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Study uncovers link between male hormones and metabolic disease in polycystic ovary syndrome

Researchers at the University of Birmingham have discovered that increased male hormones, particularly AKR1C3 enzyme activity in fat tissue, drive PCOS women's risk to develop diabetes and fatty liver disease. Abdominal fat tissue is a major source of high levels of male hormones in women with PCOS.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateJun 22, 2017

Study reveals sweetened drinks during pregnancy puts infants at higher risk for obesity

A recent Danish study found that maternal daily consumption of artificially-sweetened beverages during pregnancy was associated with a higher body mass index score and increased risk of overweight/obesity at 7 years. This study suggests that substituting SSBs with artifically sweetened beverages may increase offspring obesity risk.

SourceOxford University Press USA·JournalInternational Journal of Epidemiology·DateJun 8, 2017

Does the sex of a cell matter in research?

A new guide from Tulane University aims to address inherent sex bias in pre-clinical research on metabolic diseases. The guide emphasizes the need to consider sex differences in biological mechanisms, not just hormones, to accelerate discovery and treatment.

SourceTulane University·JournalCell Metabolism·DateJun 6, 2017

Sugar sponges sop up and release glucose as needed

Researchers have developed a potential new diabetes treatment that uses a 'sugar sponge' to regulate glucose levels. The system, which consists of a lectin-coated polymer vesicle, can absorb glucose when levels are high and release it when levels are low. In laboratory tests and mouse studies, the treatment showed antidiabetic effects.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateMay 31, 2017

Causes of major birth defects still largely unknown

Researchers found that only 20.2% of major birth defects had a definite cause, highlighting the need for better research to prevent and care for these conditions. The study emphasizes the importance of population-based preventive interventions for known causes, such as smoking or diabetes.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·DateMay 30, 2017

Kidneys from diabetic donors may benefit many transplant candidates

Receiving donor kidneys from individuals with diabetes offers a greater survival benefit than remaining on the waitlist for many transplant candidates. Patients at high risk of dying while on the waitlist and those at centers with long wait times may benefit the most from transplantation with kidneys from diabetic donors.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalClinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateMay 25, 2017

Ginger may help fight obesity and related disorders

Recent studies have built a consensus that ginger has beneficial effects against obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and metabolic syndrome. Ginger regulates fat metabolism, suppresses carbohydrate digestion, and modulates insulin secretion to help combat these conditions.

SourceWiley·JournalAnnals of the New York Academy of Sciences·DateMay 16, 2017

Sympathetic nervous system is critical in regulating energy expenditure and thermogenesis

A new study from the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai suggests that the sympathetic nervous system, not macrophages, is the main driver of thermogenesis. The research team found that catecholamines released by the sympathetic nervous system can convert white fat tissue into a tissue resembling brown fat.