All articles tagged with #metabolism
UC Berkeley researchers report that TOFA, an old ACC inhibitor, lowers lipid production and activates fat-burning energy pathways in obese mice, increasing energy use by up to 18% and reducing fat while preserving lean mass; it also improves insulin sensitivity and triglycerides and works additively with GLP-1 obesity drugs, though safety in humans remains untested and researchers are pursuing clinical development.
Weill Cornell researchers found that prostate tumors rewire amino acid metabolism to raise propionyl-CoA, which propionylates and stabilizes the SREBP2 transcription factor, keeping cholesterol production active even when hormone signaling is blocked. This supports androgen receptor activity and may drive resistance to therapies like enzalutamide; strategies that reduce isoleucine/valine intake or target the propionyl-CoA–SREBP2 axis could improve treatment responses.
A Finnish study of 2,264 adults found higher coffee intake linked to lower total and visceral fat, more skeletal muscle, and healthier metabolic markers, plus sex-hormone patterns (men show higher total testosterone and SHBG but lower free testosterone; women show increased SHBG and lower free androgens). Because the study is observational, it cannot prove causation; further research is needed to determine if coffee causes these changes and which compounds might be responsible.
A Finnish study of over 2,200 middle‑aged adults found heavy coffee drinkers had less visceral fat and more skeletal muscle, possibly due to caffeine boosting metabolism. In men, coffee was associated with higher bioavailable testosterone and SHBG, but slightly lower free testosterone, while women showed more modest hormone changes. These hormonal shifts may help explain coffee’s link to lower diabetes risk, but the study is observational and cannot prove causation.
Preclinical studies indicate fructose may affect cancer progression through altered tumor metabolism and liver processing, potentially aiding spread in some contexts, but this does not prove that fructose causes cancer. Experts advise limiting added sugars and sugar-sweetened beverages while allowing natural fructose from fruits and vegetables as part of a nutritious diet.
UT Austin researchers report a two-part drug that forces cancer cells to burn more sugar while blocking their fatty-acid energy source, killing many cancer cells in mice and in several human cancer cell lines. The compound binds the glycolysis enzyme PFKL to accelerate sugar use and then releases a second payload that inhibits CPT2, disrupting fatty acid metabolism. This covalent “electrophile-drug conjugate” approach could be easier to manufacture than antibody-drug conjugates, with potential applicability beyond cancer, but human testing remains years away.
A new study finds coffee consumption is associated with changes in testosterone levels, body fat, and metabolic rate, particularly in men; the findings are observational and do not prove causation, so more research is needed to understand the mechanisms and possible health implications.
A University of Oulu study found higher daily coffee intake is associated with lower total body fat, more skeletal muscle, and less visceral fat, though causation is not proven. The analysis also noted lower levels of branched-chain amino acids and some gender-specific differences in glucose response, with no details on cup size or brewing methods.
A Science Advances study argues bacteria and archaea inherited one ancient genetic code but independently completed cellular metabolism, effectively yielding one origin of the genetic code and two origins of life. The model suggests LUCA relied on environmental chemistry and metals to drive core reactions, with each lineage later filling in missing metabolism with its own enzymes. Five cases of convergent, structurally distinct enzymes underlie these separate paths. The idea is provocative and tentative, contingent on more archaeal genomes and experiments, and does not imply two abiogenesis events—merely two autonomous metabolic completions after a shared genetic root.
New research suggests both crocodile and dinosaur–bird lineages began warm-blooded; modern crocodiles retain a warm-blooded‑like heart but low blood flow, implying their ancestors were warm-blooded. The crocodile lineage then reverted to cold-blooded metabolism around 66 million years ago to enable long breath-holds as aquatic ambush predators, while birds remained warm-blooded and flight-capable—rewriting the deep evolutionary story of archosaurs.
Researchers mapped the full early metabolism network (420 reactions) and found that bacteria and archaea likely shifted to free-living cells independently, with LUCA possessing only about half of metabolic reactions while the rest were catalyzed by environmental metals; the study suggests a hybrid early metabolism combining metal catalysts and enzymes and proposes a pre-ATP energy source via phosphite reacting with palladium in hydrothermal-vent environments.
A Nature study of over a million people found rare, protein-truncating FNIP1 mutations that lift a cellular energy brake, nudging the body to burn fat, improve fat distribution, and cut cardiometabolic disease risk by about 60%; lab and mouse experiments support the mechanism, suggesting FNIP1 as a potential drug target, though safety and efficacy of inhibiting FNIP1 are not yet proven.
CKM syndrome — a cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic condition linked to obesity, high cholesterol and high blood pressure. About 90% of Americans have at least one risk factor; early signs include chest pain, leg pain with walking, swelling, fatigue and sleep apnea. The condition progresses through four stages, with obesity driving risk. Prevention focuses on weight management, a healthy diet, 7–9 hours of sleep, and 150 minutes of aerobic exercise plus two days of strength training weekly. Early detection and lifestyle changes can delay or prevent organ damage.
A comprehensive review of more than 350 studies suggests that reducing overall protein intake or limiting certain amino acids may improve metabolic health, reduce inflammation, and slow aging processes in animals, with early human trials showing weight loss and improved insulin sensitivity. The evidence points to a potential need for personalized protein guidelines, since older adults, pregnant individuals, and those recovering from illness may require more protein, while many sedentary adults could benefit from lower intake, especially when paired with appropriate exercise.
A comprehensive review of over 350 lab and animal studies suggests moderate protein restriction, including limiting amino acids like methionine, isoleucine, and valine, may support healthier aging by improving metabolism, reducing inflammation, and boosting autophagy; early human trials show some benefits for blood sugar and fat loss but no clear evidence that lifespan is extended in people. Protein needs vary by age, activity, and health, so reducing intake isn’t appropriate for everyone—especially older adults or those with higher protein requirements—highlighting the need for personalized guidance from healthcare professionals.