Articles tagged with Metabolites
Researchers found that women with prediabetes after pregnancy had aberrations in their early pregnancy blood serum metabolomic profile, including higher concentrations of small HDL particles. These metabolic changes predicted prediabetes at postpartum and were associated with increased risk of type 2 diabetes.
A study published in Cell Reports found that rodents exposed to microgravity had altered gut microbiomes, which may contribute to bone loss. The researchers also discovered that certain bacterial species in the gut produced molecules that influenced bone remodeling.
Edward Chouchani, an associate professor at Harvard Medical School, has been awarded the $50,000 Vilcek Prize for Creative Promise in Biomedical Science. His research focuses on understanding metabolic disease using mass spectrometry and biochemical approaches.
Researchers have found that fermented sugar-based products and fermented vegetable-based products show promise in improving gut and brain health. Preliminary results suggest these foods contain beneficial metabolites that can positively impact mental health.
Acylceramides and protein-bound ceramides play a vital role in forming the oral barrier, similar to their function in the skin. Researchers found that these molecules protect against pathogens, chemicals, and allergens in mice.
A pilot study at the University of Eastern Finland found metabolites related to oxidative stress and transsulfuration to be associated with a history of sexual or physical abuse in depressed adolescent outpatients. The study's findings suggest that further research into the biological mechanisms underlying trauma is needed.
Researchers developed O-ClickFC technology to analyze lipid metabolic state in cells at high speed. The technology combined with genome editing enabled identification of causative genes of metabolic disorders, including FLVCR1 and its role in choline uptake.
Researchers at Penn Medicine discovered that maintaining nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) levels may protect against kidney disease. NAD supplements were shown to be effective in reversing NAD loss and suppressing inflammation in mouse kidneys, suggesting a potential therapeutic target for kidney disease prevention and treatment.
A recent study found that certain microbial metabolites are associated with liver fat content in individuals with fatty liver disease. The researchers identified degradation products of amino acids and differences in testosterone levels as potential biomarkers.
Researchers at Hokkaido University discovered itaconate's modulatory effect on T helper and T regulatory cells, potentially leading to new treatments for autoimmune diseases. The study found that itaconate inhibits Th17 cell differentiation and promotes Treg cell development, reducing disease symptoms in mice models.
Scientists at the University of Utah Health have discovered a complex network of protein-metabolite interactions within cells that enable them to respond to environmental cues and maintain homeostasis. The study, published in Science, highlights the importance of these interactions in regulating metabolic processes and preventing disease.
The study found that Clostridioides difficile uses fermentation to rapidly colonize the gut and identified critical pathways converged on a metabolic integration point to produce amino acid alanine, driving bacterial growth. The findings provide new targets for small molecule drugs to counter C. difficile colonization and infection.
A new study has discovered a connection between a mitochondrial metabolite and the activation of an inflammatory response. Fumarate, produced in the mitochondrion, triggers mitochondrial damage that releases genetic material into small vesicles, leading to inflammation.
A study found that time-restricted feeding improves muscle performance in obese fruit flies by upregulating genes related to glycine production and utilization. This approach may provide a natural alternative therapy for managing obesity-related pathologies.
A University of Massachusetts Amherst epidemiologist is leading a team to better understand the effects of chronic stress on future health risks. They will examine metabolites in blood samples from a large, racially diverse population to identify potential biomarkers for heart disease, diabetes and cognitive decline.
Researchers found that metabolites associated with the Mediterranean diet may serve as an objective measure to assess adherence among pregnant individuals. The study identified several key metabolites linked to maternal physiology and outcomes, including gestational diabetes and chronic diseases.
Lichen-forming fungi have evolved unique gene clusters to produce orange 'sunscreen' pigments, allowing them to thrive in sunny environments. The discovery of a critical ABC transporter gene within the pigment gene cluster provides a potential hypothesis for toxicity avoidance in these organisms.
Two studies reveal that ME/CFS is associated with reduced levels of butyrate-producing microbes and differences in gut metabolites. Researchers found distinct changes in the microbiome of patients with short-term and long-term ME/CFS, suggesting a potential link between gut dysbiosis and the disease's severity.
A new study found that a medication previously used to treat seizures can reprogram donor hearts to boost the production of beneficial enzymes, increasing storage time and improving post-transplant function. This technology could lead to a paradigm shift in extending heart storage and reducing primary graft dysfunction.
Researchers have identified superfast muscles in mouse legs using new technology, opening up possibilities for therapeutic interventions to improve human limb movements. The discovery sheds light on the mechanisms behind fast twitch muscles and fatigue-resistant oxidative muscles.
A new lifestyle-related biomarker, gluconic acid, is associated with high blood pressure and ischemic stroke in Black adults. The study suggests that a blood test measuring metabolites may help determine if diet and exercise are effective in lowering stroke risk.
Researchers have identified the genetic secrets behind skullcap's anti-cancer activity, enabling the production of synthetic compounds. The discovery is expected to lead to more sustainable and rapid synthesis of cancer-fighting molecules.
Researchers found that metabolite changes were most evident in ripe fruit, with nitrogen deficiency increasing some compounds and phosphorus deficiency decreasing diversity. Salinity threshold above which metabolites change was identified, which could impact harvested pepper resistance to pathogens.
A searchable library of 1,600 chemically-diverse plant extracts has been established, providing valuable insights into plant metabolites' roles in drug development. The library shares both data and methods, making it an exceptional resource for advancing chemodiversity digitization.
Using genetically modified Aspergillus fungi, researchers have successfully converted polyethylene plastics into pharmacologically active compounds. The process breaks down the plastics quickly and efficiently, producing commercially viable yields of asperbenzaldehyde, citreoviridin, and mutilin.
A new study by the University of Coimbra found that higher coffee intake is associated with reduced NAFLD severity in overweight people with T2D. Caffeine and polyphenols in coffee may help alleviate liver fibrosis and improve glucose homeostasis.
A study found that patients with severe COVID-19 who suffered progressive lung failure had a different gut microbiome composition compared to those who recovered. The research identified key differences in bacteria and metabolites, including higher levels of Proteobacteria and lower levels of secondary bile acids in dying patients.
Researchers found that cells exchanging amino acids and glycerol with each other lived up to 25% longer. The study suggests this collaborative exchange extends the lifespan of cells within a community as a whole.
A new machine learning model developed by Aalto University researchers can identify small molecules with unprecedented accuracy, distinguishing between mirror image molecules. This breakthrough has significant implications for understanding metabolic disorders, such as diabetes, and identifying micropollutants in the environment.
A new study found that a machine learning-based blood test can accurately predict an individual's entire diet over 19 food groups, outperforming traditional methods. The test, which uses molecular profiling, also identifies who is more likely to develop diabetes and cardiovascular disease based on each food group.
Researchers from the Leibniz Institute for Food Systems Biology have identified three metabolites as potential biomarkers for individual coffee consumption. These biomarkers could help determine the health value of coffee by objectively verifying coffee consumption levels.
Researchers at KAUST have discovered a key protein that acts as a master switch for plant immunity, suggesting a simpler way to develop more resilient crops. The protein, OXI1, triggers the production of immune-promoting molecules, but its overactivity can harm plants.
Researchers discovered three essential amino acids - leucine, valine, and tryptophan - as potential metabolic biomarkers for HCC. The study used metabolomics to analyze the differences in tumor and non-tumor tissue metabolomes, revealing striking differences that could aid in diagnosis.
A team of scientists has identified three new biomarkers for detecting the consumption of emerging synthetic cannabinoids like OXIZID. These biomarkers will facilitate work by drug enforcement agencies worldwide in monitoring OXIZID abuse, enabling more accurate identification of abusers and potentially preventing overdoses.
A recent human study published in Antioxidants found that consuming grapes protected against ultraviolet (UV) damage to the skin. The study showed increased resistance to sunburn and unique microbiomic and metabolomic profiles in subjects who consumed whole grape powder, suggesting a correlation between the gut and skin.
A recent study found metabolic perturbations in young nonhuman primates' liver and skeletal muscle after maternal obesity during pregnancy, even after a normal diet was introduced post-weaning. The study identified 58 altered metabolites in the liver and 46 in skeletal muscle, suggesting long-term health consequences.
Researchers have developed a unique resource for understanding the impact of early life environmental exposures on health. The study, which analyzed data from 1,301 mother-child pairs, identified associations between 92 in pregnancy and 116 in childhood with molecular profiles at different levels.
A recent study from the University of Eastern Finland found that genetic background has an effect on the metabolism of essential polyunsaturated fatty acids alpha-linolenic acid and linoleic acid. The study showed that the FADS1 genotype modifies the responses to diets rich in alpha-linolenic acid and linoleic acid.
Researchers are exploring how aging affects communication between bone and muscle, finding that imbalance can lead to muscle loss, falls, and bone fractures. They aim to develop novel interventions to restore this balance, potentially treating osteoporosis and sarcopenia.
Scientists at Northwestern Medicine have discovered a causal link between environmental phthalates and increased uterine fibroid growth. Exposure to certain phthalates, such as DEHP, may activate a hormonal pathway that causes fibroid tumors to grow. This study explains the mechanisms behind this association.
Researchers at UCalgary have discovered a potential new treatment for fibrosis, a condition that causes thickening of the gut wall and life-threatening blockage in people with Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. The study suggests that drugs targeting specific sensors may prevent inflammation-associated gut blockage.
Researchers at the University of Cincinnati are awarded a $3.5 million NIH grant to examine how alcohol use alone or in combination with fentanyl affects HIV medications, including PrEP medication. The study aims to determine metabolite signatures and pharmacological biomarkers of PrEP in HIV-negative populations.
A new study reveals that urolithin A from pomegranates can rejuvenate T cells by recycling and renewing mitochondria, enhancing their ability to fight tumors. The researchers plan to investigate the application of urolithin A in clinical trials for colorectal cancer.
Researchers have isolated an effective monoclonal antibody that targets heroin, blocking its painkilling effect and overdose deaths in mice. The findings suggest that targeting heroin itself is more effective than its metabolites, paving the way for a new therapy.
A recent mouse study published in Diabetes found that maternal and paternal exercise significantly improved metabolic health in offspring. The study used metabolomics profiling to examine the effects of parental exercise on tissue metabolites, revealing extensive changes in glucose and fatty acid metabolism.
Researchers at Leibniz-HKI discovered a yellow natural substance that regulates the multicellular stage of the amoeba <em>D. discoideum</em>. The polyketide, dictyoden, prevents premature hatching from spores, maintaining the development cycle. The study provides insights into the complex transition from single- to multicellularity.
New research by Frank Schroeder's team reveals two parallel biosynthetic pathways for serotonin production in C. elegans, challenging the long-held assumption that serotonin is made and quickly broken down. The findings suggest new therapeutic targets for treating anxiety, depression, and eating disorders.
A team of scientists at Scripps Research and Calibr discovered a naturally occurring metabolite called myristoylglycine that can convert white fat cells into brown fat cells, potentially treating obesity and related diseases. The breakthrough uses a novel drug discovery method to identify endogenous metabolites with therapeutic potential.
A study led by Susanne Talcott explores the 'mechanics' of botanical compounds and their effects on human microbiota. The research aims to develop novel recommendations for safe and effective consumption of large molecular polyphenols, including gallotannins, to reduce intestinal inflammation.
Researchers discovered that catnip and pea aphid use different enzymes to produce nepetalactone, a complex sex pheromone. The biosynthetic pathways of these two organisms share identical intermediates, but employ distinct catalytic mechanisms.
Researchers found that B-type procyanidins induce hormesis in hemodynamic and metabolic responses, with optimal doses triggering improved cognitive functions and stress resistance. The study suggests a link between B-type procyanidin intake and CNS neurotransmitter receptor activation.
A study by the Barcelona Institute for Global Health found a strong association between prenatal phthalate exposure and reduced lung function in children. The researchers analyzed data from 641 mother-child pairs and discovered that gestational phthalate exposure was associated with decreases in forced vital capacity and forced expirat...
A study published in Science reveals that tumor cells with a specific mutation release a chemical metabolite that weakens nearby immune cells, rendering them less capable of killing cancer cells. The findings highlight the critical role of the tumor microenvironment in cancer growth and provide insights into developing targeted therapi...
A recent study published in Nature Communications has found a strong connection between the gut microbiome and certain blood metabolites. The research, led by Uppsala University, analyzed fecal and blood samples from over 8,500 participants in the SCAPIS study, identifying novel associations between gut bacteria and plasma metabolite s...
Researchers found that blood metabolites related to sugars were linked to older adults' global cognitive health, while a Mediterranean diet was associated with higher levels of beta-cryptoxanthin. This study expands on previous work and highlights the importance of diet in safeguarding cognitive function across different populations.
A new study identified distinct metabolic profiles in women with Idiopathic Intercranial Hypertension (IIH), a condition characterized by raised brain pressure. Weight loss programs showed positive effects on results, suggesting that metabolism plays a role in disease development.
Breast cancer recurrence and metastatic spread remain a significant challenge, with researchers identifying a metabolic signature that can predict patient outcomes. The signature could be used to develop new therapies targeting cancer metabolism.
Researchers developed APTASHAPE to analyze protein and metabolite signatures in blood plasma for various diseases. The technology shows promise for non-invasive early detection of bladder cancer and other conditions.
Observational research suggests that 7-MX inhibits excessive eye lengthening and slows myopia progression in Danish children. The study found that higher doses of 7-MX were more effective in slowing myopia growth.
A study published in Frontiers in Immunology found that Japanese herbal medicine DKT reduces colitis severity by preventing gut bacteria loss and increasing immune cells. It restores Lactobacillus levels and promotes type 3 innate lymphoid cells, alleviating inflammatory responses.