All articles tagged with #inflammation
A Porto-led study with 200 healthy adults found correlations between higher psychopathy scores and certain gut bacteria (Allisonella, Prevotella, Cloacibacillus evryensis), suggesting a biological footprint beyond brain-based models. The researchers caution the results show correlation, not causation, and peer review is pending.
A 1-year, multicenter trial with 109 patients having advanced periodontitis found that adding omega-3 and low-dose aspirin to standard subgingival therapy produced outcomes nearly identical to those achieved with a standard antibiotic regimen. The benefits persisted six months after stopping treatment, suggesting a lasting modulation of the inflammatory response. While promising as an antibiotic-sparing option for select patients, researchers caution that more evidence is needed before replacing antibiotics in routine dental care.
A small randomized trial of 48 healthy adults found that following a vegan diet for four weeks reduced inflammation and altered DNA methylation in pathways related to aging, with some aging measures (epigenetic clocks) suggesting slower biological aging. Results are preliminary and limited to blood markers; the short duration and small sample mean findings may not generalize, and longer, larger studies are needed. Diet quality also matters in vegan eating.
GLP-1 weight-loss drugs show benefits beyond shedding pounds, including reduced inflammation, potential arthritis relief, and cardiovascular improvements, and may even curb alcohol cravings. However, they carry risks such as vitamin deficiencies, loss of eating enjoyment (hedonia), reduced appetite for food, and muscle/bone loss during weight loss, especially in frail patients. Off-label use in people who are not overweight poses safety concerns. A new triple-agonist drug, retatrutide, may deliver 25–30% weight loss—similar to bariatric surgery—but brings more side effects and is in Phase 3 trials, with potential approval in the coming years. Long-term success depends on continued use with diet/exercise; stopping reverses effects and weight tends to rebound.
A Nature Human Behaviour study reports that focusing attention on an inflammatory skin reaction can alter the body's immune response: participants who paid close attention to the sensation showed smaller inflammation (smaller wheal and flare) and faster resolution than those who were distracted, and the effect persisted somewhat even when the area was numb with lidocaine, implying brain–body pathways where attention helps regulate inflammation. The study involved skin-prick tests in a small sample, so applicability to illness remains to be shown.
A Bar-Ilan University study published in Nature Human Behaviour shows that actively directing attention to an inflamed skin area reduces the inflammatory response and speeds recovery, via both sensory pathways and top-down brain mechanisms. Across three preregistered experiments with 57 healthy volunteers, about 90% showed smaller inflammation when focusing on the area, with responses roughly 1.5 times smaller and faster return to baseline. The findings suggest attention can actively shape physiological processes, though the applicability to chronic inflammation remains to be determined.
A three-study, pre-registered investigation using histamine skin-prick inflammation shows that directing attention inward to bodily sensations produces smaller, faster-resolving wheal and flare responses than focusing on external distractors. The effect is robust across participants (about 90% showing the pattern) and is linked to increased parasympathetic (vagal) activity, suggesting two mechanisms: sensory modulation of inflammation-related signals and a top-down autonomic pathway. Notably, reducing sensory input with lidocaine did not abolish the effect, indicating that purely top-down attention can sustain anti-inflammatory regulation. The findings integrate attention, perception, and immune control, with implications for mindfulness-based therapies, while acknowledging model limits and the need to test generalizability to other immune challenges.
Researchers identify inflammation-resolution pathways as a potential third driver of hypertension alongside the SNS and RAAS. In mouse studies, a compound called 17b, which activates formylpeptide receptors to promote inflammation resolution, modestly lowers blood pressure and protects against organ damage by reducing vascular stiffness and fibrosis in the heart and kidneys. While promising, these findings are preclinical and human studies are needed to determine safety and effectiveness, with potential as an alternative or complementary therapy for patients who cannot take existing antihypertensives.
New mouse studies show aging blood stem cells can drive inflammation in distant tissues by producing inflammatory immune cells. Boosting SIRT3 in these cells reduced inflammatory outputs and improved mobility, metabolic control, and lung health; transferring these immune cells to other mice conveyed similar benefits. Findings are preliminary and in animals, so it’s not yet clear if humans share the mechanism or if SIRT3 could be a therapeutic target for aging.
A small, first-of-its-kind study from University of Porto suggests a link between gut microbiota and psychopathic traits: stronger psychopathy scores correlated with higher abundances of Allisonella, Prevotella, and C. evryensis and lower levels of T. vincentii. The findings are correlational and based on a small, self-reported sample, so causality cannot be established; authors caution that further, cross-regional research is needed to understand the microbiome–brain connection and potential bidirectional effects.
Experts highlight seven foods that may reduce inflammation and pain—salmon (omega-3s), blueberries (anthocyanins), extra-virgin olive oil (oleocanthal), leafy greens and cruciferous vegetables, beans, fermented foods, and healing spices (turmeric, ginger, cinnamon). Used in a Mediterranean-style pattern and alongside limiting inflammatory triggers like refined sugars and processed oils, these foods can lower inflammatory markers and may show benefits in about 10 days, with stronger results in 6–8 weeks.
A review links common additives in ultraprocessed foods—emulsifiers, synthetic dyes, artificial sweeteners, maltodextrin, and titanium dioxide—to gut dysbiosis and a weakened intestinal barrier, potentially triggering inflammatory pathways and raising the risk of inflammatory bowel diseases. Diets rich in fiber and minimally processed foods support gut health by promoting butyrate-producing bacteria and barrier integrity, while NOVA classifications offer clinical guidance with noted limitations; experts emphasize that dose and overall dietary patterns matter more than processing alone.
Europe’s deadly heatwave is driving many heatstroke cases, where core body temperature above 40°C can cause brain dysfunction and multi-organ damage. Yet deaths can occur hours or days after cooling because the body’s immune system goes into a runaway, sepsis-like inflammatory state driven by neutrophils that damages blood vessels and triggers blood clots, overwhelming organs even once temperature is normalized. The current approach—rapid cooling—saves lives but doesn’t halt this immune cascade, so researchers are exploring strategies to calm neutrophil activity, prevent microthrombosis, and protect the gut barrier. Risk factors include age extremes, heart disease, diabetes, obesity, dehydration, alcohol, and certain medications. Faster cooling plus immune-targeted therapies could improve outcomes in heatstroke patients.
A four-year-old girl in Scotland developed a stroke months after recovering from chickenpox, with doctors linking severe inflammation in a main neck artery to the infection. She presented with vomiting, headache, left-side weakness and facial droop, required MRI, CT, lumbar puncture, and antibiotics, and spent about eight weeks in hospital before beginning rehabilitation. Her doctors confirmed the stroke was not related to her preexisting cerebral palsy, and her mother later started Olivia’s Steps Foundation to support families of children with disabilities, while experts urge recognizing stroke symptoms in kids using BE FAST.
Neutrophils kill pathogens by self-destructing and releasing DNA-coated enzyme nets (NETs) that trap and destroy invaders. This NETosis process has three forms—suicidal, vital, and mitochondrial—and, while a rapid and effective defense, excessive NET formation can drive tissue damage in diseases such as lupus, small vessel vasculitis, sepsis, and severe COVID-19. First characterized in 2004 and now widely confirmed, NETosis is a powerful, double-edged weapon of the innate immune system.