Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Ethnic background may be associated with diabetes risk

A new study found that South Asians are more likely to develop insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes due to their body composition, specifically higher total body fat and lower muscle mass. Researchers measured insulin levels in four ethnic groups and discovered a strong association between body fat distribution and diabetes risk.

SourceThe Endocrine Society·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateOct 6, 2009

From fat to chronic inflammation

A new study reveals that angiopoietin-like protein 2 (Angptl2) is a primary contributor to chronic inflammation in fat tissue, exacerbating conditions like diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Elevated Angptl2 levels have been found in obese individuals and those with insulin resistance.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell Metabolism·DateSep 1, 2009

Gut hormone has 'remote control' on blood sugar

Researchers found that a gut hormone called cholecystokinin (CCK) activates receptors to regulate glucose levels via a gut-brain-liver neuronal axis. CCK's effects depend on activation of CCK-A receptors, which slow down glucose production in the liver.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell Metabolism·DateAug 5, 2009

Medical therapy equal to bypass, angioplasty in patients with diabetes and stable heart disease

A new study finds that optimal medical therapy is equally effective as revascularization procedures like bypass surgery or angioplasty in lowering the risk of death and cardiovascular events in patients with diabetes and stable coronary heart disease. Insulin-providing and insulin-sensitizing drugs are also shown to be equally effective.

SourceNIH/National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateJun 7, 2009

High-fat diets plus extra protein make for bad mix

A new study reveals that high-fat diets supplemented with extra branched chain amino acids can lead to insulin resistance and diabetes in rats. The researchers found that BCAA tend to climb along with insulin resistance, and its effects are exacerbated when combined with high fat consumption.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell Metabolism·DateApr 7, 2009

JCI online early table of contents: March 9, 2009

Two studies found that SOX9 renders melanomas sensitive to retinoic acid, stopping tumor growth and offering new hope for effective treatment. Additionally, researchers identified two enzymes crucial for ureter-bladder connection during development, which may hold key to treating congenital anomalies.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateMar 9, 2009

New cause of critical illness hypeglycemia identified

Researchers have identified two causes of critical illness hypeglycemia in children: peripheral insulin resistance and primary beta-cell dysfunction. The study found that those with respiratory failure only had CIH caused by elevated insulin resistance, while those with both respiratory and cardiovascular failure had CIH caused by prim...

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalCritical Care·DateFeb 25, 2009

Ethnic differences found for fatty liver disease and insulin resistance

A new study published in Hepatology found that African-Americans are more resistant to fatty liver disease and insulin resistance, particularly when it comes to triglyceride levels. The research suggests an 'insulin resistance paradox' where African-Americans exhibit lower insulin sensitivity despite similar body fat distributions.

SourceWiley·JournalHepatology·DateFeb 25, 2009

JCI online early table of contents: Feb. 2, 2009

Researchers found a genetic variation in the HGF gene that increases breast cancer risk, suggesting shortening of a DNA region called DATE could be a useful marker. A study also revealed that high-fat diets can lead to insulin resistance by damaging mitochondria and increasing oxidative stress, but antioxidants may mitigate this effect.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateFeb 2, 2009

Study compares exercise regimens for obese older adults

A randomized clinical trial involving sedentary obese older adults found that a combination of resistance and aerobic exercises improved insulin resistance and functional limitations. The study showed greater improvements with combined exercise compared to individual types of exercise.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Internal Medicine·DateJan 26, 2009

JCI table of contents: Jan. 26, 2009

A study by Wajahat Mehal and colleagues found that aspirin reduces liver damage caused by acetaminophen overdose. In contrast, glucocorticoid therapy may cause varying levels of brain injury in neonates, depending on the type of steroid used. These findings have important implications for treatment strategies.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJan 26, 2009

On a high-fat diet, protective gene variant becomes bad actor

A gene variant that protects against weight gain and insulin resistance becomes a bad actor on high-fat diets, new research suggests. Mice with the Ala12 variant show improved insulin sensitivity and better plasma lipid profiles on balanced diets but worsen these outcomes when fed a diet high in fat.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell Metabolism·DateJan 6, 2009

Don't forget the vitamin A when working with its carrier protein

A study found that vitamin A's carrier protein, retinol-binding protein (RBP), was significantly lower in obese subjects than nonobese subjects. This suggests a potential link between RBP and insulin resistance in obesity. Further research is needed to determine the role of apo-RBP, an unbound form of RBP, in mediating insulin signaling.

SourceSociety for Experimental Biology and Medicine·JournalExperimental Biology and Medicine·DateSep 26, 2008

A mechanism for the development of obesity-associated conditions

A new study found that targeting liver CB1 receptor may treat obesity-related conditions without brain-side effects, reversing severe insulin resistance and fatty liver in mice fed high-fat diets. The research indicates liver-specific CB1 is necessary for high-fat diet-induced fatty liver and related hormonal changes.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateAug 1, 2008

Overweight, insulin resistant women at greater risk of advanced breast cancer diagnosis, says study

Research conducted by University of Melbourne's Dr Anne Cust and colleagues found that overweight and insulin-resistant women are about 50% more likely to be diagnosed with an advanced stage of breast cancer. The study, published in Breast Cancer Research and Treatment, tracked over 60,000 Swedish women for 20 years.

SourceUniversity of Melbourne·JournalBreast Cancer Research and Treatment·DateJul 7, 2008

Life without TORC is 1 big struggle

A team of researchers found that the protein TORC2 is crucial for glucose production and fat storage in Drosophila, a genetic switch that regulates metabolism in both flies and human livers. Without functional TORC, fly lifespan was cut in half and their ability to store energy was impaired.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalMolecular Cell·DateMay 6, 2008

JCI online early table of contents: May 1, 2008

Researchers have found that tricyclic antidepressants can restore vagal function and reduce intestinal inflammation in individuals with inflammatory bowel disease, particularly those who are also depressed. Genetic mutations linked to permanent neonatal diabetes mellitus have been identified, and bacteria can blunt the responses of inv...

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateMay 1, 2008