Articles tagged with Metabolic Disorders
Researchers have identified an effective strategy to reduce structural liver damage and improve hepatic vascular function in cirrhosis. Blocking the PAF-R receptor can help rebalance immune and inflammatory responses within the liver.
The University of Texas at San Antonio has received a $7 million gift commitment from Ed and Linda Whitacre to advance research, student success, and athletics. The gift will fuel groundbreaking discovery in metabolic health and strengthen the institution's role in improving health outcomes for South Texans.
Researchers identified a specific type of gut bacteria, Turicibacter, that promotes metabolic health and reduces weight gain in mice. The bacterium produces fatty molecules that are absorbed by the small intestine, improving ceramide levels and preventing excessive weight gain.
According to a recent survey by the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine, nearly half of US adults resolve to start a new diet in 2026. More than 80% say cost is an important factor when choosing a weight-loss plan. Despite evidence that plant-based diets are effective and less expensive, only 6% plan to try this approach. Res...
Researchers discover RFP's role in adipogenesis, a process that forms fat-storing cells. The study found that high RFP levels promote easy fat cell formation and weight gain, while low levels resist weight gain.
Researchers developed a method to measure insulin function in the brain, finding patterns that can identify women at higher risk for metabolic syndrome. Childhood stress affects women's metabolic health risks differently than men, suggesting a sex-specific process.
Pennington Biomedical Research Center launched its first international scientific symposium in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, exceeding expectations with distinguished audience engagement and new institutional contacts.
A study published in Environmental Endocrinology found that teens with higher blood levels of PFAS before bariatric surgery had smaller improvements in blood sugar over five years. This could lead to the metabolic benefits of the surgery fading within a decade.
A study found that mitochondria in people with type 2 diabetes and fatty liver disease have impaired ability to utilize ketone bodies for energy production. This defect was greater than the overall decline in mitochondrial function, suggesting a potential new target for improving energy metabolism in diabetes.
Research finds that sorbitol, a common sugar substitute, can induce similar effects on the liver as fructose, leading to steatotic liver disease. The study also shows that gut bacteria play a crucial role in clearing sorbitol, and that excessive consumption can overwhelm them.
A randomized clinical trial shows that semaglutide improves glycemic control and weight outcomes in individuals with schizophrenia. The study suggests using glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists as an early intervention strategy to reduce cardiometabolic risk in this population.
A new trial found that increasing or decreasing sugar intake in a person's diet has no effect on their preference for sweet foods. Researchers suggest that public health advice may need to focus on reducing sugar and energy-dense foods, rather than eliminating all sweet options.
A research team at Max-Planck-Gesellschaft found that pregnant mice exposed to fatty food smells developed more pronounced obesity and insulin resistance in their offspring. The brains of the offspring showed similarities to those of obese adult mice, suggesting a potential link between maternal diet and child health.
A study conducted at the University of California, Riverside, has uncovered a link between soybean oil consumption and obesity in mice. The research found that a genetically engineered group of mice on a high-fat diet rich in soybean oil did not gain weight, suggesting that the liver protein HNF4α plays a crucial role in fat metabolism.
Researchers at University of Cologne identify p35-mediated CDK5 hyperactivity as a central mechanism limiting nerve regeneration in diabetes. Targeted interventions using peptides restore nerve fiber growth, leading to significant motor and sensory improvements.
Researchers identified biological markers of inflammation, liver stress, and early damage to brain cells in young adults with obesity. Low blood levels of choline, essential for liver health and long-term brain function, were also found. These findings suggest that metabolic stress and inflammation may begin far earlier than expected.
Withdrawal of tirzepatide after 36-week treatment led to 25% or greater weight regain in most participants within a year, reversing initial cardiometabolic parameter improvements. Continued obesity treatment is crucial for sustained benefits.
A study by the German Diabetes Center found that people with type 2 diabetes and fatty liver disease have impaired mitochondrial ketone body oxidation, reducing their ability to produce energy from ketones. This defect suggests a potential new target for improving energy metabolism in diabetes.
The European Society of Endocrinology is launching a new campaign to raise awareness about the importance of hormone health. The #BecauseHormonesMatter initiative aims to improve public understanding of hormones and promote practical steps for better hormone health, following the success of last year's campaign.
Researchers found a significant link between type 1 diabetes and an increased risk of bladder cancer, with people being 4.29 times more likely to develop the disease. The new analysis controlled for tobacco smoking, a factor that obscured the heightened risk in earlier studies.
A nationwide survey by the American Gastroenterological Association found that nearly two-thirds of Americans recognize obesity as a chronic disease, while over 80% believe insurance should cover its treatment. However, barriers such as high out-of-pocket costs and lack of coverage for procedures or medications hinder access to weight-...
Research highlights CNDP enzymes as key regulators of metabolic disorders and oncogenic pathways. Genetic polymorphisms and molecular mechanisms revealed, linking CNDP function to energy balance and obesity management. Future studies focus on developing targeted therapies and diagnostic tools.
A human clinical trial found that consuming black cumin seed powder daily for 8 weeks significantly reduced blood triglycerides, LDL and total cholesterol levels. The study also showed an increase in HDL cholesterol levels, associated with a lower risk of heart problems.
Dr. Leanne Redman joins the Charles Perkins Centre to lead research on obesity, diet, and exercise, building on her extensive experience in women's health issues and translational research. With over 300 publications and numerous awards, she will expand the centre's impact on global health.
Researchers found that an elevated one-hour blood glucose level after an oral glucose tolerance test can signal a critical metabolic state. Participants with this value responded well to lifestyle interventions, improving insulin sensitivity and beta-cell function, and reducing the risk of type 2 diabetes.
A study found that eating earlier in the day leads to significant changes in fat metabolism, whereas late eating has no measurable effect. The researchers used lipidomics and analyzed gene activity in fat tissue to understand the origin of these effects.
Researchers have found that a one-hour plasma glucose concentration is a more sensitive marker for early detection of impaired glucose tolerance than traditional methods. This biomarker can help identify at-risk individuals and enable targeted prevention strategies.
A recent USC study tracked 85 young adults over four years and found that increased ultra-processed food consumption was linked to elevated blood sugar and early signs of diabetes risk. The researchers also discovered that limiting UPF intake can help prevent disease.
Exercise promotes angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis through molecular signaling pathways, enhancing vascular function and immune response. This process offers potential interventions to combat age-related decline and disease, including cardiovascular diseases, muscle atrophy, and metabolic disorders.
A new study found that time-restricted eating without calorie restriction does not improve metabolic health in women with overweight or obesity, but shifting the body's internal clocks. The study also revealed that participants who followed a late-eating schedule went to bed and woke up later.
Researchers explore the link between senescent cells and metabolic diseases, highlighting potential treatments known as senotherapeutics. Senolytics, senomorphics, and senosensitizers are interventions aimed at eliminating or suppressing senescent cells to mitigate metabolic disease.
A recent study from Houston Methodist reveals how Alzheimer's can disrupt the connection between nerves and blood vessels in fat tissue, worsening heart and metabolic conditions. The research highlights a potential link between neurodegeneration and cardiovascular and metabolic disorders.
The Louisiana ECHO program, which focuses on pre-, peri- and postnatal outcomes, obesity, and other areas, will continue its efforts to expand access to clinical trials for Louisiana children. The grant renewal supports the collaboration between researchers from Pennington Biomedical and Ochsner Health System, as well as two free-stand...
A new study from Virginia Tech found that weightlifting outmuscles running for blood sugar control in diabetes models. The research compared the effects of endurance and resistance exercise in mice fed a high-fat diet and found that weightlifting was more effective in reducing subcutaneous and visceral fat, improving glucose tolerance,...
Pennington Biomedical researchers will participate in numerous panels and presentations during the conference, sharing their latest findings on obesity treatment and prevention. The institution is well-represented at the event, with faculty members among the experts leading courses, presentations, and speaker panels.
The European Society of Endocrinology (ESE) has announced the winners of the 2026 ESE Awards, which recognize outstanding contributions to improving knowledge and expertise in endocrinology. This year's winners include Martin Reincke for his work on neuroendocrinology and Maria-Christina Zennaro for her research on hypertension.
Researchers have discovered that HSL plays an unexpected role in the nucleus of fat cells, helping maintain healthy adipose tissue. This new understanding challenges 60 years of certainty about fat metabolism and offers avenues for better understanding metabolic diseases such as obesity.
Researchers developed innovative 3D dynamic cell co-culture models to simulate MASLD progression stages, addressing traditional 2D culture limitations. Pro-inflammatory macrophages were identified as drivers of hepatocyte lipid metabolism disruption.
The National Institutes of Health has renewed Pennington Biomedical's Metabolic Basis of Disease Center for five years, providing $2.2M per year to support research on the mechanisms of metabolic health. The center aims to address the obesity epidemic and its related illnesses.
A study published in Science Advances found that the ketogenic diet can have potentially dangerous impacts on metabolic health, including impaired blood sugar regulation and fatty liver disease. Mice fed the diet developed severe metabolic complications, with some changes starting within days.
A new study has identified a leptin-sensitive brain circuit in the lateral hypothalamus that helps animals overcome anxiety to perform essential behaviors such as eating, exploring, and limiting maladaptive hyperactivity. Boosting the activity of these neurons can restore adaptive choices even under conditions that cause anxiety.
Researchers developed innovative blood-based biomarkers to predict long-term blood pressure improvements after bariatric surgery. The study analyzed pre-surgery blood tests and identified top 10 molecules linked to improved blood pressure outcomes.
The European Society of Endocrinology has released the EndoCompass Research Roadmap, a major new initiative to align research efforts and improve funding strategies for hormone-related health challenges. The roadmap identifies specific research needs across eight endocrine specialties and five cross-cutting areas.
Researchers have identified a cellular mechanism that transmits mitochondrial DNA mutations, which can cause serious and incurable diseases. A potential treatment is proposed to target the enzyme USP30, reducing the risk of mitochondrial disease transmission.
The four-day training program equipped postdoctoral fellows with state-of-the-art methods for clinical research in obesity, metabolism and nutrition. Participants deepened their skills in gold-standard methodologies crucial for advancing clinical and translational research.
A new study shows that just 30 minutes of less sitting per day can improve the body's ability to utilize fats and carbohydrates for energy production. Participants who successfully reduced sedentary time showed improvements in metabolic flexibility and fat burning during light-intensity exercise.
Researchers have developed a new mRNA vaccine technology using albumin-recruiting lipid nanoparticles to deliver vaccines precisely to lymph nodes, avoiding liver toxicity. The approach outperformed traditional delivery systems in laboratory tests, producing strong antitumor T-cell responses and high levels of neutralizing antibodies.
A study of 5,794 adults found that different types of depression are associated with varying levels of risk for cardiometabolic diseases. Those with atypical/energy-related symptoms were more likely to develop Type-2 diabetes, while those with melancholic symptoms were at higher risk for cardiovascular disease.
A growing number of patients on GLP-1 receptor agonists may experience altered FDG uptake patterns on oncological PET-CT scans, potentially leading to misdiagnosis. Researchers recommend documenting medication histories to inform interpretation and developing national guidance.
A new report highlights the potential of precision medicine to improve obesity prevention and treatment by identifying high-risk individuals and tailoring interventions. The authors emphasize the need for rigorous clinical trials to empirically determine the effectiveness of precision-based treatments.
Research presents evidence suggesting that metabolically active visceral fat is associated with more advanced stages of endometrial cancer and lymph node metastases. The study found no strong correlation between visceral fat volume and its metabolic activity.
Researchers exploring how exercise stress affects cellular adaptations and disease risk, focusing on mitochondrial energy sensing and AMPK activation. The study aims to determine if increasing mitoAMPK activity can mitigate diabetes in skeletal muscle.
A repeated cross-sectional study shows that cardiometabolic risk factors in Spanish children have improved over the last 30 years, with decreases in excess weight, lipid parameters, and blood pressure. The study provides valuable insights into the evolution of cardiometabolic risk in children.
Researchers developed a novel RNA-based therapy using lipid nanoparticles to silence a gene causing ceramide buildup in the liver, reducing inflammation and scarring. The treatment shows promise for millions of patients worldwide and could eventually benefit those with heart disease, obesity, and diabetes.
A simple blood analysis can predict the risk of developing severe liver disease, enabling earlier detection and potentially improving treatment outcomes. The CORE model, developed by Karolinska Institutet researchers, is based on three routine blood tests and has been shown to be highly accurate in predicting liver disease risk.
The study reveals that Christensenella tenuis significantly reduces LPS levels and improves glucose and lipid metabolism in diet-induced obesity mice. It achieves this through a distinct bile acids-LPS interaction, preventing LPS from translocating into the bloodstream.
The latest Global Burden of Disease study reveals a significant increase in cardiovascular disease (CVD) burden worldwide, with CVD causing one in three deaths globally. The report estimates that 79.6% of all CVD deaths are attributable to modifiable risk factors, which has increased globally by 97.4 million since 1990.
Zhiqiang Lin, Ph.D., receives a $300,000 AHA grant to investigate VGLL4's role in protecting the liver from fatty liver disease. The study aims to slow MASH progression to liver failure, potentially improving quality of life for millions suffering from the illness.
Researchers have identified a new population of hypothalamic neurons, Crabp1 neurons, that play a critical role in regulating energy expenditure. Silencing these neurons leads to reduced energy expenditure and obesity, while activating them enhances locomotor activity and protects against high-fat diet-induced weight gain.
A new study published in JAMA Network Open shows that regular phone support after losing weight is crucial for maintaining weight loss. Participants who received monthly phone calls maintained an average of 8% weight loss from their starting weight, with about 60% keeping off at least 5% of their initial weight.