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Tiny cell messengers in obese individuals accelerate Alzheimer’s-linked plaque buildup in the brain

A new study found that adipose-derived extracellular vesicles, tiny cell messengers in obese individuals, accelerate the buildup of amyloid-β plaques in the brain, a hallmark of Alzheimer's disease. Researchers hope targeting these tiny cell messengers could reduce the risk of Alzheimer's disease in people with obesity.

SourceHouston Methodist·JournalAlzheimer s & Dementia·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 2, 2025

Missing protein keeps mice slim, even on a high-fat diet

Researchers found that CD44-deficient mice stayed lean despite a high-fat diet, while control mice developed obesity. The study suggests CD44 inhibitors could serve as a complementary treatment for obesity and related metabolic disorders.

SourceElsevier·JournalAmerican Journal Of Pathology·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 26, 2025

Terasaki Institute researchers develop promising nanoparticle-based approach to obesity treatment

Researchers at Terasaki Institute have developed simvastatin-loaded nanoparticles to target adipose tissue inflammation, promoting fat tissue browning and weight loss. The treatment effectively inhibits obesity-related inflammation, controlled white fat production, and demonstrated strong anti-inflammatory effects.

SourceTerasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation·JournalACS Nano·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 28, 2024

Kallistatin contributes to the beneficial metabolic effects of weight loss

Researchers found that Kallistatin expression increases after weight loss in individuals with overweight and obesity. Additionally, human Kallistatin improves hepatic insulin sensitivity in diet-induced obese mice. The study suggests that Kallistatin may be an interesting therapeutic target for people with obesity and type 2 diabetes.

SourceDeutsches Zentrum fuer Diabetesforschung DZD·JournalMolecular Metabolism·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 13, 2024

When working out, males are programmed to burn more fat, while females recycle it—at least in rats

Researchers found that male rats burn fat for energy while female rats preserve their fat mass after vigorous exercise. This sex-dependent difference was attributed to various molecular responses in fat tissue. Exercise made the fat stores of both sexes healthier, with fewer signals associated with obesity.

SourceDOE/Pacific Northwest National Laboratory·JournalNature Metabolism·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 2, 2024

A secret sibling of fat cells could hold new clues to understanding fat’s role in cardiometabolic diseases

Scientists at the University of Copenhagen discovered a new type of fat cell called SWAT cells that provide structural integrity to adipose tissue. These flexible cells can differentiate into various types, including fat cells and progenitor cells, suggesting a crucial role in adapting to metabolic conditions.

Healthy vascular fat during menopause may stave off dementia later in life

Researchers found that women with higher-quality cardiovascular fat during midlife had stronger long-term memory and lower inflammation, while those with lower-quality fat had worsening working memory. The study suggests that taking care of heart health during menopause may protect brain health and reduce dementia risk.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalAlzheimer s & Dementia·TypeObservational study·DateJun 5, 2023

New Penn Medicine study uncovers key details of fat cells, advancing potential treatments for obesity, diabetes

Researchers have unlocked insights into how brown fat tissue can be harnessed to combat obesity and remove glucose from the blood. The study used a cryogenic electron microscope to view mitochondrial uncoupling protein 1 in atomic detail, revealing potential new ways to promote weight loss.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalScience Advances·TypeObservational study·DateMay 31, 2023

Microprotein increases appetite in mice

Researchers at Salk Institute discover thousands of previously unknown microproteins in brown and white fat tissue, finding that one, Gm8773, increases feeding activity in mice. This discovery could lead to the development of a therapeutic to promote weight gain in certain disease situations.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalCell Metabolism·DateJan 3, 2023

Chinese Medical Journal editorial probes into the role of blood vessels in treating obesity-related disorders

Researchers explore the interactions between adipose tissues and surrounding blood vessels in connection with lipid metabolism and associated diseases. Targeting angiogenesis may provide a gateway for treating obesity, while its inhibition or promotion depends on the specific disease context.

SourceCactus Communications·JournalChinese Medical Journal·TypeLiterature review·DateNov 22, 2022

An imaging method to quantify dermal fat

Researchers developed a non-invasive MRI-based method to quantify dermal fat, total WAT volume and BAT activation in mice and humans. Studies showed that dWAT thickness was highly variable between subjects and increased in genetically obese mice and those fed high-fat diets.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJCI Insight·DateAug 18, 2016

Converting cells to burn fat, not store it

Researchers at McGill University have found a way to reprogram white fat cells into energy-burning beige or brown fat cells. This 'browning' process can help manage obesity and other metabolic disorders by burning excess energy instead of storing it.

SourceMcGill University·JournalGenes & Development·DateMay 16, 2016

Activating beige fat in humans could combat obesity

Researchers found that increasing energy expenditure with brown or brite/beige fat cells could be an effective way to fight obesity. The study suggests harnessing the body's natural mechanism of converting white fat cells into beige fat cells by using heat production and increasing the sympathetic nervous system's supply of blood vessels.

SourceGeorgia State University·JournalInternational Journal of Obesity Supplements·DateDec 16, 2015

Fat cells reprogrammed to increase fat burning

A team of researchers from the University of Southern Denmark has successfully reprogrammed white adipose tissue cells to become 'brite' (brown-in-white) fat cells, increasing energy consumption and potentially treating obesity. The study identified KLF11 as a key gene required for this process, paving the way for future treatments.

SourceUniversity of Southern Denmark·JournalGenes & Development·DateDec 13, 2014

Slimming aid from the cell laboratory?

A study by the Helmholtz Association found that COX-2 inflammation enzyme increases in white fat tissue after cold exposure, stimulating the formation of brown fat cells. The scientists also discovered that boosting COX-2 production in mice leads to a 20% reduction in body weight.

SourceHelmholtz Association·JournalScience·DateMay 7, 2010

Prion infectivity found in white and brown fat tissues of mice

Researchers have discovered novel prion infectivity in white and brown fat tissues of mice, shedding new light on the pathogenesis of prion diseases. This finding may have significant implications for preventing prion infection in animals and humans, particularly in ruminants suspected of exposure to or infection with prions.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateDec 4, 2008

Diabetes drug works by enhancing fat cell energy production

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.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateNov 1, 2004