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Nicotine metabolite amplifies action of the primary chemical messenger for learning and memory

A new study suggests that nicotine's metabolite cotinine amplifies the effect of acetylcholine, a primary chemical messenger involved in learning and memory, potentially providing therapeutic benefits for Alzheimer's and other memory disorders. Cotinine may also have synergistic effects with existing Alzheimer's therapies.

SourceMedical College of Georgia at Augusta University·JournalJournal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics·DateFeb 17, 2015

Diverse gut bacteria associated with favorable ratio of estrogen metabolites

A study published by The Endocrine Society found that diverse gut bacteria are associated with a favorable ratio of estrogen metabolites, which may reduce the risk of breast cancer. Researchers analyzed fecal and urine samples from 60 postmenopausal women and discovered a relationship between bacterial diversity and estrogen levels.

SourceThe Endocrine Society·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateSep 11, 2014

Healing the heart with fat

Researchers discovered that a particular EPA metabolite, 18-hydroxyeicosapentaenoic acid (18-HEPE), plays a crucial role in protecting against cardiovascular diseases. This metabolite was produced by immune cells and confirmed its heart-protective effects.

SourceRockefeller University Press·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·DateJul 21, 2014

Decoding the chemical vocabulary of plants

Researchers developed a computational pipeline system to analyze plant genomes, revealing unusual properties in genes producing specialized metabolites. These findings offer an innovative strategy for discovering novel compounds with wide-ranging implications for agriculture, biotechnology, drug discovery, and synthetic biology.

Banana plant fights off crop's invisible nemesis: Roundworms

The Yangambi km5 banana variety produces toxic metabolites that kill the nematode Radopholus similis, a major roundworm pest. This discovery could lead to the development of edible and pest-resistant banana varieties, as well as new pesticides against nematodes.

SourceKU Leuven·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 5, 2014

Joslin finds metabolic clues to diabetic kidney failure

A recent study by Joslin Diabetes Center researchers has identified key metabolic factors that may contribute to diabetic kidney failure. The study found increased levels of uremic solutes and myo-inositol in patients who developed end-stage renal disease, suggesting a potential link between tubular injury and kidney failure.

SourceJoslin Diabetes Center·JournalKidney International·DateJan 15, 2014

Urine biomarkers reveal mitochondrial dysfunction in diabetic kidney disease

Researchers identified 13 metabolites that are significantly different in patients with diabetes and chronic kidney disease compared to healthy controls. Twelve of the metabolites are linked to mitochondrial function, suggesting suppressed mitochondria as a fundamental characteristic of diabetic kidney disease.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalJournal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateOct 10, 2013

Problems with mineral metabolism linked with kidney disease progression

A study found that disordered mineral metabolism worsens with progressive chronic kidney disease and is linked to a higher risk of kidney failure among African Americans. Measuring mineral metabolites may be a useful way to determine CKD patient prognosis, while targeting these metabolites could help slow disease progression.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalJournal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateDec 13, 2012

Mice with 'humanized' livers improve early drug testing, Stanford scientists show

Researchers characterized a drug about to enter clinical development by using mouse models with humanized livers, accurately predicting significant aspects of its behavior in humans. The findings hold huge implications for drug development, hinting that the drug could be both safe and effective in treating hepatitis C

SourceStanford Medicine·JournalJournal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics·DateOct 31, 2012

Genetic regulation of metabolomic biomarkers – paths to cardiovascular diseases and type 2 diabetes

Researchers identified 31 genetic regions associated with circulating metabolites, including biomarkers for cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. The study provides new insights into the biological processes leading to common diseases, suggesting that detailed data on multiple metabolites can help elucidate these processes.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalNature Genetics·DateJan 29, 2012

Focus on fats

A massive research project, LIPID MAPS, has identified the complete complement of lipids within cells and gained insight into their role in cellular functions. The new knowledge may have significant implications for understanding diseases such as heart disease, cancer, and diabetes.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalChemical & Engineering News·DateOct 12, 2011

Detailed metabolic profile gives 'chemical snapshot' of the effects of exercise

Researchers developed a detailed metabolic profile of exercise effects, revealing changes in over 20 metabolites reflecting sugar, fat, and amino acid processing as fuels. These findings have implications for optimal training programs, nutritional supplements, and potential treatments for cardiovascular disease and diabetes.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateMay 26, 2010