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Pattern of compounds in blood may indicate severity of gestational hypertension and preeclampsia

Researchers identified 19 metabolites and found that levels of certain compounds correlated with increased blood pressure, worse obstetric outcomes, and poorer end-organ function. The study expands scientific knowledge of preeclampsia and its mechanisms, paving the way for future therapeutic strategies.

Cholesterol metabolism byproduct linked to Parkinson’s disease

Researchers have discovered a critical link between a cholesterol byproduct and Parkinson's disease development in mice. The study highlights the role of 24-OHC in forming Lewy bodies and killing dopamine neurons, with potential therapeutic targets emerging as drugs that prevent its production.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 18, 2025

Bacteria found to eat forever chemicals — and even some of their toxic byproducts

A University at Buffalo-led team has identified a strain of bacteria that can break down and transform at least three types of PFAS, as well as some of the toxic byproducts of the bond-breaking process. The bacteria, Labrys portucalensis F11, metabolized over 90% of perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS) after a 100-day exposure period.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalScience of The Total Environment·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 23, 2025

Metabolome and RNA-seq reveal discrepant metabolism and secretory metabolism profile in skeletal muscle between obese and lean pigs at different ages

Researchers identified distinct metabolic profiles in skeletal muscle of Taoyuan Black pig compared to Duroc pig, with correlations to intramuscular fat content and lipid metabolism. The study provides insights into the muscle-adipose axis and potential targets for nutritional regulation.

SourceScience China Press·JournalScience China Life Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 19, 2025

SeoulTech researchers propose a novel method to shed light on PFOS-induced neurotoxicity

The study proposes a novel approach for simultaneous extraction of metabolites and lipids from zebrafish embryos to shed light on PFOS-induced neurotoxicity. The researchers found that sphingolipids are a reliable biomarker of PFOS-induced neurotoxicity, and the method can be expanded to various biomolecules.

SourceSeoul National University of Science & Technology·JournalJournal of Hazardous Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 15, 2025

Your immune cells are what they eat

Researchers at Salk Institute establish a novel framework for the relationship between nutrition and cell identity. They found that a nutritional switch from acetate to citrate plays a key role in determining T cell fates, shifting them from active effector cells to exhausted cells.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalScience·DateDec 12, 2024

All people are unique – also in the gut

A new study found that changes in the gut environment influence the composition and activity of gut bacteria. The study involved swallowing a capsule with pH sensors through breakfast, revealing unique gut environments and travel times among individuals. This may help explain individual differences in digestion, nutrient uptake, and bo...

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - Faculty of Science·JournalNature Microbiology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateDec 2, 2024

Ketone bodies: more than energy, they are powerful signaling metabolites that clean up damaged proteins

Researchers at the Buck Institute found that ketone bodies interact directly with misfolded proteins, altering their solubility and structure to be cleared through autophagy. This discovery suggests a new form of metabolic regulation of protein quality control in the brain, with potential therapeutic applications.

SourceBuck Institute for Research on Aging·JournalCell Chemical Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 2, 2024

Unlocking the secrets of ketosis

A team of researchers has discovered a previously unknown metabolic pathway involving beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB), a key ketone body. This finding suggests that ketones have additional roles in the body's metabolic landscape, potentially influencing appetite suppression and weight regulation under ketosis conditions.

SourceStanford University·JournalCell·DateNov 12, 2024

Correlating fruit fly and human data via machine learning and systems biology results in the identification of key metabolites that impact lifespan in both species

Researchers analyzed correlations between fruit fly and human data to identify key metabolites impacting lifespan. Threonine was found to extend lifespan in flies and show promise as a therapeutic target for aging interventions.

SourceBuck Institute for Research on Aging·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 29, 2024

Discovery of a potential molecular mechanism to reduce cardiovascular risk in 6 genetic regions through the metabolites they regulate

Researchers have identified 44 genetic regions associated with metabolite levels in the body, which can influence cardiovascular risk. The study found a potential molecular mechanism by which six genetic loci are linked to cardiovascular risk through the metabolites they regulate.

SourceGermans Trias i Pujol Research Institute·JournalGenome Medicine·TypeMeta-analysis·DateOct 29, 2024

USC study finds link between PFAS, kidney function and gut health

Researchers at USC found a link between per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and kidney damage, which may be tied to dysregulation of the gut microbiome. The study, published in Science of the Total Environment, suggests that changes in gut bacteria and related metabolites can explain up to 50% of decreased kidney function.

SourceKeck School of Medicine of USC·JournalScience of The Total Environment·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 17, 2024

How breast cancer goes hungry

Researchers at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory have discovered a strategy to kill breast cancer cells and shrink tumors by depriving them of two vital nutrients: glutamine and its backup supply, alpha-ketoglutarate. This approach was successful in lab experiments and effective in treating tumors in mice.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalNature Metabolism·DateAug 28, 2024

Intermittent fasting shows promise in improving gut health, weight management

A new study highlights the benefits of intermittent fasting and protein-pacing on gut health, weight loss, and metabolic responses. Participants showed improved diversity of the gut microbiota, decreased symptoms of gastrointestinal problems, and increased beneficial microbes linked to a lean body type.

SourceArizona State University·JournalNature Communications·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMay 28, 2024

New study shows liver patients see benefits after going meatless for one meal

Researchers from VCU School of Medicine and Richmond VA Medical Center discover that replacing meat with plant-based proteins for one meal reduces harmful ammonia levels in people with advanced liver disease. The study found significant differences in blood and urine samples, revealing lower amino acids associated with ammonia production.

SourceVirginia Commonwealth University·JournalClinical and Translational Gastroenterology·DateMay 2, 2024

An omega-6 fatty acid may reduce the risk for bipolar disorder

Researchers found a genetic link between higher circulating levels of arachidonic acid and lower risk for bipolar disorder. The study suggests that altering arachidonic acid synthesis pathways may reduce bipolar disorder risk, particularly in those with compromised pathways.

SourceElsevier·JournalBiological Psychiatry·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateApr 30, 2024

Genome-wide methylation, transcriptome and metabolite reveal the balance between diosgenin and brassinosteroids in Dioscorea zingiberensis by Jialu Li lab in Wuhan University

The study identified genes and transcription factors involved in the balance process of diosgenin and brassinosteroids in Dioscorea zingiberensis. CAS and CYP90s play a pivotal role in sterol homeostasis, suggesting a new perspective on regulatory networks.

SourceNanjing Agricultural University The Academy of Science·JournalHorticulture Research·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 24, 2024

Smartphone swabs provide convenient toxicology testing

A new study published in Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine reveals that smartphone swabs can successfully detect drugs on phone surfaces. The method, which uses dry swabs, identified MDMA, cocaine, and THC as the most common substances, with other drugs including ketamine, LSD, and heroin also detected.

SourceDe Gruyter·JournalClinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine (CCLM)·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 22, 2024

Cleveland clinic researchers use AI to improve Alzheimer’s treatment through the ‘gut-brain axis’

Researchers used machine learning to analyze over 1.09 million potential metabolite-receptor pairs and predict the likelihood that each interaction contributed to Alzheimer's disease. The study found a protective metabolite called agmatine interacting with a receptor called CA3R in brain cells, reducing CA3R levels and lowering phospho...

SourceCleveland Clinic·JournalCell Reports·DateApr 22, 2024

High fat/low protein diets in rats during pregnancy and postnatally may cause altered glucose control and other "maladaptive" metabolic changes in their offspring

A study published in PLOS ONE found that high fat/low protein diets in rats during pregnancy and postnatally can cause altered glucose control and other maladaptive metabolic changes in their offspring. The researchers also discovered disruptions in circadian rhythm programming of energy metabolites through adulthood.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMar 27, 2024

Chinese Medical Journal article unveils metabolic strategies to enhance CAR-T cell therapy

Researchers unveil innovative strategies to overcome metabolic constraints in CAR-T cell therapy, aiming to boost its efficacy in treating solid tumors. Metabolic interventions targeting immunosuppressive metabolites, metabolite uptake, and mitochondrial metabolism are proposed to enhance anti-tumor activity.

SourceCactus Communications·JournalChinese Medical Journal·TypeSystematic review·DateMar 26, 2024

A KAIST-Seoul National University Hospital research team develops a computational workflow that predicts metabolites and metabolic pathways associated with somatic mutations in cancers

A KAIST-Seoul National University Hospital research team has developed a computational workflow that predicts metabolites and metabolic pathways associated with somatic mutations in cancers. The workflow uses genome-scale metabolic models and mutation data to identify altered metabolic pathways that contribute to cancer progression.

SourceThe Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)·JournalGenome Biology·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMar 18, 2024