Articles tagged with Metabolism
A recent study from the Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University identified a crucial protein linked to increased appetite and obesity in mice. The researchers found that mice lacking this protein, XRN1, exhibited leptin resistance, leading to insatiable hunger and weight gain.
A clinical trial found that a green Mediterranean diet rich in leafy greens like Mankai and green tea can elevate fasting ghrelin levels, reducing belly fat and improving insulin sensitivity. This approach may also have additional cardiometabolic benefits.
Researchers identified five genes mutated in people with liver disease, affecting insulin sensitivity and fat metabolism. These mutations reduce the liver's ability to respond to dietary sugars and fats.
Dysfunction in mitochondrial respiration leads to imbalanced extracellular matrix (ECM) and tissue organization in cartilage. Research discovered the respiratory chain plays a key role in maintaining ECM balance.
Researchers at Trinity College Dublin have discovered that lactate can influence cells in the lung environment to support immune defenses against infection while limiting collateral damage. Lactate may hold therapeutic potential as a host-directed therapy for diseases like TB and COVID-19, which cause destruction of pulmonary tissue.
Cachexia is characterized by weight loss and muscle tissue shrinkage, driven by the immune system's response to chronic infections and diseases. Researchers from CeMM emphasize the need for more research into cachexia, highlighting the importance of interplay between the immune system and metabolism.
MUSC researcher Haizhen Wang receives R37 grant to investigate CDK6's role in T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia, a aggressive cancer. The research aims to understand how the immune system can be used to reduce leukemia progression.
A new Stanford University study suggests that rising oxygen levels may have slowed down ancient ocean extinctions. The research found that oxygen levels beyond 40% of present atmospheric levels expanded viable ocean habitat and reduced extinction rates. This discovery has implications for understanding the fate of ocean creatures in to...
A study published in Cell Metabolism identified a protein called neurturin as crucial for muscle health, improving metabolic rates, motor function and exercise capacity. Mice genetically modified to produce more neurturin had increased resistance to degeneration in neurons associated with ALS.
A new USC study found that artificial sweeteners like sucralose can trick the brain into feeling hungry, leading to increased calorie consumption. This study, one of the largest to-date on artificial sweeteners, suggests that females and people with obesity may be more sensitive to these sweeteners.
A systematic review presents evidence that environmental obesogens, such as hormone-disrupting chemicals, play a significant role in childhood and adult obesity. Dr. Leonardo Trasande recommends simple policies to reduce exposure and suggests economic benefits of limiting public exposure.
A recent study published in Cell Metabolism found that reducing naturally occurring errors in protein synthesis improves both health and lifespan. By engineering a mutation in ribosomes, researchers observed fewer protein mistakes and improved heat resistance, leading to longer lifespans in yeast, worms, and fruit flies.
The energy balance model fails to explain the biological causes of weight gain, whereas the carbohydrate-insulin model identifies excessive consumption of rapidly digestible carbohydrates as a key contributor to obesity. This perspective argues for a shift in focus from calorie restriction to dietary pattern change.
Scientists at CIBFar have discovered the molecular mechanism of SARS-CoV-2's main protease, which enables the virus to replicate in host cells. The study provides valuable insights into the process and has immediate applications for developing antiviral drugs.
A recent study published in Scientific Reports found that individuals with inflexible metabolisms exhibit higher carbohydrate oxidation rates at night, indicating a reduced ability to burn fat during sleep. This discovery has the potential for practical use in disease prevention and early intervention.
A new USC study found a link between 'forever chemicals' and changes in glucose metabolism in Latina girls, potentially increasing their risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Researchers measured the impact of PFAS on glucose metabolism over time among adolescents and young adults.
Researchers discovered that Neuropeptide F (NPF) in fruit flies controls sugar and fat metabolism through glucagon-like and insulin-like hormones. The study reveals similarities between insect and mammalian metabolic processes.
A new study by Salk scientists found that time-restricted eating (TRE) confers multiple health benefits, including reduced risk of type 2 diabetes, fatty liver disease, and sepsis, regardless of age and sex. TRE may also protect against infectious diseases like COVID-19 and improve insulin resistance.
A new study reveals that metabolism increases rapidly during infancy, peaking at around one year old. After a gradual decline until the 20s, metabolism levels off and then slows down again after age 60, with older adults requiring fewer calories. The findings suggest that muscle loss and cellular changes contribute to this decline.
The University of Maryland associate professor will use genetics, cell biology, and pharmacology to examine the mechanisms of copper transport and its connection to thermogenesis and fat burning. The research aims to improve human health by understanding how copper relates to hypothermia, obesity, and diabetes.
Researchers at the University of Basel developed a breath test to measure treatment success in epilepsy patients. The test provides immediate results without requiring a blood sample, allowing doctors to adjust medication quickly and precisely tailored to individual patients' needs.
A new study from the University of Sheffield reveals that vitamin D supplements do not reduce the severity of IBS symptoms or improve quality of life. Despite correcting deficiencies in those with poor vitamin D status, high-dose vitamin D supplementation did not alleviate symptoms.
Researchers predict two nicotine biomarkers, NMR and TNE, in smokers of multiple ethnicities using machine learning approaches. These models can estimate nicotine biomarker levels from DNA data or existing genomic information.
A study published in iScience has identified dozens of muscle proteins with decreased quantities in individuals with prediabetes and type 2 diabetes. The findings highlight the significance of mitochondrial energy metabolism in the progression from prediabetes to type 2 diabetes.
A new study from Aarhus University found that over 80% of participants have more than three genetic variants affecting medicinal product metabolism, increasing the risk of reduced effect or side effects. Genetic tests can provide personalized treatment plans by analyzing multiple genes and variants.
Researchers from Synapsy have identified lactate's key features, including NADH and neurogenesis, which contribute to its antidepressant effect. Lactate restores adult neurogenesis in the hippocampus, a region crucial for memory and depression.
Researchers have identified two subtypes of POMC neurons with distinct hormone sensing and appetite suppression profiles. The findings suggest that the diversity of these neurons is crucial for their function in regulating metabolism.
Research from University of Nebraska-Lincoln and Yale University suggests that temperature explains why tropical waters have a higher biodiversity. However, global warming could reduce this diversity as temperatures rise, potentially leading to extinctions.
A new study using 7T brain scans suggests that compromised energy metabolism may be an early indicator of mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer's disease. The researchers found a correlation between the energy reserve index and cognition levels, providing new insights into the disease.
Experts and patients are urging medical textbooks to be rewritten due to the rare condition of unexplained low blood sugar. The new guidelines aim to diagnose and treat this condition as any other disease.
The US Preventive Services Task Force recommends against routine screening for vitamin D deficiency in healthy adults due to insufficient evidence. Individual requirements for vitamin D levels vary, making a one-size-fits-all approach challenging.
A study published in Nature Metabolism found that individuals who experience significant 'sugar dips' after eating tend to be hungrier and consume more calories throughout the day. Big dippers had a 9% increase in hunger and ate around 312 calories more than little dippers, potentially leading to weight gain over time.
Researchers discovered that pregnancy-related hormones significantly increase concentrations of CYP3A4, a key enzyme in drug metabolism. This finding has significant implications for managing medications during pregnancy and may provide insights into the development of new ADME-tox models.
The University of Arkansas has been awarded a $10.8 million NIH grant to establish an integrative metabolic research center, focusing on diseases like cancer, diabetes, and obesity. The center will combine expertise in advanced imaging, bioenergetics, and data science to explore the role of cell and tissue metabolism.
A genetic variation that regulates iron metabolism is associated with enhanced endurance performance in athletes. Those at risk for iron overload performed 8% better than those with a low-risk genotype, cycling 1.3 minutes faster on average.
The UMass Amherst team developed a graphene-based flow sensor that can detect biofluidic flows as low as micrometer per second, enabling minimal changes in blood flow monitoring. The sensor's high sensitivity and stability make it suitable for long-term implantation in small blood vessels.
Researchers at Oregon State University found that even one session of moderate aerobic exercise increases the cells' ability to burn off fuels. Post-exercise, mitochondria burned 12-13% more fat-based fuel and 14-17% more sugar-based fuel.
Researchers have identified a way to reverse high blood sugar and muscle loss by targeting liver metabolism, which is disrupted in people with obesity-related type 2 diabetes. The study found that selectively silencing enzymes breaks down alanine can restore skeletal muscle protein synthesis, leading to improved muscle size and strength.
A new hyperpolarized proton MRI method has been developed by researchers at Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz and the Helmholtz Institute Mainz. This technique uses parahydrogen to track biochemical processes in real-time, enabling the observation of metabolic processes without the drawbacks of existing hydrogen-based imaging methods.
A hormone called MOTS-c can help maintain healthy muscles in mice on high-fat diets by reducing myostatin levels. The study suggests that boosting mitochondrial function is also key to treating muscle-wasting conditions such as sarcopenia.
A study by MIT researchers has identified a class of metabolic mutations in bacteria that helps them develop resistance to antibiotics. The findings suggest that forcing bacteria to burn more energy could make them more susceptible to antibiotics, and may lead to the development of new drugs to enhance existing antibiotic effectiveness.
Thyroid hormone doesn't operate as a straight-on/off switch but rather shifts the balance between gene activity, revealing a more nuanced mechanism of action. This discovery has significant implications for understanding metabolic diseases and developing targeted therapies.
Researchers found a link between elevated cardiovascular risk and low brain metabolism in middle-aged individuals, with hypertension being the most closely associated factor. Atherosclerosis was also linked to lower brain metabolism, particularly in areas implicated in Alzheimer's disease.
A new study reveals that nearly every cell has its own clock, which controls various aspects of homeostasis and organ function. Disruption of the clock can lead to diseases such as diabetes, cancer, and cardiovascular disease, highlighting the importance of tuning our internal time with the environment.
A new study in mice suggests that exercise improves metabolism by releasing a hormone called MOTS-c, which helps regulate cellular processes and stress responses. The hormone is encoded in cells' mitochondrial genome and promotes healthy metabolism when kept in balance.
Researchers at Sloan Kettering Institute found a new link between Warburg metabolism and PI3 kinase activity, challenging the long-held view that metabolism is secondary to cell signaling. The study suggests targeting metabolism could be an effective way to curb cancer growth.
Researchers led by Olaf Groß will test the effectiveness of their IMMUNOSTIM compounds in boosting cancer treatment and vaccine efficacy. The team aims to develop a new class of immune-activating drugs that can enhance the body's natural defense against infectious diseases.
A recent study by the University of Tsukuba found that drinking two cups of oolong tea a day can increase fat breakdown by about 20% in healthy volunteers. This effect was observed even when participants were asleep, suggesting a potential role for oolong tea in weight management.
Researchers from UOC Faculty of Health Sciences will investigate the impact of intermittent fasting on organ ageing in postmenopausal women. The study aims to validate ageing markers and determine if fasting leads to changes in organ ageing, with potential benefits for women's quality of life.
Scientists discovered SLC25A51 as a key regulator of NAD transport into the mitochondria, a process linked to various physiological and pathological processes. The study opens possibilities for new metabolic therapies against ageing and cancer.
A new model suggests that warm waters may limit the active metabolism of large fishes due to reduced aerobic capacity. The study indicates that oxygen availability constrains metabolic demands in fishes, particularly in larger species.
A study published in Nature Metabolism found that high fat and low carbohydrate diets can completely prevent or even reverse heart failure caused by a metabolic process. The research team discovered that providing a high-fat, low carbohydrate diet can improve cardiac fat metabolism and prevent or reverse cardiac dysfunction.
Researchers found that cold temperatures increase vitamin A levels, stimulating the conversion of white into brown adipose tissue and enhancing fat burning. This 'fat transformation' is a potential approach for novel obesity therapeutics.
A recent study published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism reveals that COVID-19 patients with vertebral fractures are twice as likely to die from the disease. The researchers found a significant association between vertebral fractures and severe disease outcomes, including increased need for ventilators.
A new study by Tokyo Institute of Technology researchers shows that simple environmental reactions can form reactive thioesters similar to those used in modern biology. The reaction uses a thioacid and sulfur-containing thiol compounds, and may have served as a starting point for the evolution of more complex biochemistry.
Scientists at EPFL's LMS have developed a geoelectrochemical system that enhances biocement production and improves soil stabilization for low-permeability clay soils. The method harnesses bacterial metabolism and electric current to produce calcite crystals that durably bond soil particles together.
Researchers found that a series of chemical reactions control a feedback loop that senses energy need and replenishes it by recruiting cellular powerplants to synapses. This mechanism sustains synaptic efficacy in neurons controlling thoughts, feelings, and movements.
A new study from the University of Bath found that drinking coffee after breakfast, but not before, can improve blood glucose control and reduce the risk of conditions like diabetes and heart disease. Researchers discovered that strong black coffee consumed before breakfast substantially increased blood glucose response by around 50%.
Researchers found that rapeseed protein consumption has similar beneficial effects on glucose metabolism and satiety compared to soy protein. Rapeseed protein may also be a valuable alternative to soy due to its availability in the by-products of rapeseed oil production.
Researchers discovered a metabolic adaptation in nerve cells that allows them to counteract degeneration and promote survival. This 'metabolic rewiring' involves the activation of the Krebs cycle anaplerosis pathway, which makes neurons resistant to progressive damage.