Protein Prompts Immune System to Attack the Body, and Its Levels Correlate with Outcomes, Study Shows

Protein Prompts Immune System to Attack the Body, and Its Levels Correlate with Outcomes, Study Shows

The protein vimentin triggers autoimmune reactions in people with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), and the intensity of the reactions correlates with the severity of the disease, according to a study. The findings underscore scientists’ belief that autoimmunity — the immune system attacking the body’s own cells instead of invaders — plays…

4 Breathing Mistakes You’re Probably Making

We need to breathe to stay alive. For some of us, the process is simple and we don’t think too much about it. For others, it’s a constant struggle that requires a lot of concentration and effort. For all of us, it’s important we’re aware that there’s a right—and wrong—way…

Chinese Researchers Illuminate Mechanism Involved in Thalidomide’s Prevention of PF

Thalidomide — a controversial drug that caused thousands of birth defects throughout Europe in the late 1950s and was more recently approved to treat multiple myeloma — may also in fact prevent pulmonary fibrosis (PF), Chinese researchers say.   Their study, “Anti-inflammation and Antioxidant Effects of Thalidomide on Pulmonary Fibrosis in Mice and…

Why Are Clinical Trials So Important for Pulmonary Fibrosis?

Clinical trials are extremely important in advancing medicine, helping to better understand how diseases begin and their progression, and to ultimately find cures or ways to prevent the disease. Clinical trials for pulmonary fibrosis (PF) are no exception and are necessary to improve treatment for patients. MORE: Seven common symptoms…

The Challenges in Sharing My Diagnosis

Sometimes, it is so discouraging to have PF. … Okay, having PF is discouraging A LOT of the time. I had a hard experience this week, as I’ve had many times before. I bet you’ve had experiences, too. Since my diagnosis with PF a little more than…