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Mice predict the effectiveness of orally taken drugs

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.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateNov 1, 2007

Modulating fat levels essential for successful pregnancy

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.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateSep 20, 2007

Lack of GBA2: A contraceptive for male mice

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.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateNov 1, 2006

Findings by Einstein scientists reveal possible strategy against obesity, diabetes and infertility

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.

SourceAlbert Einstein College of Medicine·JournalCell Metabolism·DateJul 5, 2006

Mining the human genome for signs of recent selection

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.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateMar 6, 2006

U of M researchers show that increasing sugar processing in the liver can lower blood sugar

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.

SourceUniversity of Minnesota·JournalCell Metabolism·DateAug 16, 2005

Leptin and obesity

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.

SourceBrown University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 26, 2004

Enzyme controls 'good cholesterol'

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.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 26, 2003

PTHrP leads to significant increase in bone mineral density according to Pittsburgh study

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.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh Medical Center·JournalJournal of Endocrinology and Metabolism·DateFeb 5, 2003

Natural cholesterol-lowerer shows the way

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.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalScience·DateMay 2, 2002

Differences in nicotine metabolism may explain ethnic variations in lung cancer rates

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.

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateJan 15, 2002

Neurons implanted in stroke-damaged brain tissue show function, say University of Pittsburgh researchers

Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center have successfully implanted LBS-neurons into patients with chronic stroke, showing a greater than 10% increase in metabolic activity in damaged areas. The surrounding area showed maintained or improved function, suggesting integration of the new neurons.