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Maynooth University study finds the metabolic regulator MYC is defective in obesity

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.

SourceMaynooth University·JournalScience Signaling·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 27, 2023

Possible genetic basis and mouse model found for severe nonalcoholic fatty liver disease

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.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 9, 2023

Hope for patients with a severe rare disease

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.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature Metabolism·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 26, 2023

New hope for treatment of rare metabolic disease

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.

SourceUniversität Leipzig·JournalThe Lancet Neurology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJan 20, 2023

Aging | The potential benefit of metformin to reduce delirium risk and mortality: a retrospective cohort study

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.

SourceImpact Journals LLC·JournalAging-US·TypeObservational study·DateDec 7, 2022

Adoption of front-of-pack nutrition warnings can help decrease obesity, cardiovascular disease, type-2 diabetes and some cancers in the Americas

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.

SourceUniversity of Nevada, Reno·JournalThe Lancet Regional Health - Americas·DateDec 1, 2022

After 30 years -- new guidelines for weight-loss surgery

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...

SourceAmerican Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery·JournalSurgery for Obesity and Related Diseases·TypeLiterature review·DateOct 21, 2022

Insufficient insulin processing leads to overweight

A study by University of Basel researchers found that insufficient insulin production contributes to overweight, challenging the long-held belief that poor nutrition and lack of exercise cause weight gain. The research revealed a key enzyme's role in hormone activation, leading to severe hunger and obesity.

SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 1, 2022

“Unlocking” sarcopenic obesity: A review in portal hypertension & cirrhosis provides clarity on key aspects of disease impact and treatment

Researchers from Tianjin Medical University General Hospital review sarcopenic obesity's impact on liver disease, including nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and cirrhosis. The study aims to clarify the pathogenesis of sarcopenic obesity and identify potential therapeutic avenues.

SourceCactus Communications·JournalPortal Hypertension & Cirrhosis·TypeLiterature review·DateJul 6, 2022

Population screening for fracture risk: A logical step in reducing the osteoporotic fracture burden

The International Osteoporosis Foundation proposes a screening strategy to identify women at high risk of hip fracture, which could lead to a reduction in treatment gaps and improved identification of fractures. The approach combines low-cost assessment with targeted intervention using low-cost generic treatments.

SourceInternational Osteoporosis Foundation·JournalArchives of Osteoporosis·TypeLiterature review·DateJun 29, 2022

Gut microbiota of wild Assamese macaques become more unique with age

Research on wild Assamese macaques reveals that their gut bacteria composition changes uniquely with age, despite similar lifestyles. This finding suggests that the process is part of natural aging and not due to lifestyle changes, with potential implications for developing personalized therapies against intestinal diseases.

SourceDeutsches Primatenzentrum (DPZ)/German Primate Center·JournalMicrobiome·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 20, 2022

Singapore study: Highly scalable multi-pronged intervention could cut hypertension-linked morbidity, mortality globally

A cluster-randomised trial in Singapore showed a low-cost, multi-pronged intervention improved BP control, reduced cardiovascular risk and increased use of antihypertensive medications. The intervention could cut hypertension-linked morbidity and mortality globally with rapid scalability.

SourceDuke-NUS Medical School·JournalPLOS Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJun 13, 2022

Obesity-related fertility issues may be improved by correcting blood sugar levels

A recent study published in the Journal of Endocrinology suggests that lowering blood glucose levels can partially restore reproductive hormone levels and ovulation in female mice with obesity. The study used dapagliflozin, a common type 2 diabetes medication, to treat the mice, resulting in improved fertility outcomes.

SourceSociety for Endocrinology·JournalJournal of Endocrinology·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 25, 2022

From cavefish to humans: Evolution of metabolism in cavefish may provide insight into treatments for a host of diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, and stroke

Researchers studied cavefish genome-wide map of liver tissue to understand metabolism evolution and its potential applications for humans. The study found striking similarities in metabolic adaptations among cavefish populations, raising questions about universal adaptation mechanisms that could be triggered in other species like humans.

SourceStowers Institute for Medical Research·JournalNature Genetics·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 12, 2022

Combination of weak muscles and abdominal obesity can be an early sign of functional decline in men

A Brazilian study analyzing data from 3,875 elderly men and women found that weak muscles combined with abdominal obesity can indicate an early sign of functional decline. The study suggests that monitoring simple actions such as sitting down, standing up, walking short distances may help identify this condition.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·DateApr 28, 2022

Digital training at home to beat lockdown frustration

A digital training program improved movement behavior, physical activity, and mental well-being in participants, while also reducing anxiety levels. The study, conducted by Goethe University Frankfurt, found that the program was particularly effective when used with professional trainers and regular questionnaires.

SourceGoethe University Frankfurt·JournalBritish Journal of Sports Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateApr 6, 2022

Pusan National University scientists discover why women are more resistant to nonalcoholic fatty liver disease than men

Researchers found that female mice produce more of the FPR2 protein, which helps prevent NAFLD, and that estrogen mediates its production. This discovery highlights the need for sex-balanced animal experiments and could lead to novel treatments and gender-based therapies for NASH

SourcePusan National University·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 17, 2022

Evidence links e-cigarette use with increased odds of prediabetes

A large US survey found a strong association between e-cigarette use and prediabetes, with users having higher prevalence of high-risk lifestyle factors and worse health status. The study's findings challenge the promotion of e-cigarettes as a safer smoking alternative.

SourceElsevier·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 3, 2022

Herbs that protect the heart: Bilobalide reduces cardiac damage in myocardial ischemia, says new study in Journal of Pharmaceutical Analysis

Researchers found that bilobalide, an active ingredient in Ginkgo biloba extract, protects the heart from ischemic injuries by preserving ATP generation and enhancing metabolic flux. The study suggests that bilobalide may provide a new herbal therapy for treating myocardial ischemia.

SourceCactus Communications·JournalJournal of Pharmaceutical Analysis·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 24, 2022

Step Up: walking may reduce Type 2 Diabetes risk for adults 65 and older

A study published in Diabetes Care found that walking regularly at greater intensity and taking more steps can lower the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes among adults aged 65 and older. For every 1,000 additional steps per day, the risk is reduced by 6%, with a 12% reduction possible if an average adult takes 2,000 more steps daily.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalDiabetes Care·TypeObservational study·DateJan 20, 2022