How Lymph Nodes Expand During Disease

The lymph nodes are in important part of the immune system. These small, oval-shaped organs are found in several different areas of the body, including the armpits and the stomach. These organs house immune cells critical for the body’s self-defense against foreign pathogens and disease. Aside from their storage function, the lymph nodes also act as filters for potentially harmful foreign particles. During infection and disease, the lymph nodes may become enlarged or swollen. In some conditions, the state of the lymph nodes can be a determinant for disease severity and outcome. A new study has helped researchers discover more about how the lymph nodes expand during infection and disease.

The UK study, conducted at the London Research Institute, revealed that immune cells known as dendritic cells recognize a threat, which leads to the expansion of the lymph nodes. After the threat is recognized, the dendritic cells produce a molecule called CLEC-2. CLEC-2 cells signals to the cells that line the lymph nodes. In response to these signals, the cells within the lining of lymph nodes expand, allowing for an influx of immune cells to help fight the disease. The dendritic cells are crucial for immune function, as they are also responsible for patrolling the body in order to identify threats and recruit immune cells to attack.

The importance of continuing immune research cannot be overstated. Autoimmune conditions are extremely prevalent in today’s society, and new ones have emerged in the past few decades. The researchers explain that immune studies are necessary to fully understand the procedural aspects of immune function, and its role in specific diseases. This study is the first to identify the possibility that dendritic cells likely serve a dual purpose – first, recognizing potential threats within the body; secondly, signaling for the lymph nodes to stretch in the presence of this threat. The researchers believe that when the lymph nodes expand, it’s for the purpose of giving more room to immune cells, allowing them to gather and launch attacks against foreign invaders. Because the lymph nodes are considered one of the immune system’s command centers, this theory is logical, and highly likely.

For future studies, the researchers will likely use this knowledge to develop new therapies for prevalent conditions, including cancer. If researchers have a full, in-depth grasp on immune function, it’s likely that researchers can harness this knowledge, and use it in the fight against many of the common diseases we see today. However, it’s likely that several more studies will have to be conducted, as the immune system is one of the most complex body systems. It’s possible that the immune response may not be the same in every type of disease. The researchers that conducted the above-mentioned study are especially interested in learning more about how the immune system responds to cancer. The researchers are hopeful, and excited to be piecing together a better understanding of immune function. It’s this type of research that will likely help to build new avenues for exploiting the immune system in future treatments.

Bacterial Protein Implicated in Anorexia and Bulimia Disorders

It’s estimated that nearly 5-10% of the population is inflicted with some type of eating disorder. The most common types include anorexia, bulimia, and binge eating. While most clinical research is dedicated to the psychological implications of these types of disorders, a new study indicates that there may be a bacterial protein involved – in fact, it may be at the source of these eating disorders. Furthermore, antibodies produced against this specific protein are involved with hormones that regulate satiety and appetite. Researchers explain that this mechanism may be correctable, solving problems associated with food intake.

Previous studies have focused on not only psychiatric components of eating disorders, but also genetic and neurobiological components – but to no avail. Since these studies have left researchers scratching their heads as to underlying factors in eating disorders, a new theory is presented. Researchers at Inserm Unit 1073 suggest that nutrition, inflammation, and dysfunction of the gut-brain axis are to blame. Specifically, the research suggests that a protein produced by a specific bacterium in the gut may be the source of eating disorders. When the body produces antibodies against this bacterium, in interacts with hunger hormones. This seems to be a convincing theory, as the common characteristic among the various forms of eating disorders is dysregulation in food intake.

The study concludes that E. coli, a gut commonly found in the gut, produces a bacterium known as ClpB. The antibodies against ClpB bind to satiety hormones because its structure is similar to these hormones. When this occurs, the effects of hunger and satiety hormones are modified. For example, in those with anorexia, satiety is reached before caloric needs are met. In those with bulimia or overeating disorder, it’s difficult for satiety to be reached at all.

The researchers suggested this mechanism after studying modified compositions of the intestinal flora in mice. After observing the behavioral response, food intake, and levels of relevant antibodies, the team found that the group of mice who received the protein varied in contrast with the group of mice who did not receive the protein. Researchers then compiled data from 60 patients that outlined their involvement with disordered eating behavior. A standardized scale known as “Eating Disorders Inventory-2” was used to diagnose patients with disordered eating, as well as to evaluate the severity of their disorders. The scale is based on a questionnaire that covers behavior and emotions relating to food. For those who reported that they wished to lose weight, had difficulty with bulimia, and had maturity fears, ClpB in the blood was recorded at higher levels. The researchers explain that this data confirms the involvement of this protein in various eating disorders. In turn, they hope to spark new and innovative research in this area that focuses new perspectives for the diagnosis and treatment of eating disorders. The researchers are currently developing new blood tests specialized in detecting bacterial protein ClpB. In addition, they plan to utilize mice in an upcoming study that explores possible ways to correct the action of ClpB in those with eating disorders.

Americans Are Undergoing Colonoscopies Too Often

Colonoscopies are vital for early detection of serious threats like colorectal cancer, but a new study finds that Americans may be overusing this procedure. Colonoscopy refers to the use of an endoscopic examination of the colon, which is capable of providing a visual diagnosis of conditions like ulcerations or polyps of the large intestine. In addition, if the physician finds abnormalities, colonoscopies allow for biopsy or removal of cancer lesions. The tissue samples are then tested for malignancy – an important part of early detection and disease outcome.

Researchers at the Brigham and Women’s Hospital conducted a retroactive study that addressed possible overuse of colonoscopies at the recommendation of endoscopists. Specifically, patients are commonly recommended for follow-up colonoscopies that are being performed too early. But wait; if colonoscopies are a good thing, and are used for preventative measures, then what’s the problem? The problem is that endoscopists commonly recommending shorter follow-up intervals than established guidelines results in the use of healthcare resources that are already scarce. Furthermore, there is limited clinical benefit when a patient follows up too early. The cost to benefit ratio is troublesome for both health institutions and patients alike.

These findings are a result of a retrospective cohort study that involved combing electronic data in health records. The researchers looked at nearly 1,500 patient records, all of which were between the ages of 50 to 65. All of these patients underwent screening colonoscopies between 2001 and 2010, and underwent an additional 871 follow-up colonoscopies during a median follow-up time frame of 6 years. Of these follow-up examinations, 88% of the follow-up screenings and 49% of the surveillance colonoscopies were performed at least a year too early. In many of these cases, the patients presented with follow-up procedures 3-4 years earlier than recommended national guidelines. Shockingly, 25% of study patients who were considered high risk (and in need of a follow-up colonoscopy) failed to receive their follow up procedure within the 3-4 year recommended timeframe.

Early recommendations seem to occur in about half of initial colonoscopies, which the researchers attribute to endoscopists. In fact, colonoscopy overuse is mostly due to these early recommendations, represented by data suggesting that patients are 13 times more likely to undergo an early follow-up colonoscopy when recommended by their endoscopist. Part of this is due to inconsistent agreement regarding the guidelines for follow-up timeframes among endoscopists. Many endoscopists report preference for short screening and surveillance intervals. The researchers explain that there is a need for the establishment of locally endorsed standards and uniform timeframes in order to reduce colonoscopy overuse. While it’s understandable that endoscopists may be fearful of poor patient outcomes or malpractice, the cost of unnecessary procedures should also be a factor in the analysis. In addition, complying to national guidelines will bar a malpractice suit alleging the endoscopist was negligent in recommendation timeframes.

It’s important to note that the overuse of colonoscopies resulted in over $1 million dollars in healthcare spending – funds that could have been allocated in more necessary places. These resources should have been applied to benefit those who are actually overdue for colon screening. Now that the issue is of national focus, campaigns are in effect to standardize recommendation times.