentiment of this is to say that there really are no right or wrong ways to deal with the diagnosis of…
A small RNA molecule, called microRNA 101, prevents the proliferation and activation of fibroblasts, thereby eliminating pulmonary fibrosis (PF) in mice, researchers at Oklahoma State University (OSU) have found. Their study, “MicroRNA-101 attenuates pulmonary fibrosis by inhibiting fibroblast proliferation and activation,” appeared in the Journal of Biological…
As a pulmonary fibrosis patient, being on supplemental oxygen 24/7 is quite a challenge. There is a lot to adjust being tied to a cannula all the time, which I’ve written about in a prior column. There are also lots of challenges when dealing with…
Lately, it feels as if I spend most of my time apologizing to friends and family for canceling plans. Before being diagnosed with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), I rarely canceled plans. Usually, I was the one to initiate and finalize plans, going about my social life at…
A new class of class of compounds called trihydroxyphenolics inhibits TGF-beta 1, the key driver in specific cells of lung fibrosis, researchers found, suggesting the compounds may be a potential therapeutic approach to reduce the effects of fibrosis. The study, “Fibroblast-specific inhibition of TGF-β1 signaling attenuates lung and…
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a progressive chronic lung condition that affects people both emotionally and physically. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) held a patient-focused drug development initiative where people living with IPF could talk freely about the effect the disease has on their everyday lives. Here’s…
The Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation’s inaugural PFF Walk raised more than $234,000, three times the goal of $70,000, for research on the disease and for patient services. More than 1,000 patients, families, caregivers and healthcare professionals from 40 U.S. states participated in the event Sept. 9 to mark Pulmonary…
Autoimmunity may drive idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), according to a study that found a link between certain autoantibodies —those that target the body’s own cells and tissues — and disease progression in these patients. The study, “Autoimmunity to Vimentin Is Associated with Outcomes of Patients with Idiopathic…
“How are you doing?” is the infamous quintessential question I am confident all patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) are asked on a regular basis. Lately, this question has been a bit of an emotional trigger for me in several ways. I anticipate hearing it when I see…
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