torstai 28. tammikuuta 2016

Activated brown fat tissue disables weight-gain

A study in Finland has shown that removing a certain gene (USF1) in mice, activates brown adipose tissue to rapidly clear circulating fat and sugar from blood. Brown fat is a generator of body heat, and unlike white fat tissue, it is a very beneficial tissue.

Brown adipose tissue "vacuums" energy nutrients from blood circulation. Credit: PP Laurila
The removal of the USF1 gene increased the activity of brown adipose tissue -- which in turn increased metabolism. Even with a high-fat diet, and less physical activity, the test mice that lacked the USF1 gene stayed in shape.

The researchers also found that for humans who have a weaker USF1 gene, a similar effect was visible.

As the activation of brown fat disables weight-gain, it also protects from diabetes and cardiovascular disease, which could make the USF1 gene a target in the treatment of metabolic diseases.

tiistai 19. tammikuuta 2016

Inflammation in the development of T2D


What role does inflammation have in the development of type 2 diabetes? Could understanding it be the key in finding an effective way of treating diabetes, as well as other metabolic disorders?

Image courtesy of suphakit73 at FreeDigitalPhotos.net

A beginning investigation that brings together researchers from Oxford, Copenhagen, and Karolinska Institutet, will combine their expertise of immunology and metabolism.


Using the latest technologies, molecular analysis, and big data analysis, the team will try find and characterize the biological pathways that underlie metabolic diseases.

Source: http://www.ndorms.ox.ac.uk/news/new-approach-for-type-2-diabetes-research

perjantai 8. tammikuuta 2016

Blood signals as T2D treatment

Signals in the blood might affect insulin secretion more than glucose itself. Could positively impact the secretion of insulin and protection of cells.

Image courtesy of Idea go at FreeDigitalPhotos.net


The identification and characterization of these signalling factors is important.
If these signals could be mimicked artificially, they could be made into a therapeutic method in the treatment of type 2 diabetes.

(Source: Press release, Wiley, 2016)