A recent study found that aspirin increases the expression of paraoxonase 1 and apolipoprotein A1, two proteins that help remove bad cholesterol from the bloodstream. This increase can lead to reduced risk of atherosclerosis, a condition characterized by the buildup of plaque in arteries.
Researchers identified acylated steryl-beta-glucosides as the active compounds behind germinated rice's health benefits, including improved cognitive function and anti-diabetic properties. These unique sterol-like molecules are concentrated in the rice bran and may be specific to rice.
A new study reveals that an investigational drug, R207910, is effective in killing latent tuberculosis bacteria. The drug targets a protein essential for energy production in active TB, suggesting a potential Achilles heel for dormant bacteria.
Researchers have identified a coral gene called STPCA that responds to light cycles and produces bicarbonate to buffer against acidity. This adaptation allows corals to survive in shallow waters with limited food resources.
A team of researchers has developed a method to separate parasitic organisms from their host cells using fluorescent proteins, allowing for more detailed studies. The approach yielded the identification of 509 proteins in the parasites, providing valuable characteristics such as fatty acid degrading enzymes.
A new study reveals that H. pylori bacteria can exploit stomach cells to protect themselves from the immune system, increasing the risk of stomach cancer. The bacteria's interaction with gastric cells triggers a receptor called Decay-accelerating factor (DAF), which reduces immune damage and promotes chronic inflammation.
A new study found that exposing fetal mice to high saturated fats can cause them and their offspring to develop type 2 diabetes. This unusual form of inheritance, known as metabolic programming, has implications for human health, particularly for children born to malnourished mothers.
A virus that infects potatoes has been used to develop antibodies that can bind to the amyloid beta protein, a key contributor to Alzheimer's disease. Studies in mice have shown promising results, with the development of strong antibodies that can slow disease progression and improve cognitive function.
Capsaicin from hot peppers directly induces thermogenesis by altering muscle protein SERCA, leading to increased heat production. This process could be used to design more potent compounds for treating hypothermia.
A study has identified a specific region of the PfEMP1 protein as crucial for attaching to placental walls, which could lead to new drug targets to prevent malaria-related complications during pregnancy. Researchers hope that mimicking this binding domain with pharmaceuticals may help develop immunity in women living in endemic regions.
The American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (ASBMB) has selected eight scientists for its annual awards competition, recognizing their contributions to science. The award winners include David Davies, John Kuriyan, Sarah Spiegel, Susan Lindquist, Douglas Rees, Phillip Zamore, Sandra Schmid, and Rochelle Schwartz-Bloom.
A genetic variant found almost exclusively in individuals of Asian descent significantly increases the risk of elevated triglycerides. The study found that 15.1% of Chinese-Americans with high plasma TG carried at least one copy of the variant, corresponding to a 4.4 times greater risk.
A study found that plant sterols can accumulate in aortic valves, increasing the risk of stenosis. High levels of plant sterols were linked to higher blood concentrations, suggesting a potential health risk.
Researchers found that rats on diets enriched with industrial or natural trans-fats showed no significant changes in insulin or glucose responses. The study also confirmed these findings in cell culture studies, indicating that muscles can utilize trans-fatty acids without increasing the risk of insulin resistance and diabetes.
Researchers found a protein marker for schizophrenia risk in immune cells, with alpha defensin levels significantly elevated in patients and discordant twin pairs. This discovery could lead to the development of a simple blood test to evaluate schizophrenia risk.
Research suggests that enhancing neprilysin production can reduce plaque formation and neuron death associated with Alzheimer's disease, but at the cost of shortening lifespan. Over-activation of neprilysin also reduces CREB protein activity and increases age-dependent axon pathology.
Researchers found that niacin works by reducing the presence of Beta chain on liver cells, which hinders HDL removal and maintains high plasma HDL levels. This new mechanism explains why niacin is especially beneficial for raising HDL while allowing other cholesterol types to be removed.
Researchers found that a natural lipid, phosphatidylserine, can prevent collagen reduction and increase MMPs in both natural and UV-induced aging. Topical application of the molecule may be a simple way to slow down skin wrinkling.
Astrocytes have been found to produce a protective protein called metallothionein (MT), which is secreted to surrounding nerves and helps prevent damage from free radicals and metal ions. The level of MT uptake by nearby nerves correlates with the extent of nerve repair.
Researchers discovered a special digestive enzyme in silkworms that allows them to digest sucrose despite the presence of toxic alkaloids in mulberry leaves. The enzyme, beta-fructofuranosidase, is concentrated in the worm's gut and silk gland.
Scientists have identified a region on human chromosome 1 that contributes to elevated blood triglyceride levels, increasing the risk of atherosclerosis and heart disease. Three genes, angiopoietin-like 3, leptin receptor, and sterol carrier protein 2, are promising candidates for further study.
Researchers found a connection between an immune protein and glucose levels, offering a new avenue for treating diabetics who don't respond to traditional insulin-based treatments. The protein, defensin HNP-1, inhibits glucose-producing genes and reduces blood sugar levels in both normal mice and diabetic rats.
Researchers have identified a small molecule that can reversibly activate the human epithelial sodium channel (ENaC), leading to increased sodium flow and improved salt balance. This breakthrough opens avenues for developing drugs to treat conditions like hypertension, neonatal pulmonary edema, and renal salt wasting disorders.
Researchers investigated the potential link between anesthetics and Alzheimer's disease. While desflurane alone did not increase amyloid-beta protein production, it stimulated cellular changes associated with Alzheimer's when combined with low oxygen levels.
Infants exposed to methamphetamines in utero suffer from irreversible brain damage and impaired recognition of novel objects, according to a new study. The research provides evidence for the cognitive damaging effects of these drugs on fetal development.
Researchers explore a new approach to treating epilepsy by using the diabetes drug metformine, which targets metabolic pathways similar to a ketogenic diet. The study's findings suggest that metformine may suppress over-active nerve cells by removing excess energy production.
A study analyzing brain tissue of volunteers found that small vessel disease accounted for 33% of dementia risk, while Alzheimer's treatments remain investigational. Researchers suggest reducing hypertension and diabetes as effective ways to mitigate this risk.
Recent advances in mass spectrometry have expanded knowledge of protein networks inside cells and their regulation. Researchers successfully identified over 5,000 proteins in embryonic stem cells using mass spectrometry, creating the largest quantified protein map to date.
Researchers identify collagenase-2 as a key player in multiple sclerosis development, providing a potential new therapeutic target. The enzyme's role in degrading tissue and allowing unwanted cells to invade the brain may be effectively blocked by pharmaceutical intervention.
A new study has shed light on the cause of cataracts, revealing that tiny pieces of crystallin proteins become toxic during aging. Researchers also found that amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) aggregates are composed of just one protein: superoxide dismutase (SOD1).
Researchers found that bile acid derivatives can activate the vitamin D receptor without causing calcium buildup, suggesting a new therapeutic direction. Additionally, overexpressing lipoprotein lipase in mice improved their tolerance to cold temperatures by increasing muscular thermogenesis.
Researchers investigated how genetic background and environmental factors impact NPC disease in mice. Results show a wide range of lifespan outcomes, averaging from 50-130 days, suggesting complex interactions between genetics and environment.
Researchers have developed novel approaches to analyze proteins in human saliva and diseased heart tissue, potentially leading to earlier diagnoses of heart disease and oral cancer. By tracking changes in protein profiles over time, scientists may identify key biomarkers for therapeutic intervention.
Researchers uncover the specific receptor subtypes affected by chronic nicotine exposure, revealing new insights into its addictive properties. A two-protein complex also protects nerve cells by promoting growth and survival, showing promise as a therapeutic agent.
Embryonic livers store glycogen by overproducing the enzyme hexokinase (HK), which can produce glycogen independently of blood-glucose levels. This adaptation safeguards energy storage for newborns. Meanwhile, a protein called NCKX5 plays a key role in skin color production, exchanging sodium for calcium across cell membranes.
A new study has discovered a set of 15 proteins found in urine that can distinguish healthy individuals from those with coronary artery disease. The protein panel accurately identifies CAD 83% of the time, with high sensitivity and low false positives.
Researchers found that treatment with myriocin can significantly inhibit the progress of established atherosclerosis in mice, coinciding with decreases in sphingomyelin, cholesterol, and triglycerides. In contrast, statins may increase PCSK9 levels, which limits their benefit.
Researchers have discovered a crucial role for heparan sulfate in regulating embryonic stem cell potency, while also uncovering the mechanism behind SARS lung damage. The structures of key enzymes involved in these processes are now understood, opening up new avenues for treatment and drug development.
Researchers have identified 30 new proteins that interact with the amyloid precursor protein, shedding light on its functional role in Alzheimer's disease. Additionally, a study found low variation in platelet protein expression within the elderly population, suggesting potential for clinical biomarkers.
Researchers found Celecoxib reduces heart rate and increases irregularities, but not through COX-2 inhibition. Drosophila model reveals a direct effect on potassium channels generating heartbeat.
Blocking the enzyme SCD1 reduces fat accumulation, improves insulin sensitivity and weight loss in FH-mice affected by metabolic syndrome. This finding highlights SCD1 as a potential drug target for individuals with familial hyperlipidemia and metabolic syndrome.
Researchers developed a mutated anthrax toxin that targets melanoma cells, with 100% of mice tolerated lethal doses. The toxin was more specific and effective than natural toxin, inhibiting angiogenesis and killing other tumors like colon and lung.
Researchers found that high sugar consumption led to obesity, insulin resistance, and cognitive decline in mice. The study highlights the potential link between sugary drinks and Alzheimer's disease, a finding that could have significant implications for human health.
Two studies found that genetic variants in metabolic genes impact cholesterol metabolism, while Crohn's disease contributes to atherosclerosis. Researchers also identified a potential treatment for bile acid disorders using FXR targeted therapies.
Researchers found that abnormally folded prion protein in brain tissue does not reliably predict disease infectivity; some highly infectious samples had nearly undetectable levels of abnormal PrP. This suggests alternative mechanisms or specific conformation of abnormal PrP may be responsible for prion diseases.
Scientists reveal that the adiponectin hormone plays a key role in increasing lifespan by burning fatty acids instead of glucose, reducing free radical damage. Meanwhile, researchers identify a new protein in spider silk, which could revolutionize our understanding of its mechanical properties.
Researchers have found a link between decreased blood levels of ethanolamine plasmalogen and the severity of Alzheimer's disease, suggesting a potential treatment target. Additionally, apolipoprotein B has been identified as a better predictor of coronary heart disease risk in Chinese populations than traditional markers.
Researchers identify key proteins in brain cortex associated with neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. A new method also detects abnormal protein-sugar structures in blood plasma for cancer diagnosis. Additionally, proteins linked to improved liver cancer diagnosis have been identified.
Researchers found that alternate-day fasting shrinks fat cells and boosts fat breakdown mechanisms. Statin drugs also reduce cholesterol and fats in blood vessels by affecting lipases. Exercise after a high-fat meal stimulates the breakdown of fats in skeletal muscle, making it healthier.
Researchers found that platelets' GPIIb/IIIa receptors stimulate neutrophils to produce TNF, a key inflammatory compound. This discovery may lead to the development of new anti-inflammatory drugs targeting these receptors.