Researchers have identified a gene called AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) that optimizes muscle activity. Genetic modification of mice expressing this activated state shows increased exercise capacity and accumulation of muscle glycogen, potentially leading to new treatments for muscle diseases and improved athletic performance.
A new clinical trial, CHICAGO, demonstrated that pioglitazone (ACTOS) reduced the progression of carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT), a surrogate marker for heart attack and stroke, by 0.013 mm. The study also showed improved glycemic control, decreased triglycerides, and increased HDL-C levels with ACTOS treatment.
SAGE Publications will begin publishing Reproductive Sciences on behalf of the Society for Gynecologic Investigation (SGI), advancing knowledge in reproductive biology. The journal, formerly known as the Journal of SGI, has an impact factor of 2.887 and is ranked 8th among obstetrics and gynecology journals.
Researchers at USC have made significant discoveries in the fight against Alzheimer's disease. A study found that hormone replacement therapy may lower Alzheimer's risk by as much as 50 percent in younger women. Additionally, a new treatment approach for ALS and Parkinson's disease has shown promising results, with exercise interventio...
A study by Tufts University researchers found that pregnancy and lactation produce long-term changes in a mother's brain hormone receptors, which may improve maternal behavior and reduce anxiety levels. This discovery suggests that prior reproductive experience can shape the mother's physiology and behavior.
Study suggests that statins may be beneficial for preventing complications of metabolic syndrome, a condition characterized by low-grade inflammation and insulin resistance. The researchers found marked reductions in inflammatory biomarkers and improvements in vascular health in patients treated with statins.
Researchers discovered that a protein called ChREBP initiates fat storage when carbohydrates are present. Disabling this protein reduces obesity and improves glucose control in obese mice. The study suggests a potential new approach to treating type 2 diabetes.
A four-year study led by Temple University aims to test an internet-based telemedicine system to help overweight and obese African Americans lose weight. The program will be implemented through partnerships with several churches in North Philadelphia, where participants can access the study's website and moderated chat rooms for guidance.
A comprehensive review published in Nature Clinical Practice Endocrinology & Metabolism suggests that Western diets are causing hormonal imbalances in children, leading to overeating and obesity. The study attributes the rise in childhood obesity to an environment with high-calorie, low-fiber foods.
At SNM's 53rd Annual Meeting, nearly 2,000 scientific and technologist abstracts were presented on various topics including cardiology, neurology, oncology, pediatrics, infectious disease, and more. The Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging also recognized individuals with named awards, lectures, and honors.
Researchers at the University at Buffalo are part of a global effort to prevent type 1 diabetes through a $172 million grant from the National Institutes of Health. The project aims to identify 100,000 individuals at risk and test interventions to halt the onset of the disease.
Researchers are investigating how type 2 diabetes affects brain function and memory. The Edinburgh Type 2 Diabetes Study aims to identify risk factors linked to altered brain function in people with diabetes, which could inform the cause of diabetes-related memory problems.
A recent study has revealed that race may be a significant factor in insulin resistance, affecting black women more than Hispanic or Caucasian women. Insulin resistance occurs when the body fails to use insulin effectively, leading to increased risk of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
Researchers found that injecting IL-7 into mice inhibited weight gain after inducing MSG-induced lesions in the hypothalamus. This discovery suggests a link between immune and neuroendocrine systems, potentially leading to new obesity prevention strategies.
Researchers found that elevated RBP4 levels are closely associated with insulin resistance, metabolic syndrome, and increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Exercise therapy can lower RBP4 levels and improve insulin sensitivity in individuals at risk of diabetes.
Researchers present findings on the impact of stress, puberty, and prenatal programming on brain development and behavior. The studies explore the role of oxytocin in reducing stress during marital conflict and examine the effects of chronic stress on brain mechanisms.
Researchers discovered a link between phosphodiesterase 11A enzyme deficiency and the development of rare tumors in patients with adrenal disorders. The study found four patients with mutant copies of the PDE11A gene, leading to higher levels of cyclic nucleotides that may stimulate tumor growth.
The CHICAGO trial will examine ACTOS' effect on blood vessel health and atherosclerosis, beyond glycemic control. The 18-month study aims to gather further information about the management of cardiovascular disease in people with type 2 diabetes.
A nationwide survey shows a significant gap in understanding of type 2 diabetes management, with patients feeling knowledgeable about their condition but not following treatment regimens as prescribed. The Diabetes Roundtable advocates for a team-centered approach involving patients, physicians, and educators to improve care outcomes.
A new study found that calorie restriction decreases tumor necrosis factor alpha and lowers T3 levels in humans, suggesting it may slow the aging process. The researchers also found no association between body fat levels and serum T3 concentrations.
A new study shows that the quality of an embryo is more important than the age of a woman in determining IVF success. In older women aged 36-39, single embryo transfer (eSET) was found to have similar pregnancy and live birth rates as double embryo transfer.
A 12-month study found that testosterone patches improved bone density, body composition, and cognitive function in women with low testosterone levels resulting from hypopituitarism. The patches showed few side effects, making them a potential treatment option for these women.
Researchers have found that lactic acid is not a waste product, but rather a link between anaerobic and aerobic metabolism. Efficient use of lactic acid enables athletes to generate more energy from their body's fuel sources, reducing fatigue and improving performance.
A new study finds that PCOS is associated with elevated cholesterol levels, insulin resistance, and metabolic syndrome in mothers. The long-term health consequences of PCOS are significant, and mothers should be screened for cardiovascular disease risk factors.
A Hopkins-led clinical study found that men's brains show a significantly higher dopamine release in response to amphetamines compared to women. This discovery may lead to more effective treatments for amphetamine abuse and brain diseases.
A new study from UNC Health Care suggests that loss of function in the SOCS2 gene may lead to colon polyps in individuals with excessive growth hormone. The research also identifies a possible molecular marker for predicting risk, which could inform growth hormone therapy for gastrointestinal conditions.
Researchers found that administering losartan to rats with insensate third-degree burns reversed the insulin resistance caused by the burn injury, returning glucose levels to normal. The study suggests that blocking the renin-angiotensin system may be a key to preventing this condition in severe burn patients.
The study found that manipulating a specific signaling pathway in the AT1 receptor altered animal behavior, increasing salt intake without water consumption. This suggests that intracellular events can regulate behavioral states, providing new insights into angiotensin's role in mammalian behaviors.
Researchers are testing rituximab to see if it can prevent the immune system from attacking the pancreas, a key component of insulin production. The study aims to reduce long-term complications associated with type 1 diabetes, such as heart disease and kidney damage.
A study found that feedback on performance given to primary care physicians decreased clinical inertia and improved glucose levels in their patients. The intervention, which included physican-specific feedback and computerized reminders, led to sustained improvements in physician behavior and patient outcomes after three years.
A U of T study found that a combination of viscous fibres, soy protein, almonds, and plant sterol margarine can significantly lower cholesterol levels. After 12 months, over 30% of participants successfully adhered to the diet and lowered their cholesterol by more than 20%.
A randomized controlled trial led by Cara Ebbeling and David Ludwig found that a six-month beverage-focused intervention reduced sugary drink intake in teens by 82% and resulted in significant weight loss. The study suggests that making noncaloric beverages available to adolescents can have a substantial impact on body weight.
Researchers found that people with smaller anterior cingulate cortex had higher levels of stress hormones, suggesting a potential cause-and-effect relationship. The discovery deepens understanding of ageing, depression, and Alzheimer's diseases, and may lead to treatments targeting reduced stress hormone levels.
A study by UCLA researchers found that men with cardiovascular disease may benefit from lower blood sugar levels, but women's risk of death increases with higher glucose levels. The research analyzed data from over 1,200 patients and suggested that there is no 'normal' blood sugar level for men with heart disease.
A recent US survey of 1,197 people found that only 8% would use pre-implantation sex selection for non-medical reasons. Most respondents wanted an equal number of boys and girls or had no preference for the sex of their children.
A new study from UCSD found that macrophage signaling can activate processes in both cancer cells and immune cells, altering the activity of androgen antagonists and allowing tumor growth. The research identifies a novel binding site on steroid receptors that makes them responsive to inflammatory signals.
Journal of Clinical Densitometry will be published by Elsevier, offering print and electronic publishing services. Members of the International Society for Clinical Densitometry will continue to receive the print edition, and online access will be available through a dedicated website.
The study found that the BRCA1 gene interacts with progesterone receptors to inhibit growth, but its absence leads to increased growth in response to estrogen and progestin. This understanding could lead to new treatment options for hormone-dependent cancers and ordinary cancers resulting from under-expressed BRCA1 genes.
Researchers found that growth hormone treatment can worsen or trigger sleep apnea in obese children exposed to colds, potentially leading to death. Doctors are urged to perform sleep studies on these patients before and during treatment to monitor their health.
Researchers have discovered a new treatment option for thyroid cancer that allows patients to continue their thyroid hormone replacement therapy while undergoing radioiodine treatment, reducing unpleasant side effects. This breakthrough could improve the overall quality of life for thyroid cancer patients during treatment.
A new study has linked a specific gene mutation to poorer outcomes and increased recurrence of papillary thyroid cancer (PTC). The discovery provides a molecular marker to assess risk for patients with PTC, which is the most common type of thyroid cancer.
Researchers found that BPA can mimic estrogen's actions in developing neurons, leading to potential harm to the brain. The study suggests that even low concentrations of BPA may be hazardous, as they are comparable to human fetal exposures and water supply levels.
A US study found IVF babies had a 6.2% risk of major birth defects, compared to 4.4% for naturally conceived babies. The study suggests a relationship but doesn't prove IVF is the cause, leaving room for further investigation.
Research suggests that aldosterone, a hormone involved in blood pressure regulation, may also contribute to strokes. Aldosterone blockers have shown promise in animal models, reversing wall-thickening effects on blood vessels. However, gender differences and optimal treatment strategies remain unclear.
Researchers discovered divergent neuronal pathways at the melanocortin-4 receptor (MC4R), controlling food intake and energy expenditure. The study provides new insights into the intricate process of maintaining stable body weight, with potential implications for obesity treatment.
Five organizations have won US$10,000 each for imaginative education projects focused on osteoporosis prevention and management. These grants will support public education materials, campaigns, and awareness initiatives across Indonesia, Iran, Jordan, Panama, and Taiwan.
The BIDMC research team is studying the hormones and brain pathways regulating body weight and glucose metabolism, with a goal of advancing diabetes treatment and prevention. Jointly funded by the Smith Family Foundation and the American Diabetes Association, this award supports scientists conducting research on type 2 diabetes.
High insulin levels block stress hormones, leading to excessive fat storage and energy imbalance. The study provides new understanding of insulin resistance in Type II diabetes and its potential link to obesity.
Researchers found that MXC alters estrogen-regulated gene Hoxa10 in the reproductive tract, reducing embryo implantation ability. Exposure to MXC has been shown to induce abnormalities in female reproductive tract development and function.
Activated vitamin D, when combined with NSAIDs, may offer a more tolerable treatment option for prostate cancer. The drug combination limits prostate cancer cell growth by targeting the same molecules attacked by NSAIDs, promoting the breakdown of prostaglandin hormones.
A Yale University study found that early use of hormone therapy is linked to fewer wrinkles and firmer skin. The researchers compared 11 non-users with nine long-term hormone therapy users and found significant decreases in wrinkle severity and rigidity.
Research by Yale University found that insulin-resistant individuals' mitochondria produce less ATP, a key energy molecule. This defect may explain the link between inherited type 2 diabetes risk and reduced insulin signaling.
Researchers have discovered that malfunctioning bone marrow cells can cause premature cell death and dysfunction in nerve cells, leading to neuropathy. The study provides a basis for understanding the dangerous nerve condition in diabetics and may eventually lead to a treatment.
A Purdue study found that increasing calcium intake by 200-300mg per day can significantly boost bone mineral density in young women taking oral contraceptives, reducing the risk of osteoporosis. The researchers suggest that this simple change can prevent a significant loss of bone mass, particularly during peak bone development years.
A Yale University study will examine dietary calcium insufficiency in inner city infants, highlighting the alarming trends of decreased calcium intake over the past 30 years. The research aims to establish guidelines for calcium in infants below age three and predict a 10-20% prevalence of abnormal biomarkers.
Alcohol intake can alter circadian rhythms, influencing heart rate, blood pressure, hormone levels, and immune function. Disruptions to the 'biological clock' within the body may result in 'physiological anarchy,' with widespread pathology.
Research reveals retinol binding protein 4 (RBP4) plays a key role in developing insulin resistance, a primary risk factor for diabetes. Elevated RBP4 levels correlate with the severity of insulin resistance in humans with obesity or type 2 diabetes.
Researchers found that estrogen triggers molecular activity blocking cardiac hypertrophy, a common cause of heart enlargement and heart failure. The study suggests that estrogen supplements may prevent cardiac hypertrophy in postmenopausal women, continuing a debate on the hormone's role in limiting cardiovascular disease.
A VCU study found that low-dose oral contraceptives double the risk of cardiovascular events, such as heart attacks and strokes, among women. Women with PCOS or metabolic disorders are particularly at increased risk.
Researchers developed a new test for thyroid cancer that can detect recurrence up to three years before symptoms appear. The test measures thyroglobulin levels after injecting patients with Thyrogen, allowing for earlier detection of the disease.