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JCI early table of contents for July 9, 2012

Researchers have identified a protein called α9β1, which inhibits airway smooth muscle contraction and may be used to develop treatment options for asthma. Additionally, studies have shown that LRH-1 plays a crucial role in glucose-sensing and coordinating glucose and lipid metabolism in the liver.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJul 9, 2012

Aggressively controlling glucose levels may not reduce kidney failure in Type 2 diabetes

Researchers at Yale University found that intensively controlling glucose levels did not definitively reduce the risk of impaired kidney function, dialysis, or death from kidney disease. The study suggests that patients may not be better off with this approach and questions the benefits of aggressive glycemic control in Type 2 diabetes

SourceYale University·JournalArchives of Internal Medicine·DateMay 28, 2012

Phone contact with nurses linked with better outcomes for women with gestational diabetes

Women referred to the telephone-based nurse management program had a lower risk of high baby birth weight and were more likely to have postpartum glucose testing, leading to earlier identification and management of postpartum glucose intolerance or diabetes. The study suggests that this program can improve outcomes for women with gesta...

SourceKaiser Permanente·JournalAmerican Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology·DateMay 25, 2012

Diabetes drug target identified

Researchers at the University of Cincinnati have identified apolipoprotein A-IV (apoA-IV) as a promising target for a new diabetes treatment. The study found that apoA-IV improves insulin secretion and reduces blood sugar levels in mice with impaired glucose tolerance.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 21, 2012

New hormone for lowering blood sugar

Researchers have discovered a hormone that can be produced by fat stem cells to lower blood sugar levels and improve metabolism. The hormone appears to bypass the need for insulin, sending glucose out of the bloodstream and into muscle cells.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell Metabolism·DateApr 3, 2012

Experimental drug reduces cortisol levels, improves symptoms in Cushing's disease

Pasireotide significantly reduced urinary cortisol levels and improved symptoms of Cushing's disease, cutting secretion by 50% and returning some patients' levels to normal. The drug, which blocks ACTH secretion by binding to somatostatin receptors on the pituitary tumor, showed promise in treating this rare endocrine disorder.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateMar 7, 2012

Adapting personal glucose monitors to detect DNA

Scientists have developed a method to adapt personal glucose monitors for detecting DNA, allowing for rapid testing of viruses and bacteria in human body fluids and food substances. This technology has the potential to improve health and reduce costs, particularly in developing countries or rural areas with limited medical resources.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalAnalytical Chemistry·DateFeb 29, 2012

Biochip measures glucose in saliva, not blood

Researchers at Brown University have developed a biochip that can measure glucose levels in saliva, providing a potential solution for non-invasive diabetes monitoring. The biochip uses surface plasmonics to detect glucose molecules in water, with results showing concentrations similar to those found in human saliva.

SourceBrown University·JournalNano Letters·DateJan 23, 2012

Natural compound helps reverse diabetes in mice

Scientists have found that nicotinamide mononucleotide, a naturally occurring compound, can reverse diabetes in mice by improving glucose tolerance and reducing cholesterol levels. The study suggests that this compound may one day be used to treat or prevent type 2 diabetes.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalCell Metabolism·DateOct 4, 2011

To ditch dessert, feed the brain

A study published by Yale University researchers found that when the brain's glucose levels drop, an area responsible for regulating emotions and impulses loses its ability to resist high-calorie food. This response is particularly pronounced in obese individuals, who exhibit a heightened desire for high-calorie foods.

SourceYale University·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateSep 19, 2011

The Homburg Cream and Sugar study

The Homburg Cream and Sugar study reveals a correlation between triglyceride and glucose tolerance with cardiovascular outcomes in patients with stable coronary artery disease. Postprandial triglyceride levels were found to be strongly correlated with glucose metabolism, particularly in those with normal glucose tolerance.

How fatty diets cause diabetes

A new study found that high levels of fat interfere with key transcription factors, leading to diminished glucose sensing in pancreatic beta cells. This pathway is activated in type 2 diabetes and contributes to metabolic defects, including insulin resistance.

SourceSanford Burnham Prebys·JournalNature Medicine·DateAug 14, 2011