Articles tagged with Metabolism
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center found a direct link between excess body weight and the formation of uric acid kidney stones. The study, which tracked nearly 5,000 patients, suggests that weight loss may be an effective therapy for preventing stone formation.
A new study investigates the relationship between pain and selected medications, using genotyping to predict clinical outcomes and adjust drug therapy. By analyzing plasma concentrations of analgesics metabolized by CYP2D6, researchers aim to improve pain management therapy and reduce adverse effects.
A 12-week study found that drinking Concord grape juice daily reduced systolic and diastolic blood pressure in hypertensive men by nearly six points. The results, presented at the FASEB annual meeting, suggest a possible mechanism of action involving improved arterial wall flexibility.
Reproductive rates in humans are linked to metabolic energy expenditure and body mass, with women in wealthy nations experiencing low birth rates due to high caloric intake. This relationship highlights the importance of considering biological scaling laws when understanding human reproductive patterns.
A recent study published by the American Heart Association found that eating fast food meals more than twice a week was associated with double the risk of abnormal glucose control and a 50% increase in obesity risk. Additionally, frequent TV viewing habits were linked to increased odds of obesity and abnormal glucose metabolism.
Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine found that a specific enzyme is associated with high levels of HDL, which may have both positive and negative effects on cardiovascular health. The study suggests that the enzyme's impact on cholesterol transport to the liver could be beneficial or detrimental.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh discovered that PTHrP significantly increases bone mineral density in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis, with a 4.7% increase observed in just three months. The study's findings are promising and take the identification of an effective short-term anabolic agent one step further.
A genetic variant in the CYP2B6 gene has been found to impact smoking cessation success. Researchers discovered that smokers with a decreased activity variant of this gene were more likely to relapse during treatment. The study also suggests that bupropion may be more effective for female smokers, particularly those with the polymorphism.
Directed antisense expression has been shown to moderate feeding behavior and weight gain in various animal models. This regulatory effect is attributed to the suppression of genes involved in energy homeostasis, ultimately leading to changes in food intake and body weight.
Scientists have identified several genes that affect how much alcohol reaches the brain and how long it remains there, shedding light on individual differences in alcohol metabolism. The findings could lead to new treatments for alcoholism and highlight the importance of further research into the genetic factors involved.
A study published in Science identifies guggulipid as a target for developing drugs to lower cholesterol. The extract, combined with a cholesterol-lowering diet, reduced cholesterol levels by up to 20%. Researchers are now studying the biochemical reasons behind this effect and its potential impact on other medications.
Researchers discovered that guggulsterone blocks the FXR receptor, regulating cholesterol metabolism. The study suggests that guggulsterone could lead to new drugs to control cholesterol levels and potentially treat hyperlipidemia.
A study found that Chinese-Americans take in less nicotine per cigarette and metabolize it more slowly than whites and Latinos, possibly explaining lower lung cancer rates. This correlation suggests slow nicotine metabolism may contribute to reduced nicotine intake, a factor linked to lower lung cancer incidence.
Researchers at Columbia University Irving Medical Center used PET scanning to assess abnormal energy metabolism in the hearts of young patients with fatty acid metabolism disorders. They found that affected children have a diminished capacity to use fatty acids and experience metabolic crises if untreated.
A NASA review highlights known and potential gender differences in physiological responses to spaceflight, including cardiovascular and exercise physiology, barophysiology, and pharmacotherapeutics. The review also addresses reproductive issues such as menstrual function and endometriosis in space.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center have successfully implanted LBS-neurons into patients with chronic stroke, showing a greater than 10% increase in metabolic activity in damaged areas. The surrounding area showed maintained or improved function, suggesting integration of the new neurons.
Jan L. Breslow and David A. Ness received the 2001 American Heart Association Gold Heart Award for their leadership in research, administration, and volunteer work. The award recognizes their significant contributions to advancing heart health through their work with the association.
Researchers have discovered that synthetic superoxide dismutase and catalase can extend the lifespan of C. elegans nematode worms by approximately 50%. These catalytic drugs convert oxygen radicals into water, reducing oxidative stress and protecting mitochondrial function.
Researchers at Boston University developed a computer model to analyze how molecules move through super-cooled water, providing insights into life's survival at sub-zero temperatures. By understanding the 'energy landscape' of super-cooled water, scientists can predict how molecules diffuse and carry nutrients to cells.
Researchers have found a way to convert oil to methane gas using specialized microorganisms living beneath the earth's surface. This breakthrough could lead to safer oil exploration and more efficient extraction methods.
Aging affects dopamine levels, leading to decreased glucose metabolism and brain activity in regions related to cognition. This finding may help develop interventions for age-related cognitive decline.
A new study found that walking rapidly for 45 minutes, three days a week, can significantly improve mental-processing abilities in adults over 60. The exercise triggered faster reaction times and heightened the ability to ignore distractions on computer tasks.
The editorial reviews the effects of moderate alcohol consumption on stimulating appetite and food intake. It highlights the need for long-term studies to understand its impact on body weight.
The new volume of the American Geophysical Union's Antarctic Research Series delves into the complex ecosystems found in Antarctic sea ice. Researchers explore various habitats, including algal biomass, nitrogen metabolism, and numerical ecosystem modeling studies, providing insights into the biodiversity of this unique environment.
Researchers found that extrusion-processed wheat bran in cereals can reduce the number of aberrant crypt cells in laboratory rats by up to 40%, compared to raw wheat bran and flaked cereals. The study suggests that processing wheat bran improves its health-promoting properties, making it a potential tool in reducing colon cancer risk.
The first investigation of estrogen metabolism in prostate cancer will determine if differences exist between healthy men and those with the disease. The study aims to find potential new strategies to prevent this important disease.
Researchers at UPMC Health System found abnormally high metabolism in the amygdala, a small area of the brain, may cause many symptoms of depression. The study's findings may lead to more effective antidepressant and mood stabilizing treatments for nearly 19 million people affected by these disorders.
According to Bruce Rittmann, microbes can break down a wide variety of pollutants, including PCBs and chlorinated solvents, through processes such as in situ bioremediation. In these processes, microbes are fed oxygen and nutrients to stimulate their growth and degradation of contaminants.