Mending a broken heart: Two types of scars in injured cardiac tissue, two paths to healing

Not all scars are created equal. That’s the conclusion of a new study by Weizmann Institute of Science researchers: They found that two distinct types of scars, referred to as “hot” and “cold,” can form in the diseased heart, and that these two types call for entirely different treatments. As reported today in Cell Systems, the Weizmann study may lead to innovative therapies for preventing or treating heart diseases, and it opens a new line of research on fibrosis—the development of scar tissue in response to injury or during aging—in a variety of other organs.

Testosterone recovery linked to overall survival in high-risk prostate cancer

Serum testosterone (T) recovery to normal levels is associated with a significant improvement in overall survival in patients with high-risk prostate cancer receiving radiotherapy and long-term androgen deprivation therapy (ADT), according to a study presented at the American Society of Clinical Oncology annual Genitourinary Cancers Symposium, held from Feb. 13 to 15 in San Francisco.

Intra-arterial tenecteplase beneficial for large vessel occlusion

For patients with large vessel occlusion presenting between 4.5 and 24 hours, intra-arterial tenecteplase after successful thrombectomy results in improved likelihood of excellent outcome (modified Rankin scale score 0 to 1), according to a study presented at the annual American Stroke Association International Stroke Conference, held from Feb. 5 to 7 in Los Angeles.