Researchers in Finland have identified a protein called AMPK as a possible new target for therapies aimed to treat pulmonary fibrosis and other fibrotic diseases. Their study, “AMPK Negatively Regulates Tensin-Dependent Integrin Activity,” appeared in The Journal of Cell Biology. In human tissues, the space between adjacent cells, called…
Boosting AMPK Protein Activity May Help Fight Tissue Fibrosis in PF, Other Diseases
In most of my conversations with people who also have idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, a painful loss they have experienced as a result of their disease is no longer being able to work. Some people have to stop working altogether, while others have to reduce their hours from full-time…
While few of us choose to become caregivers, many of us are faced with the task if a loved one is diagnosed with a chronic disease. The transition is a strange time for everyone involved, as the nature of the relationship changes for both the caregiver and patient. However, it is…
Former New York Yankees outfielder Bernie Williams is partnering with Boehringer Ingelheim to raise awareness of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, a lung disease his father lived with for many years before his death in 2001. Williams is teaming up with the Breathless campaign (BreathlessIPF.com), which seeks to inform and prompt…
Preclinical data presented by Kadmon showed that the Rho-associated coiled-coil kinase (ROCK) pathway is a key player in the development of pulmonary fibrosis (PF), supporting the hypothesis that ROCK inhibition has therapeutic potential for the disease. The data was shown in a poster presentation at the 2017 Keystone Symposia on Injury, Inflammation and Fibrosis,…
Pulmonary fibrosis (PF) is a chronic lung condition where the tissue in the lungs becomes scarred over time and breathing becomes difficult. Currently, there is no cure for pulmonary fibrosis but there are treatment options that can help reduce symptoms and improve patients’ quality of life. MORE: Six pulmonary fibrosis risks factors and…
Many people with chronic diseases have what is called an “invisible illness,” meaning that although they are very sick, they don’t have visible signs of illness so many people assume that they’re not really sick at all. Six remarkable things to know about people living with a chronic illness. This is a…
Over the last two-plus years I have become an unwilling expert on the ins and outs of supplemental oxygen. When I started using supplemental oxygen I knew next to nothing and found it very hard to get the help and information I needed. I’ve learned a lot and…
Many people who suffer from chronic illnesses also suffer from depression. Depression isn’t something that should be overlooked; it should be brought to your doctor’s attention so that it can be treated. But how do you spot depression? With help from prevention.com, we’ve put together a list of some of the most common physical signs…
Obligations and what you “should” do as a patient living with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) can be all-consuming. I have learned a lot about myself this week after talking to friends and colleagues. One of the things I must let go of throughout this journey is this idea…
