Vidcast: https://www.instagram.com/p/DeSJrFSMS_g/

Neurosurgical cell biologists at the University of Michigan have bioengineered nanoparticles that sensitize deadly gliomas to radiation therapy.

Their study, published in Nature Communications, focused on those gliomas that carry a mutated form of the IDH1 gene. Malignant tumors bearing this gene easily activate a cellular recycling process called autophagy (au toff fa gee) thar helps tumor cells remove damaged material but also helps them repair the DNA damage caused by radiation.

To block these tumor-protective effects, researchers created nanoparticles capable of crossing the blood-brain barrier and penetrating into brain tumors to deliver mRNA molecules that trigger a shut-down of the autophagy pathway.

Using mouse models, they show that combining nanoparticle injections with radiation produces a phenomenal result: 60% of the animals are cured of their tumors and survive long-term without recurrence. The treatment produces no significant toxic side effects.

An added benefit: mice whose tumors are eliminated by the nanoparticle-radiation combo therapy develop active immunity against the tumor and able to destroy a newly implanted tumor without additional therapy.

*Bioengineered nanoparticles may offer a way to overcome radiation resistance in a select group of gliomas while also triggering lifesaving anti-tumor immunity. These animal model results are impressive, but it remains for human clinical trials to confirm whether this approach is safe and effective in patients.

The references for this report are available on my website.

#Glioma #BrainCancer #CancerResearch #Nanotechnology #RadiationTherapy

Vidcast: https://www.instagram.com/p/DeSIouVvRDa/

A new study from Japan’s Fujita Health University and published in the journal Scientific Reports suggests that a comfortable 20-minute walk can immediately stimulate your gut motility.

The investigators studied 21 healthy young adults and had them walk on a treadmill for 20 minutes at a comfortable pace. Using an electronic stethoscope to monitor bowel sounds, intestinal activity increases significantly within just one to two minutes after the walk.

Over time following the walk, the bowel sounds become stronger, more frequent, and last longer. Total intestinal sound activity nearly doubles, suggesting that the intestines are contracting more actively.

*Before you turn me off and start walking, there are some caveats. The bowel activation effect is brief and fades within two to three minutes. In addition, this study includes no measurements of actual bowel motility or relief of constipation.

Even so, if you suffer from constipation, know that a comfortable 20-minute walk produces measurable increases in intestinal activity. In addition to consuming fiber and remaining well hydrated, walking may be just the thing to help keep you regular. In any event, this type of exercise is good for all that ails you.

The references for this report are available on my website.

#Constipation #GutHealth #Walking #DigestiveHealth #MedicalResearch

Vidcast: https://www.instagram.com/p/DeSIAYBMYom/

The compound produced by gut bacteria after eating foods such as pomegranates, walnuts and berries helps repair intestinal linings. This from gastroenterologists at

the University of Louisville who published their studies in the journal Nature Communicatons.

The studies center on the microbial byproduct urolithin A or UroA, produced when gut bacteria digest pomegranates, walnuts, or berries. The UroA activates a cascade of compounds including aryl hydrocarbon receptor followed by the NLRP6 that triggers a protective effect which helps repair intestinal lining barriers, increases quantities of protective mucus, and strengthens antimicrobial defenses.

These beneficial effects were demonstrated in single cell models, intestinal organoids, and tissues from patients with inflammatory bowel disease.

*The researchers predict that this discovery could lead to more preventive treatments for Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. Such therapy would restore intestinal defenses rather than broadly suppressing the immune system, which is standard current approach.

The references for this report are available on my website.

#InflammatoryBowelDisease #IBD #GutHealth #CrohnsDisease #MedicalResearch