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The individual response to antibiotics and diet — insights into gut microbial resilience and host metabolism Nat. Rev. Endocrinol. (IF 40.5) Pub Date : 2024-03-14 Lars M. M. Vliex, John Penders, Arjen Nauta, Erwin G. Zoetendal, Ellen E. Blaak
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Antibodies drive adipose tissue ageing Nat. Rev. Endocrinol. (IF 40.5) Pub Date : 2024-03-13 Shimona Starling
The mechanisms underlying metabolic decline during ageing are not well understood. A new study in Cell Metabolism identifies IgG antibodies as factors that accumulate in white adipose tissue (WAT) during ageing, driving tissue fibrosis and impaired metabolic health in mice. “Leveraging our understanding of ageing research, we naturally sought to investigate whether interventions targeting ageing could
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Thyroid-function reference ranges in the diagnosis of thyroid dysfunction in adults Nat. Rev. Endocrinol. (IF 40.5) Pub Date : 2024-03-08 Salman Razvi
Applying a uniform reference range across all adults for serum levels of thyroid stimulating hormone and thyroid hormones makes establishing a diagnosis of thyroid dysfunction challenging and could lead to potentially unnecessary treatment. For the results of thyroid function tests to be meaningful, the reference ranges should reflect individual variation in thyroid function.
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Controlling brown adipose tissue size through EPAC1 Nat. Rev. Endocrinol. (IF 40.5) Pub Date : 2024-03-04 Francesc Villarroya, Marta Giralt
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Cryo-electron microscopy for GPCR research and drug discovery in endocrinology and metabolism Nat. Rev. Endocrinol. (IF 40.5) Pub Date : 2024-02-29 Jia Duan, Xin-Heng He, Shu-Jie Li, H. Eric Xu
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An historical step in our understanding of hypothalamic oestrogen feedback Nat. Rev. Endocrinol. (IF 40.5) Pub Date : 2024-02-28 Erik Hrabovszky
In 1957, Béla Flerkó and János Szentágothai implanted ovarian and liver tissue autografts into two distinct hypothalamic regions or the adenohypophysis of female rats. The tiny pieces of liver were absorbed. By contrast, the ovary implants survived and continued to release oestrogens. Furthermore, when the ovarian tissue was implanted below the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus, the weight of the
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Phase I results for AMG 133 Nat. Rev. Endocrinol. (IF 40.5) Pub Date : 2024-02-22 Claire Greenhill
The past few years have seen a rapid increase in the development and use of new drugs to treat obesity, many of which target the incretin system. A new study has reported the phase I results of AMG 133 (also known as maridebart cafraglutide), which is a bispecific molecule consisting of a glucose-dependent insulinotropic peptide receptor (GIPR) antagonist antibody conjugated to two glucagon-like peptide
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Endocrine disrupting chemicals are a threat to hormone health: a commentary on behalf of the ESE Nat. Rev. Endocrinol. (IF 40.5) Pub Date : 2024-02-22 Martin Reincke, Wiebke Arlt, Pauliina Damdimopoulou, Josef Köhrle, Jerome Bertherat
The European Society of Endocrinology (ESE), representing 20,000 endocrinologists, is concerned about the effect of endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) on endocrine health, particularly thyroid and gonadal function. The policy strategies of the ESE aim to minimize overall exposure of humans to EDCs and to stimulate funding for research at the level of the European Union.
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Beyond the ovary: rewiring our perspective on polycystic ovary syndrome Nat. Rev. Endocrinol. (IF 40.5) Pub Date : 2024-02-20 Rebecca E. Campbell
One in ten women of reproductive age is likely to have polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), a complex endocrine disorder that affects reproductive, metabolic, cardiovascular and psychological health. PCOS is defined by ovarian dysfunction, including the diagnostic features of androgen excess, reduced or absent ovulation, and polycystic ovarian morphology. However, two seminal studies in the late 1990s
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FGF21 suppresses CD8+ T cell antitumour activity Nat. Rev. Endocrinol. (IF 40.5) Pub Date : 2024-02-20 Olivia Tysoe
Tumours can evade the immune system by suppressing the activity of immune cells within the tumour microenvironment (TME), with cytotoxic CD8+ T cells being a key target for immunosuppression. A study in Cell Metabolism has now identified a mechanism by which fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) promotes tumour growth via inhibition of CD8+ T cell activity. Activated CD8+ T cells were treated with conditioned
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RalA links obesity and mitochondrial dysfunction Nat. Rev. Endocrinol. (IF 40.5) Pub Date : 2024-02-16 Katrin Legg
Obesity in humans and rodents is characterized by mitochondrial dysfunction, but what connects obesity and mitochondrial damage? The small GTPase RalA, according to a report in Nature Metabolism. The report’s authors observed increased RalA expression and activity in inguinal white adipose tissue (iWAT) during the development of obesity in mice fed a high-fat diet (HFD), prompting them to create adipocyte-specific
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Obesity and the kidney: mechanistic links and therapeutic advances Nat. Rev. Endocrinol. (IF 40.5) Pub Date : 2024-02-13 Kevin Yau, Rachel Kuah, David Z. I. Cherney, Tony K. T. Lam
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Thyroid dysfunction in COVID-19 Nat. Rev. Endocrinol. (IF 40.5) Pub Date : 2024-02-12 David Tak Wai Lui, Chi Ho Lee, Yu Cho Woo, Ivan Fan Ngai Hung, Karen Siu Ling Lam
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Consensus guideline for the diagnosis and management of pituitary adenomas in childhood and adolescence: Part 1, general recommendations Nat. Rev. Endocrinol. (IF 40.5) Pub Date : 2024-02-09 Márta Korbonits, Joanne C. Blair, Anna Boguslawska, John Ayuk, Justin H. Davies, Maralyn R. Druce, Jane Evanson, Daniel Flanagan, Nigel Glynn, Claire E. Higham, Thomas S. Jacques, Saurabh Sinha, Ian Simmons, Nicky Thorp, Francesca M. Swords, Helen L. Storr, Helen A. Spoudeas
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Consensus guideline for the diagnosis and management of pituitary adenomas in childhood and adolescence: Part 2, specific diseases Nat. Rev. Endocrinol. (IF 40.5) Pub Date : 2024-02-09 Márta Korbonits, Joanne C. Blair, Anna Boguslawska, John Ayuk, Justin H. Davies, Maralyn R. Druce, Jane Evanson, Daniel Flanagan, Nigel Glynn, Claire E. Higham, Thomas S. Jacques, Saurabh Sinha, Ian Simmons, Nicky Thorp, Francesca M. Swords, Helen L. Storr, Helen A. Spoudeas
Pituitary adenomas are rare in children and young people under the age of 19 (hereafter referred to as CYP) but they pose some different diagnostic and management challenges in this age group than in adults. These rare neoplasms can disrupt maturational, visual, intellectual and developmental processes and, in CYP, they tend to have more occult presentation, aggressive behaviour and are more likely
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Sarcopenic obesity in older adults: a clinical overview Nat. Rev. Endocrinol. (IF 40.5) Pub Date : 2024-02-06 Carla M. Prado, John A. Batsis, Lorenzo M. Donini, M. Cristina Gonzalez, Mario Siervo
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Targeting endometriosis Nat. Rev. Endocrinol. (IF 40.5) Pub Date : 2024-02-02 Claire Greenhill
Endometriosis is a common disorder, affecting ~10% of women worldwide. However, despite this high prevalence, treatment options are still very limited. Current treatments include surgery and hormone-based medications; however, these are often ineffective. As a result, large numbers of people are living with this debilitating condition. A new study reports early findings of a non-hormonal treatment
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Dysfunctional lipid metabolism in ageing muscle: effects on glucose tolerance Nat. Rev. Endocrinol. (IF 40.5) Pub Date : 2024-02-02 Shimona Starling
A new study published in Nature Aging has found that a previously overlooked lipid metabolic pathway is dysfunctional in ageing skeletal muscle and this deficiency could affect systemic glucose metabolism.
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Pancreatic δ-cells influence the glycaemic set point Nat. Rev. Endocrinol. (IF 40.5) Pub Date : 2024-02-01 Olivia Tysoe
Somatostatin, produced by pancreatic δ-cells, has been known to inhibit insulin secretion since its discovery in the 1970s. However, the role of somatostatin in the regulation of the glycaemic set point (the homeostatic blood level of glucose between meals) remains unclear. A study in Nature Metabolism now explores the contribution of pancreatic δ-cell somatostatin secretion to the glycaemic set point
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Seeing through the fog: a neuroendocrine explanation for post-COVID cognitive deficits Nat. Rev. Endocrinol. (IF 40.5) Pub Date : 2024-01-29 S. Rasika, Ruben Nogueiras, Markus Scwaninger, Vincent Prevot
Gonadotropin-releasing hormone is implicated in cognitive functions, and its loss is a factor in pathological brain ageing. There are similarities between these processes and the neurological and cognitive deficits observed in patients with long COVID. Here, we explore the hypothesis that neuroanatomical and transcriptomic alterations associated with long COVID could stem from this neuroendocrine perturbation
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Iatrogenic adrenal insufficiency in adults Nat. Rev. Endocrinol. (IF 40.5) Pub Date : 2024-01-25 Julie Martin-Grace, Maria Tomkins, Michael W. O’Reilly, Mark Sherlock
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A view on vitamin D: a pleiotropic factor? Nat. Rev. Endocrinol. (IF 40.5) Pub Date : 2024-01-22 Andrea Giustina, Marise Lazaretti-Castro, Adrian R. Martineau, Rebecca S. Mason, Clifford J. Rosen, Inez Schoenmakers
Vitamin D is precursor of the steroid hormone calcitriol and has important functions throughout the body, including increasing intestinal absorption of calcium, magnesium and phosphate. Vitamin D deficiency has been linked with a range of disorders, including several bone diseases. However, large trials of vitamin D supplementation have produced mixed results. Here, experts from around the world discuss
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mTORC1 in energy expenditure: consequences for obesity Nat. Rev. Endocrinol. (IF 40.5) Pub Date : 2024-01-15 Camille Allard, Cristina Miralpeix, Antonio J. López-Gambero, Daniela Cota
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Brain–immune networks: a role for GLP1 receptor Nat. Rev. Endocrinol. (IF 40.5) Pub Date : 2024-01-11 Claire Greenhill
Glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists (GLP1RAs) are established treatments for metabolic disorders such as type 2 diabetes mellitus and obesity, and are also being explored in the treatment of metabolic-associated fatty liver disease and neurodegenerative diseases. These drugs are known to have an anti-inflammatory effect; however, whether this effect was solely the results of GLP1RAs reducing
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Phospholipid biosynthetic pathways and lipodystrophies: a novel syndrome due to PLAAT3 deficiency Nat. Rev. Endocrinol. (IF 40.5) Pub Date : 2024-01-08 Anil K. Agarwal, Abhimanyu Garg
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Oxytocin regulates adipose tissue lipolysis Nat. Rev. Endocrinol. (IF 40.5) Pub Date : 2024-01-05 Olivia Tysoe
Oxytocin is a hormone that is involved in labour, lactation and social bonding, but has also been shown to induce weight loss in rodents when given exogenously. A study in Nature has now uncovered a role for a novel source of endogenous oxytocin that promotes lipolysis.
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Scrutinizing the effect of BPS on adipose tissue Nat. Rev. Endocrinol. (IF 40.5) Pub Date : 2024-01-05 Shimona Starling
A new study in Cell Reports shows that bisphenol S (BPS) accumulates in brown adipose tissue (BAT), induces BAT whitening and aggravates obesity in mice in an oestrogen-dependent manner.
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A transporter on the move Nat. Rev. Endocrinol. (IF 40.5) Pub Date : 2024-01-05 Steffen H. Raun
Glucose is a hydrophilic molecule that is transported in the blood and is vital for energy homeostasis across most tissues. However, glucose cannot readily diffuse through the lipid bilayers of cells and so glucose needs a transporter. The glucose transporters were first described in the 1980s. Today, 13 different glucose transporters have been identified, each with their own specific properties, and
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Organoids in endocrine and metabolic research: current and emerging applications Nat. Rev. Endocrinol. (IF 40.5) Pub Date : 2024-01-05 Penney M. Gilbert, Sandra Hofmann, Huck-Hui Ng, Hugo Vankelecom, James M. Wells
Organoid technologies are a potent tool for investigating human biology, modelling diseases and developing novel therapies. In this Viewpoint, experts in metabolic and endocrine research in the brain, pituitary, skeletal muscle, bone and gastrointestinal system discuss how organoids and related bioengineered systems are currently used in their field and how innovations in these technologies could transform
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Emerging mechanisms of obesity-associated immune dysfunction Nat. Rev. Endocrinol. (IF 40.5) Pub Date : 2023-12-21 Saame Raza Shaikh, Melinda A. Beck, Yazan Alwarawrah, Nancie J. MacIver
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The intersection between ghrelin, metabolism and circadian rhythms Nat. Rev. Endocrinol. (IF 40.5) Pub Date : 2023-12-20 Soumya S. Kulkarni, Omprakash Singh, Jeffrey M. Zigman
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Luteal phase support in assisted reproductive technology Nat. Rev. Endocrinol. (IF 40.5) Pub Date : 2023-12-18 Akanksha Garg, Agata P. Zielinska, Arthur C. Yeung, Rebecca Abdelmalak, Runzhi Chen, Aleena Hossain, Alisha Israni, Scott M. Nelson, Andy V. Babwah, Waljit S. Dhillo, Ali Abbara
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Deciphering the role of leptin in weight gain associated with anti-psychotic medications Nat. Rev. Endocrinol. (IF 40.5) Pub Date : 2023-12-15 Claire Greenhill
Anti-psychotic medications, such as olanzapine and risperidone, are highly effective treatments for a range of disorders, including schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorders. However, these drugs are associated with several adverse metabolic effects. Patients taking anti-psychotic medications often experience weight gain and hyperglycaemia, as well as the development and/or progression of diabetes
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Pituitary stem cells: past, present and future perspectives Nat. Rev. Endocrinol. (IF 40.5) Pub Date : 2023-12-15 María Inés Pérez Millán, Leonard Y. M. Cheung, Florencia Mercogliano, Maria Andrea Camilletti, Gonzalo T. Chirino Felker, Lucia N. Moro, Santiago Miriuka, Michelle L. Brinkmeier, Sally A. Camper
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Management of phaeochromocytoma and paraganglioma in patients with germline SDHB pathogenic variants: an international expert Consensus statement Nat. Rev. Endocrinol. (IF 40.5) Pub Date : 2023-12-14 David Taïeb, Svenja Nölting, Nancy D. Perrier, Martin Fassnacht, Jorge A. Carrasquillo, Ashley B. Grossman, Roderick Clifton-Bligh, George B. Wanna, Zachary G. Schwam, Laurence Amar, Isabelle Bourdeau, Ruth T. Casey, Joakim Crona, Cheri L. Deal, Jaydira Del Rivero, Quan-Yang Duh, Graeme Eisenhofer, Tito Fojo, Hans K. Ghayee, Anne-Paule Gimenez-Roqueplo, Antony J. Gill, Rodney Hicks, Alessio Imperiale
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A pivotal year for NAFLD and NASH therapeutics Nat. Rev. Endocrinol. (IF 40.5) Pub Date : 2023-12-14 Jean-François Dufour
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Harnessing the inflammatory processes in endometriosis Nat. Rev. Endocrinol. (IF 40.5) Pub Date : 2023-12-07 Jane E. Girling
The pathophysiology of endometriosis is underpinned by a complex interplay of inflammatory processes that are responsible for the local and systemic effects of the condition. Recent studies delve further into this inflammatory interplay; using animal models, they identify potential therapeutic tools and remind us to look beyond the endometriotic lesions.
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Advances in incretin-based therapeutics for obesity Nat. Rev. Endocrinol. (IF 40.5) Pub Date : 2023-12-07 Mette M. Rosenkilde
The year 2023 brought reports of highly effective glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP1) mono-agonists or combinations with amylin receptor agonists. Results for monomolecular co-agonists that added glucagon receptor and/or glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) receptor agonism to GLP1 receptor activation were also published in 2023. Interestingly, antagonistic GIP receptor antibodies conjugated
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Highlights from SfE BES 2023 Nat. Rev. Endocrinol. (IF 40.5) Pub Date : 2023-12-07 Claire Greenhill
This November, >1,000 endocrinologists convened in Glasgow, UK, for the annual meeting of the Society for Endocrinology (SfE BES).
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Type 1 diabetes mellitus: a brave new world Nat. Rev. Endocrinol. (IF 40.5) Pub Date : 2023-12-06 Pieter-Jan Martens, Chantal Mathieu
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Endocrinology in the multi-omics era Nat. Rev. Endocrinol. (IF 40.5) Pub Date : 2023-12-05 Smadar Shilo, Eran Segal
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Genomic alterations in thyroid cancer: biological and clinical insights Nat. Rev. Endocrinol. (IF 40.5) Pub Date : 2023-12-04 Iñigo Landa, Maria E. Cabanillas
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Metabolic control of puberty: 60 years in the footsteps of Kennedy and Mitra’s seminal work Nat. Rev. Endocrinol. (IF 40.5) Pub Date : 2023-12-04 Greg M. Anderson, Jennifer W. Hill, Ursula B. Kaiser, Victor M. Navarro, Ken K. Ong, John R. B. Perry, Vincent Prevot, Manuel Tena-Sempere, Carol F. Elias
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GIP regulates body weight via GABAergic neurons Nat. Rev. Endocrinol. (IF 40.5) Pub Date : 2023-11-29 Shimona Starling
The development of glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP1) receptor (GLP1R)–glucose-dependent insulinotropic peptide (GIP) receptor (GIPR) co-agonist drugs for obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus was a major breakthrough. Yet, the mechanisms by which GIP regulates energy metabolism are still not clear. A study in Nature Metabolism now shows that GIP regulates body weight and food intake in mice via GABAergic
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β-cells protected from T1DM by early senescence programme Nat. Rev. Endocrinol. (IF 40.5) Pub Date : 2023-11-24 Olivia Tysoe
Pancreatic β-cells undergo high levels of cellular stress in the early stages of type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM), including endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress. ER stress results in the activation of the unfolded protein response (UPR), which restores homeostasis and adapts the cell to promote survival. However, in cases of prolonged or severe stress, the UPR initiates a pro-apoptotic response that results
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The metabolic mythos of ketones Nat. Rev. Endocrinol. (IF 40.5) Pub Date : 2023-11-20 Jonathan Low, Kaja Falkenhain
Ketones are water-soluble molecules that are primarily produced endogenously in the liver from free fatty acids during periods of long-term fasting or severe carbohydrate restriction. Historically denoted as ‘starvation molecules’, our understanding of ketones has undergone a number of transformations over the years. From toxic by-products of lipid metabolism during diabetic ketoacidosis to a valuable
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SGLT inhibitors: a serendipitous glycaemic tale Nat. Rev. Endocrinol. (IF 40.5) Pub Date : 2023-11-20 Shubham Agarwal, Ildiko Lingvay
Humans have evolved to conserve energy: bipedalism, for example, is widely claimed to use less energy than quadrupedal knuckle walking. Sodium–glucose co-transporters (SGLTs) might similarly have emerged in the kidneys over time to prevent glucose being excreted (and thus, energy being wasted) by the body. SGLT2 present in the early proximal convoluted tubule of nephrons reabsorbs the majority of glucose
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How a common NAFLD genetic risk variant affects human metabolism Nat. Rev. Endocrinol. (IF 40.5) Pub Date : 2023-11-14 Shimona Starling
The PNPLA3 I148M variant is a very common genetic risk factor for all stages of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), with a large effect size. Yet how this variant predisposes to NAFLD is currently unclear. A new clinical study in Cell Metabolism examines metabolism in people who are homozygous carriers of this mutation.
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The ageing thyroid: implications for longevity and patient care Nat. Rev. Endocrinol. (IF 40.5) Pub Date : 2023-11-03 Diana van Heemst
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Antivirals in the treatment of new-onset T1DM Nat. Rev. Endocrinol. (IF 40.5) Pub Date : 2023-10-26 Claire Greenhill
The pathogenesis of type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) involves genetic and environmental factors. However, the process is complex and poorly understood. Research from the past few years has indicated that viral infections, particularly infection with enteroviruses, are associated with the development of T1DM. In addition, Knut Dahl-Jørgensen’s research group had previously detected a low-grade infection
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Health equity in endocrinology Nat. Rev. Endocrinol. (IF 40.5) Pub Date : 2023-10-26 Kathryn Backholer, Osagie Ebekozien, Karen Hofman, J. Jaime Miranda, Samuel Seidu
Health equity is when every person can achieve their full potential for health and wellbeing. In this Viewpoint, global experts discuss the root causes and contributing factors to health inequity in endocrinology. Potential action points and research directions to help reduce health disparities are also discussed.
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A new endometrial organoid: synthetically engineered matrix enhances epithelial–stromal interactions Nat. Rev. Endocrinol. (IF 40.5) Pub Date : 2023-10-23 J. Julie Kim
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Macrophage and T cell networks in adipose tissue Nat. Rev. Endocrinol. (IF 40.5) Pub Date : 2023-10-23 Ramiah D. Jacks, Carey N. Lumeng
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Inter-organ crosstalk during development and progression of type 2 diabetes mellitus Nat. Rev. Endocrinol. (IF 40.5) Pub Date : 2023-10-16 Georgia Xourafa, Melis Korbmacher, Michael Roden
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Metabolic elasticity — a new trait associated with health? Nat. Rev. Endocrinol. (IF 40.5) Pub Date : 2023-10-13 Rodrigo Fernández-Verdejo, Jose E. Galgani
A recent study by Zhou and colleagues proposed that low metabolic elasticity and gene elasticity are involved in the metabolic alterations observed in ageing and obesity. Here, we discuss some of their findings to provide a viewpoint on these potential new traits associated with metabolic health.
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Brain insulin action in women Nat. Rev. Endocrinol. (IF 40.5) Pub Date : 2023-10-09 Shimona Starling
In humans, insulin action in the brain increases peripheral insulin sensitivity; however, the studies demonstrating these findings were mainly performed in lean men. A new proof-of-concept study in Nature Metabolism presents the first findings on the effects of brain insulin signalling on whole-body insulin sensitivity in women, looking at the influence of the menstrual cycle phase.
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Immune cell population prevents weight regain Nat. Rev. Endocrinol. (IF 40.5) Pub Date : 2023-10-12 Olivia Tysoe
Weight regain after weight loss is a common problem that can increase the risk of metabolic disease. A new study in Cell Metabolism has identified a population of bone marrow immune cells that can reduce weight regain after weight loss. “We aimed to identify bone marrow immune cell subsets predisposing mice to regain weight,” says first author Hai-Yan Zhou. “Surprisingly, the immune cells in the bone
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Diabetes mellitus in breast cancer survivors: metabolic effects of endocrine therapy Nat. Rev. Endocrinol. (IF 40.5) Pub Date : 2023-10-02 Nisha S. Thomas, Rebecca L. Scalzo, Elizabeth A. Wellberg
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Stem cell-derived islet therapy: is this the end of the beginning? Nat. Rev. Endocrinol. (IF 40.5) Pub Date : 2023-10-02 Veronica A. Cochrane, Matthias Hebrok
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Unveiling the telomere–p53–PGC ageing axis Nat. Rev. Endocrinol. (IF 40.5) Pub Date : 2023-09-29 Subhajit Dutta
Telomeres are nucleoprotein structures that comprise repetitive nucleotide sequences bound to specialized proteins at the ends (tails) of chromosomes. Often compared to the plastic tips on shoelaces, telomeres cap the ends of chromosomes to prevent them unravelling or tangling. When a cell divides, it loses base pairs from the ends of its telomeres so that, with ageing, the telomeres become shorter;