Metabolic Health
Articles tagged with Metabolic Health
Metformin’s real power may be in the gut
FAU review: Obesity and Alzheimer’s linked by disease-driving metabolic pathways
A review from Florida Atlantic University links obesity to Alzheimer's disease through disruptions in metabolism, highlighting the importance of mitochondrial function and gut-brain axis balance. Early detection and whole-body prevention may become possible through monitoring metabolic health.
Creatine is claimed to benefit our body and mind. Here’s what the latest science does – and doesn’t – tell us
Creatine supplementation has been shown to increase muscle energy and improve cognitive function, particularly in populations with lower baseline creatine levels. Emerging evidence also explores its potential therapeutic applications for conditions like Parkinson's disease and menopause-related muscle loss.
Pennington Biomedical Research Advances understanding of how the brain senses diet to control appetite and metabolism
A recent study published in Cell Reports identified a key pathway through which the hormone FGF21 influences eating behavior and energy balance. The findings highlight the importance of nutrition in brain function and suggest that FGF21-based therapies could be optimized to target specific brain circuits.
Does stress during pregnancy affect offspring’s metabolic health?
Prenatal stress alters signaling pathways involving corticosteroids in brown fat tissue, potentially blunting the metabolic benefits of exercise. The study highlights the importance of considering maternal stress context in developmental metabolic programming.
Exosomal miR-122-3p identified as key driver of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease
A study identified exosomal microRNA-122-3p as a key driver of MASLD pathogenesis. Elevated miR-122-3p levels induced triglyceride accumulation and reactive oxygen species production in liver cells.
The brain’s power could also help predict its decline
A team of researchers, led by Bistra Iordanova and Liang Zhan, are developing multiscale models of brain metabolism to predict cognitive decline and dementia. They will analyze data from brain imaging, blood flow, and neural activity to identify metabolic changes that affect brain function in aging.
Lifestyle factors and cardiometabolic risk
A review highlights the importance of healthy lifestyles in reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. Adhering to optimal lifestyle factors, such as a heart-healthy diet, regular physical activity, and adequate sleep, can dramatically lower disease incidence.
Scientists discover pathway that activates brown fat
Researchers have identified a key protein that activates brown fat by expanding blood vessels and nerves, which can regulate body temperature and is linked to weight loss. The findings suggest a new approach to treating obesity that deviates from suppressing appetite.
Long-term cardiometabolic outcomes in children with metabolically healthy and unhealthy obesity
Children with metabolically healthy obesity at treatment initiation have an increased risk of type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and dyslipidemia. Reduction in BMI z score is associated with reduced cardiometabolic risk, suggesting treatment should be recommended for these children as well.
Personalized predictions of probiotic and prebiotic therapy success by computer models
A new study uses metabolic modeling to predict which probiotics will successfully establish themselves in a person's gut and how prebiotics affect short-chain fatty acid production. The findings demonstrate the utility of these models for personalized probiotic and prebiotic interventions.
Healthy versions of low-carb and low-fat diets linked to better cardiovascular and metabolic health
A new study found that versions of both diet patterns emphasizing healthy foods are associated with a lower risk of coronary heart disease. The study suggests that focusing on overall diet quality may offer flexibility for individuals to choose eating patterns that align with their preferences while still supporting heart health.
New study may offer hope to women suffering menopausal hot flashes, night sweats
A new study from the University of Victoria found that higher insulin levels at age 47 predicted younger onsets of hot flashes and night sweats. Insulin may be a stronger predictor of hot flashes when taking other metabolic variables into account, while body mass index (BMI) appeared more closely associated with estrogen level changes.
First-in-human drug trial lowers high blood fats
Scientists developed a compound that targets Liver X Receptor specifically in liver and gut to lower triglycerides. In first-in-human clinical trial, participants showed significant drops in triglycerides and remnant cholesterol after taking the drug.
Body composition changes after bariatric surgery or treatment with GLP-1 receptor agonists
Both bariatric surgery and semaglutide treatment were associated with significant fat mass loss, moderate fat-free mass loss, and an improved FFM to fat mass ratio. These findings support interventions aimed at preserving muscle mass while promoting weight loss.
The gut bacteria that put the brakes on weight gain in mice
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.
The smell of fatty foods during pregnancy promotes obesity in offspring
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.
Short and irregular weekday sleep disrupts glucose regulation even after weekend sleep recovery, NUS Medicine study reveals
Researchers found that short and irregular weekday sleep significantly disrupts glucose metabolism, increasing type 2 diabetes risk. Even with extended weekend sleep, the body's ability to process glucose is impaired. Regular sleep patterns are crucial for glucose regulation and may impact the development of insulin resistance.
Study identifies molecular changes associated with hotter weather and preterm birth
Researchers found that exposure to hotter weather during pregnancy disrupts key amino acids and vitamins, increasing the risk of preterm delivery. The study provides new insights into the biological mechanisms behind preterm birth and may lead to the development of early biomarkers for identification and prevention strategies.
All-you-can-eat: Young adults and ultra-processed foods
A study published in Obesity found that young adults exposed to a diet high in ultra-processed foods ate more calories at an all-you-can-eat meal. The researchers, led by Brenda Davy and Alex DiFeliceantonio, used a controlled feeding study to investigate the effects of ultra-processed food on eating habits.
Exercise emerges as key regulator of lipid droplets across health conditions
Lipid droplets, once considered inert fat storage units, are now recognized as dynamic organelles involved in cellular signaling and energy metabolism. Exercise is shown to promote lipid droplet degradation through critical pathways, reducing harmful lipid accumulation and mitigating associated risks in various organs.
Fatty winter snacks may trick the body into packing on the pounds
A new study from UC San Francisco found that saturated fat affects the behavior of a protein called PER2, which orchestrates fat metabolism and circadian rhythms. Mice eating a diet high in hydrogenated fats struggled to adapt to winter, whereas those on unsaturated fat diets adjusted easily.
Exercise counteracts junk food's depression-like effects through gut-brain metabolic signaling
Researchers found that voluntary running exercise mitigates cafeteria diet-induced behavioral changes via hormonal and microbial pathways. The study revealed specific metabolites, such as anserine and indole-3-carboxylate, were decreased by the cafeteria diet but partially restored by exercise.
Study in mice reveals long-term metabolic risks of ketogenic diet
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.
Physical activity increases total daily energy use, study shows
A new study published in PNAS found that physical activity increases total daily energy expenditure without reducing it elsewhere. The research showed a clear link between being more active and spending less time sitting still.
‘Skinny fat’ linked to silent artery damage, McMaster study reveals
A new study finds that visceral and hepatic fat are strongly linked to carotid artery thickening and clogging, increasing cardiovascular risk. Hidden fat can silently increase heart disease risk even in people who appear healthy.
Report: Cardiovascular diseases caused 1 in 3 global deaths in 2023
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.
Obesity treatment with bariatric surgery vs GLP-1 receptor agonists
Metabolic bariatric surgery shows promise as a cost-effective weight loss option for class II and III obesity patients. The study found bariatric surgery resulted in greater weight loss compared to GLP-1 receptor agonists.
Efficacy and safety of GLP-1 RAs in children and adolescents with obesity or type 2 diabetes
A systematic review and meta-analysis of 18 trials found GLP-1 RAs significantly improved glycemic and weight outcomes in children and adolescents with type 2 diabetes or obesity. However, gastrointestinal adverse effects warrant attention in long-term management.
Your genes could prune your gut bugs and protect you from disease
Researchers found genetic peptides called alpha-defensins that shape gut bacteria, producing healthier microbiomes and reducing insulin resistance. This discovery suggests personalized treatments can be tailored to individual genes, offering new hope for addressing chronic diseases like obesity and diabetes.
Bariatric surgery and incident development of obesity-related comorbidities
A cohort study shows bariatric surgery significantly lowers major metabolic comorbidity risk compared to medical weight management. The procedure is deemed a durable approach for obesity-related risk mitigation.
Pennington Biomedical’s Dr. Steven Heymsfield named LSU Boyd Professor – LSU’s highest faculty honor
Dr. Steven B. Heymsfield joins an elite group of scholars recognized for advancing knowledge and transforming their fields. He has authored over 1,300 scientific publications with nearly 79,000 citations, placing him among the top 500 most-cited researchers globally.
New study links grain foods to healthier diet patterns, metabolic health and everyday accessibility
A new study published in Nutrients found that both whole and refined grain foods can contribute to improved dietary patterns and health. The study analyzed data from over 14,000 Americans and identified healthy grain foods based on nutrient density, fiber, protein, and essential nutrients.
Leveraging microproteins to treat obesity, aging, and mitochondrial disorders
Researchers at Salk Institute discover a new microprotein, SLC35A4-MP, that regulates mitochondrial structure and function in brown fat tissue. The study reveals the microprotein's role in maintaining healthy cellular metabolism and regulating body temperature.
Not all calories are equal: Ultra-processed foods harm men’s health
A human study found that ultra-processed diets lead to increased weight gain, disrupt hormone levels, and introduce pollutants affecting sperm quality. Men on an ultra-processed diet gained more fat mass and had lower testosterone and follicle-stimulating hormone levels compared to those on a minimally processed diet.
Van Andel Institute’s Dr. Nick Burton named as a Pew Scholar in Biomedical Sciences
Dr. Nick Burton, a researcher at Van Andel Institute, has been awarded the Pew Charitable Trusts' prestigious Pew Scholar award in Biomedical Sciences. He will investigate how environmental factors influence health, including exposure to stress and microbes, and explore new Type 2 diabetes treatments.
Snacking on avocado before bed may be linked to health impacts the next morning in adults with prediabetes
Researchers found that eating a whole avocado as a nighttime snack led to lower triglyceride levels before and after breakfast compared to other snacks. The study suggests that avocado's unique nutrient package may support heart health by encouraging healthier fat metabolism.
Researchers engineer plants for optimal biofuel production
Researchers have charted how plant metabolism responds to genetic changes that increase oil production, finding simultaneous increases in both oil and protein content. The study's findings will provide scientists with clues for optimizing biofuel production in plants such as camelina and pennycress.
How artificial light at night damages brain health and metabolism
Dr. Randy J. Nelson's research reveals that artificial light exposure disrupts immune function, causes neuroinflammation, and influences mood regulation. His work has significant implications for understanding depression and anxiety disorders, as well as the obesity epidemic.
A Journal of Intensive Medicine editorial highlights a new metabolic checkpoint in immunity
Researchers discover a novel metabolic pathway, glyoxalase system, that regulates excessive immune responses by targeting a previously underexplored metabolic pathway. The GLO2-SLG-D-lactylation pathway suppresses inflammatory signaling, reducing inflammation in acute and autoimmune disease settings.
Stress genes clear dead cells, offering disease insights
Researchers have discovered a novel cell-clearance pathway linked to diseases such as Chediak-Higashi Syndrome, which affects immune system function. The study used CRISPR/Cas9 gene-editing technology and live imaging to characterize this pathway and identify key genes involved.
Creatine is safe, effective and important for everyone, longtime researcher says
Creatine has broad health benefits beyond athletic performance, including maintaining energy in stressed cells and preventing muscle loss with aging. Studies have shown no significant side effects from creatine supplementation, contradicting common misconceptions.
Metabolic markers found in obese adolescents guide vascular aging intervention
Researchers identified biomarkers like uric acid and bile acids as critical regulators of arterial stiffness and inflammation in adolescents with obesity. These findings provide new avenues for early intervention to prevent the progression of vascular stiffness and cardiovascular disease.
New study: Daily mango intake may support postmenopausal heart and metabolic health
A new study found that eating two servings of mangos daily for two weeks significantly reduced blood pressure and cholesterol in healthy postmenopausal women. The study also showed measurable improvements in key heart health markers, including a reduction in total cholesterol by nearly 13 points.
Firmicutes gut bacteria boost metabolism and bone health, study found
A recent study found that individuals with a specific type of gut bacteria (Firmicutes) had higher bone mineral density and better metabolic health. The researchers suggest that promoting the growth of butyrate-producing bacteria could be an effective strategy for maintaining bone mass and preventing osteoporosis.
Gut bacteria and acetate, a great combination for weight loss
A study published in Cell Metabolism finds that a combination of gut bacteria and acetate reduces obesity in mice. The researchers discovered that the specific combination of Bacteroides species and acetate leads to increased fat burning and reduced sugar storage, resulting in weight loss.
Novel technology enables better understanding of complex biological samples
Researchers developed t-SPESI technology to visualize cell parts and analyze lipid distributions in complex biological samples. This enables the detection of abnormal lipids linked to disease, advancing therapies and diagnostic techniques.
Must-know facts for women about heart, kidney and metabolic health
Women are at high risk for cardiovascular disease, with nearly 45% living with some form of cardiovascular disease. Regular screening for kidney health is crucial due to its connection with high blood pressure and diabetes. Pregnancy complications and menopause can also impact heart and metabolic health.
Pennington Biomedical Research Center investigates tirzepatide's role in weight loss and metabolic health
Researchers at Pennington Biomedical Research Center investigated tirzepatide's effects on weight loss and metabolic health. The study found that tirzepatide decreased calorie intake and increased fat oxidation, leading to significant weight loss. However, the drug did not decrease the slowing down of metabolic rate usually observed wi...
Carb restriction offers relief from calorie counting, according to study
A new study by the University of Surrey found that restricting carbohydrates can lead to improvements in metabolic markers and better handling of high-fat meals. This approach may be more sustainable than extreme calorie restriction, reducing hunger and increasing energy burning.
New research from The Lundquist Institute finds ketogenic diet-induced high cholesterol does not predict heart disease
A new study from The Lundquist Institute found no association between plaque progression and LDL-C levels, suggesting that high cholesterol is not a marker of cardiovascular risk. Metabolically healthy individuals on a ketogenic diet with elevated LDL-C levels have a unique metabolic profile that requires personalized risk assessment.
Cardiovascular Health Among Rural and Urban US Adults— Healthcare, Lifestyle, and Social Factors
A recent study found substantial rural-urban disparities in cardiometabolic risk factors and cardiovascular diseases among US adults. Social risk factors are identified as the primary driver of these disparities, with efforts to address socioeconomic conditions in rural communities critical to reducing the gap.
Korea University study investigates the link between early menopause and type 2 diabetes risk
A large-scale Korea University study investigates the link between early menopause and type 2 diabetes risk among postmenopausal women in South Korea. The research reveals that premature menopause is associated with a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes, emphasizing the critical role of hormonal changes in metabolic health.
What matters more when losing your belly fat?
A new study found that the proportion of visceral fat, rather than the absolute amount, is a stronger predictor of high triglyceride levels and inflammation. Lowering visceral fat proportion during weight loss can lead to better metabolic health outcomes.
Missing protein keeps mice slim, even on a high-fat diet
Researchers found that CD44-deficient mice stayed lean despite a high-fat diet, while control mice developed obesity. The study suggests CD44 inhibitors could serve as a complementary treatment for obesity and related metabolic disorders.
A pretrained transformer model for decoding individual glucose dynamics from continuous glucose monitoring data
A deep learning model, CGMformer, leverages large-scale continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) data to extract individual glucose dynamics. The model captures a continuous picture of glucose fluctuations, identifying patterns that may indicate early metabolic dysfunction.
Inflammation and metabolic syndrome linked to benign prostatic hyperplasia
A study found that pro-inflammatory molecules contribute to benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) in aging men, especially those with metabolic syndrome. Men with BPH had higher levels of pro-inflammatory markers and lower anti-inflammatory substances, suggesting a link between inflammation and prostate conditions.
The microbiota, an ally for predicting individual sensitivity to food additives
A new study developed a human microbiota modelling system capable of predicting each person's sensitivity to an emulsifier, such as carboxymethylcellulose (CMC), using a simple stool sample. The model identified a specific metagenomic signature of sensitivity to CMC, allowing for the prediction of individual susceptibility.
NFL Alumni Association shares 8 plays needed to improve heart health
The American Heart Association and NFL Alumni Association collaborate to promote healthy lifestyles through Life's Essential 8, which includes four indicators of cardiovascular health and four behavioral/lifestyle factors. By following these steps, adults can lower their risk of heart disease, stroke, and other cardiovascular conditions.