A new protein, DEFB118, has been discovered in the male reproductive tract and has potent antibacterial activity. It may aid fertilization by protecting sperm from harmful organisms encountered in the female reproductive tract.
The study found significant improvements in mood and sexual performance, with sustained increases in lean body mass and bone mineral density over 3.5 years. Researchers observed minimal skin irritation and no major adverse effects, paving the way for testosterone gel as a safe treatment option.
Despite a growing need for new antibiotics, only six are being developed out of 506 drugs, with FDA approvals declining by 56% over the past 20 years. Researchers have identified a novel structural signature in antimicrobial peptides that could accelerate development of new treatments.
A high-fat fast-food breakfast causes a surge in inflammatory factors in the blood stream, overwhelming the body's natural anti-inflammatory mechanisms. Repeated exposure may lead to chronic inflammation and increase the risk of heart disease.
Researchers developed a preoperative diagnostic test that uses gene expression to distinguish between benign and malignant thyroid carcinoma. The test has the potential to improve diagnosis accuracy and treatment outcomes for patients with thyroid cancer.
A new study reveals that torcetrapib significantly increases levels of HDL cholesterol in patients with low levels, which can help reduce the risk of heart disease. The drug works by inhibiting the transfer of cholesterol from HDL to LDL, and its effectiveness is maintained when given in combination with a statin.
Researchers at the University of Warwick have discovered that a hormone associated with obesity also plays a key role in male fertility, influencing testosterone production and sperm transport. Orexin receptors were found in areas of the testis, epididymis, and penis, suggesting its potential involvement in penile function and erection.
Researchers discovered that the medial prefrontal cortex is activated during hypoglycemia, indicating a link between cognitive processes and innate physiological responses. This finding provides new understanding of how the brain functions during basic responses like those seen in hypoglycemia.
Researchers will examine inflammatory process in obese patients to understand how it contributes to cardiovascular disease. High levels of free fatty acids in the blood stream may trigger inflammation, which increases risk of atherosclerotic disease in obese patients with diabetes.
OHSU scientists successfully transplanted ovarian tissue into monkeys, allowing the return of hormone cycles and egg production. The procedure may lead to new methods for preserving fertility in young cancer survivors.
Researchers found an irregularly shaped cluster of nerve cells in the hypothalamus of the sheep brain associated with female mate preference. The study provides clues to the processes involved in development and regulation of heterosexual and homosexual behavior.
The study, published in Pharmacological Reviews, reveals that activation of certain melanocortin receptors can modulate the inflammatory process, reducing major molecules involved. This discovery has implications for treating localized and systemic inflammatory disorders, including organ transplantation and chronic inflammatory diseases.
Scientists successfully transplanted embryonic pig pancreas cells into rats with diabetes, halting the disease without immune suppression drugs. The breakthrough could lead to a new treatment option for humans, bypassing challenges associated with human insulin-producing cells.
Researchers have discovered insulin-producing cells in various tissues in diabetic mice, which can be triggered by high blood sugar. The findings suggest that these cells could be harnessed to generate insulin-producing cells from other tissues, offering a potential breakthrough for diabetes treatment.
A panel discussion at Stanford Medicine explores thorny issues posed by technology, including non-traditional families and reproductive cloning. The discussion aims to address concerns over the responsible use of new reproductive and genetic technologies.
Researchers develop gene therapy to enhance islet cell function and survival after transplantation. The technique uses a growth factor DNA to induce cell division, improving insulin production and glucose control in rat models. However, standard immunosuppression drug therapy may be harmful, inducing insulin resistance and diabetes.
The study found that 82% of patients had polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), while 6.75% had specific identifiable underlying disorders. Combination hormonal therapy improved most symptoms, including hirsutism, acne, and menstrual dysfunction in 86%, 81%, and 80% of cases respectively.
Researchers found that mice genetically prone to atherosclerosis produced human C-reactive protein and developed larger lesions with fatty plaque buildup. This discovery supports the use of C-reactive protein as a heart disease risk marker and identifies its role in atherosclerosis development.
Researchers at the University of Virginia Health System have discovered that Lisofylline can protect insulin-producing beta cells from autoimmune destruction, allowing transplanted islet cells to function for over 65 days without immunosuppression. This breakthrough could lead to a new treatment approach for type 1 diabetes patients.
A study of Latino children found that nearly three in ten have impaired glucose tolerance, a precursor to type 2 diabetes, while obesity rates are twice those of non-Latino peers. Insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome increase the risk of chronic diseases.
Studies identify specific tissue sites where abnormal cells lead to insulin resistance and Metabolic Syndrome. PPARgamma in fat tissue affects adipose cell function, while defective muscle tissue causes profound insulin resistance.
A University of Wisconsin-Madison team has developed a stem cell model that mimics placenta formation during the earliest stages of human development, offering new insights into pregnancy and fetal health. The research could lead to better understanding of diseases like preeclampsia, which affects millions of women and infants worldwide.
A pilot study reveals that menstrual cycle monitors differ significantly in price and effectiveness, with some systems registering false negatives of up to 73.4%. The symptothermal method, relying on a woman's own observations, proved to be the most effective natural family planning method.
Research suggests that GLP-1 can generate new insulin and increase the growth of new islet cells in human pancreas tissue. This treatment delayed cell death by up to 45% and improved insulin secretion in response to glucose, offering a potential therapeutic approach for Type 2 diabetes.
A study led by Dr. Lawrence C. Layman aims to identify genetic mutations contributing to delayed puberty, which may lead to better infertility treatment and birth control options. By analyzing the function of hundreds of genes, researchers hope to uncover potential treatments for this condition, which affects about 1% of the population.
A recent report assesses NIH-sponsored clinical research, revealing notable advancements but also areas that require improvement. The report highlights the impact of competitive loan-relief programs, increased private funding, and initiatives like the Training Curriculum in Patient-Oriented Research.
Researchers found that younger adults with growth hormone deficiency require higher doses of the hormone to maintain healthy bones and reduce the risk of heart disease. The study's findings could change clinical practice in the US and abroad, suggesting that treatment should be restarted at a lower dose for older adults.
U. of Washington's Dr. Abrass receives 2003 Freeman Award from the Gerontological Society of America for his outstanding research in geriatric endocrinology and pharmacology. He is also recognized for his excellent clinical care and teaching, particularly at Harborview Medical Center.
A recent study by Jefferson and Brigham and Women's researchers has found that blue light plays a vital role in regulating the body's internal clock. The discovery highlights the importance of blue wavelengths in controlling melatonin production, which is essential for maintaining circadian rhythms.
Researchers discover that estrogen deficiency triggers immune system activation, leading to increased T cell proliferation and bone loss. This finding could lead to the development of new drugs that prevent postmenopausal bone loss without affecting reproductive organs.
A protein called PPAR-alpha is critical to this process, and the liver plays a key role in explaining the high incidence of diabetes and hypertension in obese individuals. The study suggests that understanding how steroids cause side effects may help prevent these disorders.
A new air-drying technique allows stored sperm to be transported without special equipment, relieving laboratories of sperm care. This method also reduces the risk of HIV transmission and gives owners more control over disposal decisions.
Researchers at Saint Louis University found that daily injections of growth hormone helped obese patients lose an average of five pounds. The weight loss was primarily due to the reduction of body fat, particularly in the abdominal area.
Researchers found that blood vessel formation in the pancreas is crucial for normal insulin production in fetuses. Exendin-4, a pancreatic hormone analog, can rescue insulin-producing cells and prevent diabetes by regulating PDX protein.
A Stanford-led team discovered 12 genes relevant to endometriosis-related infertility, offering potential targets for new treatments. These findings could lead to improved diagnosis and treatment of the disease, reducing reliance on surgery and medication.
A study published in the American Journal of Physiology-Endocrinology and Metabolism found that fatty-acid oxidation is essential for the placenta to function efficiently and support fetal growth. The research could lead to new treatments for low-birth-weight or small babies.
Two Penn researchers, Mitchell Lazar and Virginia Lee, have been awarded $500K Bristol-Myers Squibb unrestricted research grants to support their groundbreaking work in hormone regulation and Alzheimer's disease. The grants will further enable them to focus on translating their findings into medical practice.
Researchers found that removing a key molecule called beta3 increased lung inflammation and clogged arteries in fat-fed mice. The study suggests that long-term suppression of this molecule may actually exacerbate heart disease.
Researchers have identified genetic defects causing excessive estrogen production in three male patients, including a man and his son, leading to severe gynecomastia. The defects involved misplaced promoters associated with housekeeping genes, resulting in continuous aromatase enzyme production and elevated estrogen levels.
Researchers Ronald M. Evans and Pierre Chambon received the prize for their discovery of nuclear hormone receptors and its impact on human physiology and disease prevention. The award highlights the significance of their work in developing new treatments for cancer, diabetes, and other diseases.
A recent study found that leptin levels dropped significantly during fasting periods, leading to reduced testosterone levels and slowed metabolism. The study also showed that leptin plays a crucial role in regulating the reproductive axis and thyroid function in humans.
Researchers discovered that lisofylline treatment reduced the incidence of Type 1 diabetes in mice by 67%, indicating its potential to protect insulin-producing cells. The study published in Pancreas journal suggests that lisofylline may slow down or prevent the disease in people at high-risk.
Researchers discovered that PERK enzyme is a key regulator of protein synthesis in humans, leading to growth retardation, skeletal abnormalities and diabetes. Treatments targeting IGF-1 may offer therapeutic interventions for diseases like Wolcott-Rallison Syndrome.
Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine have made a breakthrough in developing a gene therapy that can cure diabetes in mice. The treatment uses the NeuroD gene to induce liver cells to produce insulin and other hormones associated with the pancreas' endocrine system.
At the ACC's 52nd Annual Scientific Session, Emory Heart Center physicians will share information on the latest advances in cardiovascular medicine. Dr. Douglas Morris will present on new biological insights and approach to post-bypass patients, highlighting recent achievements in cardiac rehabilitation.
Studies found that patients with acute brain injury had lower levels of anti-inflammatory molecule a-MSH, which remained low over four days after injury. This impairment may have detrimental consequences for brain injury treatment.
Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine found that a specific enzyme is associated with high levels of HDL, which may have both positive and negative effects on cardiovascular health. The study suggests that the enzyme's impact on cholesterol transport to the liver could be beneficial or detrimental.
A new study aims to investigate the effects of intensively controlling blood sugar, blood pressure, and lipid levels on cardiovascular disease risk in adults with type 2 diabetes. The ACCORD study will test three medical treatment strategies to determine their impact on CVD risk.
A Pittsburgh study found that even among those with normal weight, excess fat distribution in the body increases insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes risk. The study of elderly men and women with normal glucose tolerance showed that two-thirds of those with type 2 diabetes were not obese.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh discovered that PTHrP significantly increases bone mineral density in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis, with a 4.7% increase observed in just three months. The study's findings are promising and take the identification of an effective short-term anabolic agent one step further.
Cell division is necessary for fat cells to mature, according to a new study. The researchers found that primitive fat cells need to divide at least twice before they can store fat, and that interfering with this process could prevent the formation of new fat cells.
Dr. Jennifer Specker's three-year grant researches how cortisol and thyroid hormones regulate stomach development in summer flounder, a process influenced by environmental changes. The study aims to understand the relationship between fish, environment, and climate change.
The Northwestern SCOR will focus on the role of genes, androgens and intrauterine environment in PCOS. The research aims to elucidate the pathogenesis of PCOS and provide a potential molecular diagnosis for the syndrome.
Researchers from the Pittsburgh Development Center are conducting clinical and pre-clinical studies to investigate genetic components of recurrent miscarriage, normal and abnormal pregnancy, and tobacco smoke exposure's impact on fetal growth. The team aims to track development at the cellular level using non-invasive imaging scans.
TZDs trigger a 'futile' cycle where glycerol kinase stores fatty acids faster than fat cells release them, leading to increased insulin sensitivity. Researchers also found that TZDs alter chemical signals produced by fat cells, potentially benefiting future anti-diabetes drug development.
Studies of 39 adults born with genital ambiguity found that most were satisfied with their assigned sex and had good physical and sociological outcomes. The research suggests that families and doctors should consider individual needs when making decisions about gender assignment.
A new study suggests that women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) and their siblings with hormone problems have the same gene defect. The study found that approximately 50% of PCOS sisters had elevated androgen levels, while PCOS brothers had significantly elevated DHEAS levels.
The Lancet Seminar highlights the role of adverse environmental factors in childhood obesity and advocates for straightforward solutions. Comprehensive measures targeting energy intake and expenditure are necessary to prevent and treat obesity in children.
Diet-induced thermogenesis is an intricate system of communications masterminded by the brain that produces heat and helps prevent obesity. By removing beta adrenergic receptors, researchers found that mice fed a high-fat diet grew massively obese, highlighting the importance of this pathway in preventing weight gain.
A study by Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center researchers identifies the melanocortin system as a key player in regulating body weight. The discovery sheds light on how appetite suppressant drugs like fenfluramine work, offering new insights into the complex interactions between serotonin and melanocortin systems.