Liver growth in armadillos inflicted with leprosy may provide insights on organ regeneration
Under their shells, armadillos hide a secret: when exposed to the bacterium that causes leprosy in humans, their livers expand considerably. This oddity, which was discovered in a recent study, might offer insights into how the body regulates liver regeneration and how to speed up the process in humans.
Hepatologist Alejandro Soto-Gutiérrez of the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, who was not involved in the study, calls the discovery quite cool. He points out that since mice and rats make up the majority of animal research on liver regeneration, it is “refreshing” that researchers are studying a different species that might offer fresh perspectives.
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ABSTRACT Background The ILEP Nerve Function Impairment in Reaction (INFIR) is a cohort study designed to identify predictors of reactions and nerve function impairment in leprosy. The aim was to study correlations between clinical and histological diagnosis of reactions. Methodology/Principal Findings Three hundred and three newly diagnosed patients with World Health Organization multibacillary (MB) leprosy … Continue reading
Research Summary: Peripheral nerve abnormality in HIV leprosy patients
ABSTRACT Background The geographical overlap of HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) and leprosy infection has become increasingly frequent and worrying, bringing many clinical issues. Peripheral neuropathy is very frequent in leprosy because of the predilection of its etiologic agent by Schwann cells of the peripheral nervous system, and it also affects individuals with HIV as one … Continue reading
Keywords: leprosy may provide insights on organ regeneration
