Add BrightSurf on Google Email

UT Southwestern researchers cite recent advances in underlying causes of rare body-fat disorders

Researchers at UT Southwestern have made significant progress in understanding lipodystrophies, rare disorders characterized by partial or total loss of fat tissues. Recent studies have identified gene mutations and novel therapeutic approaches for these patients, which may also be applicable to obese individuals with abnormal fat dist...

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateMar 17, 2004

Research examines treatment goals for acromegaly patients

Researchers found that achieving basal growth hormone levels of less than 2.5 µg/liter and glucose-suppressed GH levels of less than one µg/liter may not minimize cardiovascular risks in acromegaly patients. Instead, these patients are at increased risk for conditions like hypertension, diabetes, and osteoarthritis.

SourceThe Endocrine Society·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateFeb 18, 2004

Salk news: Diabetes first steps

Scientists discovered a chemical relay that controls whether the body burns sugars or fats for energy. The discovery may help design better treatments for insulin resistance and ultimately prevent adult-onset diabetes.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalNature·DateNov 12, 2003

A dangerous duo: Heart disease and diabetes

Researchers have discovered a potential therapeutic target for treating hyperglycemic damage in endothelial cells, which is linked to both diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Inhibiting GAPDH activity by poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase could activate three major pathways of damage, providing new avenues for treatment.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateOct 1, 2003

Mouse, stripped of a key gene, resists diabetes

Researchers have discovered an engineered mouse that can eat a high-fat diet without gaining weight or developing diabetes. The mouse lacks the SCD-1 gene, which affects fat production and glucose regulation. As a result, muscle cells are more sensitive to insulin, enabling them to absorb glucose and regulate blood sugar levels.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 2, 2003

Decreased diabetic cardiac death from losartan?

A post-hoc analysis of the LIFE study found that losartan significantly reduced sudden cardiac death in diabetic patients with hypertension and left ventricular hypertrophy compared to atenolol. The results showed a nearly 50% risk reduction in sudden death for losartan-treated patients.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateAug 21, 2003

Pre-diabetic adults at increased risk of colon cancer

Pre-diabetic adults with impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) are nearly twice as likely to die from any cancer and four times more likely to die from colon cancer compared to those with normal glucose tolerance. Researchers suggest that high insulin levels may promote the development of cancer cells, but prevention methods are unclear.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalAmerican Journal of Epidemiology·DateJul 8, 2003

The high cost of diabetes

A study found that people with diabetes in Saskatchewan accounted for $134.3 million in health care expenditures, with major comorbidities contributing to 36.4% of these costs. Targeted strategies to prevent diabetes could produce substantial savings and improved health outcomes.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateJun 23, 2003

JCI Table of Contents, May 1, 2003

Researchers have successfully used syngeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation to prevent autoimmune diabetes in mice, providing a promising new approach for treating genetic disorders. This breakthrough is made possible by the discovery of natural gene therapy mechanisms that can reverse mutations causing rare inherited diseases...

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateMay 1, 2003

JCI Table of Contents, March 14, 2003

Research highlights the role of WNK kinases in regulating thiazide-sensitive Na-Cl cotransport, a key mechanism for maintaining electrolyte balance. Additionally, studies investigate the immunomodulatory effects of WNK kinases on pulmonary inflammation and diabetes, shedding light on potential therapeutic targets.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateMar 14, 2003

Ramipril use in Canada

The number of ramipril prescriptions for elderly Ontario residents increased significantly after the release of HOPE's results, peaking at 304/100 000 in May 2000. This surge in prescribing was attributed to widespread media coverage of the study's success.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateMar 3, 2003

Predicting the birth of big babies

Researchers found that plasma glucose levels were poorly correlated with birth weight, and factors like smoking, pregnancy weight, and weight gain during pregnancy were more important predictors. The authors also questioned the historic link between gestational diabetes and large-for-gestational-age (LGA) neonates.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateFeb 17, 2003