Articles tagged with Metabolism
A new genetic analysis by Yale School of Medicine researchers suggests that a genetic variant in East Asian populations may have protected residents from becoming alcoholics. The study found that this variant became widespread through natural selection in specific Hmong- and Altaic-speaking groups, hinting at an environmental factor.
A recent study suggests that cocaine's impact on brain metabolism may be a key factor in its addictive nature. The research, conducted at Brookhaven National Laboratory, found that the drug had significant effects on brain metabolism beyond just dopamine, even in mice lacking the gene for dopamine transporters.
Uppsala University scientists have developed a method to analyze genetic regulation and identified genes that govern fat levels and energy conversion. This breakthrough provides new understanding of the causes of disturbed metabolism, including familial combined hyperlipidemia.
Researchers have mapped gut microbes to better understand their role in human metabolism and disease. The study identifies key bug species involved in metabolic processes, paving the way for new treatments.
Researchers at UT-Houston have discovered an association between genes regulating glucose metabolism and spina bifida, a birth defect that affects the spine. The study found variants in three glucose metabolism genes were linked to an increased risk of spina bifida.
Researchers found that high-fat diets can shift mice's activity patterns, causing them to eat more during the day and altering molecular components of the circadian clock. The study suggests that metabolic processes, like nutrient status, may influence the internal body clock.
Researchers developed a mouse model to predict the loss of orally administered drugs due to CYP3A metabolism. The study found that mice with human CYP3A expression in the intestine had higher docetaxol levels, while those with liver expression showed only slight decreases.
A new study suggests that narcolepsy patients are more likely to be overweight due to lower metabolism and changes in eating behavior. The study found that narcoleptic patients had lower body mass index (BMI) scores than healthy controls, indicating a positive energy balance.
A study published in JCI Journals reveals that disturbances in sphingolipid metabolism may be a key factor in early pregnancy loss. Sphingosine kinase 1 (Sphk1) and Sphk2 proteins play a crucial role in metabolizing these fats, which are essential for placental development.
A diet rich in choline, found in red meat, eggs, poultry, and dairy products, may increase the risk of colorectal polyps. Research suggests that higher intake of choline is associated with an elevated risk, contradicting previous expectations.
Researchers at the University of Warwick discovered a glycation process that creates a metabolic memory in diabetes, persisting even after glucose levels are corrected. The study suggests early tight control of glucose and antioxidant use can mitigate complications, but long-term antioxidants may have health problems.
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine have discovered a potential new target for treating type 2 diabetes, a protein that regulates fat metabolism. The study found that insulin stimulates the addition of a phosphate group to this protein, preventing the activation of genes involved in fat metabolism.
Eduardo Slatopolsky has been recognized for his pioneering experimental research in mineral metabolism, leading to improved treatment of patients with renal failure worldwide. He was awarded the ISN Amgen International Prize for Therapeutic Advancement in Nephrology in 2007.
Researchers discovered Dap1, which controls the activity of enzymes involved in cholesterol synthesis and drug metabolism. The study found that genetic variations in Dap1 may influence how people react to certain drugs.
A team of researchers at Penn State has discovered a master regulator that controls metabolic responses to essential amino acid deficiency, leading to profound effects on fat metabolism. The discovery may lead to new treatments for obesity and protein malnutrition, particularly in underdeveloped nations where malnutrition is prevalent.
A study found associations between two genes involved in choline metabolism and the risk of spina bifida. The link was discovered independently of maternal dietary choline intake during pregnancy.
A new study found that even low levels of heavy metal pollution can harm oysters, while high temperatures exacerbate the damage. The combined effect can lead to fatal weakness and disease in oysters.
A recent study found that mice lacking the GBA2 protein exhibit decreased fertility due to abnormal sperm morphology and reduced motility. The discovery may shed light on the mechanism behind certain treatments for Gaucher's disease, which can also impact fertility.
Researchers found that seals can dive to over 1,000 meters and for more than an hour without shivering, allowing their bodies to cool and reduce oxygen demand. This adaptation helps seals conserve oxygen and minimize brain damage caused by hypoxia during long dives.
A new UCLA study shows that chemotherapy causes persistent changes in brain function, leading to cognitive symptoms like forgetfulness and confusion. PET scans reveal a link between chemo-brain symptoms and lower brain metabolism, suggesting that monitoring brain activity could help prevent these effects.
Researchers at Thomas Jefferson University have found that cyclin D1 inhibits the size and activity of mitochondria in cancer cells, shifting their metabolism from energy production to proliferation. This discovery may lead to new treatments targeting cancer cell metabolism.
Researchers created the first 'encyclopedia' of nuclear receptors, revealing their role in regulating reproduction and nutrient metabolism. The study found that certain receptors form networks to control processes such as diet-derived lipid use for energy.
Researchers developed a way to discover how genes and diet interact to cause birth defects using transparent fish embryos. They found that copper metabolism affects embryonic development, leading to insights into structural birth defects like scoliosis.
Researchers found that high blood pressure causes hearts to have lower fat metabolism, relying more on carbohydrates for energy. This shift can lead to impaired heart function and increased risk of heart failure.
Researchers developed a detailed computational model to simulate AZT metabolism in mitochondria, exploring potential mechanisms of toxicity. The model may help minimize or eliminate toxic side effects of AZT in HIV-infected patients.
The study suggests a novel approach for duplicating leptin's actions when the body no longer responds to the hormone. STAT3 production is essential for leptin's best-known action: acutely reducing food intake. Activating STAT3 may allow normalizing appetite and producing health benefits for obesity, diabetes and infertility.
Researchers identify abnormal fasting glucose levels as a risk factor for neuropathy, suggesting an earlier stage of disordered glucose metabolism. The study's findings support the hypothesis that impaired glucose tolerance may be a milder precursor to neuropathies associated with diabetes.
Researchers have introduced a new technique combining SPECT and spiral CT for improved bone scanning, shortening diagnostic time and clarifying findings. The technology has been shown to enhance the specificity of bone scintigraphy and reduce CT radiation exposure.
Researchers found that consuming foods with low glycemic levels and glycemic load can naturally stimulate metabolic response. A study on healthy volunteers also discovered that a low-glycemic-index-breakfast increased levels of the hormone peptide YY, promoting satiety and decreasing food intake.
Researchers analyzed genetic data from three distinct populations and found roughly the same number of signals of positive selection within each population. The study also identified previously known sites of recent adaptation, such as the lactase gene, which enabled the digestion of milk to continue into adulthood.
Researchers at University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine discovered that Rev-erb is a critical component of the internal molecular clock in mammals and is sensitive to lithium. Lithium inhibits GSK3, preventing destruction of Rev-erb, which leads to activation of clock genes such as bmal1.
A new study has linked a specific gene mutation to poorer outcomes and increased recurrence of papillary thyroid cancer (PTC). The discovery provides a molecular marker to assess risk for patients with PTC, which is the most common type of thyroid cancer.
Researchers identified chromosome four genes affecting drinking behaviors in smokers, providing evidence for genetic factors influencing alcohol consumption. The study suggests that variations in these genes may affect who will develop regular drinking behavior after initial exposure.
A study of 2,310 healthy Icelandic adults found that vitamin D status was more important than high calcium intake for maintaining optimal serum parathyroid hormone levels. Vitamin D sufficiency ensured ideal serum PTH values even with low calcium intake, while high calcium intake was not sufficient without adequate vitamin D status.
The Government of Canada has invested $2.8 million to fund 13 health research projects on childhood obesity, which affects 26% of Canadian children aged 2-17. The projects will focus on creating healthy, active schools and developing programs to tackle the issue.
Researchers at the University of Minnesota have found that increasing fructose-2,6-bisphosphate in the liver can decrease blood sugar levels in mice. This process may also lead to weight loss by reducing food intake and increasing energy expenditure. The study's findings could potentially lead to new treatments for diabetes and obesity.
Researchers at U of T have identified heme as the molecule that allows protein E75 to regulate metabolic processes such as metabolism and circadian rhythms. The study, published in Cell, sheds light on how people metabolize fat, regulate their bodies' clocks, and age.
Researchers at Stanford University have developed a novel 3D rendering technique for PET/CT images, allowing for simultaneous viewing of multiple modalities. This new paradigm has the potential to revolutionize diagnostic and treatment procedures for various diseases.
A study published in Nature suggests that mitochondrial problems in blood vessel walls contribute to atherosclerosis. Researchers found that mice overproducing uncoupling protein-1 developed high blood pressure and atherosclerosis, despite having normal cholesterol levels.
Study reveals nearly two times higher likelihood of metabolic syndrome in women with PCOS, leading to increased risk of early-onset cardiovascular disease. Women with both conditions exhibit more severe insulin resistance.
Researchers at the University of Illinois found that controlling portion size through frozen entrees can lead to significant weight loss in overweight men. The study, published in Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism, showed that participants who ate frozen meals lost an average of 4 pounds more than those who estimated serving sizes.
Men on a very low-carbohydrate diet lost significantly more weight from their upper bodies compared to those on a low-fat diet, with three times greater fat loss in the trunk area. Women also showed significant benefits, although with less dramatic results.
Researchers found that molecular clock genes Bmal1 and Clock play a crucial role in regulating glucose levels, with suppressing these molecules eliminating diurnal variation. A mutated Clock gene also protected mice from diabetes induced by high-fat diets, suggesting altering meal timing may reduce disease risk.
A new study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found that leptin triggers production of áMSH, a powerful peptide signal that boosts metabolism. This discovery could lead to the development of obesity treatments that increase energy production and promote weight loss.
Dr. Charles Pak, a renowned researcher, has been recognized with an international award for his groundbreaking work on kidney-stone disease treatment methodologies. He has developed several drugs used worldwide and diagnostic methods for measuring risk factors, improving patient outcomes.
Research reveals that exposure to food stimulates increased brain metabolism in areas affected by drug addiction. The study found higher metabolism in regions responsible for hunger and reward, suggesting a possible link between constant food stimuli and obesity.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center found a direct link between excess body weight and the formation of uric acid kidney stones. The study, which tracked nearly 5,000 patients, suggests that weight loss may be an effective therapy for preventing stone formation.
A new study investigates the relationship between pain and selected medications, using genotyping to predict clinical outcomes and adjust drug therapy. By analyzing plasma concentrations of analgesics metabolized by CYP2D6, researchers aim to improve pain management therapy and reduce adverse effects.
A 12-week study found that drinking Concord grape juice daily reduced systolic and diastolic blood pressure in hypertensive men by nearly six points. The results, presented at the FASEB annual meeting, suggest a possible mechanism of action involving improved arterial wall flexibility.
Reproductive rates in humans are linked to metabolic energy expenditure and body mass, with women in wealthy nations experiencing low birth rates due to high caloric intake. This relationship highlights the importance of considering biological scaling laws when understanding human reproductive patterns.
A recent study published by the American Heart Association found that eating fast food meals more than twice a week was associated with double the risk of abnormal glucose control and a 50% increase in obesity risk. Additionally, frequent TV viewing habits were linked to increased odds of obesity and abnormal glucose metabolism.
Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine found that a specific enzyme is associated with high levels of HDL, which may have both positive and negative effects on cardiovascular health. The study suggests that the enzyme's impact on cholesterol transport to the liver could be beneficial or detrimental.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh discovered that PTHrP significantly increases bone mineral density in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis, with a 4.7% increase observed in just three months. The study's findings are promising and take the identification of an effective short-term anabolic agent one step further.
A genetic variant in the CYP2B6 gene has been found to impact smoking cessation success. Researchers discovered that smokers with a decreased activity variant of this gene were more likely to relapse during treatment. The study also suggests that bupropion may be more effective for female smokers, particularly those with the polymorphism.
Directed antisense expression has been shown to moderate feeding behavior and weight gain in various animal models. This regulatory effect is attributed to the suppression of genes involved in energy homeostasis, ultimately leading to changes in food intake and body weight.
Scientists have identified several genes that affect how much alcohol reaches the brain and how long it remains there, shedding light on individual differences in alcohol metabolism. The findings could lead to new treatments for alcoholism and highlight the importance of further research into the genetic factors involved.
A study published in Science identifies guggulipid as a target for developing drugs to lower cholesterol. The extract, combined with a cholesterol-lowering diet, reduced cholesterol levels by up to 20%. Researchers are now studying the biochemical reasons behind this effect and its potential impact on other medications.
Researchers discovered that guggulsterone blocks the FXR receptor, regulating cholesterol metabolism. The study suggests that guggulsterone could lead to new drugs to control cholesterol levels and potentially treat hyperlipidemia.
A study found that Chinese-Americans take in less nicotine per cigarette and metabolize it more slowly than whites and Latinos, possibly explaining lower lung cancer rates. This correlation suggests slow nicotine metabolism may contribute to reduced nicotine intake, a factor linked to lower lung cancer incidence.
Researchers at Columbia University Irving Medical Center used PET scanning to assess abnormal energy metabolism in the hearts of young patients with fatty acid metabolism disorders. They found that affected children have a diminished capacity to use fatty acids and experience metabolic crises if untreated.