Articles tagged with Adipocytes
A new study found that a protein produced by fat cells may increase the risk of heart attack in older adults. Adiponectin levels were associated with a higher risk of heart disease events, particularly among those with high levels.
Researchers found that resveratrol inhibits the growth of pre-fat cells and prevents them from converting into mature fat cells. Resveratrol also reduces production of cytokines linked to obesity-related disorders, such as diabetes and clogged coronary arteries.
Researchers at Children's Hospital Boston have identified the cells responsible for infantile hemangiomas, a common benign tumor. By using these cells to develop a new mouse model, scientists hope to identify potential therapeutic targets for this disease.
Scientists have discovered a previously unknown molecular signaling pathway in body fat cells that normally acts to suppress harmful inflammation, but is overridden by obesity. The protective function can be boosted with drugs targeting PPAR-d, potentially treating insulin resistance and diabetes.
Two studies using data from the CARDIA cohort provide insights into lung disease and lung function in young adults. Low levels of adiponectin in fat cells are associated with an increased risk of asthma in women, while high levels of ICAM-1 are linked to lower lung function.
Researchers discover how PRDM16 regulates fat cells to favor brown adipose tissue (BAT) formation, which can help counteract obesity and diabetes. The findings provide insight into the molecular mechanisms behind BAT specification and hold promise for therapeutic treatments.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center found that where and how the body stores excess calories is more important than overall weight in determining an individual's risk of developing metabolic syndrome. Overeating, rather than obesity itself, may trigger the development of this health condition.
Researchers at the University of Western Ontario discovered that abdominal fat tissue produces a hormone called Neuropeptide Y (NPY), which stimulates fat cell production. This novel finding may lead to new therapeutic targets for combating obesity, including the development of a simple blood test to detect increased levels of NPY.
Researchers have identified KLF4 as a key player in the early stages of fat formation, connecting the dots between molecular processes that lead to adipogenesis. By understanding how KLF4 influences C/EBPß activity and drives fat production, scientists may be able to intervene and alter fat development.
Finnish research reveals clear changes in gene-networks and mitochondria function in obese individuals, associated with pre-diabetic changes and increased insulin release. Mitochondrial inefficiency may maintain obesity state.
Scientists at Einstein College of Medicine identified two genes crucial for packaging fat into lipid droplets. Overexpressing these genes led to a significant increase in lipid droplet formation, while suppressing one of the genes resulted in a drastic reduction. This discovery could lead to new strategies for treating obesity and rela...
A new study published in JCI Journal has found that CP-31398, a compound that binds to mutant forms of the p53 protein, can prevent and treat UV light–induced skin cancers in mice. The study also demonstrated that CP-31398 increased p53 function in human skin cancer cells expressing a mutant form of p53.
A University of Georgia study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that obesity may be bad for bone health in young women. The research used advanced three-dimensional bone scans on 115 women aged 18-19 and found that obese participants had weaker bones by 8-9% compared to those with normal body fat.
Researchers at WashU Medicine found that fat cells release an enzyme called Nampt, which enhances glucose-stimulated insulin secretion from pancreatic beta cells. This discovery could lead to new methods for improving glucose metabolism in type 2 diabetic or insulin-resistant individuals.
A genome-wide analysis of PPARg reveals new targets for drug development against obesity, diabetes, and cancer. The study provides clues into the transcriptional circuitry during adipogenesis and insulin sensitization.
Researchers at the University of Cincinnati have discovered a new molecular target that may help develop drugs to reduce fat transport in adipocytes and prevent obesity. Knocking out a specific cell receptor called LRP1 has been shown to decrease fat storage and weight gain in genetically altered mice.
A recent study found that TPPII stimulates the formation of fat cells in worms and mammalian cells, leading to decreased fat stores. Mice with lower levels of TPPII were thinner than their wild-type littermates despite comparable food intake.
Researchers found that alternate-day fasting shrinks fat cells and boosts fat breakdown mechanisms. Statin drugs also reduce cholesterol and fats in blood vessels by affecting lipases. Exercise after a high-fat meal stimulates the breakdown of fats in skeletal muscle, making it healthier.
Researchers found an antiobesity gene that has kept critters lean since ancient times. Increased activity in fat tissue leads to a slimmer animal and better metabolic function.
Scientists discovered that genetic variations do not negatively affect the efficacy of fluvastatin in renal transplant patients. Additionally, researchers created synthetic lipids called pseudoceramides to treat skin diseases and found them to significantly increase protein production when skin cells differentiate.
A new study at Joslin Diabetes Center identified a protein called Sirt2 as playing a major role in how fat is produced and stored in the body. Increasing Sirt2 levels may block fat cell differentiation and reduce fat storage.
Researchers at Columbia University Medical Center have discovered that the skeleton acts as an endocrine organ, releasing osteocalcin to regulate blood sugar and fat deposition. This hormone boosts insulin sensitivity and enhances insulin-producing cells, preventing type 2 diabetes in mice.
A study by Richard E. Morton and Lahoucine Izem found that the protein cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP) plays a crucial role in fat cell storage and regulation, potentially leading to improved understanding of obesity and diabetes.
Scientists have discovered a direct connection between stress and obesity, revealing that neuropeptide Y can 'unlock' fat cells. Blocking the Y2 receptor may prevent fat growth or even kill fat cells.
Researchers found that polyphenols increase fatty acid breakdown and alter glucose usage in fat cells. Quercetin metabolites primarily accumulate in rat lungs, leading to increased fatty acid catabolism.
Researchers discovered that plant-derived chemical harmine fights diabetes in mice without some of the side effects attributed to other antidiabetes drugs. Harmine increases insulin sensitivity by blocking a pathway that normally inhibits fat cells' production, providing a new approach for treating insulin resistance.
A recent study found that STAMP2 plays a crucial role in preventing chronic inflammation and metabolic diseases by regulating nutrient responses. The protein acts as a barrier to protect the body against excessive nutrients, helping to maintain metabolic homeostasis.
Scientists have identified a potential new approach to raising HDL cholesterol levels, using a previously tested B-vitamin called niacin. The goal is to develop drugs with improved efficacy and tolerability compared to current statins.
Visceral fat cells secrete inflammatory molecules that increase systemic inflammation and insulin resistance. The study found high levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and C-reactive protein (CRP) in obese patients, supporting the notion that visceral fat contributes to metabolic problems.
Researchers found two basic categories of cells: those that stay the same size but have drastically different energy needs based on mammal size, or cells that grow larger in larger mammals. This discovery sheds light on how organism size affects cell life span and function.
A team of researchers is exploring how polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) affect fat storage and production in laboratory rats. Preliminary data suggests that chronic exposure to PBDEs may cause insulin resistance, a precursor to Type II diabetes.
Researchers discover xanthine oxidoreductase (XOR) as a key player in early fat cell development, suggesting potential for new obesity treatment. XOR inhibition blocks fat formation and improves metabolic outcomes in mice.
Researchers at Michigan Medicine have discovered a single protein, SH2B1, that plays a crucial role in controlling body weight, responding to insulin and leptin signals, and energy balance. The study found that restoring SH2B1 in brain cells corrects metabolic disorders and improves the brain's ability to regulate eating.
Researchers found that Mycobacterium tuberculosis can hide in adipose cells, protecting it from the immune system and antibiotics, and may remain dormant for years. This discovery sheds light on possible strategies for fighting tuberculosis, highlighting the need for new targeted therapeutic weapons.
A five-year study shows that exercise can reduce the size of abdominal fat cells by up to 18%, even when combined with dietary weight loss. This finding is significant because it suggests that exercise may be an important component in treating the health complications associated with abdominal fat.
The study reveals that protein aP2 is present in human epithelial cells lining the airways and its expression is increased by interleukin-4 and -13. Mice lacking aP2 exhibit reduced airway inflammation, highlighting the importance of lipids in inflammation and metabolism.
Researchers at U-M's Life Sciences Institute discovered that the MT1-MMP gene regulates fat cell size and metabolic gene expression. In three-dimensional environments, the gene plays a critical role in adipocyte development, potentially leading to novel therapeutics for obesity prevention.
In the absence of MT1-MMP, preadipocytes fail to break through extracellular matrix, disrupting fat cell development. However, MT1-MMP is essential for remodeling the surrounding matrix to facilitate normal fat formation. The enzyme may also regulate collagen in white adipose tissue and act as a protein-degrading rheostat.
Fat cells surrounding coronary arteries release pro-inflammatory proteins and hormones that regulate inflammation, blood pressure, and insulin activity. These epicardial adipocytes also induce angiogenesis, a process that contributes to the development of atherosclerosis.
Researchers found that genetically modified rats with high levels of leptin receptors didn't become obese, even on high-fat diets. This suggests that preventing the disappearance of leptin receptors may be key to controlling obesity.
A new study found that human fat cells produce C-reactive protein, a molecule linked to cardiovascular events. Aspirin and statin drugs effectively dampen production of CRP from fat cells.
A study by University of Michigan researchers reveals the critical genetic switch that allows preadipocytes to become full-blown fat cells, highlighting the importance of balance in fat production. The discovery sheds new light on the role of integrin alpha 6 in regulating fat cell formation and its potential link to metabolic disorders.
Researchers uncover HIV fusion peptide's dual role in mediating immunity and downregulating T cell responses. Additionally, a novel connection is made between fat cells, cholesterol metabolism, and PPAR gamma regulation.
Researchers identified genes that govern the development of brown fat cells, which burn energy and generate heat. The discovery may lead to new tools to fight obesity by targeting specific genes with drugs or agents.
Researchers found that collagen VI from adipocytes stimulates the proliferation and survival of malignant cells in breast tumors. The study suggests a potential link between increased adiposity and breast cancer risk, highlighting the role of extracellular matrix proteins in tumor behavior.
Scientists have successfully grown functional fat cells in a laboratory using a new microscopic three-dimensional scaffolding. The discovery may lead to breakthroughs in treating type II diabetes and could provide a source of transplantable organs.
A new study reveals that a secreted signaling protein called Wnt10b stimulates the growth of bone cells and inhibits fat cell development, leading to increased bone mass and density in mice. The research also shows that Wnt10b protects against bone loss from aging or estrogen deficiency.
A new study from the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine suggests that PPARã can turn genes both on and off. By targeting this ability to turn off genes without affecting others, researchers may develop drugs called SPPARMs that decrease TZD-related side effects.
Researchers discovered that a lack of enzyme ACC2 turns fat cells into fat burners, leading to increased oxidation of fatty acids and glucose. This transformation contributes to improved energy maintenance and reduced risk of type 2 diabetes.
Researchers found that apocynin reduced ROS production in fat cells, restored adipocytokine production, and improved diabetes. Accumulated fatty tissue is a major source of ROS in obesity, acting as an early trigger of metabolic syndrome.
A recent study published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation reveals that a diabetes drug called rosiglitazone enhances fat cell energy production by remodelling mitochondria. This finding suggests a potential new approach to treating obesity, which is a major risk factor for developing type 2 diabetes.
Researchers identified a link between genetic mutations in the ABCA1 gene and lower HDL cholesterol levels in the general population. Approximately 10% of individuals with low HDL levels carry a mutation or nucleotide modification in one of their ABCA1 genes, suggesting that genetic variation plays a role in regulating HDL levels.
Research reveals that gut microbes suppress fasting-induced adipocyte factor (Fiaf), helping to keep fat cell gates closed. This suppression can lead to increased fat storage and insulin resistance, highlighting the importance of gut microbiota in regulating fat metabolism.
Researchers from Oregon State University identified a key genetic mechanism linking resveratrol in red wine to reduced fat formation and increased fat mobilization. This may explain why moderate red wine consumption is associated with lower deaths from heart disease.
A study found that mice with a hyperactive Wnt10b gene consumed more food but had half the body fat of normal mice. The protein inhibited fat cell development and had contrasting effects on white and brown fat, leading to robust health despite reduced adipose tissue.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine discovered that adding a single protein, BMP4, induced mouse stem cells to become fat cells. The study suggests that a similar signal is likely involved in humans, too, paving the way for new treatments for obesity and related diseases.
A study published in Nature reveals that insulin regulates tissue aging and extends the lifespan of genetically modified flies. By blocking insulin's action in specific cells, the entire body stays healthier longer, staving off age-related diseases.
Scientists discovered that the Sirt1 mammalian gene promotes fat mobilization in mice, revealing a potential molecular link between calorie restriction and longevity. The study suggests that mimicking this effect with a drug could lead to health benefits without dieting.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine found that mesenchymal stem cell shape is a critical factor in determining which type of cell they will become. By using micropatterning technology, the team showed that spherical stem cells efficiently transform into fat cell precursors, while those allowed to stretch and flatten move closer to be...
Researchers at Imperial College London have discovered a key to tackling obesity in humans by studying the thermal regulation system of newborn lambs. The study found that a molecular switch controls the transformation of brown fat into normal white fat, and that activating this switch could potentially lead to new weight loss techniques.