All articles tagged with #inflammation
A Swedish study of 100 patients with lingering ocular symptoms after COVID-19 links long-lasting vision problems to ongoing inflammation and nerve damage, often undetectable by standard eye exams; tear analyses show dysregulated immune-related proteins and reduced corneal nerves with abnormal pupillary reflexes, suggesting autonomic nervous system involvement and the need for specialized diagnostics and treatment.
A King’s College London study shows chronic TNF-α–driven inflammation stops neurogenesis in the hippocampus by reprogramming neural stem cells into an immune-alert state that recruits inflammatory T cells; blocking Type I interferon signaling with an antibody reverses the effect, restoring neuron production and suggesting therapy avenues for brain fog and cognitive decline.
A mouse study published in PNAS shows tattoo pigment quickly reaches draining lymph nodes within hours, is taken up by macrophages but not cleared, and sustains inflammatory signals for at least two months. When vaccines were administered into tattooed tissue, the mice exhibited a weaker antibody response, a pattern echoed in cultured human cells, though this is not a conclusion about humans and requires validation through trials.
A Swedish study of over 1,800 people aged 60+ followed for up to 15 years found that diets with lower inflammatory potential—rich in vegetables, fruits, nuts, legumes and whole grains and lower in ultraprocessed foods, sugary drinks and red meat—were linked to a reduced dementia risk, including among participants with higher Alzheimer’s biomarkers like p-tau217. While observational and not proof of causation, the findings support a broader brain-health pattern: pair a whole, minimally processed diet with lifestyle factors like physical activity and vascular health, leaning toward Mediterranean-style eating for potential cognitive benefits.
A Swedish study of more than 1,800 older adults followed for up to 15 years found that diets with lower inflammatory potential—rich in vegetables, fruits, nuts, legumes and whole grains and lower in ultraprocessed foods and red meat—were associated with a reduced risk of dementia, including a 29% lower risk among participants with high levels of the Alzheimer’s biomarker p-tau217; while overlapping with the Mediterranean pattern and generally promoting brain health, this observational study cannot prove causation and other lifestyle factors such as exercise, blood pressure control, sleep and social engagement also matter.
A mouse study suggests that after menopause the ovaries don’t simply shut down; they take on an immune-like role, filling with immune cells and driving chronic low-grade inflammation (inflammaging) that could raise the risk of age-related diseases such as heart disease, Alzheimer's, arthritis and cancer.
University of Pittsburgh researchers show that scratching an itch activates mast cells to release histamine and substance P, boosting inflammation and prolonging the itch-scratch cycle in an eczema-like mouse model; mice prevented from scratching or lacking itch-sensing neurons had less inflammation, while scratching altered the skin microbiome, suggesting itching evolved partly to defend against infection but worsens chronic dermatitis. Cold compresses and 1% hydrocortisone cream can help relieve itching.
Tattoo pigments provoke an immune response in the skin, can migrate to lymph nodes, and often contain metals and colorants that may break down into potentially harmful compounds; while there is not yet strong evidence of a direct cancer risk in humans, colored inks can cause allergic reactions and chronic inflammation, highlighting the need for better ink regulation and further research.
Vogue’s wellness piece highlights eight fruits—berries, apples, citrus, pomegranates, grapes, cherries, kiwis, and prunes—as sources of anti-inflammatory compounds and fiber that may boost gut health through antioxidants and polyphenols; it also notes pairing fruit with protein to prevent blood sugar spikes and cautions that some people with sensitive digestion may need tailored intake.
A study in mice found that strengthening circadian rhythms through light exposure, melatonin, the clock-targeting drug KL001, or time-restricted feeding improved glymphatic brain clearance and lowered inflammatory molecules after stroke, even when therapy began three days later, suggesting circadian-based rehab could aid recovery pending human trials.
Researchers at the University of Alabama in Huntsville report that continuous low‑intensity ultrasound can shift macrophages from a pro‑inflammatory M1 state to a reparative M2‑like state, lowering inflammation and promoting tissue repair after joint injury. This non‑invasive approach could help prevent post‑traumatic osteoarthritis, with findings based on a fibronectin fragment injury model and transcriptomic analysis; however, the work is laboratory‑stage and requires animal validation before clinical use.
New mouse studies show scratching bug bites increases swelling by triggering mast cells via pain signals and histamine, creating an itch–scratch cycle. Menthol and anti-itch creams can temporarily relieve, and researchers are pursuing targeted treatments (MRGPRX2 blockers). In the meantime, avoid scratching and use hydrocortisone, calamine, or oatmeal baths to calm itch.
A Swedish study followed nearly 2,000 people over 60 for 15 years to compare three diets (AMED, AHEI, and an anti-inflammatory regimen called rEDII). Among those at higher risk for Alzheimer’s, only the anti-inflammatory diet reduced dementia risk, highlighting foods that combat inflammation—berries, leafy greens, omega-3s (salmon, walnuts), fiber, whole grains, legumes, fruits, nuts, seeds, and healthy fats like olive oil and avocado. The researchers note DASH and Mediterranean patterns support brain health but may not reverse decline; lifestyle factors such as adequate sleep and limiting red meat are also important for long-term brain health.
In a prespecified secondary analysis of the S-LiTE trial, 130 adults with obesity completed a diet-induced weight loss phase and were randomized to 52 weeks of weight maintenance with placebo, exercise, liraglutide, or both. Exercise, alone or with liraglutide, reduced carotid intima-media thickness (cIMT) by about 7% and 6%, respectively, and lowered circulating inflammatory markers IL-6 and IFN-γ; the combination also improved endothelial biomarkers sICAM-1, sVCAM-1 and tPA. Liraglutide alone did not change cIMT or these biomarkers. Overall, regular physical activity appears essential for vascular health during weight loss maintenance, with GLP-1 receptor agonist therapy adding no extra vascular benefit in this setting.
The article discusses how gluten-related conditions, especially celiac disease, may affect sleep via GI symptoms, systemic inflammation, and nutrient absorption, with mixed evidence on whether a gluten-free diet improves sleep. It notes that sleep quality can improve for some individuals on a gluten-free diet if calories and nutrients are adequate, but improvements are gradual and influenced by factors like stress or iron/magnesium/B vitamin status. Clinicians are advised to consider sleep hygiene and dietary factors when advising patients on gluten-related issues, while recognizing that more research is needed on the gluten-sleep relationship.