Publications by authors named "A M Westendorf"

Article Synopsis
  • The study explores how thyroid hormones (THs), specifically through the thyroid hormone receptor α (TRα), impact the activation and function of T cells, particularly regulatory T cells (Tregs).
  • Researchers found that a lack of TRα signaling increases both the number and the activation level of Tregs, suggesting a more migratory and activated Treg phenotype.
  • The findings suggest that TRα signaling is crucial in T cell differentiation and may influence immune responses and inflammation, highlighting its potential role in disease regulation.
View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Background: Crohn's disease (CD) significantly affects patients' well-being and is influenced by stress and lifestyle factors, highlighting the importance of improving quality of life in CD management. An imbalance between pro- and anti-inflammatory CD4+ T cell responses is a key factor in CD, and stress has been shown to alter the function of CD4+ T cells. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the effect of a mind-body medicine stress management and lifestyle modification (MBM) program on the CD4+ T cell profile in CD patients.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Opioid addiction presents a relevant health challenge, with chronic heroin use linked to detrimental effects on various aspects of physical, mental, and sociological health. Opioid maintenance therapy (OMT), particularly using methadone, is the primary treatment option for heroin addiction. Previous studies using blood samples from current heroin addicts and OMT patients have shown immunomodulatory effects of heroin and methadone on T cell function.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Introduction: The alarmin IL-33 has been implicated in the pathology of immune-mediated liver diseases. IL-33 activates regulatory T cells (Tregs) and type 2 innate lymphoid cells (ILC2s) expressing the IL-33 receptor ST2. We have previously shown that endogenous IL-33/ST2 signaling activates ILC2s that aggravate liver injury in murine immune-mediated hepatitis.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF
Article Synopsis
  • The study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a mind-body medicine (MBM) program on stress management and lifestyle changes for patients with Crohn's disease (CD).
  • It involved a 9-month trial with 37 patients split into an intervention group (10-week MBM program) and a control group (90-min educational session), measuring quality of life and disease activity.
  • Results indicated significant quality of life improvements in the intervention group, but no notable changes in disease activity, suggesting that the MBM program could be beneficial and may warrant further research.
View Article and Find Full Text PDF