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Houston Methodist scientists make surprising discovery pinpointing when good cholesterol becomes harmful

A study led by Henry J. Pownall and Khurram Nasir found a strong link between the amount of free cholesterol in HDL and its accumulation in macrophages, which can contribute to heart disease. The researchers aim to develop new diagnostics and treatments for managing heart disease using HDL-free cholesterol as a biomarker.

SourceHouston Methodist·JournalJournal of Lipid Research·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 19, 2024

Infertility linked to onset of systemic autoimmune rheumatic disease after childbirth

Women with infertility are at higher risk of developing SARD, including lupus and Sjögren's syndrome, even after accounting for pre-eclampsia and other pregnancy complications. Infertility treatments do not appear to increase this risk, suggesting that women may be undiagnosed or untreated.

SourceEuropean Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology·JournalHuman Reproduction·TypeObservational study·DateDec 4, 2024

Opioids may negatively impact hormone health

The Endocrine Society's new statement highlights research gaps on opioids' effects on the endocrine system, which can lead to conditions like male hypogonadism and secondary adrenal insufficiency. Clinicians need to monitor patients using opioids for signs of these health consequences.

SourceThe Endocrine Society·JournalEndocrine Reviews·DateOct 24, 2024

People with type 2 diabetes who eat low-carb may be able to discontinue medication

A low-carbohydrate diet may improve beta-cell function in people with type 2 diabetes, allowing them to better manage their disease and possibly discontinue medication. The study found that participants on a low-carb diet showed significant improvements in acute and maximal beta-cell responses compared to those on a high-carb diet.

SourceThe Endocrine Society·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateOct 22, 2024

Gut instincts: Intestinal nutrient sensors

A team of researchers has developed strategies to identify regulators of intestinal hormone secretion, which could lead to new treatments for metabolic and gut motility disorders. They used human organoids to study the function of 'nutrient sensors' on hormone-producing cells in the gut.

SourceHubrecht Institute·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 17, 2024

Carnegie Mellon to lead development of implantable cell-based bioelectronic devices for patient-specific treatment and disease monitoring

A Carnegie Mellon-led team has secured a $42 million grant to develop implantable, cell-based bioelectronic devices for real-time therapy and disease monitoring in patients with thyroid disorders. The devices will offer adjustable, low-cost treatment and continuous biomarker measurement.

Controlling lipid levels with less side effects possible with new drug

Scientists have developed a new compound, ZTA-261, which selectively binds to the thyroid hormone receptor beta (THRβ) to treat lipid disorders. Mice administered the drug showed decreased lipid levels in the liver and blood with fewer side effects compared to existing compounds.

SourceInstitute of Transformative Bio-Molecules (ITbM), Nagoya University·JournalCommunications Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 6, 2024

Global consensus for sarcopenia

A new global definition of sarcopenia is proposed, aiming to unify research and clinical practice. The definition may help identify low muscle mass or strength in older people, increasing the risk of poor outcomes such as fragility and disability.

SourceImpact Journals LLC·JournalAging-US·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateJun 26, 2024

Study reveals gaps in fracture risk communication and patients’ preferences for visual representation

A new study has found that most patients with osteoporosis want to receive information on their fracture risk, but only half of them actually get it. Patients prefer visual representations, such as graphs with a colored traffic-light system, to communicate fracture risk and are more likely to take medication if presented in this way.

SourceInternational Osteoporosis Foundation·JournalOsteoporosis International·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 20, 2023

Pediatric endocrinologists concerned for safety amid divisive political climate

A new study found pediatric endocrinologists are concerned about threats to their personal safety and the impact of transgender health bans on medical practice. The researchers surveyed 223 pediatric endocrinologists, with 56% providing gender-affirming care, and identified safety concerns, pressures on hospitals, and threats against p...

SourceThe Endocrine Society·JournalJournal of the Endocrine Society·DateSep 19, 2023

AI and machine learning can successfully diagnose polycystic ovary syndrome

Researchers found that AI/ML based programs can successfully detect PCOS with an accuracy of 80-90%, making it a promising tool for early diagnosis and reducing the burden on patients. The study suggests integrating large population-based studies with electronic health datasets to identify sensitive diagnostic biomarkers.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences·JournalFrontiers in Endocrinology·TypeSystematic review·DateSep 18, 2023

Stem cell-derived components may treat underlying causes of PCOS

Researchers at the University of Chicago developed a potential new PCOS treatment using mesenchymal stem cell-derived extracellular vesicles, which can lower androgen hormone activity and stabilize ovarian function. This approach offers a better safety profile and potential for wide-scale applications compared to conventional methods.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Medical Center·JournalInternational Journal of Molecular Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 11, 2023

Aging alters pancreatic circadian rhythm

Researchers discovered that aging alters the pancreas's circadian rhythm by reorganizing its transcriptome. The study found that fibroblasts play a crucial role in regulating this reorganization, which affects the organ's resilience to aging-related pathologies.

SourceImpact Journals LLC·JournalAging-US·TypeObservational study·DateSep 5, 2023

Successful generation of functional parathyroid glands from mouse embryonic stem cells

Researchers from Tokyo Medical and Dental University successfully generated functional parathyroid glands from mouse embryonic stem cells using blastocyst complementation. This breakthrough study demonstrates the potential for regenerating organs in vivo and provides a new treatment option for hypoparathyroidism.

SourceTokyo Medical and Dental University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 24, 2023

Collaboration and targeted activities drive post-fracture care improvement: insights from the Capture the Fracture® Partnership

The Capture the Fracture Partnership has successfully driven global Fracture Liaison Services implementation, effectiveness, and sustainability. The partnership's unique approach, including policy, coalitions, mentorship, and scalable solutions, has delivered impactful resources and activities to prioritize secondary fracture prevention.

SourceInternational Osteoporosis Foundation·JournalOsteoporosis International·TypeSurvey·DateJul 24, 2023

Wearable monitor detects stress hormone levels across a full 24-hour day

A new wearable device can track adrenal steroid levels in real-time, providing insights into hormonal rhythms and revolutionizing endocrine disease diagnosis. The U-RHYTHM technology offers a more accurate picture of hormone balance than traditional tests taken at one point, enabling earlier treatment interventions.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalScience Translational Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateJun 21, 2023

Recreating the adrenal gland in a petri dish

A team from the University of Pennsylvania led by Kotaro Sasaki coaxed stem cells to take on the characteristics and functions of a human adrenal gland. The researchers developed an organoid culture system to direct iPSCs to transition into adrenocortical progenitor-like cells, resulting in cells producing steroid hormones.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalDevelopmental Cell·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 21, 2022

Pregnant women with obesity and diabetes may be more likely to have a child with ADHD

Children born to mothers with gestational diabetes and obesity are twice as likely to develop attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), according to a new study. The researchers found that excessive weight gain during pregnancy was a significant risk factor for ADHD in offspring, but not within normal weight gain ranges.

SourceThe Endocrine Society·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateSep 8, 2022

Pregnant women with polycystic ovary syndrome at risk of heart complications during delivery, study finds

A new study links polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) to an increased risk of adverse cardiovascular events and pregnancy outcomes during delivery, including preeclampsia and peripartum cardiomyopathy. Women with PCOS are at a higher risk for heart complications compared to those without the hormone disorder.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalJournal of the American Heart Association·DateJun 16, 2022