Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Waist size is associated with the metabolic syndrome in children

A new study has established a significant correlation between waist circumference and components of the metabolic syndrome, including elevated blood pressure, insulin resistance, and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels, in children. The research found that abdominal obesity, as measured by waist circumference, is an independent...

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine·DateAug 1, 2005

Type 2 diabetes may begin with Grandma's diet

A recent study reveals that grandsons and granddaughters of female rats fed an inadequate diet during pregnancy and/or lactation are more likely to become obese and insulin resistant. The research extends previous findings on the negative effects of poor maternal nutrition, now showing a two-generation impact.

SourceBlackwell Publishing Ltd.·JournalThe Journal of Physiology·DateMay 12, 2005

In search of a lean gene

Researchers at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory discovered a lean gene, C/EBPbeta, which helps mice live longer and weigh less. The gene's activation may help jump-start metabolism in fat cells, preventing fat accumulation. Another study found that targeting the JIP1 protein can effectively protect against obesity and insulin resistance.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalGenes & Development·DateAug 1, 2004

Enzyme containing selenium may promote type 2 diabetes

A recent study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found that overexpressing a selenium-containing enzyme in mice led to insulin resistance and obesity. The researchers suggest that antioxidants, like selenium, may be harmful by neutralizing free radicals necessary for insulin signaling.

SourceCornell University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 9, 2004

With fat, women have a more visceral response

Researchers have found that women with visceral fat experience increased lipolysis, the breakdown of fat cells, which can lead to weight loss. The study suggests that this type of fat may be particularly responsive to diet and exercise.

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

JCI table of contents, March 1 2004

Researchers develop vaccine that prevents tumor growth in mice, while also reversing cardiac dysfunction through gene therapy. These breakthroughs demonstrate the potential of combinatorial approaches to vaccination and gene therapy for treating neoplastic lesions and heart disease.

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

Possible mechanism for link between diabetes and Alzheimer's disease discovered

Research at Joslin Diabetes Center reveals that insulin resistance in the brain may contribute to the development of Alzheimer's disease. Studies using genetically altered mice found a marked reduction in insulin signaling proteins, leading to excessive phosphorylation of tau protein, a hallmark of brain lesions in Alzheimer's.

SourceJoslin Diabetes Center·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 16, 2004

Salk news: Diabetes first steps

Scientists discovered a chemical relay that controls whether the body burns sugars or fats for energy. The discovery may help design better treatments for insulin resistance and ultimately prevent adult-onset diabetes.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalNature·DateNov 12, 2003

Type 2 diabetes linked to a family of metabolic genes

A study by Joslin Diabetes Center has identified a family of metabolic genes associated with type 2 diabetes risk. The research found that 55 genes showed altered activity in both people with diabetes and those at high risk for prediabetes, suggesting a continuum from normal to diabetic states.

SourceJoslin Diabetes Center·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 28, 2003