Researchers at the NIH have identified a compound that prevents overproduction of thyroid hormone, potentially improving treatment for Graves' disease. The receptor antagonist has not yet been tested in animals or people and still needs to undergo safety testing before potential human trials.
Researchers at NIH used high-resolution microscopy to understand how fat cells absorb glucose in response to insulin. The findings may aid in identifying the interval when someone becomes at risk for developing type 2 diabetes.
A large U.S. trial found that two common mid-urethral sling procedures are similar in their chance of cure, but each has distinct risks. Women who underwent transobturator or retropubic surgery achieved equivalent levels of treatment success, with 78-81 percent experiencing dryness.
A daily dose of specific vitamin E significantly improved NASH features in adults, while Actos showed promise but was associated with weight gain. Researchers acknowledge the need for long-term treatment and monitoring to assess benefits and risks.
Two large-scale studies found 13 new genetic variants influencing blood glucose regulation, insulin resistance, and beta cell function. Five variants increase the risk of type 2 diabetes, highlighting the role of beta cells in disease development.
A modified blood adult stem-cell transplant regimen has effectively reversed sickle cell disease in 9 of 10 adults with severe symptoms. The trial's results show that the treatment reduced toxicity and allowed patients to achieve stable mixed donor chimerism, completely replacing their disease-causing cells.
A decade-long study found that intensive lifestyle changes reduced the rate of developing type 2 diabetes by 34 percent compared to placebo, resulting in a delay of about four years. In contrast, treatment with metformin reduced the risk by 18 percent after 10 years.
A recent NIH study found that bariatric surgery for extreme obesity has a low risk of short-term complications and death rates. The study, LABS-1, followed 4,776 patients who underwent bariatric surgery for the first time and found that less than 1% died within 30 days.
A study published in the Archives of Internal Medicine found that intensive glucose control halves the rate of eye and kidney damage in people with longstanding type 1 diabetes. The study also showed lower rates of cardiovascular disease events and improved vision loss rates compared to conventional control.
A study found that combining aspirin and dipyridamole significantly reduced blockages and extended the life of hemodialysis artery-vein access grafts. The treatment decreased graft loss by 18% and stenosis development by 28%.
A recent clinical trial sponsored by NIH found that alfuzosin, a commonly prescribed drug for chronic prostatitis, did not significantly reduce symptoms in newly diagnosed men. The study showed no significant differences between the treatment and placebo groups in terms of symptom improvement.
Researchers identified variations in the MYH9 gene strongly associated with FSGS and HIV-associated FSGS among African-Americans, with a risk 300-500% higher than whites. The findings shed light on common genetic pathways to prevent kidney disease progression.
Adults with diabetes are more likely to experience hearing loss due to the disease's impact on nerves and blood vessels in the inner ear. Researchers discovered a strong association between high-frequency sound sensitivity and diabetes, which may be linked to nerve damage and increased risk of heart disease.
A study funded by the National Institutes of Health found that reducing early blockages in bloodsstream access does not increase the likelihood that the access will function adequately for long-term treatments. Fistulas are the preferred type of access since they clot less often, experience fewer infections, and are less costly.
Researchers identified GDF15 protein as a key player in iron overload in thalassemia, leading to increased dietary iron absorption and organ damage. The study's findings have implications for therapies and treatment strategies for thalassemia patients.
A study by NIH/NIDDK found that sling surgery was more effective in achieving dryness and quality of life for women with SUI, but had higher side effects. The procedure helped significantly more women achieve stress-specific success compared to the Burch technique.
A study found that a gene variant increases the risk of developing type 2 diabetes, but adopting healthy lifestyle changes significantly reduces this genetic risk. The research, conducted by the DPP Genetics subgroup, identified a single nucleotide polymorphism in the TCF7L2 gene as a key risk factor for the disease.
Pre-diabetes and undiagnosed type 2 diabetes affect millions, increasing heart disease risk. Research shows nearly 22% of people aged 65+ have diabetes, with significant disparities among ethnic groups.
Researchers developed an MRI technique to measure cysts and kidneys in individuals with autosomal dominant PKD. The study found that both small and large cysts grew at steady rates, correlating with losses in kidney function.
Researchers found that a loose connection between hormone and GPCR allows for stronger signal activation, potentially leading to more effective drug therapies. The study used thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) as a model and suggests that a similar approach could be applied to other hormone-GPCR reactions.
Women who implemented intensive lifestyle changes and lost 5-7% of their weight had fewer episodes of weekly incontinence compared to those in the metformin or placebo groups. Weight loss was particularly effective in reducing stress incontinence, which is linked to obesity and diabetes.
The NIH supports expansive basic and clinical research portfolios on obesity and type 2 diabetes, including genetic studies, nuclear receptors, and lifestyle interventions. Epidemiological studies provide insights into risk factors and inform future clinical endeavors.
Research shows that tight glucose control significantly reduces heart disease and damage to the eyes, nerves, and kidneys in people with type 1 diabetes. The study found a 42% lower risk of cardiovascular events and a 58% lower risk of serious events like heart attacks or strokes.
A study published in The New England Journal of Medicine found that combining lifestyle modification with the weight loss medication sibutramine resulted in significantly greater weight loss among obese adults compared to using medication alone. Participants who kept daily food and physical activity records showed the most significant ...
Two studies on obesity pharmacotherapy were published in the New England Journal of Medicine, exploring the efficacy of lifestyle modification and pharmacological interventions. Dr. Susan Yanovski, director of the NIDDK's Obesity and Eating Disorders Program, is available to comment on these findings.
US kidney failure rates have stabilized over the past two decades, with diabetes and high blood pressure remaining leading causes. Despite progress, racial disparities persist, particularly among African Americans, who continue to experience higher rates of new cases.
Researchers discovered that diabetic retinopathy occurs in people with pre-diabetes, suggesting eye changes may begin earlier than previously thought. Regular eye exams and good blood sugar control are recommended to prevent vision loss.
The NASH Clinical Research Network is launching two trials to treat nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), a leading cause of cirrhosis in the US. The trials will test the efficacy of insulin-sensitizing agents and antioxidants, such as vitamin E, in slowing or reversing disease progression.
Researchers have successfully replicated the hepatitis C virus (HCV) in a laboratory setting using a new in vitro model system. The system allows for the study of HCV therapeutics and the entire virus life cycle, including replication, assembly, and release from host cells.
The Genetics of Kidneys in Diabetes (GoKinD) collection provides nearly 10,000 DNA and clinical data samples from adults with type 1 diabetes in the US and Canada. The resource aims to study genes linked to kidney disease and diabetes.
Chronic kidney disease affects over 7.4 million Americans with less than half the kidney function of a healthy adult, while an additional 11.3 million have at least half normal function but persistent protein in their urine. Raising awareness and controlling diabetes and hypertension are critical to reducing progression and complications.
Researchers discovered human islet-derived precursor cells that reproduce easily and can differentiate into hormone-producing cells. The findings may eventually have implications for islet transplantation, an experimental treatment for type 1 diabetes.
Two studies strengthen the connection between chronic kidney disease (CKD) and cardiovascular disease, showing that reduced kidney function increases the risk of death, heart disease, and hospitalization. Early detection and treatment are crucial to slow CKD progression and prevent these complications.
A recent study found that only 37% of adults with diagnosed diabetes are achieving the American Diabetes Association's goal for blood glucose control, while nearly half have high cholesterol and high blood pressure. The lack of lifestyle changes, such as exercise and weight loss, is a major contributor to this issue.
Researchers found that a combined drug therapy of finasteride and doxazosin significantly reduced the risk of BPH progression by 66 percent, compared to placebo. The treatment also provided greater symptom relief and improved urinary flow rate. Men at highest risk for BPH progression, such as those with larger prostates or elevated ser...
A recent study tested pentosan polysulfate sodium and hydroxyzine hydrochloride on patients with interstitial cystitis, a debilitating condition affecting millions. The trial found that neither drug provided statistically significant relief for patients, but gained valuable information for future clinical trials.
Recent clinical trials found that low-dose insulin injections do not delay or prevent type 1 diabetes in high-risk individuals, contrary to earlier animal studies and pilot trials. However, the trials revealed valuable insights into immune and metabolic markers for assessing diabetes risk and identifying potential prevention strategies.
Combination therapy of finasteride and doxazosin significantly reduces BPH progression, urinary retention, and invasive treatments. Finasteride reduces prostate size, providing long-lasting symptom relief.
A study by the NIH found that ACE inhibitors and beta blockers significantly reduced kidney failure risk compared to calcium channel blockers. High blood pressure management has improved stroke and heart disease risks, but kidney failure remains a concern for African Americans.
The Interstitial Cystitis Clinical Trials Group is conducting a clinical trial using pentosan polysulfate sodium (ElmironR) and hydroxyzine hydrochloride (AtaraxR) to treat IC. The trial aims to evaluate the effectiveness of these oral drugs in relieving symptoms in patients with IC.
The NIH team identified the MEN1 gene, a tumor suppressor gene that inhibits abnormal cell growth. This discovery enables easier screening for families at risk of MEN1 and provides a target for designing drugs to prevent or treat endocrine tumors.