Articles tagged with Metabolic Disorders
A study by researchers from Osaka University found that HSP47, a collagen-specific molecular chaperone, is significantly expressed in fat tissue and correlates with body fat levels. High or low HSP47 expression was linked to high or low body fat levels in both humans and mice.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh have discovered a potential new target for treating Barth syndrome, a rare genetic disease with devastating consequences. They identified a molecular culprit that could be targeted to potentially reverse the disease course and developed a small-molecule drug candidate to correct genetic tafaz...
Researchers at the University of Tsukuba discovered a novel pathway where pancreatic beta-cells undergo dedifferentiation and differentiate into acinar-like cells, contributing to insulin secretory capacity reduction. The study also identified Anxa10 as a key gene upregulated in pancreatic beta-cells during diabetes onset.
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.
A new USC study identifies two metabolites that may predict which young Latino people are most likely to develop prediabetes. The research found that allylphenol sulfate and caprylic acid were the most predictive of prediabetes when combined with other risk factors.
A study of 54,000 participants found that diabetes was associated with an elevated risk of colorectal cancer. The association was attenuated for those who completed colonoscopies, highlighting the potential benefits of preventative screening.
A recent clinical trial found that semaglutide significantly reduced cardiovascular events in adults with overweight or obesity who do not have diabetes. The medication was shown to lower the risk of death from cardiovascular causes, nonfatal heart attacks, and strokes by 20% compared to placebo.
A recent study found that transient inflammatory pain causes persistent mitochondrial and metabolic disturbances in sensory neurons, leading to failure in pain resolution. Targeting the cellular redox balance prevents and treats chronic inflammatory pain in rodents.
A recent study found that formaldehyde, a common environmental hazard, can change the epigenetics of cells. The toxic substance alters the regulation of genes and is linked to an increased risk of developing cancer, as well as other diseases such as hepatic degeneration and asthma.
A recent study published in the Journal of Cell Biology has made significant progress in understanding autophagy and lipid recycling. Researchers used yeast as a model organism to identify key players in the process, including Atg15, Pep4, and Prb1, and demonstrated that Pep4 and Prb1 activate Atg15 to break down phospholipid bilayers.
A new exercise-mimicking drug, SLU-PP-332, has shown promising results in obese mice, leading to weight loss and increased muscle activity without increasing physical activity. The drug works by boosting a natural metabolic pathway, making the body act like it is training for a marathon, resulting in faster metabolism of fat.
A new study found that digesting fiber from crustaceans, insects, and mushrooms in mice engages the immune system, leading to less weight gain, reduced body fat, and a resistance to obesity. The researchers discovered that an active immune response was triggered by chitin digestion, which is insoluble and requires enzymes to break down.
A systematic review found that antidepressants are equally effective and safe for patients with both depression and physical health issues as those without. The study suggests that treating these patients with antidepressants can improve quality of life and reduce the course of physical disease.
This review summarizes six common RNA modifications, including m6A, m5C, m1A, m7G, Ψ, and A-to-I editing, which play crucial roles in various human diseases. The authors discuss the mechanisms of these modifications and their targeting by small molecule inhibitors.
Researchers discovered a gut bacteria that helps reduce insulin resistance and protect against diabetes. The study found that a specific bacteria, Alistipes indistinctus, consumed excess monosaccharides in the gut, lowering blood sugar levels and reducing insulin resistance.
The study reveals that obesity-induced oxidative stress degrades CtBP2 protein, impairing pancreatic beta-cell function. This finding highlights the importance of targeting CtBP2 as a potential therapeutic strategy for obesity-related diseases.
Researchers have identified four metabolism-related biomarkers linked to an increased risk of metastatic prostate cancer in Black men. These biomarkers could lead to improved testing and treatments for this high-risk population, who are more than twice as likely to die from the disease.
A study published in Liver Research found that glucokinase activators (GKAs) improved glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity in mice with diet-induced obesity. However, GKAs also induced hepatic lipid accumulation, which activated the PERK-UPR signaling pathway.
A new study found an increase in precocious puberty diagnoses among girls during the COVID-19 pandemic due to poor lifestyle changes. Girls with higher body mass index scores were more likely to be diagnosed with early puberty, suggesting a link between rapid weight gain and advanced pubertal development.
A randomized controlled study found that participants who restricted their daily eating to between noon and 8 p.m. lost more weight and showed similar improvements in blood sugar levels compared to those on a calorie-restricted diet.
A new study found that snacking on high-quality foods can improve blood fat and insulin responses, while late-night snacking may have unfavorable effects. The researchers analyzed data from over 1,000 people in the UK and found no association between snack frequency or calories consumed and health measures.
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.
UCSB researchers develop platform to interpret cellular 'stress memory landscape', predicting future reaction to stressors. The study opens window into various cellular stress-related conditions, including aging, cancer and neurodegenerative diseases.
Researchers identify genes that directly influence what we eat and find foods that can boost brain health and protect the planet. New insights into genetic basis for food preferences could help improve personalized nutrition.
A recent study led by Dr. Itamar Harel reveals that manipulating AMP biosynthesis can extend lifespan and promote metabolic health in vertebrates. The research used the turquoise killifish as a model organism and found remarkable effects on energy metabolism, including a fasting-like profile and enhanced resistance to high-fat diets.
A new special issue of Calcified Tissue International & Musculoskeletal Research explores how the skeleton functions as both a secretory organ and an endocrine target tissue. Researchers discuss key avenues in this area of research, including deciphering hormone messages encoded in bone cell secretory products.
Research from University of Illinois Chicago found water fasts spur noticeable short-term weight loss, but metabolic benefits disappear soon after fast ends. Participants lost 4-10% of their weight during the fast, and some gained back the lost weight within three months.
A randomized phase II study found that adding metformin to androgen deprivation therapy did not reduce the risk of metabolic syndrome or improve PSA response in patients with advanced prostate cancer. Metformin showed some antitumor effects through mTOR inhibition, but these were not significant.
A global study predicts a significant increase in hip fractures worldwide by 2050, with the number projected to nearly double compared to 2018. The study highlights a post-fracture treatment gap in fracture prevention, particularly for men, leading to increased mortality and dependency.
A new research centre will focus on developing new types of RNA medicine for treating metabolic diseases. The centre, led by Professor Jørgen Kjems at Aarhus University, aims to create targeted treatments for conditions like diabetes and atherosclerosis.
Researchers have developed a simple blood test that can diagnose De Vivo disease, a rare and disabling neurological disorder. The test, called METAglut1, has a high sensitivity and specificity, allowing for accurate diagnosis in a short amount of time.
Researchers discovered that tirzepatide stimulates insulin secretion in human pancreatic islets through the GIP receptor. This finding contrasts with previous studies in mice, which showed that tirzepatide primarily stimulated insulin secretion via the GLP-1 receptor.
Researchers updated their protein localization prediction model, MULocDeep, to provide more targeted predictions for biological discoveries. The tool helps researchers design more effective experiments and advance scientific discoveries related to drug development and treating diseases like epilepsy.
Metabolic and bariatric surgery use among US youth increased significantly from 2020 to 2021, rising by 50% compared to pre-pandemic years. Adults saw a decline in MBS rates during the same period, highlighting shifts in healthcare access and utilization.
A recent study published in Translational Psychiatry found that obesity significantly increases the likelihood of developing mental disorders, including depression and anxiety, across all age groups. Women were found to be at a higher risk for most diseases compared to men.
The European Society of Endocrinology, ESE Foundation, and other partners mark the second European Hormone Day to promote better understanding of hormone roles and encourage change in health policy. The 'Milano Declaration' calls for stronger inclusion of endocrine health perspective in European policies.
The new FRAXplus beta version offers a more user-friendly platform to refine risk factor information, allowing clinicians to explore the impact on individual patients. The tool provides helpful features such as saved data and export options to facilitate sharing.
Professor Nicholas Harvey received the prestigious IOF Olof Johnell Science Award for his outstanding scientific contributions to osteoporosis. The award recognizes his work on fracture risk assessment tools and musculoskeletal research.
Bernard Cortet receives ESCEO-IOF Herbert Fleisch Medal for groundbreaking contributions to osteoporosis research, including publications on clinical recommendations and patient outcomes. He is recognized for his leadership roles in French Society of Rheumatology and Osteoporosis Research and Information Group.
The Build Better Bones platform provides practical guidance on strengthening bones through targeted exercises and bone-healthy nutrition. The platform also offers helpful information for caregivers, including support with daily tasks and medical specialty knowledge.
A Maynooth University study published in Science Signaling has found that the MYC protein is essential for MAIT cell growth, proliferation, metabolism, and function. The researchers also discovered that MYC is defective in people with obesity, providing a mechanism to explain why MAIT cells are impaired in this condition.
A study published in Scientific Reports found that rats exposed to high-fat diets during pregnancy and early life developed a preference for salty taste. This preference was linked to increased levels of AT1 protein in the taste buds, which can lead to higher sodium intake and potentially contribute to obesity and diet-linked diseases.
A new study published in PLOS Medicine found that the sugary drink tax in Oakland reduced purchases by 26.8%, leading to improved health and significant cost savings. The researchers estimated that consuming fewer SSBs added 94 quality-adjusted life-years per 10,000 residents and saved the city over $100,000 in healthcare costs.
Edward Chouchani, an associate professor at Harvard Medical School, has been awarded the $50,000 Vilcek Prize for Creative Promise in Biomedical Science. His research focuses on understanding metabolic disease using mass spectrometry and biochemical approaches.
Researchers found that higher selenium levels were associated with lower blood pressure and HDL concentration in middle-aged women. The study suggests that selenium may moderate the effect of genetic variants on MetS components, such as waist circumference.
Scientists at the University of Utah Health have discovered a complex network of protein-metabolite interactions within cells that enable them to respond to environmental cues and maintain homeostasis. The study, published in Science, highlights the importance of these interactions in regulating metabolic processes and preventing disease.
Researchers reveal Akt2's role in insulin-regulated metabolism, initiating energy production and nucleic acid synthesis. The study provides new insights into metabolic disorders like diabetes, paving the way for targeted therapeutics.
A mutant SRSF1 gene may cause severe nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NASH), researchers have found. Mice lacking the gene develop all three hallmarks of NASH: excess fat, inflammation, and scarring in the liver. The study suggests that DNA damage in liver cells triggers this pathology, highlighting the need to protect the genome.
A team of scientists from ETH Zurich has developed a new diagnostic strategy for methylmalonic aciduria (MMA), a rare metabolic disorder affecting approximately one in 90,000 newborns. The approach, which considers genetic, RNA, protein, and metabolomics data, correctly diagnosed 84% of patients examined.
A controlled clinical trial has shown that the new drug leriglitazone can prevent neurodegeneration and brain inflammation in patients with X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy. The study found improvements in neurological conditions such as balance disorders, which had a positive impact on quality of life.
Biomarkers of bone turnover are essential for diagnosing and treating metabolic musculoskeletal diseases. The International Osteoporosis Foundation, IFCC, and ESCEO have collaborated to publish authoritative reviews on the use and interpretation of these biomarkers.
UC San Diego researchers analyzed plankton samples from the Continuous Plankton Recorder Survey to reconstruct historical marine pollution trends. They found rising levels of manmade chemicals in oceans, which may be used to monitor ecosystem health and study connections between ocean pollution and human chronic illnesses.
A retrospective cohort study of 1,404 subjects with type 2 diabetes found that metformin use reduced the risk of delirium by 50% and decreased 3-year mortality rates. The study suggests that metformin may be a potential benefit for patients with diabetes, particularly in reducing age-related disorders such as dementia.
A recent study led by the University of Nevada, Reno and the Pan American Health Organization suggests that the adoption of front-of-pack nutrition labeling can help reduce poor-nutrition related non-communicable diseases in the region. Improved FOPNL systems have been associated with improved diet quality and reduced risk of NCDs.
Researchers found that a genetic mutation associated with liver disease confers different levels of risk depending on a patient's diabetic status. In diabetic patients, the mutation predisposes them to nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, but in nondiabetic patients, it protects against liver disease.
A study by Okayama University researchers found that neuromedin U (NMU) is involved in metabolic processes but its 'anti-hunger' function may not be crucial for rats. Unlike mice, NMU expression is restricted in the rat brain and does not suppress feeding behavior.
Scientists identified a three-protein signature in the blood that can improve detection of isolated impaired glucose tolerance, a form of prediabetes. The new test reduces the number of individuals who need to undergo oral glucose tolerance testing.
Researchers from University of South Australia found that porous silica can prevent fats and carbohydrates from being adsorbed in the body. Engineered particles of purified sand are designed to soak up digestive enzymes, fats, and sugars within the gastrointestinal tract.
The new guidelines, issued by the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS) and the International Federation for the Surgery of Obesity and Metabolic Disorders (IFSO), recommend metabolic and bariatric surgery for individuals with a BMI of 35 or more, regardless of obesity-related conditions. The guidelines also endo...
The Vilcek Foundation has awarded $250,000 in prizes to four leading immigrant scientists: Alejandro Sánchez Alvarado, Edward Chouchani, Biyu J. He, and Shixin Liu. They received the 2023 Vilcek Foundation Prizes in Biomedical Science for their groundbreaking work in regeneration, metabolic disease, cognitive neuroscience, and nanoscal...