Junk Food’s Lasting Impact: Study Reveals Long-Term Memory Damage in Adolescent Rats
Study Findings:
- USC-led study on rats reveals long-term damage caused by high-fat, sugary diet during adolescence.
- Memory impairments persisted into adulthood even after switching to a healthy diet.
- Published in the May issue of Brain, Behavior, and Immunity.
Research Focus:
- Investigating the link between poor diet and Alzheimer’s disease.
- Examining impact of fatty, sugary diet on acetylcholine levels and memory.
Methodology:
- Tracked acetylcholine levels in rats on junk food diet vs. control group.
- Ran memory tests involving object recognition tasks.
- Analyzed brains post-mortem for disrupted acetylcholine levels.
Memory Test Results:
- Rats on junk food diet struggled to remember objects and their locations.
- Control group showed familiarity with objects.
Significance of Findings:
- Acetylcholine signaling essential for memory encoding and retention.
- Adolescence is a critical period for brain development, making interventions during this time crucial.
Intervention Possibilities:
- Medication inducing release of acetylcholine restored memory ability in rats.
- More research needed to understand how memory problems can be reversed without medical intervention.
Research Team:
- Led by Scott Kanoski and Anna Hayes from USC Dornsife.
- Collaborators from USC Dornsife, Keck School of Medicine of USC, and University of North Carolina-Charlotte.
Funding:
- Supported by grants from National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institute on Aging, National Science Foundation, Quebec Research Funds, and Alzheimer’s Association.
This outdated diabetes drug still has something to offer
What is Thiazolidinediones? (TZDs):
- Medications for type 2 diabetes.
- Counter insulin resistance.
Historical Context:
- Height of popularity in 1990s-2000s.
- Decline due to adverse effects (weight gain, fluid retention).
UC San Diego Research:
- UC San Diego researches TZD benefits, featured in Nature Metabolism.
- UC San Diego delves into the positive aspects of TZDs, with their findings published in the prestigious journal Nature Metabolism..
Study Insights:
- TZDs effectively combat insulin resistance while also influencing the exosome system.
Obesity and Inflammation Link:
- Obesity exacerbates insulin resistance.
- Inflammation triggers exosome release.
Exosomes and Treatment Impact:
- Exosomes modulate insulin sensitivity.
- TZD treatment enhances sensitivity but induces side effects.
Targeting miR-690:
- Specific microRNA yields benefits.
- Potential avenue for type 2 diabetes therapies.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, Thiazolidinediones (TZDs) have been crucial in addressing insulin resistance in type 2 diabetes, but their popularity faded due to adverse effects. UC San Diego’s research, highlighted in Nature Metabolism, sheds light on TZD benefits and their potential in targeting specific pathways like the exosome system and miR-690. This offers hope for future type 2 diabetes therapies. Understanding the link between obesity, inflammation, and TZD treatment highlights the importance of continued research in developing safer and more effective treatments for insulin resistance.
Shoe technology reduces risk of diabetic foot ulcers
The Problem:
- Diabetic foot ulcers are dangerous open sores.
- Can lead to hospitalization and amputations.
New Technology:
- Developed by researchers at The University of Texas at Arlington Research Institute (UTARI).
- Advanced shoe insole technology.
- Mitigates ulcer risk without increasing appetite.
- Promising findings for diabetes management.
Causes of Foot Ulcers:
- Diabetes damages small blood vessels.
- Poor circulation and foot sores result.
Prevalence and Impact:
- Affects about 39 million people in the U.S.
- One-third of people with diabetes develop foot ulcers.
- Over 160,000 lower extremity amputations annually in the U.S.
- Costs the American health system about $30 billion a year.
Current Solutions:
- Existing shoe insoles have marginal success in preventing foot ulcers.
Innovative Approach:
- Pressure-alternating shoe insole.
- Relieves pressure cyclically to provide rest to soft tissues and improve blood flow.
Research Findings:
- Described in the International Journal of Lower Extremity Wounds.
- Collaboration between UTARI, UT Southwestern Medical Center, and others.
Next Steps:
- Refining the technology to accommodate varying weights and shoe sizes.
Potential Impact:
- Exciting potential to make a real difference in the lives of many people at risk of foot ulcers.
Conclusion:
The pressure-alternating shoe insole technology developed by UTARI offers a promising solution for diabetic foot ulcers, reducing risk without increasing appetite. With millions affected in the U.S. and significant healthcare costs, its potential impact is significant. Collaboration and refinement efforts emphasize its importance in improving foot health and quality of life.
Do sweeteners increase your appetite? New evidence from randomised controlled trial says no
Objective:
- The study aimed to evaluate the effects of sweeteners on appetite and blood sugar levels.
Study Design:
- Conducted as a double-blind randomized controlled trial.
- Participants consumed biscuits containing either sugar, Stevia, or Neotame.
Participants:
- Involved 53 adults with overweight or obesity, aged between 18 and 60 years.
Trial Duration:
- Carried out over the span of 2021 to 2022, consisting of three two-week consumption periods with intervals in between.
Measurements:
- Included assessments of baseline glucose, insulin, and appetite-related hormone levels, as well as appetite and food preference ratings.
- Post-consumption evaluations of fullness and measurements of blood glucose, insulin, ghrelin, glucagon-like peptide 1, and pancreatic polypeptide levels were also conducted.
Findings:
- Sweeteners exhibited no significant differences in appetite or hormone responses compared to sugar.
- They were associated with reduced insulin levels after meals and decreased blood sugar levels.
Implications:
- The study suggests that sweeteners can aid in reducing added sugar intake without elevating appetite or energy intake.
- Supports the use of sweeteners for appetite control, energy management, and weight maintenance.
Research Consortium:
- Supported by the SWEET consortium, comprised of 29 European research, consumer, and industry partners.
- Focused on investigating the long-term benefits and risks of sweeteners in various aspects of public health, safety, obesity, and sustainability.
Funding:
- The study received funding from Horizon Europe.
