Articles tagged with Metabolic Regulation
Researchers propose using a simple GKI test to track metabolic health in noncommunicable diseases like cancer and cardiovascular disease. The test measures glucose to ketone ratio and may help assess nutritional ketosis and adherence to metabolic interventions.
Researchers propose using the glucose ketone index (GKI) to track metabolic health in non-communicable diseases, which cause three in four deaths worldwide. The GKI measures blood glucose and ketones and may indicate metabolic state, assess long-term nutritional adherence, and support mitochondrial function improvement.
Researchers found that a fungus's metabolic breadth, or range of nutrients it can use, links its ability to kill insects, partner with plants, and thrive in different ecological roles. Strains capable of using a wider range of nutrients were faster and deadlier at killing insects and more effective at colonizing plant roots.
Research explores role of short-chain fatty acids in regulating dendritic cell development and differentiation via epigenetic regulation. Study reveals butyrate increases expression of surface molecules, influencing immune-cell trafficking and localization.
Researchers at Nagoya University identified the neural circuit responsible for timing torpor in mammals, which reduces body temperature and metabolism. The discovery provides new insights into how animals regulate energy use.
Researchers investigated the interplay between host and gut microbiota in selenium metabolism, finding that gut microbiota transform selenium into metabolites influencing utilization, detoxification, and excretion. The study also revealed that Se intake affects bacterial diversity and that gut microbes produce unique selenometabolites.
A novel study in Biological Diversity reveals the integrated physiological and symbiotic adaptation mechanism underlying P. purpuratum's ex situ conservation. The research demonstrates that ex situ conservation elevates seed-set rates but incurs trade-offs in photosynthetic capacity and oxidative stress.
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.
Researchers found that birds adapting to sugar-rich diets evolved both shared and unique genetic changes, affecting genes controlling blood pressure, heart rhythm, and insulin signaling. These findings hold promise for understanding metabolic diseases like diabetes and may lead to new therapeutic targets.
Researchers found that inhibiting LETM1, a protein regulating mitochondrial calcium, can significantly improve performance in tasks requiring long-term memory. This approach enhances metabolic stimulation and leads to overproduction of ATP, prolonging energy production beyond normal brain activity.
Researchers have discovered a way to harness methane-eating microbes to produce valuable resources like animal feed, green plastics, and cleaner fuels. These microbes can also remove dissolved methane and nitrite from wastewater, offering a potential solution for reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
A new consensus statement provides evidence-based guidance for screening, diagnosis, treatment, and return-to-play protocols for female athletes. The updated report includes a first-of-its-kind adolescent model of the Female Athlete Triad, addressing energy deficiency in growing adolescents.
Researchers at Northwestern University discovered a hidden molecular control switch inside the protein TRPM5, which regulates taste, blood sugar control and gut health. The switch can be activated or inhibited by small molecules, unlocking new opportunities for therapeutic development.
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.
A controlled feeding study out of South Dakota State University shows that older adults who reduced ultra-processed foods naturally consumed fewer calories, lost weight and abdominal fat, and showed improvements in insulin sensitivity and inflammation. This study provides evidence that the Dietary Guidelines for Americans can deliver s...
Researchers found that Sirt6 mimics the effects of calorie restriction by fine-tuning H2S production, boosting it when needed but preventing overproduction. This precise control helps maintain the body's natural balance during healthy aging.
Researchers identified NUDT5 as a structural regulator that controls purine synthesis by physically restraining the key biosynthetic step. This mechanism may also explain cancer drug resistance and informs new therapeutic approaches for diseases caused by MTHFD1 deficiency.
A study from the Champalimaud Foundation found that when fruit flies are deprived of essential amino acids, their brains upregulate two olfactory receptor genes involved in smell, leading to a refined sense of smell that guides them to protein-rich yeast and gut bacteria. This interplay between smell and taste regulates feeding behavior.
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.
Researchers found that a combination of nicotinamide, a-lipoic acid, thiamine, pyridoxamine and piperine reduced AGEs, sticky plaque-like molecules, to curb hunger, lower insulin resistance and extend lifespan in mice. The compounds also reversed some molecular hallmarks of hypothalamic aging.
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.
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.
A new study by Van Andel Institute scientists provides an unprecedented look into the mechanics of metabolic handoff in fruit fly embryos, offering a clearer view of this nuanced process. The findings have implications for understanding development and lifelong health in humans.
A new study has identified a common bacterial strain that produces signaling proteins influencing hormonal balance and affecting weight, bone density and blood sugar levels. The researchers discovered that RORDEP-producing bacteria can vary greatly between individuals and that people with high levels of these bacteria tend to be leaner.
A groundbreaking study published in Science Signaling has identified protein tyrosine phosphatase PTP1B as a key driver of maladaptive cardiac metabolism and dysfunction under dietary stress. Mice lacking PTP1B in cardiomyocytes were resistant to harmful changes, highlighting the enzyme's role in heart disease progression.
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.
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.
Researchers analyzed single-cell transcriptomes from early, middle, and late stages of AD to identify subtle shifts in cellular activity. They found that mitochondria in vulnerable brain areas began to fail early in the disease, even before amyloid plaque buildup. The study also identified a gene called MEG3 involved in regulating mito...
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.
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.
A systematic review found that higher flavonoid intakes from foods like black tea, berries, and citrus fruits are linked to a lower risk of frailty, impaired physical function, and poor mental health in older adults. Consuming more flavonoids may support healthier aging by reducing oxidative stress and inflammation.
Researchers from Chiba University identified a previously unreported gene, LIRI1, which plays a crucial role in regulating the balance between starch and lipid storage in plant leaves. The study suggests that LIRI1 promotes carbon allocation by activating starch production and inhibiting starch degradation.
A study published by Tohoku University reveals that epileptic seizures can significantly reduce ATP levels in neurons, while increasing pyruvate levels in astrocytes. This finding challenges the traditional view of brain energy dynamics and suggests a more complex interplay between neuronal activity and metabolic processes.
Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine have discovered a brain circuit involved in motion sickness that also regulates body temperature and metabolic balance. Inhibiting this circuit may lead to increased energy expenditure and better glucose tolerance, suggesting potential benefits for obesity treatment.
Research suggests flavonoids improve insulin sensitivity, enhance β-cell function, modulate the gut microbiota, inhibit gluconeogenesis, and regulate enteroendocrine hormones in type 2 diabetes management. Flavonoid-specific effects on GLP-1, GIP, PYY, and CCK secretion contribute to improved glycemic control.
Researchers from HKUMed identified Chchd10 as a novel regulator of adipose tissue homeostasis, accelerating subcutaneous fat formation and regulating antioxidant capacity. The study suggests that targeting Chchd10 levels could be a potential therapeutic strategy for treating obesity.
Research in mice found that early-life gut microbes shape insulin-producing cell development and reduce long-term changes in metabolism and diabetes risk. Exposure to a fungus called Candida dubliniensis during infancy may also promote lifelong metabolic health by supporting the growth of insulin-producing cells.
SLC transporters contribute to the development of hepatic steatosis by regulating lipid metabolism, particularly with SLC2A2, GLUT4, and GLUT5. These proteins influence processes like de novo lipogenesis and insulin resistance in hepatocytes.
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 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.
Chronic exercise training affects female athletes' energy expenditure and slow-wave sleep patterns differently than general women, influenced by menstrual cycles and reproductive functions.
Researchers discovered that PanK4 plays a crucial role in regulating glucose uptake and fatty acid oxidation in skeletal muscles. The protein is activated by physical exercise and has potential as a target for treating metabolic diseases such as type 2 diabetes.
Researchers discovered novel regulatory molecules in adipogenesis, specifically membrane receptors like GPCRs. ADGRD1 promotes differentiation of adipose progenitor cells while GPR39 inhibits this process.
A study published in Nature Metabolism found that four percent of Greenland's Inuit population has a gene variant that increases their risk of type 2 diabetes by tenfold. Exercise has been shown to increase insulin sensitivity in these individuals, suggesting it may be an effective way to reduce their risk of developing the disease.
This study investigates SOX9's role in MASH pathogenesis and explores its underlying mechanisms. SOX9 overexpression alleviates hepatic lipid accumulation by activating the AMPK pathway.
A recent study reveals that gut bacteria modify bile acids to control digestion, cholesterol levels, and fat metabolism. The body counters this influence by producing compounds that act as FXR antagonists, ensuring a finely tuned system.
A new position paper from the International Osteoporosis Foundation and International Federation of Clinical Chemistry proposes a unified nomenclature for bone status indices to enhance diagnostic consistency and clarity. The guidelines offer a comprehensive framework to unify terminology and improve comparability across studies.
A new study reveals that alternate-day fasting sensitizes key genes and liver enhancers, leading to enhanced ketogenesis during subsequent fasting bouts. The liver adapts to recurring nutritional challenges through a cellular memory mechanism, highlighting the benefits of intermittent fasting for metabolic health.
A new metabolic compound called BHB-Phe has been discovered to regulate appetite and body weight by interacting with neurons in the brain. BHB-Phe influences feeding behavior and reduces body weight in mice, while its related compound Lac-Phe also promotes weight loss.
Researchers have discovered that metabolic enzymes play a crucial role in maintaining the integrity of the human genome by orchestrating critical functions like cell division and DNA repair. This discovery could lead to new cancer therapies, particularly for triple-negative breast cancer, by exploiting its metabolic vulnerabilities.
Acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF) is characterized by metabolic alterations that disrupt immune function, contributing to disease progression. Metabolite imbalances, such as elevated lactate levels and reduced ketone bodies, further suppress immune responses.
Researchers identify interleukin-17A as a key regulator of fat storage, carrying implications for addressing obesity and preventing wasting. The discovery highlights the interaction between the immune system and circadian rhythms, which may hold therapeutic potential for metabolic disorders.
A study found that increasing ketones through a keto diet or supplements can change menstrual frequency and intensity in pre-menopausal women. The research suggests that the presence of ketones, rather than weight loss, may regulate women's health.
A new study found compositional and functional differences in the gut microbiota of Chinese long-living adults (over 90 years) compared to elderly adults (65–74 years). The researchers noted lower relative abundances of bacteria in certain genera, which may regulate biological processes like autophagy and telomere maintenance. These fi...
A new study found that fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) is an independent predictor of all-cause mortality in older adults. The Polsenior2 study revealed that middle and high FGF21 levels were associated with increased mortality risk, particularly when adjusted for age, co-morbidities, and blood parameters.
A new study has identified novel strains of microbes that have adapted to use limited resources in cities, including those found in Hong Kong's subways and skin. These microbes can metabolize manufactured products, posing health risks if they are pathogenic.
A high-fat diet can promote overweight and increase diabetes risk, but fat alone does not change the brain's hypothalamus. Other macronutrients like sugar may have more profound effects on AgRP neurons.
A clinical trial found time-restricted eating improved blood sugar regulation and reduced markers of metabolic dysfunction in adults with metabolic syndrome. Participants who followed a customized eight-to-ten-hour eating window saw significant improvements compared to standard treatments.
Researchers propose a two-pronged attack on the enzyme glutaminase and protein HuR to combat breast cancer. Simultaneous inhibition of both is shown to significantly reduce breast cancer cell growth and invasion by increasing dependence on glutamine.
Scientists at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital have elucidated the structural mechanism of URAT1, a protein linked to gout, using cryo-electron microscopy. The findings reveal how URAT1 transports urate and offer new insights for developing more effective treatments for gout.