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Vitamin D improves gut flora and metabolic syndrome

Researchers discovered that vitamin D deficiency contributes to metabolic syndrome progression in mice by disrupting gut bacteria balance. Vitamin D supplementation improves metabolic syndrome outcomes by recovering gut bacteria balance and reducing blood sugar levels.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Physiology·DateDec 21, 2016

Better definition of 'pre-diabetes' can help identify those at risk for complications

A new definition of pre-diabetes based on hemoglobin A1C levels can help identify individuals at high risk of developing long-term complications from diabetes. The study suggests that this more accurate predictor can encourage lifestyle changes such as weight loss and exercise, ultimately preventing the development of full-blown diabetes.

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalThe Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology·DateNov 15, 2016

Overlooked benefit of successful healthy lifestyle programs: Improved quality-of-life

Researchers found that community-based behavioral lifestyle intervention programs improve health-related quality of life by nearly 10% among participants. Those with lower baseline quality of life showed the greatest improvement, with scores increasing from 61.8 to 74 after completing the year-long program.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences·JournalQuality of Life Research·DateJul 26, 2016

The Muffin Study: Mono- vs. polyunsaturated fats in patients with metabolic syndrome

A recent clinical trial found that patients with metabolic syndrome who consumed muffins enriched with safflower oil (PUFA) lost more weight and showed greater health improvements than those consuming muffins made with sunflower oil (MUFA). This is a significant finding, as the study suggests that PUFA may be a better choice for managi...

SourceUniversity of Maryland Medical Center·JournalJournal of Clinical Lipidology·DateJun 15, 2016

New research from Pear Bureau Northwest

A randomized, placebo-controlled crossover clinical trial found that regular fresh pear consumption significantly lowered systolic blood pressure and pulse pressure in middle-aged men and women with metabolic syndrome. The study, led by Dr. Sarah A. Johnson, suggests pears may be a potential tool to improve cardiovascular risk factors.

Brain receptor regulates fat burning in cells

Scientists at Gladstone Institutes discovered a novel regulator of body weight: the P75 neurotrophin receptor. Lowering levels of p75 NTR protected mice from developing obesity, diabetes, and fatty liver disease on a high-fat diet. The receptor plays a key role in regulating metabolic processes that control body weight.

SourceGladstone Institutes·JournalCell Reports·DateJan 12, 2016

Obese people need more vitamin E, but actually get less

A recent study suggests that obese individuals with metabolic syndrome may be chronically deficient in vitamin E, which is crucial for combating oxidative stress and associated diseases like heart disease and Alzheimer's. Experts recommend a balanced diet with daily multivitamins and healthy fats to mitigate this deficiency.

SourceOregon State University·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·DateNov 2, 2015

Gut bacteria could be blamed for obesity and diabetes

Research suggests that gut bacteria can ferment dietary fiber, producing short-chain fatty acids that contribute to liver lipids and potentially lead to non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. In individuals with compromised TLR5 function, overconsumption of fiber may exacerbate this process.

SourcePenn State·JournalCell Metabolism·DateOct 29, 2015

Marshall University research team publishes study in prestigious Science Advances

Researchers at Marshall University have identified a novel mechanism for blocking the signal by which the cellular sodium-potassium pump amplifies oxidants, leading to obesity and metabolic syndrome. The study, published in Science Advances, suggests that the Na/K-ATPase might be a therapeutic target for treating these conditions.

Immune cells may help fight against obesity

A new study found that mice lacking certain immune cells gained excess weight and developed metabolic abnormalities even on a standard diet. Removing these cells prevented weight gain and metabolic issues. The study indicates that immune cells may help control fat tissue's energy storage and reduce inflammation.

SourceCell Press·JournalImmunity·DateSep 15, 2015

Faster heart rate linked to diabetes risk

A four-year study of 73,357 Chinese adults found that faster heart rates were positively associated with an increased risk of developing diabetes. Participants with faster heart rates had a 23% increased risk of diabetes for every 10 beats per minute, similar to the effects of a 3 kilogram per meter square increase in body mass index.

SourcePenn State·JournalInternational Journal of Epidemiology·DateMay 22, 2015

Study finds high prevalence of metabolic syndrome in US

A study published in JAMA Network found that nearly 35 percent of all U.S. adults and 50 percent of those 60 years or older had metabolic syndrome in 2011-2012. The condition is characterized by a combination of health conditions including obesity, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, and poor lipid profiles.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateMay 19, 2015

New culprit identified in metabolic syndrome

Researchers found that excess uric acid can disrupt normal metabolism, leading to the development of metabolic syndrome. A new study suggests that diet and fructose consumption may contribute to high uric acid levels, which can cause inflammation and oxidative stress in the body.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 8, 2014

AJMC publishes results showing big data analytics can predict risk of metabolic syndrome

Researchers used large-scale patient data analytics to predict future risk of metabolic syndrome, identifying individual variable impact on risk associated with adherence to prescribed medications and routine doctor visits. The study also found that improving waist circumference and blood glucose yielded the largest benefits.

SourceMacDougall Biomedical Communications, Inc.·JournalThe American Journal of Managed Care·DateJun 27, 2014

Highlights from the June issue of GIE: Gastrointestinal Endoscopy

Researchers found that patients with Barrett's esophagus and low-grade dysplasia have a high incidence rate of esophageal adenocarcinoma, while metabolic syndrome and smoking heighten concerns regarding colorectal cancer screening in men. A new guideline for endoscopy in patients with lower gastrointestinal bleeding is also introduced.

SourceAmerican Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy·JournalGastrointestinal Endoscopy·DateJun 23, 2014

New study finds concussion-related health problems in retired football players

A new study published in Journal of Neurotrauma found that retired professional football players who suffered repeated concussions had reduced levels of growth hormone, gonadotropin, and testosterone, leading to disorders such as metabolic syndrome and impaired quality of life. The study suggests that repeat concussion may elicit pitui...

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalJournal of Neurotrauma·DateFeb 25, 2014

Study highlights long-term effects of childhood obesity on late-life health

A recent study published in Gerontology highlights the long-term effects of childhood obesity on late-life health, finding that obese children may be more predisposed to complications independent of adult obesity. Early exposure to obesity can alter metabolism during a critical developmental time frame, leading to increased risk of met...