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Does boosting 'good' cholesterol really improve your health?

A new review suggests that augmenting the function of HDL cholesterol rather than increasing its concentration is crucial for protecting against cardiovascular disease. The study highlights the importance of addressing adipose tissue-associated inflammation to support the atheroprotective role of HDL.

SourceWiley·JournalBritish Journal of Pharmacology·DateMar 22, 2017

Scientists aim to reduce animals killed in drug testing

Researchers at Hiroshima University have developed a technique to assess anti-inflammatory properties of fortified health foods and medications using bioluminescence imaging. This method reduces the number of lab mice sacrificed and could revolutionize medicinal drug testing, particularly for obesity-related metabolic disorders.

SourceHiroshima University·JournalScientific Reports·DateJan 31, 2017

Cancer stem cells in 'robbers cave' may explain poor prognosis for obese patients

Researchers discovered leukemia stem cells in fatty tissue of obese patients were more resistant to chemotherapy, using fatty acids as their energy source and actively signaling fat for lipolysis. This adaptation could help explain poorer outcomes in obese patients, potentially shedding light on new strategies to target cancer stem cells.

Insulin-sensitive fat leads to obesity

A study found that a cellular sorting protein called SORLA disrupts fat metabolism by recycling molecular receptors for insulin. This causes fat cells to become overly sensitive to insulin, leading to excessive fat deposits and obesity. The researchers discovered this link in human samples, mouse models, and cell cultures.

Additional benefits of type 2 diabetes treatment found for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease patients

A study found that acute exenatide administration enhances glucose uptake and reduces insulin resistance in the liver and adipose tissue of patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. This treatment also improves glucose control in the liver and fatty cells, offering promising benefits for individuals with this condition.

From starving chicks come fat birds

A Newcastle University study found that stressed baby starlings grow into fat and greedy adults, changing their eating behavior as a result. The research showed that chicks that faced greater competition for food as juveniles tend to overeat when presented with freely available food.

SourceNewcastle University·JournalAnimal Behaviour·DateNov 6, 2015

NIH study finds cutting dietary fat reduces body fat more than cutting carbs

A recent NIH study found that restricting dietary fat led to a 68% higher rate of body fat loss compared to cutting the same number of carbohydrate calories. The researchers discovered that fat restriction resulted in a greater imbalance between consumed and burned fat, leading to more significant weight loss.

Obesity linked to adrenal disorder in teens may increase risk for cardiovascular disease

Researchers found that teenagers and young adults with congenital adrenal hyperplasia have significantly more abdominal fat tissue, which increases their risk for harmful conditions such as cardiovascular disease. The study suggests a need for targeted prevention and therapeutics to avoid these adverse effects.

SourceChildren's Hospital Los Angeles·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateJun 10, 2015

Fat signals control energy levels in the brain

The study found that a key enzyme produced by fat tissue regulates brain function and energy levels, suggesting an optimal amount of body fat for maximizing health and longevity. Mice with low NAMPT in fat tissue had impaired energy levels and physical activity, while those with high NAMPT exhibited increased physical activity.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalCell Metabolism·DateApr 23, 2015