Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Obesity may be linked to middle ear effusions in children

Research suggests a possible association between childhood obesity and otitis media with effusion, characterized by fluid buildup in the middle ear space. The study found higher body mass index (BMI) and total cholesterol levels among children with otitis media with effusion compared to those without the condition.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery·DateApr 16, 2007

Newly discovered 'platform' for processing dietary fat

Researchers have identified a protein on the inner surfaces of capillaries that delivers dietary fat to enzymes for entry into cells, revolutionizing our understanding of lipid processing. The discovery has implications for patients with chylomicronemia, a condition in which the body's ability to process dietary fat is impaired.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell Metabolism·DateApr 3, 2007

FGF-21 finds itself as a new therapy for type 2 diabetes

Researchers discovered that FGF-21 regulates glucose uptake in human fat cells, significantly reducing plasma glucose levels and triglycerides. FGF-21 also protected animals from diet-induced obesity, providing evidence for its therapeutic potential in treating type 2 diabetes.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateMay 2, 2005

Fat buildup found in hearts of obese or diabetic heart failure patients

Researchers have found that fat buildup in the heart muscle, called lipotoxicity, is associated with metabolic irregularities and insulin resistance in obese and diabetic patients. Gene expression and protein findings provide potential long-term targets for treating heart failure, which affects 5 million US patients annually.

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

Leptin replacement therapy reduces metabolic abnormalities in patients with rare fat disorders, researchers report

Researchers report significant improvements in patients with rare fat disorders who received leptin replacement therapy, including reduced triglyceride levels and liver fat accumulation. The therapy also controlled severe insulin resistance and improved blood glucose levels in most participants.

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateFeb 20, 2002

Controlled diabetics have new reason to smile

A recent study found that poorly controlled type 2 diabetic patients are more likely to develop severe periodontal disease, with elevated serum triglycerides contributing to the issue. Reducing cholesterol and serum triglyceride levels through diet and exercise may help improve quality of life and oral health in diabetics.

SourceAmerican Academy of Periodontology·JournalJournal of Periodontology·DateNov 21, 1999