Using nanoparticles to deliver an anti-scarring RNA molecule to pro-scarring lung macrophages — a type of immune cell — prevented and reduced lung tissue fibrosis in a mouse model of pulmonary fibrosis (PF), a study shows. To specifically target pro-fibrotic macrophages, researchers at University of Illinois College of Medicine (UICM)…
Targeting Pro-scarring Immune Cells Thwarts, Reduces PF in Mice
Abnormally high levels of the signaling molecule interleukin 19 (IL-19) were detected in lung tissues from both mice and humans with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) in a recent study. These findings indicate that IL-19 promotes IPF progression by activating the transforming growth factor-beta pathway, a key mediator of tissue…
Laughter brings people together. It can lead to positive emotional changes, especially when you’re having a rough day. It can also boost the immune system, which enables our body to fight infections. Laughter can help us feel relaxed and vibrant and make our spirits soar. Chronic illness can trigger…
It was July 9, 2021, at 9 a.m. NBC’s “Today” show was on television in our house that morning. I was in my home office going through my morning routine while my wife, Susan, was downstairs in her home office. When my cellphone rang, I recognized the number as the…
Angion Biomedica plans to ask the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for permission to start testing its experimental therapy ANG-3070 in people with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), the company announced. ANG-3070 is an oral medication designed to block the activity of multiple protein receptors that contribute to…
Many chronic illness patients experience brain fog. Those living with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), a progressive and life-threatening lung condition, are no exception. Due to being chronically under-oxygenated, especially as the disease progresses, many IPF patients find their brain fog prohibitive to important aspects of their life, such as excelling…
On Jan. 31, 2017, Dr. Steven Nathan, a pulmonary disease expert, sat on a stool in a clinic room across from my wife, Susan, and me, and confirmed my diagnosis of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). The gravity of my diagnosis hit Susan especially hard, to the point where every…
Ube Industries and HiLung are teaming up to advance HL001, an experimental therapy to prevent disease progression in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). The companies, both based in Japan, anticipate launching clinical studies of HL001 in people by March 2024. “This most recent agreement solidifies the collaboration between Ube Industries…
Healthcare providers involved in diagnosing and treating rare diseases believe that increased physician education and collaboration with specialized facilities will have the greatest positive impact on treating these conditions over the next five years, according to results from a 2021 survey. Definitive Healthcare, a healthcare commercial intelligence company, conducted…
An extract of the plant Lemna minor L., also called duckweed, suppresses the signs and symptoms of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) in disease-induced mice, a study suggests. More research to evaluate dosing and oral availability is recommended, study  authors noted. “Pulmonary Protein Oxidation and Oxidative Stress…
