In a medical breakthrough that could reshape the future of HIV treatment, researchers have successfully used CRISPR/Cas9 gene-editing technology to eliminate HIV from human T-cells—and in follow-up lab tests, the virus did not return. This marks a major shift from traditional antiretroviral therapies, which only suppress viral replication but cannot remove the virus embedded in the host's DNA. By directly excising the proviral HIV-1 genome from immune cells, this technique targets the root of the infection—something decades of treatments have struggled to achieve.

What makes this discovery even more promising is that the edited immune cells were not only HIV-free but also resistant to reinfection. That suggests a future where patients might receive a one-time treatment capable of permanently curing HIV. While human clinical trials are still in early stages and much research remains, the results signal hope for millions living with the virus. If proven safe and effective in broader applications, this could become one of the most transformative moments in medical history.

#HIVCure #GeneEditing #CRISPR #MedicalBreakthrough #FutureOfMedicine

Scientists at the University of Sunderland, led by Dr. Maria Teresa Borrello, have developed two experimental drugs—DR-3 and FDR2—that target the enzyme HDAC6.

These drugs have shown promise in halting or reversing liver fibrosis, a condition characterized by the accumulation of scar tissue in the liver.

Research Overview

The research, published in The FEBS Journal, focuses on the role of HDAC6 in liver fibrosis.

HDAC6 is involved in regulating inflammation and the activation of hepatic stellate cells, which are responsible for producing collagen and contributing to scar tissue formation.

By inhibiting HDAC6, the experimental drugs aim to reduce inflammation and prevent the activation of these stellate cells, thereby mitigating fibrosis progression.

Laboratory Findings

In laboratory settings, the HDAC6 inhibitors DR-3 and FDR2 demonstrated high selectivity for HDAC6 over other histone deacetylases.

They effectively reduced markers of hepatic stellate cell activation and fibrogenic gene expression.

Additionally, these compounds increased acetylation of α-tubulin and suppressed TGF-β1-induced SMAD signaling, which are key pathways in fibrosis development.

Ex Vivo Human Liver Models

The efficacy of DR-3 and FDR2 was further validated using human precision-cut liver slices (hPCLS), an ex vivo model that closely mimics human liver tissue.

Treatment with these inhibitors resulted in reduced fibrogenic protein levels and collagen deposition, indicating their potential to reverse existing fibrosis.

Importantly, these effects were achieved without significant toxicity to the liver tissue.

Clinical Implications

The British Liver Trust has welcomed these findings, highlighting their potential to transform care for the UK's estimated two million liver fibrosis patients, many of whom are diagnosed at advanced stages of the disease.

While these results are promising, the drugs are still in the experimental phase and have not yet undergone human clinical trials. Nevertheless, they offer a targeted therapeutic approach that could eventually become a lifesaving treatment worldwide.

Looking for a delicious low-carb twist on a classic dish? This Keto Chicken Fried Steak is crispy, savory, and oh-so-satisfying!

Ingredients:
- 1 pound cube steak
- 1 cup almond flour
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup pork rinds, crushed (optional, for extra crunch)
- 1/4 cup coconut oil or avocado oil (for frying)

Directions:
1. Start by preheating your oven to 200°F. This way, you can keep those beautifully cooked steaks warm while you finish frying.
2. In a shallow bowl, mix together the almond flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Give it a good stir to combine all those zesty flavors.
3. In another bowl, whisk the eggs and heavy cream together until they're well blended and ready for coating.
4. Time to dip! Take each cube steak and first immerse it in the egg mixture, letting any excess drip off, then coat it thoroughly in the almond flour mixture. If you’re feeling adventurous, press it into the crushed pork rinds for an extra crunch.
5. Heat your choice of coconut oil or avocado oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. You want that oil nice and hot!
6. Carefully add the coated cube steaks to the skillet. Fry them for about 3-4 minutes on each side until they turn a gorgeous golden brown and are cooked through.
7. Once cooked, transfer the steaks to a baking sheet and pop them in the oven to keep warm while you finish the rest.
8. Serve these hot, and for an extra treat, why not pair with a keto-friendly gravy or a side of steamed veggies?

Nutritional Values (per serving):
- Serving Size: 1 steak
- Calories: 420
- Protein: 35g
- Fat: 30g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 4g
- Net Carbs: 4g

Enjoy your keto-friendly feast! #KetoRecipes #LowCarb #EatClean #ChickenFriedSteak #HealthyEating

Mavis

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Hot Spinach Artichoke Dip

Creamy, Cheesy Hot Spinach and Artichoke Dip

Ingredients:

1 (14 oz) can artichoke hearts, drained and chopped

1 (10 oz) package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained

8 oz cream cheese, softened

1/2 cup sour cream

1/2 cup mayonnaise

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

2 cloves garlic, minced

1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).

In a large mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise until smooth.

Stir in chopped artichoke hearts, drained spinach, minced garlic, mozzarella, Parmesan, salt, pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes if using. Mix well.

Transfer mixture to a baking dish (8x8 inch or similar) and spread evenly.

Bake for 25-30 minutes until hot and bubbly, and the top is lightly golden.

Serve warm with tortilla chips, sliced baguette, or fresh veggies.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes
Kcal: Approximately 180 kcal per serving | Servings: 8 servings

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Warm up your party with this creamy Hot Spinach Artichoke Dip—perfect for sharing and dipping! Served best with chips or veggies.