Anosmia, the loss of the sense of smell which is a common symptom of COVID-19, may be a secondary consequence of immune system inflammation rather than a direct action of the virus.
Researchers identified a genetic correlation between blood biomarkers and a range of mental health disorders. The study provides evidence some substance measures within the blood may be involved in the cause of mental illnesses. For example, immune system proteins may be involved in the development of depression, schizophrenia, and anorexia.
Researchers found significant differences in B cells in women with postpartum depression. B cells are important components of the immune system that help produce antibodies and secrete both pro and anti-inflammatory factors.
Sufferers of rheumatoid arthritis experience relief of pain symptoms after following a low-fat vegan diet, a new study reports.
COVID-19 infection leaves a gene expression signature in the dorsal root ganglia which persist after the virus has cleared. The signature matched other gene expression patterns seen in pain caused by other conditions.
Genes associated with inflammation were linked to reduced gray matter in brain areas associated with neuropsychiatric disorders. The findings shed new light on how neurodevelopmental psychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia and ASD may occur.
GM-CSF/sargramostim, a drug that improved memory in Alzheimer's patients during a phase II clinical trial, also appears to improve cognitive function in older adults and those with Down syndrome.
In older adults, depression occurs independently of inflammation, a new study reports. However, the depression-inflammation link is a result of greater incidences of inflammatory disorders, like arthritis, which become more common as we age.
Excessive glucose consumption directly promotes the pathological function of certain cells within the immune system. Calorie-reduced diets can have beneficial effects on the immune system and have autoimmune diseases.
Intranasal delivery of biologically active lipid messengers halts memory loss and neurodegeneration in mouse models of Alzheimer's disease.
Alpha2-NKA, a protein that drives toxicity in astrocytes, was discovered in higher levels of brain samples from people who died of PSP, Alzheimer's and other tau-related neurodegenerative disorders. Treatment with an FDA-approved drug called digoxin may suppress the inflamed astrocytes and halt disease progression for those with tauopathy disorders.
Study reveals how COVID-19's spike protein has a similar effect on the brain's immune cells as it does throughout the rest of the body.
