Study Reveals Brain Cells' Role in Obesity Management and Potential Treatment Pathways

Researchers have conducted a study focusing on specific brain cells called GABRA5 neurons in the lateral hypothalamic area (LHA) of male rats to understand their role in managing obesity.

These neurons have connections to both white and brown fat tissues in the body.

When obese mice had their GABRA5 neurons suppressed, they experienced metabolic impairments and weight gain, whereas reducing the activity of an enzyme called MAO-B in nearby astrocytes led to increased fat burning and less weight gain.

This suggests that these neurons may help prevent fat accumulation, offering potential insights into obesity treatment strategies.

Additionally, brown adipose tissue (BAT) has been associated with lower risks of cardiometabolic diseases, and a drug called KDS2010, which inhibits MAO-B, has shown promise in promoting weight loss and is in Phase 1 clinical trials as a potential obesity treatment. Read Original Article

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Exploring the Link Between Circadian Rhythms, Longevity, and Wearable Data: Insights and Future Directions

A recent study in NHANES 2011–2014 explores the potential connection between disruptions in circadian rhythms, measured using wearable devices, and their impact on health outcomes and longevity. The study analyzes data from 7,297 U.S. adults collected through wearable accelerometers as a novel digital biomarker for longevity. Five distinct clusters were identified based on activity profiles: "High activity," "Low activity," "Mild circadian rhythm (CR) disruption," "Severe CR disruption," and "Very low activity." The findings reveal that young adults with extreme circadian rhythm disturbance exhibit higher white blood cell counts and accelerated biological aging. Older adults with circadian disruption are associated with increased systemic inflammation indexes, advanced biological aging, and higher all-cause mortality risk. The research underscores the importance of circadian alignment for longevity at all ages and suggests that wearable

The safety of aspartame is under review by WHO after conflicting findings.

Aspartame, a sweetener with health effects Since 1981, the WHO expert committee on additives has confirmed the safety of aspartame consumption within acceptable daily limits. The international organization has established that the acceptable daily intake (ADI) of aspartame is 40 milligrams per kilogram of body weight. This means that a person can consume up to 40 mg of aspartame per kilogram of their body weight per day without risking their health. For example, if someone weighs 60 kilos, the allowable amount of aspartame would be 2,400 milligrams (40 mg/kg x 60 kg). In recent years, several studies have been carried out on the effects of aspartame on health. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has reviewed the scientific evidence related to the safety of this sweetener five times since its approval in 1981, and has concluded that it remains safe for use. However, it is being studied again. It has an especially important use in low-calorie beverages consumed by children and pregnan

Multivitamins Can Improve Memory in Older Adults

A recent clinical trial called COSMOS suggests that taking multivitamins may improve memory and slow cognitive aging in older adults. The trial involved 3,500 participants aged 60 or older and found that the multivitamin group performed better on memory tests compared to the placebo group. The benefits were equivalent to slowing age-related memory loss by about 3 years. The study also noted that individuals with a history of cardiovascular disease experienced the greatest benefits. It's important to remember that multivitamins should not replace a healthy lifestyle, and high doses of isolated micronutrients may not provide the same benefits. The trial found that multivitamins were safe to use, and further research is needed to understand who will benefit the most and the underlying mechanisms involved. Source: ok-Kin Yeung, Daniel M. Alschuler, Melanie Wall, Heike Luttmann-Gibson, Trisha Copeland, Christiane Hale, Richard P. Sloan, Howard D. Sesso, JoAnn E. Manson, Adam M. B

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