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The fat tax: Long-term, systemic antibiotic use for the treatment of adolescent acne can promote fat accumulation

Researchers found that long-term antibiotic use during adolescence disrupts the healthy gut microbiome, leading to changes in liver metabolism that promotes central fat accumulation. The study suggests that antibiotic treatment may have lasting detrimental effects on liver metabolism and promote adiposity.

SourceMedical University of South Carolina·JournalAmerican Journal Of Pathology·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 13, 2023

Abnormal biomarkers associated with obesity are identified in very young Latino children, study finds

A study from George Mason University found elevated insulin and hemoglobin A1C levels in early elementary-aged Latino youth with obesity, a risk factor for cardiometabolic diseases. The research aims to identify at-risk children and implement interventions earlier to mitigate the effects of childhood obesity.

SourceGeorge Mason University·JournalSouthern Medical Journal·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 13, 2023

NUS researchers develop new imaging approach to diagnose advanced form of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease

Researchers have developed a new imaging approach to diagnose advanced non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NASH). The enzyme-sensitive nanoprobe emits signals that can be detected by MRI techniques, providing more accurate and sensitive data for diagnosis. This breakthrough aims to improve the treatment outcomes of NASH patients.

SourceNational University of Singapore, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine·JournalACS Nano·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMar 9, 2023

Drunk mice sober up after a hormone shot

A hormone called FGF21 protects mice from ethanol-induced loss of balance and righting reflex by activating a specific part of the brain that controls alertness. The study reveals that higher FGF21 concentrations can dramatically accelerate recovery from intoxication.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell Metabolism·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 7, 2023

COVID-19 infections raise risk of long-term gastrointestinal problems

Researchers found that COVID-19 infections are linked to an increased risk of developing liver problems, acute pancreatitis, and other GI disorders. The study analyzed over 14 million medical records and estimated that SARS-CoV-2 infections have contributed to over 6 million new cases of GI disorders in the US.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalNature Communications·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 7, 2023

CBD shows promise for reducing cigarette smoking

Researchers at Washington State University found that CBD inhibits a key enzyme for nicotine metabolism, slowing down its effects and allowing smokers to wait before feeling the urge to smoke. The study suggests that CBD could be a useful tool in reducing harm from smoking and quitting nicotine addiction.

SourceWashington State University·JournalChemical Research in Toxicology·DateFeb 16, 2023

Possible genetic basis and mouse model found for severe nonalcoholic fatty liver disease

A mutant SRSF1 gene may cause severe nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NASH), researchers have found. Mice lacking the gene develop all three hallmarks of NASH: excess fat, inflammation, and scarring in the liver. The study suggests that DNA damage in liver cells triggers this pathology, highlighting the need to protect the genome.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 9, 2023

Study explores effects of dietary choline deficiency on neurologic and system-wide health

A new study finds that dietary choline deficiency can cause profound negative effects on the body, including organ damage and changes in brain pathology associated with Alzheimer's disease. The research highlights the importance of adequate choline intake to protect against neurodegeneration and improve overall health.

SourceArizona State University·JournalAging Cell·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 17, 2023

Unraveling key determinant of successful therapeutic vaccination against chronic hepatitis B

A study published in Journal of Hepatology found that efficient priming of HBV-specific CD4 T cells is crucial for the success of therapeutic hepatitis B vaccination. The researchers developed a novel heterologous prime-boost vaccine, TherVacB, which induced antiviral efficacy in preclinical mouse models.

Research shows fatty liver disease endangers brain health

A study published in Journal of Hepatology found that non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) can cause a decrease in oxygen supply to the brain and inflammation to brain tissue. The research identified Monocarboxylate Transporter 1 (MCT1) as a potential therapeutic target for protecting against NAFLD-induced brain dysfunction.

SourceKing's College London·JournalJournal of Hepatology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateDec 22, 2022

Drug discovery may boost liver transplant success

Researchers found that a senolytic drug can preserve the biliary tract's regenerative capacity in liver cells damaged by cold storage. This discovery could lead to improved liver transplant success rates, saving lives and reducing costs associated with transplant failure.

SourceUniversity of Edinburgh·JournalScience Translational Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 21, 2022

New study finds promising treatment for cognitive deficits associated with cholestatic liver disease

A new study found that obeticholic acid can reverse cognitive impairment in patients with cholestatic liver disease, improving short-term memory and restoring brain function. The study used a rodent model of bile duct ligation-induced cholestasis and found that the drug significantly improved cognitive deficits.

SourceElsevier·JournalAmerican Journal Of Pathology·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 6, 2022

Switching tracks: Changing the trafficking of the glucagon receptor in the liver regulates its metabolic signaling

Helmholtz Munich researchers identified a novel strategy to alter glucagon receptor signaling by changing its intracellular localization. This approach offers therapeutic potential for treating type 2 diabetes by uncoupling glucose and lipid metabolism-related effects.