Latest news with #IL-6
Business News Wales
22-05-2025
- Health
- Business News Wales
New Research on Long-Covid Offers Hope for Patients Living with Condition
Dr Richard Webb A new clinical study from Cardiff Metropolitan University – in collaboration with Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board (CTM UHB) – has highlighted new biomedical insights into long-Covid. The researchers say it could take existing studies one step closer to finding treatment for patients living with the condition. Long-Covid is a new condition which can affect people who have previously had the Covid-19 virus. Symptoms can include heart disease, muscle and joint pain, extreme tiredness, coughing, shortness of breath and memory difficulties. The clinical study – 'Seasonal variation in the associations between self-reported long-Covid symptoms and IL-6 signaling-related factors' – from Cardiff Met and CTM UHB included DNA and blood samples taken from 175 participants who had previously had the Covid-19 infection. The bloods taken measured levels of two proteins, 'Interleukin-6 (IL-6)' and 'Interleukin-6 Receptor (IL-6R)', while the DNA sample was used to detect which variant of IL-6R gene, known as 'IL-6R genotype', was present. IL-6 and IL-6R are made by the immune system to fight infection. IL-6R is the receptor that IL-6 attaches to – like a key fitting into a lock. This connection allows IL-6 to send signals that trigger an immune response. Craig Greenstock Craig Greenstock, 63, from Pontypridd took part in the study and was first admitted to hospital in December 2020 at the height of the pandemic after being diagnosed with CovidPneumonitis. He was previously fit and healthy. Craig went on to spend the next nine weeks in hospital, initially placed on a ventilator within the intensive care unit before being moved to various wards. He has since been diagnosed with long Covid and suffers with bouts of fatigue, breathlessness, brain fog, PTSD, night terrors and is being treated with three daily pumps for asthma related symptoms. A nodule was also discovered on Craig's lung following the infection. Craig said: 'I can safely say that when I was first admitted to hospital and what then developed was the scariest time of my life, both physically and mentally. 'I was extremely unwell for some time, with my family being given 24 hours for my condition to improve. My symptoms following the virus have been so significant it has resulted in me having to retire from work.' Participants were also asked to complete a questionnaire sharing their current long Covid symptoms at different times throughout the year to see if the change in seasons affected the condition, and to help get an accurate diagnosis. The purpose of the study – which was funded through The Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board Collaborative Research Fund – was to better understand how these IL-6-related factors contribute to the risk of long-Covid and possibly initiate future strategies for using them as biomarkers predictive of risk. The results from the participants tested highlighted that long-Covid sufferers had elevated levels of IL-6 compared to those who had regained full health. The results also showed the risk of getting long-Covid appeared to be increased in patients with a particular type of IL-6R genotype, known as the 'AA' genotype. Dr Richard Webb, a Principal Lecturer in Biomedical Sciences in the Centre for Cardiovascular Research, Innovation and Development (CURIAD) at Cardiff Metropolitan University is leading on the study. He said: 'While interpretation is complicated by seasonal variations, the findings from the study point towards possible future use of IL-6 and IL-6R genotype as biomarkers predictive of long-Covid risk, which may bring advantages regarding the management and treatment of the illness.' Dr Ceri Lynch is a Consultant in Anaesthetics and Intensive Care Medicine and Critical Care Research Lead at Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board and has worked alongside Cardiff Met on the long-Covid symptoms study. Dr Lynch said: 'This collaborative research between Cwm Taf Morgannwg and Cardiff Metropolitan University has shown some interesting and exciting findings with regard to the risk factors for developing long-Covid. We would like to continue this work, with the ultimate aim of identifying an effective drug treatment for the condition.' Craig added: 'I was very fortunate to have a positive attitude to life and fairly healthy, so strong enough, physically and mentally, to be able to fight the virus and ongoing recovery. 'I would be prepared to try any medicine that could improve my standard of life back to anywhere near where it was before I fell ill.' The team of researchers from Cardiff Met and CTM UHB will now look at how the findings from this study can be integrated into and support The Post-hospitalisation Covid-19 study (PHOSP-COVID) – which includes leading researchers and clinicians from across the UK working together to understand and improve long-term health outcomes for patients who have been in hospital with confirmed or suspected Covid-19.
Time of India
12-05-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Doctors say THIS mineral reduces inflammation
You must have heard the word inflammation a lot in the past few years, and how it can cause a host of health issues, including weight gain, heart disease, arthiritis etc. But is there a way to curtail it? Let's find out more: What exactly is inflammation? Inflammation is the body's natural response to injury or infection. While short-term inflammation helps heal wounds and is not a cause of concern (say like a fever), however if chronic, inflammation can cause a host of health issues, as mentioned earlier. However, do you know that there is one mineral that can reduce inflammation naturally? And that mineral is magnesium . Let's take a look how... What is magnesium? Magnesium is a key mineral found in foods like nuts, seeds, leafy greens, and whole grains. Magnesium helps regulate the immune system and inflammation. When magnesium levels are low, the body tends to have more inflammation, which can lead to health issues. How does it reduce inflammation? One way magnesium reduces inflammation is by lowering the levels of proteins called cytokines. In layman language, cytokines are like messengers that tell the immune system to start or stop inflammation. Some cytokines cause inflammation, and when they are too high, it leads to chronic inflammation . Doctors say that magnesium decreases the production of inflammatory cytokines such as TNF-alpha and IL-6. It does this by blocking a key pathway inside cells called NF-κB (Nuclear Factor kappa B). NF-κB controls the activity of many genes involved in inflammation. Magnesium stops NF-κB from becoming too active, which in turn calms the immune response. Natural Calcium Blocker Magnesium also helps reduce inflammation by balancing calcium levels in the body. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Invest $200 in Amazon without buying stocks to earn a second salary Marketsall Sign Up Undo While Calcium is needed for many body functions, too many of calcium cells can cause cause inflammation and damage. Magnesium acts like a natural calcium blocker, preventing excess calcium from entering cells and triggering inflammation. Lowers inflammatory markers Inflammatory markers like C-reactive protein (CRP) and fibrinogen are substances in the blood that increase during inflammation. Research shows that magnesium supplements can significantly reduce these markers, indicating a lower level of inflammation in the body. Magnesium helps the immune system Magnesium supports the immune system by regulating how it responds to threats. Low magnesium levels can cause an overactive immune response, leading to high inflammation. By increasing magnesium levels, the immune system becomes better balanced, reducing the risk of chronic inflammation and related illnesses. Now, let's take a look at foods that are high in magnesium: Leafy green vegetables Nuts and seeds Legumes Whole grains Fruits Fish Dark chocolate Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Mother's Day wishes , messages , and quotes !
Yahoo
29-03-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
New "Brain Cleaning" Technique Improves Memory in Aging Mice
A team of researchers at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis has found that accelerating the brain's waste removal system could have tremendous implications for our memory. As detailed in a study published in the journal Cell last week, the team found that by boosting the natural process of the brain cleansing itself of waste, they were able to improve memory in older mice. Around a decade ago, scientists found that as the brain ages, a network of vessels surrounding it, known as the meningeal lymphatics, starts to slow down. The system drains fluid and waste into the body's lymph nodes, where immune system cells constantly monitor for signs of disease or infection. But when it's impaired enough due to old age, the brain's resident immune cells, called microglia, have to jump into action instead, which can tax and overwhelm the brain. By targeting the meningeal lymphatics, the researchers are hoping to overcome a major hurdle for other therapies designed to battle age-related cognitive issues and neurodegenerative conditions, including Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease. Unlike therapies that struggle to get past the blood-brain barrier, this latest approach targets areas outside of the brain to gain access. "The physical blood-brain barrier hinders the efficacy of therapies for neurological disorders," said Washington University pathology and immunology professor Jonathan Kipnis in a statement about the research. "By targeting a network of vessels outside of the brain that is critical for brain health, we see cognitive improvements in mice, opening a window to develop more powerful therapies to prevent or delay cognitive decline." In an experiment, the team placed two identical black rods in a cage with old mice to let them play with them. On the next day, the same mice received one of these rods, as well as a silver rectangular prism. The idea is that older mice will spend roughly the same amount of time playing with either type of object, while younger mice will be more drawn to the novel trinket. The team then used a treatment to boost the growth and function of the lymphatic vessels in some of the old mice. As a result, the researchers observed that they were spending more time playing with the shiny new object — suggesting their memory had improved, compared to other old mice that didn't receive the treatment. "A functioning lymphatic system is critical for brain health and memory," said first author and Washington University postdoctoral fellow Kyungdeok Kim in the statement. "Therapies that support the health of the body's waste management system may have health benefits for a naturally aging brain." The team suggests that the meningeal lymphatics treatment led to a reduction in the production of an immune protein called interleukin 6 (IL-6), which has previously been shown to affect brain health. While plenty of work remains before we can demonstrate that the same approach could work in humans as well, the researchers are hopeful of discovering new ways to slow down the naturally aging brain. "Targeting the more easily accessible lymphatic vessels that are located outside the brain may prove to be an exciting new frontier in the treatment of brain disorders," Kipnis said. "We may not be able to revive neurons, but we may be able to ensure their most optimal functioning through modulation of meningeal lymphatic vessels." More on neurodegenerative diseases: Ozempic-Style Drug Slows the Progression of Alzheimer's Disease, Experiment Finds
See - Sada Elbalad
07-03-2025
- Health
- See - Sada Elbalad
Poor Sleep Weakens Immunity
Dr. Magdy Badran Poor sleep weakens immunity and raises inflammation. Poor sleep quality may rapidly trigger immune system changes, potentially contributing to long-term inflammatory diseases like obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. Even a single night of sleep deprivation can alter immune cell profiles to resemble those seen in obesity, a condition linked to chronic inflammation. Increased Pro-Inflammatory Cytokines Poor sleep significantly alters immune function by increasing the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, which are signaling molecules that regulate immune responses and inflammation. When sleep is inadequate—either due to short duration, fragmented sleep, or irregular sleep patterns, the immune system shifts toward a pro-inflammatory state, leading to widespread physiological consequences. Interleukin-6 (IL-6) plays a crucial role in regulating immune responses and inflammation. Sleep deprivation has been shown to increase IL-6 levels, promoting chronic low-grade inflammation, which is linked to cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and depression. C-Reactive Protein (CRP) is a biomarker of systemic inflammation, and its levels rise with sleep deprivation. High CRP levels have been linked to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, stroke, and metabolic disorders. Interleukin-1β (IL-1β) is involved in sleep regulation but becomes excessively activated during sleep disturbances, leading to an increase in neuroinflammation, which has been associated with neurodegenerative conditions like Alzheimer's disease. While inflammation is necessary for fighting infections, chronic low-grade inflammation suppresses immune defenses, making individuals more susceptible to infections. Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha (TNF-α) is a pro-inflammatory cytokine that plays a crucial role in immune system activation, inflammation, and cellular signaling. Poor sleep—whether due to sleep deprivation, fragmented sleep, or irregular sleep patterns—has been strongly linked to elevated TNF-α levels, contributing to a wide range of inflammatory and metabolic disorders. TNF-α follows a circadian rhythm, meaning its levels fluctuate naturally throughout the day and night. Sleep disturbances, such as insufficient sleep or shift work, disrupt this cycle, leading to persistently high TNF-α levels, which promote systemic inflammation. Sleep deprivation triggers oxidative stress and immune system overactivation, leading to excessive TNF-α release. This can result in chronic low-grade inflammation, which is associated with numerous diseases. Sleep is essential for immune regulation and recovery. During deep sleep, anti-inflammatory processes help balance immune function. However, poor sleep prevents this regulation, allowing TNF-α to remain elevated for extended periods. Reduced Anti-Inflammatory Response Sleep plays a critical role in regulating inflammation, helping the body recover, repair tissues, and maintain a balanced immune response. Sleep enhances the production of anti-inflammatory cytokines, which help counteract inflammation. Sleep deprivation reduces these protective molecules, allowing unchecked inflammation to damage tissues and organs. Chronic sleep deprivation disrupts the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, causing prolonged elevations in cortisol, the stress hormone. While cortisol initially suppresses inflammation, persistent high levels lead to immune system exhaustion, making the body unable to regulate inflammatory responses effectively. Melatonin, a sleep hormone, has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Sleep disruption lowers melatonin levels, increases oxidative stress and systemic inflammation. The gut microbiome plays a major role in immune regulation and inflammation control. Poor sleep disrupts gut bacteria, leading to increased gut permeability ("leaky gut"), which triggers inflammation and increases the risk of autoimmune and metabolic diseases. Impaired Immune Surveillance Immune surveillance is the body's ability to detect and eliminate harmful pathogens, abnormal cells, and potential threats, including cancerous cells. Quality sleep is essential for maintaining a strong immune defense, as it regulates the production, function, and coordination of immune cells. However, poor sleep disrupts this critical process, increasing vulnerability to infections, autoimmune diseases, and even cancer. Reduced Natural Killer (NK) cells are specialized immune cells that identify and destroy virus-infected cells and cancer cells. Sleep deprivation reduces NK cell function by up to 72%, allowing harmful cells to survive and multiply. This increases the risk of viral infections (e.g., flu, COVID-19) and cancer progression. T cells play a key role in recognizing and eliminating pathogens and infected cells. Poor sleep reduces the adhesion ability of T cells, making them less effective in targeting infections. This leads to longer recovery times from illnesses and higher susceptibility to diseases. Antibodies are produced after exposure to pathogens or vaccinations, helping the body develop long-term immunity. Sleep deprivation significantly reduces vaccine effectiveness, lowering the body's ability to produce protective antibodies. Studies show that people who sleep less than 6 hours per night have weaker immune responses to vaccines, including flu and hepatitis vaccines. Persistent inflammation disrupts immune signaling, impairing the body's ability to detect and neutralize threats efficiently. During deep sleep, the glymphatic system flushes out toxins and waste products from the brain, including beta-amyloid, which is linked to Alzheimer's disease. Poor sleep reduces glymphatic clearance, leading to toxin buildup, neuroinflammation, and increased risk of neurodegenerative diseases. Regulatory T cells Regulatory T cells (Tregs) are essential for maintaining immune balance, preventing excessive inflammation, and protecting against autoimmune diseases. These cells suppress overactive immune responses, ensuring that the immune system does not mistakenly attack the body's own tissues. Poor sleep disrupts Treg activity, leading to immune dysregulation, which increases the risk of chronic inflammation and autoimmune disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, multiple sclerosis, and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Additionally, reduced Treg function can exacerbate allergic reactions and asthma by allowing excessive inflammatory responses. Restoring healthy sleep patterns is crucial for maintaining Treg function, reducing inflammation, and lowering the risk of immune-related diseases. Disrupted REM Sleep and Circadian Rhythms REM sleep plays a vital role in immune regulation, enhancing T cell function, natural killer cell activity, and antibody production, which strengthen the body's defense against infections and diseases. It helps balance pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines, preventing excessive inflammation. Disrupted circadian rhythms due to inadequate REM sleep weaken immune surveillance, making the body more vulnerable to infections, inflammation, and chronic diseases. The circadian clock regulates T cells, natural killer cells, and cytokine production, ensuring a timely and efficient immune response. When REM sleep is insufficient, this balance is disrupted, leading to reduced T cell activation, lower NK cell activity, and increased pro-inflammatory cytokines like TNF-α and IL-6. Over time, this immune dysfunction raises the risk of autoimmune diseases, cancer, and metabolic disorders. Inflammatory Diseases Linked to Poor Sleep Chronic inflammation from poor sleep contributes to the development of atherosclerosis, hypertension, and heart disease. Conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and multiple sclerosis are exacerbated by sleep deprivation, as the immune system becomes hyperactive and attacks healthy tissues. Poor sleep increases insulin resistance and promotes weight gain, contributing to type 2 diabetes and obesity-related inflammation. Sleep disruption has been linked to neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. Individuals with poor sleep are 3-4 times more likely to develop colds, flu, and respiratory infections. Sleep deprivation weakens mucosal immunity, increasing the risk of sinusitis, pneumonia, and bronchitis. The World Health Organization (WHO) classifies shift work (which disrupts sleep patterns) as a probable carcinogen due to its effects on immune suppression. Poor sleep is linked to higher risks of breast, prostate, and colorectal cancer, as immune cells fail to eliminate abnormal cells efficiently. Tips to Support Immunity Through Better Sleep Prioritize 7-9 hours of quality sleep – Deep sleep optimizes immune cell function and recovery. Avoid late-night screen exposure – reduce blue light before bed to support melatonin production, which strengthens immunity. Ensure a dark, cool sleep environment – darkness boosts melatonin, while a cooler temperature promotes deeper sleep. Eat a nutrient-rich diet – consume foods rich in zinc, vitamin C, and probiotics to enhance immune resilience. Engage in moderate exercise – regular movement boosts NK cell activity, but excessive exercise before bed can disrupt sleep. Manage stress and cortisol levels –practices like meditation and deep breathing can help.
Korea Herald
24-02-2025
- Business
- Korea Herald
Celltrion's Avtozma receives European marketing approval
South Korean pharmaceutical firm Celltrion announced Monday that Avtozma, a biosimilar of Actemra, has received approval from the European Commission. The approval covers major indications of the original drug, including rheumatoid arthritis and giant cell arteritis. Avtozma, an interleukin inhibitor, reduces inflammation by targeting the IL-6 protein. With this approval, Celltrion expands its autoimmune disease treatment portfolio beyond tumor necrosis factor-alpha inhibitors, broadening the scope of treatable patients. The biosimilar is the last of four product approvals in Europe this month, following Eydenzelt (Eylea biosimilar), Osenbelt and Stovoclo (Prolia-Xgeva biosimilar). These additions complete Celltrion's 11-product portfolio in Europe, a milestone already achieved domestically in December 2024. Celltrion's total market value for the 11 products is approximately 150 trillion won ($105.2 billion), covering treatments for autoimmune diseases, cancer, allergies, ophthalmology and bone disorders. The company aims to strengthen its position in the fast-growing autoimmune market while expanding into other therapeutic areas. "With consecutive product approvals in Europe, one of our key markets, we have successfully achieved our 2025 goal of establishing an 11-product portfolio. This also reaffirms our capabilities in pharmaceutical development,' a Celltrion representative stated. 'We will now focus on commercialization to drive global expansion and accelerate growth.'
