Is this how abdominal fat leads to diabetes?
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Inflammation in the fat around the belly is particularly harmful, and new research reveals why.
When it comes to the harmful consequences of excess fat, the way it is distributed across the body is key. Medical News Today have recently reported on studies showing that abdominal fat is deeply tied to type 2 diabetes and heart disease. We have also covered studies suggesting that women, in particular, could be at an increased cardiometabolic risk if they have a higher waist-to-hip ratio. Additional research has found that belly fat is particularly dangerous when inflamed. Older studies have shown that local inflammation in the adipose tissue leads to cardiometabolic abnormalities such as insulin resistance. But the exact mechanism responsible for this connection between adipose tissue inflammation and cardiometabolic disorders has remained somewhat unclear — for instance, researchers have wondered whether the inflammation is "a cause or a consequence of insulin resistance." Now, researchers at Columbia University Irving Medical Center in New York City, NY, help to shed some much-needed light on the issue; they reveal that the liver contributes to this inflammation. The team was led by Dr. Ira Tabas — who is the Richard J. Stock Professor of Medicine at Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons — and the findings were published in the journal Nature. The key role of DPP4 inhibitors in diabetesDr. Tabas and his colleagues used obese mice to test whether blocking an enzyme called DPP4 would lower the inflammation in their abdominal fat. The researchers focused on DPP4 because humans who already have diabetes are prescribed DPP4 inhibitors to help them manage their symptoms. DPP4 inhibitors work by preventing the enzyme from interacting with an insulin-boosting hormone. In this study, DPP4 did not lower abdominal inflammation in mice. Dr. Tabas explains these findings, suggesting that they may be down to the difference between how DPP4 inhibitors work in the gut versus how they work in the liver. "DPP4 inhibitors lower blood sugar by inhibiting DPP4 in the gut. But we have some evidence that DPP4 inhibitors in the gut also end up promoting inflammation in fat," he states. "That cancels out the anti-inflammatory effects the drugs may have when they reach inflammatory cells, called macrophages, in the fat." "From our studies," adds Dr. Tabas, "we know that DPP4 interacts with a molecule on these cells to increase inflammation. If we could block that interaction, we might be able stop the enzyme from causing inflammation and insulin resistance." So, the researchers targeted DPP4 in the liver cells instead of the gut. This reduced adipose inflammation and lowered insulin resistance. DPP4 inhibitors also decreased blood sugar. Toward human clinical trialsAs Dr. Tabas reports, "Inhibiting DPP4 specifically in liver cells attacks insulin resistance — the core problem of type 2 diabetes — at least in our preclinical models." The researchers explain what the findings mean for future treatments of type 2 diabetes. Dr. Tabas says, "If we can develop ways to target liver DPP4 in people, this may be a powerful new way to treat obesity-induced type 2 diabetes." Dr. Ahmed A. Hasan, a medical officer and program director in the Atherothrombosis & Coronary Artery Disease Branch of the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, also comments on the findings. He says, "This study reveals a potential new target for the treatment of type 2 diabetes and cardiometabolic disorders."
Weight Loss via Obesity / Weight Loss / Fitness News From Medical News Today https://ift.tt/O45xlc March 25, 2018 at 03:27AM
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Why does obesity blunt our sense of taste?
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New research explains how obesity reduces the number of taste buds.
Although the new study — now published in the journal PLOS Biology — was carried out in mice, the findings shed a clarifying light on a poorly understood phenomenon: the blunting of taste buds frequently noticed in people with obesity. Eating delicious food activates reward centers in the brain. Dopamine — the "sex, drugs, and rock 'n' roll" neurotransmitter — is released every time our taste buds come into contact with yummy flavors. Taste buds are nerve endings that comprise 50–100 different cells. It's a fact that people with obesity tend to lose their sense of taste. However, until now, researchers had few clues as to how this happens, on a molecular level. So, scientists at Cornell University in Ithaca, NY, led by Andrew Kaufman and Robin Dando, set out to explore the link between taste buds and obesity. Obesity cuts down on taste budsFor 8 weeks, Kaufman and team fed rodents either a regular diet (consisting of only 14 percent fat) or a high-fat diet (which consisted of 58 percent fat). After the study period, obese mice had fewer taste buds than the regular mice. In fact, the high-fat diet reduced the number of their taste buds by 25 percent. But why did this happen? The researchers also found that obese mice had higher levels of a pro-inflammatory cell called TNF-alpha, a class of pro-inflammatory cytokine. Kaufman and team also genetically engineered a mouse model that was incapable of producing these cytokines, and interestingly, the researchers found that these mice did not lose any taste buds — despite being fed a high-fat diet and becoming obese. Additionally, the scientists injected TNF-alpha into the tongues of normal-weight mice. This caused the rodents to lose taste buds as well, despite the fact that they were not obese. Obesity-induced inflammation is keyResearch has shown that obesity increases inflammation — which often leads to cardiometabolic disorders — and this new study furthers the theory that the same inflammation is responsible for the reduced number of taste buds. These findings "demonstrate that chronic low-grade inflammation brought on by obesity [...] is likely the cause of taste dysfunction seen in obese populations — by upsetting this balance of renewal and cell death," write the authors. In fact, the researchers noted that obese mice had a higher rate of taste bud cell death, while the rate at which new progenitor cells appeared in the tongue decreased.
"These results may point to novel therapeutic strategies for alleviating taste dysfunction in obese populations." Weight Loss via Obesity / Weight Loss / Fitness News From Medical News Today https://ift.tt/O45xlc March 25, 2018 at 03:27AM Kylie Jenner Promoted Waist Training as a Way for New Moms to 'Snap Back.' Here's Why That's Wrong3/21/2018
Kylie Jenner Promoted Waist Training as a Way for New Moms to 'Snap Back.' Here's Why That's Wrong
http://ift.tt/2pz76yv Another day, another Kardashian promoting waist-training devices on social media. This time it’s new mom Kylie Jenner, and she’s touting the corset-like products as a way for women to “snap back” after giving birth. “My girl @premadonna87 hooked me up with the @waistgangsociety snap back package,” Jenner wrote yesterday in a sponsored Instagram post. She then encouraged her followers to purchase the package using her exclusive discount, so she “can keep up with your progress.” We’re all for empowering new moms (and losing weight with friends!), but we’ve got a few issues with what’s going on in this post. To begin with, the notion that women can or should “snap back” to their pre-baby bodies isn’t the healthiest. And on top of that, the idea that a waist trainer can help is, well, questionable at best. RELATED: The Flat-Belly Workouts Celebrities Swear By for Sexy, Sculpted Abs If you’re new to the waist-trainer world, here’s a quick primer: These modern-day corsets are essentially thick bands of material that wrap tightly around the waist and lower rib cage. Kylie’s sisters Kim and Khloé have both promoted them on Instagram, and celebs like Jessica Alba and Brooke Burke-Charvet have credited waist training for helping them get back in shape after childbirth. There’s no question that, while you’re wearing them, waist trainers deliver a slimming, hourglass look. Companies that market waist trainers also claim that the devices can reshape the body or reduce belly fat—but Carolyn Apovian, MD, a professor of medicine at Boston University School, previously told Health that “in my opinion, that is complete nonsense.” Dr. Apovian says there’s probably nothing wrong with wearing a waist trainer for the sole purpose of looking thin for a few hours. “If you look in the mirror and like what you see, it can potentially be a good thing,” she adds; it may even boost a woman’s confidence and encourage her to exercise and eat healthy. But a waist trainer won’t change the shape of your body, she says, and you won’t see lasting effects once you take it off. In fact, celebrity trainer Nicole Glor told Health, regularly wearing a waist trainer might actually decrease core strength. (A better goal, she says, would be sculpting lean muscle with moves like planks and twisting crunches.) RELATED: 27 Fat-Burning Ab Exercises (No Crunches!) As for new moms, Dr. Apovian says that wearing a waist trainer during workouts may help women feel more comfortable, as long as it’s not so tight that it restricts breathing or causes discomfort. "If it helps everything feel a bit tighter and there's less jiggle around your stomach,” she says, “it may help you feel better about exercising." But women should still follow their doctor’s advice about how much and how hard to push themselves as they start exercising again—and they shouldn’t feel pressure to "snap back" too quickly. And while some waist trainers claim to reduce water retention and swelling of the uterus, Dr. Apovian says that’s not true. "The uterus is going to shrink when it feels like shrinking," she says, "and you can't get rid of water weight with a corset—that's simply not true." There could be risks, as well: If waist trainers are too tight, they can interfere with breathing or contribute to heartburn. "Your stomach might get pushed up beyond the diaphragm, which could cause reflux," says Dr. Apovian. "If you're wearing one and you experience those symptoms, that's a definite sign that you need to loosen it or take it off." To get our top stories delivered to your inbox, sign up for the Healthy Living newsletter We’re not the only ones who noticed something off about Kylie’s post. Many of her Instagram and Twitter followers were quick to criticize the star for hawking a product that (a) isn’t proven to actually do anything and (b) could perpetuate negative body image among her followers—including teenagers and other new moms. Instead of waist training, we’d love to see Kylie promoting healthier and more effective ways for new moms to lose the baby weight—when they’re good and ready, that is—like following a balanced diet, starting a postpartum exercise routine, and yes, even breastfeeding. Not only are these strategies actually proven to help shed unwanted pounds, but they come with lots of other benefits, as well. Weight Loss via Weight Loss - Health.com http://ift.tt/2zvXHy6 March 21, 2018 at 02:50PM
Cholesterol deposits in the eyes: Symptoms and treatment
http://ift.tt/2FVciU3 Natural fats, including cholesterol, can form growths around the eyelids. One of these growths is called a xanthelasma (zan-the-laz-mah). Several growths together are called xanthelasmata. A xanthelasma may have no cause. However, it can sometimes indicate high cholesterol, hypothyroidism, or a liver condition. In this article, we look at the symptoms, causes, diagnosis, and treatment of cholesterol deposits on the eyes. Symptoms
Xanthelasmata can indicate high cholesterol.
Image credit: Klaus, D. Peter, 2005 Cholesterol deposits are soft, flat, yellowish lumps. They tend to appear on the upper and lower eyelids, near the inner corner of the eye, and often develop symmetrically around both eyes. These lesions may remain the same size or grow very slowly over time. They sometimes join together to form larger lumps. Xanthelasmata are not usually painful or itchy. They rarely affect vision or eyelid movement but sometimes cause the eyelid to droop. CausesCholesterol deposits can appear at any age but are more likely to develop during a person's middle years. They are more common in women than men. The medical community is unsure about the exact cause of these deposits. However, having a xanthelasma is associated with abnormal lipid levels in the blood, which is known as dyslipidemia. A person is diagnosed with dyslipidemia if they have:
Dyslipidemia increases the risk of cholesterol building up on the walls of arteries. This buildup can restrict blood flow to the heart, brain, and other areas of the body. It also increases the risk of angina, heart attack, stroke, and peripheral arterial disease. Dyslipidemia is linked to inherited genetic disorders, including:
A person with one of these conditions may have abnormally high lipid levels despite being in otherwise good health. For this reason, these conditions are known as primary causes of dyslipidemia.
Secondary causes of dyslipidemia may include a diet high in saturated fat and cholesterol.
Secondary causes include lifestyle factors, such as:
Other risk factors for dyslipidemia include: One study found that cholesterol deposits on the eyelids were associated with increased risk of heart attack and heart disease, even in people with normal lipid levels. DiagnosisPeople with cholesterol deposits should see a doctor to have their lipid levels checked. Xanthelasmata are usually simple to diagnose with a visual examination. If the doctor is unsure, they may send a scraping or sample to a laboratory for analysis. The doctor may also test for diabetes and liver function, and possibly recommend a formal cardiovascular risk assessment. Treatment
Regular exercise may help to lower levels of LDL cholesterol and triglycerides.
Cholesterol deposits around the eyes can be surgically removed. The growths usually cause no pain or discomfort, so a person will likely request removal for cosmetic reasons. The method of removal will depend on the size, location, and characteristics of the deposit. Surgical options include:
Following a procedure, there may be swelling and bruising around the eyelids for a few weeks. Risks of surgery include scarring and a change in the skin's color. Cholesterol deposits are very likely to reoccur following removal, especially in people with high cholesterol. Normalizing lipid levels will have almost no effect on existing deposits. However, treating dyslipidemia is essential, because it can reduce the risk of heart problems. Treatment may also prevent more deposits from developing. A doctor usually treats dyslipidemia by recommending lifestyle and dietary modifications. A doctor or dietitian can help to develop a plan that works for each individual. Possible recommendations include: Losing weight Being overweight or obese can raise LDL cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Healthful methods of losing weight can help overweight people with dyslipidemia. Eating a healthful diet An individual with dyslipidemia should eat a balanced diet low in saturated fats, trans fats, and cholesterol. A doctor or dietician will likely recommend eating more fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. These foods are low in fat and contain no cholesterol. Foods to avoid include:
A person should consume healthful fats instead. These can be found in oily fish, nuts, seeds, and vegetable oils and spreads. Foods rich in soluble fiber can also help to lower cholesterol. These include:
Exercising regularly Regular physical activity is also essential in treating dyslipidemia. It can help to raise levels of HDL cholesterol, and lower levels of LDL cholesterol and triglycerides. Activities such as brisk walking, cycling, swimming, and running can also improve cardio health and help someone to maintain healthy body weight. Reducing alcohol consumption Drinking too much alcohol can increase cholesterol and triglyceride levels. The United States Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommends that women consume no more than one alcoholic drink per day and men no more than two. A single alcoholic drink is defined as:
Quitting smoking Smoking tobacco products can raise LDL cholesterol and inhibit the positive effects of HDL cholesterol. A person with dyslipidemia who smokes should talk to a doctor about ways to quit. Taking lipid-lowering medications A doctor may also prescribe a lipid-lowering medication, such as a statin, ezetimibe, or niacin. OutlookCholesterol deposits around the eye are known as xanthelasmata. They are usually harmless and do not affect vision or the functioning of the eyelid. However, some people may wish to have them surgically removed for cosmetic reasons. A xanthelasma is sometimes a symptom of a more serious underlying condition, such as dyslipidemia, hypothyroidism, kidney disease, liver disease, or diabetes. Anyone developing cholesterol deposits around the eyes should speak to a doctor. Weight Loss via Obesity / Weight Loss / Fitness News From Medical News Today http://ift.tt/O45xlc March 21, 2018 at 03:12AM
4 Things to Remind Yourself When You Overeat, Drink too Much, or Skip a Workout
http://ift.tt/2IBWrMb There’s no way around it: You will stumble (you’re human!) on the path to achieving your health and wellness goals. But berating yourself for skipping the gym, or eating that extra slice of cake will only set you back farther. “It’s okay to slip once in a while,” says sports psychologist Alexander T. Latinjak, PhD. Just remind yourself: “When I slip, I get up again, and get back on track.” Try three four tricks to dodge self-flagellation and move on. RELATED: Exactly How 5 Real Women Lost the Last 10 Pounds You finished all the cookiesTell yourself: “I accept that I’m not perfect—but I choose to refocus on healthy eating.” Don’t make it a big thing, says Jeffrey Rossman, PhD, director of life management at Canyon Ranch in Lenox, Massachusetts; use it as a chance to recommit. You skipped a morning workout to sleep inAsk: “What can I do so I don’t skip next time?" The key is to not get discouraged, and give up on your a.m. workouts entirely, says Judy Van Raalte, PhD, professor of psychology at Springfield College. Maybe tomorrow you set an extra alarm, or tonight you hit the hay a little earlier. Keep in mind there’s a good chance you needed the sleep, Rossman points out. And one missed workout doesn’t mean you’ve failed. Find another time to fit in your exercise that day, or resume your regular routine the next day, he says. You overdid it on alcoholRemember: “It’s not who you are, it’s who you want to become.” If you’re not happy with yourself or your behavior, remind yourself you’re making strides, Latinjak suggests. Rossman offers a similar mantra to spotlight the fact that you can't rewire old habits overnight: “I am a work in progress. What can I learn from this?" He recommends using slip-ups with alcohol as a moment for reflection. Think about what triggers contributed to your desire to drink, he says. For example, if you were out with a friend who is a big drinker, meet up for dinner or a walk next time, instead of drinks. Or if you drank a little too much wine while binge-watching a favorite show, tell yourself you're no longer going to drink alone. To get our top stories delivered to your inbox, sign up for the Healthy Living newsletter You’re not seeing results from your new exercise routineThink: “I’m not exercising because I’ll lose weight. I'm exercising because [insert other benefits, both physical and mental]." One workout–or even a handful–isn’t likely to result in much more than the loss of water weight. So stop trying to motivate yourself with the promise of changes on the scale, Latinjak says. Instead, list the benefits of exercise beyond weight loss. So if you run, you might say, "I’m running today because it makes me feel fast, because I like spending time in the park, because I get to do it with my friends.” Weight Loss via Weight Loss - Health.com http://ift.tt/2zvXHy6 March 19, 2018 at 05:12PM
A big breakfast could aid weight loss, glucose control
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Researchers suggest that three meals per day — starting with a big breakfast — could promote weight loss and better glucose control.
Led by researchers from Tel Aviv University in Israel, the study found that adults who were obese and had type 2 diabetes lost more weight and had better blood glucose levels after 3 months when they had a high-energy breakfast every day. Lead study author Dr. Daniela Jakubowicz, who is a professor of medicine at Tel Aviv University, and colleagues recently presented their results at ENDO 2018, the annual meeting of the Endocrine Society, held in Chicago, IL. Obesity is a leading risk factor for type 2 diabetes; excess weight makes it more difficult for the body to use insulin — the hormone that regulates blood glucose levels — effectively. According to the Obesity Society, it is estimated that around 90 percent of adults who have type 2 diabetes are overweight or obese. In terms of treating obesity and type 2 diabetes, switching to a more healthful diet is often the first port of call. But, as Dr. Jakubowicz notes, it's not always what and how much we eat that might cause problems; it's also the time of day at which we eat. "Our body metabolism changes throughout the day," as Dr. Jakubowicz explains. "A slice of bread consumed at breakfast leads to a lower glucose response and is less fattening than an identical slice of bread consumed in the evening." With this in mind, Dr. Jakubowicz and colleagues sought to find out more about how the timing of food intake influences weight loss and blood glucose levels. Bdiet led to weight loss, reduced hungerThe scientists enrolled 29 adults, of whom 18 were male and 11 were female, to their study. Subjects were aged 69, on average, and all of them had obesity and type 2 diabetes. The team randomly assigned each of the adults to two different diet groups for a total of 3 months. One group followed the "Bdiet," and this consisted of three meals per day: a large breakfast; a medium-sized lunch; and a small evening meal. The other group followed the "6Mdiet," which consisted of six small meals spaced throughout the day, plus three snacks. The researchers tested the subjects' blood glucose levels every 2 weeks during the study. They also used continuous glucose monitoring to measure overall glucose levels, as well as spikes in blood glucose throughout the study. The researchers found that subjects in the Bdiet group lost an average of 5 kilograms after 3 months, while those who followed the 6Mdiet gained an average of 1.4 kilograms. Hunger and cravings for carbohydrates also increased among subjects in the 6Mdiet group, but these reduced significantly for subjects who followed the Bdiet. The effects on blood glucose levelsThe scientists found that the fasting glucose levels of subjects in the Bdiet group fell by an average of 54 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dl) — from 161 mg/dl to 107 mg/dl — after 3 months, while fasting glucose levels of the 6Mdiet diet group fell by just 23 mg/dl, from 164 mg/dl to 141 mg/dl. Upon looking at overall mean glucose levels, the team found that these dropped by 29 mg/dl in the first 14 days — from 167 mg/dl to 138 mg/dl — for subjects who followed the Bdiet, while they fell just 9 mg/dl among the 6Mdiet diet group, from 171 mg/dl to 162 mg/dl. At 3 months, overall mean glucose levels decreased by 38 mg/dl in the Bdiet group — from 167 mg/dl to 129 mg/dl — compared with a reduction of 17 mg/dl in the 6Mdiet diet group, from 171 mg/dl to 154 mg/dl. Mean glucose levels during sleep did not reduce at all for those subjects who followed the 6Mdiet diet, but subjects in the Bdiet group experienced a reduction of 24 mg/dl — from 131 mg/dl to 107 mg/dl — at 3 months. Those who adhered to the Bdiet also required less insulin during the study period, with a reduction in 20.5 units each day. Subjects who followed the 6Mdiet diet, however, needed more insulin, with an increase of 2.2 units every day. Meal timing offers benefits in itselfNotably, the study also revealed that participants adhering to the Bdiet experienced a significant decrease in overall blood sugar levels in as little as 14 days, even when the subjects themselves showed no weight loss. According to the researchers, this finding indicates that the timing of meals itself can help with blood glucose management, though weight loss can help to enhance the benefits. Overall, the team concludes that three meals each day — with breakfast being the biggest — may be of great benefit to people with obesity and type 2 diabetes. "This study shows," says Dr. Jakubowicz, "that, in obese, insulin-treated type 2 diabetes patients, a diet with three meals per day, consisting of a big breakfast, average lunch, and small dinner, had many rapid and positive effects compared to the traditional diet with six small meals evenly distributed throughout the day." These "positive effects" included "better weight loss, less hunger, and better diabetes control while using less insulin."
Weight Loss via Obesity / Weight Loss / Fitness News From Medical News Today http://ift.tt/O45xlc March 19, 2018 at 12:35PM
Breast cancer: Obesity may hinder some treatments
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Could obesity prevent some cancer treatments from working correctly?
In a paper now published in the journal Science Translational Medicine, the researchers explain how obesity and molecular factors linked to it may promote resistance to anti-angiogenic inhibitors in breast cancer. Anti-angiogenic therapy — which is designed to prevent the growth of blood vessels that feed tumors — is showing mixed results in people with breast and other cancers. It is also well known that obesity raises the risk of many types of cancer, including breast cancer. The new study is the first to show a link between these two "observations." It also offers some molecular targets that might improve response to treatment with anti-angiogenic inhibitors. "Collectively," explains lead study author Dr. Joao Incio, of the Department of Radiation Oncology at Massachusetts General Hospital, "our clinical and preclinical results indicate that obesity fuels resistance to anti-vascular endothelial growth factor therapy in breast cancer via production of several inflammatory and pro-angiogenic factors, depending on the subtype of cancer." "Targeting these resistance factors," he continues, "may rejuvenate the use of anti-angiogenic therapy in breast cancer treatment." Angiogenesis and its inhibitionAngiogenesis is a natural process in the body that repairs and grows blood vessels. Some chemical signals stimulate the process and some chemical signals inhibit it. Levels of these are normally kept in balance so that blood vessels are made only when and where necessary. These processes also play a key role in cancer. Without a dedicated blood supply, tumors cannot grow and spread. However, they do so because they also generate chemical signals that trigger angiogenesis, resulting in the growth of blood vessels that keep them fed with oxygen and nutrients. Angiogenesis inhibitors are drugs that are designed to interfere with the chemical signals involved in angiogenesis. One of these drugs blocks vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), a signaling molecule that triggers growth of new blood vessels when it binds to proteins on cell surfaces. However, Dr. Incio and his colleagues found that obesity "promotes resistance to VEGF inhibitor therapy" by altering chemical signals in tumors. They note that it increases "interleukin-6 [IL-6] and possibly also fibroblast growth factor 2 [FGF-2] in the tumor microenvironment." The team also discovered — with the help of "mouse models of cancer with and without obesity" — that resistance to VEGF inhibitors may be overcome by using the "appropriate combination therapy." Obesity, anti-VEGF therapy in breast cancerThe researchers started their investigation by analyzing the results of a clinical trial that tested the anti-VEGF drug bevacizumab, with and without chemotherapy, in 99 people with breast cancer. Promising results from early clinical trials had led to the accelerated approval of the drug for the treatment of metastatic breast cancer in the United States. But approval was then withdrawn after subsequent studies found no evidence of benefit to long-term survival. The trial that Dr. Incio and his colleagues investigated had shown that bevacizumab only benefited a small percentage of people. When the researchers analyzed the trial data, they found that people whose body mass index (BMI) was 25 or higher — that is, if they fell into the overweight or obese category — had larger tumors when they were diagnosed. On average, these people had tumors that were 33 percent bigger than those whose BMI was under 25. In addition, tissue samples from people who had more body fat revealed that their tumors had a smaller blood supply, which is known to reduce the effects of chemotherapy. Further examination showed that people with a higher BMI had higher circulating levels of two molecules: IL-6, which promotes inflammation, and FGF-2, which promotes angiogenesis. There was also evidence that these factors were present in fat cells and adjacent cells in the tumors. The role of IL-6 and FGF-2 in mouse modelsIn the next stage of the study, the researchers sought to confirm these findings in mouse models of breast cancer, both with and without obesity. They used two models: one of breast cancer that is positive for the estrogen receptor (ER), and the other of triple-negative breast cancer. They found, in the case of the obese mice, that the tumor microenvironments — which contained many fat cells and had reduced levels of oxygen — responded poorly to anti-VEGF treatment. Morever, at a molecular level, responses differed depending on the breast cancer subtype. For example, in obese mice with ER-positive breast cancer, the fat cells and some types of immune cell had higher levels of several pro-inflammation and pro-angiogenic molecules — including IL-6. The researchers found that when they blocked IL-6 in the ER-positive obese mice, the animals' responses to anti-VEGF therapy improved and matched that of the lean mice. Obese mice with triple-negative breast cancer, on the other hand, showed higher levels of FGF-2 but not of IL-6. In their case, blocking FGF-2 raised their response to treatment to that of the lean mice. Blocking either of those molecules in lean mice with either type of breast cancer did not improve their response to anti-VEGF treatment.
The researchers note that there are several inhibitors of the two pathways are already available. For example, to inhibit FGF-2 in their experiments, they used the widely used diabetes drug metformin, which has been showing promise in slowing the growth of some cancers. Weight Loss via Obesity / Weight Loss / Fitness News From Medical News Today http://ift.tt/O45xlc March 19, 2018 at 10:40AM
Targeting these brain cells may aid weight loss
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What controls hunger? Researchers investigate.
We know that both too much and too little food can be bad for us. Too little? Stunted growth. Too much? Obesity. The latter can also open the door to diabates, cardiovascular disease, and cancer. Studies show that the brain mechanisms that are involved in feeling hungry are highly complex. For instance, it seems that the nerve signals telling us when it is acceptable to eat are also fired from the same neurons that tell us when to run from danger. This finding has led scientists to consider whether investigating this mechanism further might provide clues to new treatment targets for obesity or psychiatric conditions that are linked to anxiety. The researchers behind the new study — from Imperial College London in the United Kingdom — set out to examine this brain mechanism, particularly in regard to a region of the brain called the ventromedial hypothalamus (VMH), which has been a subject of interest in obesity research for a long time. 'Control switch' for feed-or-flee mechanismIn their study — which has now been published in the journal Cell Reports — the researchers used mice with neurons that had been genetically modified to be stimulated by a laser light. This modification allows scientists to toggle brain regions "off" and "on" by focusing the laser on the required area. When they did this to the VMH, they discovered that a group of cells called SF1 act as a "control switch" for the feed-or-flee mechanism. SF1 cells are normally very active when mice are anxious — such as when they explore a new environment — but the researchers found that SF1 activity "dampens down" when the mice approach food. The researchers say that SF1 effectively switches the activity of the VMH from defensive behavior to "need to feed" when the animals discover food. But when the animals' guards were dropped while feeding, the VMH switched back to defensive after eating. Further investigation showed that the researchers could manipulate SF1 activity in the mice. By making the mice more stressed, they found that they could switch the VMH back to defensive mode, which prevented the mice from being hungry. When the team administered drugs to the mice to increase activity in their SF1 neurons, the animals were less likely to want food and stored less fat. Dampening down SF1 activity made the mice feel less anxious, but it also made them eat more and put on more weight. "We have shown for first time," says study co-author Dominic Withers, of Imperial College London's Institute of Clinical Sciences, "that activity in this small population of brain cells acutely changes food intake. That hadn't been shown before." Eating disorders and stress in humansWithers and team believe that their findings could be relevant for studies of eating disorders and stress in human subjects. "There's a long-standing recognition," he says, "that things like obesity are associated with altered anxiety states and altered emotions and depression, so it is a bit of a chicken and egg as to which came first." Withers believes that small-molecule drugs targeting the SF1 neurons or other relevant "fine control mechanisms" in the brain may have greater potential than some existing treatments. These are less precise in targeting and therefore have a greater risk of creating unintended adverse effects.
Weight Loss via Obesity / Weight Loss / Fitness News From Medical News Today http://ift.tt/O45xlc March 19, 2018 at 03:16AM
Low-calorie sweeteners may promote metabolic syndrome
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Are low-calorie sweeteners worse for health than they seem?
Around 34 percent of adults in the United States have metabolic syndome, the umbrella term for: high blood pressure; high blood sugar; high cholesterol levels; and abdominal fat. We know that metabolic syndrome doubles the risk of heart disease and disease of the blood vessels, putting individuals at risk of heart disease and stroke. People with metabolic syndrome are also three to five times more likely to develop type 2 diabetes. Recently on Medical News Today, we looked at how metabolic syndrome could be managed by yoga. A study published in the Scandinavian Journal of Medicine & Science in Sports found that participants who took part in a year-long yoga training course demonstrated a decrease in proinflammatory adipokines and an increase anti-inflammatory adipokines. Adipokines are signaling proteins that instruct the immune system to either increase or decrease inflammation. So, it appeared that yoga benefitted the people with metabolic syndrome by reducing inflammation, allowing them to better manage their symptoms. Another recent study even suggested that compounds found in beer could provide significant health benefits for people with metabolic syndrome by helping to improve insulin resistance. Sweeteners, stem cells, and fat samplesIn the new study, researchers from George Washington University in Washington, D.C., examined the effects of a low-calorie sweetener called sucralose on human stem cells from fat tissue. These were experimented on in petri dishes that simulated an obesity-promoting environment. The scientists mimicked the typical concentration of sucralose in the blood of people who consume high quantities of low-calorie sweeteners. When this was administered to the stem cells, the team noticed increased expression of genes linked with fat production and inflammation. The authors followed this up with a separate experiment involving biopsy samples of abdominal fat from people who were regular consumers of low-calorie sweeteners. In fat samples from people that were a healthy weight, they did not find a significant increase in gene expression, but in the fat samples from overweight or obese participants, there was significant overexpression of fat-producing and inflammation-inducing genes. The study authors believe that these patterns in gene expression create conditions favorable to metabolic syndrome, which, in turn, increases risk of prediabetes and diabetes. Findings 'should be of concern'Study co-author Sabyasachi Sen, who is an associate professor of medicine at George Washington University, describes the results. "Our stem cell-based studies indicate that low-calorie sweeteners promote additional fat accumulation within cells compared with cells not exposed to these substances, in a dose-dependent fashion — meaning that as the dose of sucralose is increased more cells showed increased fat droplet accumulation." "This most likely occurs by increasing glucose entry into cells through increased activity of genes called glucose transporters." Prof. Sen explains that these findings should be of particular concern to people who are obese and have prediabetes or diabetes, as these people are already at increased risk for heart attack and strokes. The scientists believe that the overexpression in fat-related genes is more pronounced in these people because they have increased amounts of glucose in their blood, which creates insulin resistance. Weight Loss via Obesity / Weight Loss / Fitness News From Medical News Today http://ift.tt/O45xlc March 19, 2018 at 03:16AM
Step up for health: Pedometers 'boost exercise levels for years'
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Research suggests that the exercise benefits of pedometers could last for 3–4 years.
The study, which was recently published in the journal PLOS Medicine, was conducted by researchers from Brunel University London and St George's, University of London, both of which are in the United Kingdom. It's no secret that regular physical activity is key for good health; it can lower the risk of type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and even some cancers. The Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans recommend that adults should engage in 150 minutes of moderate-intensity or 75 minutes vigorous-intensity aerobic activity each week for "substantial health benefits." Perhaps unsurprisingly, almost half of adults in the United States fail to meet these guidelines. But if you're looking to improve your exercise levels and overall fitness, a new study suggests that a pedometer could offer a long-term solution. "We knew from a previous study that wearing a pedometer can help make people more active in the short term," says study co-author Prof. Christina Victor, from the Gerontology and Health Services Research Unit at Brunel University London. "But to get any of the health benefits linked to being more active," she explains, "such as a lowered risk of heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes, people need to be more active in the long term." Physical activity levels increased for yearsFor the new study, Prof. Victor and colleagues analyzed the data of 1,023 adults aged 45–75 years who were a part of the PACE-UP Trial, which is a randomized, controlled trial to see how a pedometer intervention influences physical activity levels. At the beginning of a 12-week walking task, each participant was given a pedometer and a diary. Subjects were then randomly assigned to one of three groups: one group received advice sessions with a nurse about how to use their pedometer to increase physical activity; one group received such advice through the post; and the remaining group received no advice. When the researchers assessed the participants' physical activity 3 years later, they found that participants who received exercise advice in person or through the post were still walking an additional 600 steps per day, compared with study baseline. Furthermore, time spent engaging in moderate to vigorous physical activity was increased by 24 minutes each week. Next, the researchers analyzed the data of 298 adults aged 60–75 years who took part in the PACE-Lift Trial. Though similar to the PACE-UP Trial, it followed the physical activity of two groups who were given a pedometer and a diary: one group received guidance from a nurse on how to use a pedometer to boost physical activity, and the other group received no guidance. The team looked at the subjects' physical activity 4 years later, and they found that people who received exercise guidance from a nurse engaged in 400 more steps each day, and they also engaged in 33 more minutes of moderate to vigorous activity every week. Based on these findings, Prof. Victor and colleagues suggest that using pedometers — which are available to purchase online — could have long-term benefits for health.
We picked linked items based on the quality of products, and list the pros and cons of each to help you determine which will work best for you. We partner with some of the companies that sell these products, which means Healthline UK and our partners may receive a portion of revenues if you make a purchase using a link(s) above. Weight Loss via Obesity / Weight Loss / Fitness News From Medical News Today http://ift.tt/O45xlc March 17, 2018 at 03:09AM |
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