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Findings may Increase Survival after InjuriesHalf of deaths after serious injury occur when the circulatory system collapses. However, work by BCM researchers suggest supplementing a potent stimulator of the body's protective systems—interleukin-6—may help reduce the death-dealing effects of hemorrhagic shock. David Tweardy, M.D., Professor and Interim Chair of Medicine at BCM, and his colleagues found that in rats the heart fails because its cells die, then the heart does not pump well, then blood pressure drops and cannot be restored to normal. However, when they administered interleukin-6, the heart cells did not die at the same rate, and the cells could be resuscitated successfully. Death was reduced 5-fold. Tweardy hopes to move the studies into human trials in the future. "Traumatic injury is the most common cause of death in people in the most productive years of their lives," said Tweardy. "For those who have survived their severe injury, the next problem is how to make the most of that first 'golden hour' of treatment." He and his colleagues hope their work with interleukin-6 will point the way. |
FeaturesTreatments on the Horizon: Chapter and Verse on a Brain Killer Two Brains are Better than One SpotlightCaring for Community at Home and Abroad Injecting a Little Scientist in Every Doctor Designing a Building in the Eyes of a Researcher Laser Treatments Best Left up to Doctors BriefsFalls in Elderly Indicate Illness Findings may Increase Survival after Injuries Some Like it Hot! Structure of Receptor for Chili Pepper and Pain Revealed Beware of Drinking Margaritas in the Sun Development/AlumniBCM Family Participates in Fundraising Campaign BCM Alums take D.C. Fellowships Seed Funding Leads to Breakthroughs Father, Daughter Team up for Health Care
Steps to Discovery and Innovation
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Volume 4, Issue 2, Summer 2008 |
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| Last modified: October 7, 2008 |