Drugs chronically blocking the vasopressin type 2 receptor (V2R), such as tolvaptan, may harm people with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) by contributing to the remodeling of lung blood vessels, according to a new study. The study, “Detrimental Impact of Vasopressin V2 Receptor Antagonism in a SU5416/Hypoxia/Normoxia-Exposed Rat Model of…
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German researchers evaluating a possible new biomarker for pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) found that the molecule, known as chemokine CXC ligand 13 (CXCL13), was higher in the blood serum and lung tissue of people with PAH — suggesting a pathogenic role but one short of serving as a disease marker. The report,…
Recent advances made, and insights gained, in clinical and preclinical research into pulmonary hypertension were highlighted in a Clinical Year in Review article published in the journal European Respiratory Review. The article, “Pulmonary hypertension,” offers hope that pulmonary hypertension might become a well-managed, and potentially even…
In this video from CHEOvideos, watch Dr. Kyle Cowan, pediatric surgeon and scientist at CHEO, talk about his research on diaphragmatic hernias in infants. “These types of hernias can lead to poor lung development, pulmonary hypertension and even death. Dr. Cowan and his team have…
A systematic review of clinical trial data showed that exercise training improves exercise capacity and the quality of life in patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). The study concluded that exercise training should, like medications, be a recommended treatment for PAH. The study, “Effects of Exercise…
Chinese researchers identified a number of risk factors for the development of pulmonary hypertension (PH) in patients under maintenance peritoneal dialysis — and demonstrated that the highest risks were associated with the proportion of arteriovenous fistula, C-reactive protein levels (a measure of inflammation), and ejection fraction measured in the dialysis patients. Researchers with …
Actelion Ltd. was recently recognized for its work in the treatment of rare diseases with the the EURORDIS Company Award 2016, an honor given by the European Organization for Rare Diseases (EURORDIS). The award, given to businesses for pioneering work in drug discovery and development, also acknowledged Actelion’s work with pulmonary…
Team Phenomenal Hope, a nonprofit group composed of medical and athletic professionals that uses endurance sporting events to spread awareness about pulmonary hypertension (PH), has just returned from a seven-day trek along the Southern Alps, and is now planning its next lap in the journey against the disease. The team…
Actor and TV show host Terrence J. has been named celebrity ambassador for the Pulmonary Hypertension Association (PHA)’s 25th anniversary celebrations this year. Terrence J. has a fan base of nearly 2 million followers on Twitter, and by using social media to raise awareness and educate his fans about pulmonary hypertension (PH), he…
Patients with pulmonary hypertension (PH) have a higher risk of complications when they undergo conventional cardiac surgery, but a new study reports that if they undergo minimally invasive valve surgery, patients with PH can have a reduced risk of complications along with a decreased recovery period and less time spent in…
Ironwood Pharmaceuticals, Inc. recently announced positive top-line results from a Phase 1a clinical trial of IW-1701, an investigational soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC) stimulator that is part of the pharmacologically distinct library of sGC compounds discovered by Ironwood. An enzyme, sGC is crucial to the physiological control of blood flow, inflammation, and fibrosis.
This Monday, Feb. 29, marks Rare Disease Day 2016 and the Pulmonary Hypertension Association (PHA) is encouraging patients, caregivers, and their families to join in the social media campaign celebrating the PHA community’s successes in raising public awareness of this and other rare diseases, and in demanding better treatments and support.
