Health

Investigators capture a “molecular snapshot” to illuminate the origins of pulmonary arterial hypertension

Published

2 months ago

January 27, 2023

Newswise — Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a rare and incurable disease of the lung arteries that causes early death. In PAH, excess scar tissue and thickening of lung blood vessels occur as the result of increased cell “biomass.” These changes obstruct blood flow and are detrimental to the heart, but until now the basic features of biomass in PAH were not known. A team led by investigators at Brigham and Women’s Hospital (BWH), a founding member of the Mass General Brigham healthcare system, in collaboration with Matthew Steinhauser, MD, a metabolism and cell imaging expert at the University of Pittsburg, and investigators at the University of Vienna, set out to better understand the origins of arterial biomass in PAH. Using an animal model of PAH, the team applied network medicine and advanced molecular imaging tools to identify chemical building blocks that are taken up by arterial cells and ultimately contribute to blood vessel obstruction. Using multi-isotope imaging mass spectrometry (MIMS) under the guidance of Steinhauser and Christelle Guillermier, PhD, at BWH, the researchers could pinpoint the location and abundance of key contributors to biomass, including the amino acid proline and the sugar molecule glucose. Using MIMS, the team visualized proline and glucose tracers injected into the bloodstream of an animal model of PAH. They saw that the molecules were used by arterial cells of the lung to build excess scar tissue (including the protein collagen), which contributed to blood vessel obstruction.

“Our study describes the world’s first use of multi-isotope imaging mass spectrometry (MIMS) in the study of lung disease,” said Bradley Wertheim, MD, of the Brigham’s Division of Pulmonary and Critical Medicine. “MIMS is a powerful microscopy tool that produces a ‘molecular snapshot’ that can provide information down to the resolution of a single cell.”

“These findings suggest that the uptake and metabolism of protein precursors may be fundamental to PAH biology. Closer investigation of proline and glucose in human PAH may uncover opportunities to inhibit biomass formation, prevent obstruction of lung arteries, and decrease the chance of heart failure for PAH patients,” said co-senior author Bradley Maron, MD, of the Brigham’s Division of Cardiovascular Medicine.

Health

How Melissa Joan Hart Gets Relief for Her Dry Eyes

Whether Melissa Joan Hart is on set directing her latest movie, recording an episode of her podcast or driving her kids to school, she is always on the move.

Published

1 day ago

March 24, 2023

Rebecca Bigham

(Family Features) Whether Melissa Joan Hart is on set directing her latest movie, recording an episode of her podcast or driving her kids to school, she is always on the move. When she first began experiencing dry, irritated eyes, she wasn’t sure how to relieve her symptoms. However, after a recommendation from her friend, she learned there was a line of eye lubricant products designed to relieve dry eye symptoms of eye dryness, burning, itching and discomfort.

“My eyes get dry and irritated, especially during long days on set when I’m spending hours staring at monitors,” Hart said. “I learned I am one of 35 million people in the United States who experience dry eyes. I didn’t know how I could find relief – until I discovered Refresh.”

Hart is teaming up with Allergan, an AbbVie company, to share her experience using the number one doctor-recommended family of products. The Refresh line was developed from more than 30 years of dedicated eye research and includes artificial tears, ointments and gel drops to relieve symptoms of eye dryness. The drops offer fast-acting relief for a wide range of individuals based on their symptoms and severity levels, including products for daytime, nighttime and anytime use.

“Many people experience eye dryness for many reasons and have different needs, which is why I like that the Refresh portfolio has several different products that offer fast-acting relief for a wide range of individuals,” Hart said. “Right now, I use Optive Mega-3 and Relieve PF Multidose to relieve my eye dryness and prevent further irritation. There’s a great tool on the Refresh website to help you figure out which product may be right for you.”

Hart continued, “Refresh has quickly become a part of my daily routine, on and off set. I have a few bottles tucked away in different rooms around the house and in my purse to use throughout the day. I don’t leave the house without them.”

Refresh eye drops can be found at all major retailers and online. Learn more at refreshbrand.com and take the quiz to see which product may help relieve your symptoms.

Use only as directed. For US consumers only.

Source: Allergan, an AbbVie company.

US-RFS-220152 2/23

SOURCE:
Allergan, an AbbVie company

Health

Monitoring Your Kidney Health

Published

4 days ago

March 21, 2023

Rod Washington

(Family Features) Kidney disease is one of the most common complications of living with diabetes and can increase your risk for heart disease and stroke. There are steps you can take to keep your heart, brain and kidneys healthy, including an annual kidney screening. A urine Albumin-to-Creatinine Ratio test is a simple urine test used to identify early signs of kidney disease and give you and your health care team important information to manage your risk. Learn more about taking charge of your health at KnowDiabetesbyHeart.org.

SOURCE:
American Heart Association

Health

Colon Cancer Awareness Month: How Artificial Intelligence (AI) is now saving more lives for those with potential cancer

Spreading awareness that colon cancer can be detected and treated earlier than ever with new technology.

Published

7 days ago

March 18, 2023

Daily News Staff

Credit:
Dr. Rosario Ligresti, chief of Gastroenterology at Hackensack University Medical Center
*« Colon Cancer Awareness Month: How Artificial Intelligence (AI) is now saving more lives for those with potential cancer*

Hackensack University Medical Center in New Jersey is working to spread awareness that colon cancer can be detected and treated earlier than ever with new technology.

Colorectal cancer is the third deadliest cancer and is expected to cause more than 52,000 deaths in 2023.

While the rate of adults diagnosed with colon or rectal cancer has been declining since the 80’s, rates of colon cancer in people younger than 50 is now on the rise – concerning many experts.

The latest screening test – the Medtronic GI Genius™ uses artificial intelligence to identify colorectal polyps of varying shapes and sizes in real time, facilitating the diagnosis and prevention of colorectal cancer, the second leading cause of cancer-related death in the U.S.

“I was four years overdue for a colonoscopy,” said 49 year old Twinique Wright. “I was dreading it but I took comfort in knowing that my doctor was going to use the latest technology with a much greater chance of detecting polyps.”

The GI Genius intelligent endoscopy module, authorized by the FDA in April 2021 uses computer-aided detection algorithms to identify colorectal polyps of varying shapes and sizes in real time, facilitating the diagnosis and prevention of colorectal cancer. GI Genius has demonstrated the ability to improve detection of colorectal polyps – by as much as 40% – that can lead to CRC.

For more information on the GI Genius or for an interview with one of our colorectal cancer specialists, contact [email protected].

Source: Hackensack Meridian Health

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