Latest news with #Metabolism
The Standard
4 hours ago
- Health
- The Standard
Survey: Nearly 60% of Respondents Reported Experiencing Abnormalities in Drinking Water Quality
(Right) Dr. TONG Chun Yip, Peter, Specialist in Endocrinology, Diabetes & Metabolism; A patient who concern the quality of water, Ha
Yahoo
11-07-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Muscle weakness in cancer survivors may be caused by treatable weakness in blood vessels
Tumors can destroy the blood vessels of muscles even when the muscles are nowhere close to the tumor. That is the key finding of a new study that my colleagues and I recently published in the journal Nature Cancer. Muscle loss in cancer patients is a major health problem, but the exact causes of how precisely tumors affect muscles remain an active area of research. Scientists in my lab were curious whether one explanation for the muscle loss in cancer patients could be that the cancer impairs the blood vessels that are necessary to supply nutrients and oxygen to muscles. Healthy blood vessels ensure that blood containing oxygen and nutrients is transported from the heart to all tissues and organs in the body, and then circulates back to the heart. Unhealthy blood vessels lose the ability to circulate sufficient blood and develop leaks, with nutrients seeping into the tissue prematurely and thereby cutting off the supply of nutrients to tissues that are further downstream. To tackle this question, my colleagues and I worked with several other scientific research teams with expertise in advanced microscopy, cancer research and metabolism. We used animal models to study several kinds of tumors – lung cancer, skin cancer, colon cancer and pancreatic cancer. We consistently observed that the blood vessels in the muscles became fewer and leakier even before the muscle weakness set in. We also found that tumors release a protein called Activin-A, which acts on blood vessels to cause the leakiness and, ultimately, loss of blood vessels in the muscle. When we used a gene therapy to restore blood vessel health by counteracting the effects of Activin-A, we were able to prevent the muscle loss. So we examined the muscles of patients who had passed away because of cancer and found that the muscles of cancer patients contained fewer blood vessels than expected. Millions of cancer survivors struggle with muscle weakness, which can be so profound that they may have difficulties walking up a couple of flights of stairs or going shopping for groceries on their own. Severe muscle weakness and muscle loss during cancer is called cancer cachexia, which occurs in up to 80% of patients with advanced cancer. Recent research indicates that cachexia is far more common among cancer patients than previously suspected, with approximately half the patients who see their cancer doctor for the first time already showing signs of muscle weakness. Importantly, cachexia can persist even after the cancer is successfully treated and cured. This can have a devastating impact on the quality of life for cancer survivors. Our discovery that the loss of blood vessel function in the muscles occurs early on during the progression of the cancer suggests that fixing blood vessels in cancer patients and cancer survivors could be a new way to prevent or reverse cachexia. The reasons for the muscle loss in cancer are complicated and involve poor nutrition due to loss of appetite and inflammation, which are initially caused by the tumor but persist even when the tumor is removed. There are currently no treatments approved by the Food and Drug Administration for cachexia, but new therapies are on the horizon. One such therapy is an antibody drug that targets the molecule GDF-15, a protein that is thought to suppress appetite. Other studies are using a combination of targeted nutrition and exercise programs to help patients with cancer cachexia regain muscle mass and muscle strength. All these studies suggest that we will need a combination of approaches to enhance exercise, nutrition, appetite, muscle regeneration and – as we propose – blood vessel health. We are now evaluating drugs and exercise programs that are known to improve blood vessel health. Repurposing these treatments that are traditionally designed for cardiovascular patients could be a rapid way to help cancer patients regain muscle strength. We hope that our work highlights how important it is for cancer patients to receive comprehensive medical care, which includes improving cardiovascular health and overall quality of life. The Research Brief is a short take on interesting academic work. This article is republished from The Conversation, a nonprofit, independent news organization bringing you facts and trustworthy analysis to help you make sense of our complex world. It was written by: Jalees Rehman, University of Illinois Chicago Read more: Loss of muscle mass among elderly can lead to falls, and staying put during the pandemic doesn't help Steep physical decline with age is not inevitable – here's how strength training can change the trajectory Cancer hijacks your brain and steals your motivation − new research in mice reveals how, offering potential avenues for treatment Jalees Rehman receives funding from the National Institutes of Health.
Yomiuri Shimbun
04-07-2025
- General
- Yomiuri Shimbun
Tokyo's Nakagin Capsule Tower Unit to be Shown at MoMA in New York
Part of an iconic residential capsule building in Tokyo's Ginza district that was demolished in 2022 will be exhibited at the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York from July 10. Designed by the late architect Kisho Kurokawa (1934-2007), the Nakagin Capsule Tower building was completed in 1972 as a housing complex comprising a total of 140 single-room housing capsules. One of the capsules, now housed in the renowned institution for modern and contemporary art, will be shown at the exhibition 'The Many Lives of the Nakagin Capsule Tower,' focusing on the building's 50-year history, until July 12, 2026. Thanks to the design using detachable and replaceable capsules, which each had about 10 square meters of space inside, the building was famous as a structure that represented Japan's Metabolism architectural movement. It is also one of the representative works of Kurokawa, who designed the National Art Center, Tokyo, and the Toshiba IHI Pavilion for the 1970 Osaka Expo. The capsules were never replaced, and the building was dismantled due to aging in 2022. The Nakagin Capsule Tower Preservation and Restoration Project, a citizen group formed by former unit owners and others to preserve the building, obtained and restored 23 capsules. The preservation group has been searching for recipients for them. To date, capsules taken from the building have been added to the collections of several prominent overseas museums, including M+, one of Asia's largest contemporary art museums in Hong Kong, the National Museum of 21st Century Arts in Rome and the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art. Evangelos Kotsioris, assistant curator at MoMA, told The Yomiuri Shimbun in writing that the museum housed the capsule because the tower is 'one of the most important buildings of the 20th century at large.' 'The Nakagin Capsule Tower anticipated contemporary conversations about circularity in architecture, in other words, the idea that designers should not only think about the design and construction of buildings, but also their life cycles, and ultimate disassembly and repurposing of the materials that made them up,' Kotsioris wrote, adding that the museum concluded that the capsule deserves a place in MoMA's collection. '[The capsule] is a cozy space that has inspired generations of architects, and captivated the imaginations of both residents and people around the world,' Kotsioris wrote. In addition to the capsule with its interior fully restored to the state it was in when the building was completed, about 45 related materials that include photographs, films and the project's original models and drawings will be on display during the upcoming exhibition.
Newsweek
26-06-2025
- Health
- Newsweek
Way Aging Spreads Through Your Body Revealed
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. For the first time in the world, a Korean research team has discovered how aging in one part of the body can spread to another via the bloodstream. The discovery offers new insights into how aging works and could lead to treatments that slow—or even reverse—age-related decline in the future. In their study, professor Ok Hee Jeon and colleagues at Korea University studied on a protein called High Mobility Group Box 1 (HMGB1.) This protein is released by aging cells and is part of a group of molecules collectively called SASP—short for senescence-associated secretory phenotype. These molecules are chemical signals that aged, or "senescent," cells use to communicate. They can influence nearby cells—and, in the case of one form of HMGB1, can cause neighboring healthy cells to begin aging as well. A graphical abstract showing that blocking HMGB1 in mice can reduce this chain reaction and limit the spread of aging cells.' A graphical abstract showing that blocking HMGB1 in mice can reduce this chain reaction and limit the spread of aging cells.' Korea University Medicine Aging Spreads Through the Bloodstream Until now, it was believed that aging cells only affected their immediate surroundings. However, the new study shows that aging signals can travel through the bloodstream and impact cells in completely different parts of the body. In other words, aging might spread like a ripple effect across tissues. The research, published in the journal Metabolism – Clinical and Experimental, identified a special form of HMGB1 called reduced HMGB1 (ReHMGB1). This form moves through the blood and can cause aging in distant tissues like muscles, kidneys, and skin. Lab and Animal Testing Show Strong Results The team tested their theory using both lab-grown cells and live mice. They found that ReHMGB1—but not its oxidized version—triggered aging in several types of human cells. Mice injected with ReHMGB1 showed increased aging markers and experienced muscle weakness. To dig deeper, researchers studied mice with muscle injuries. When these mice were treated with antibodies that blocked HMGB1, they healed faster, showed fewer signs of aging, and regained strength more effectively. "This study reveals that aging signals are not confined to individual cells but can be systemically transmitted via the blood," said Professor Jeon. Do you have a tip on a health story that Newsweek should be covering? Do you have a question about aging? Let us know via health@ Reference Shin, J.-W., Jang, D.-H., Kim, S. Y., Lee, J.-J., Gil, T.-H., Shim, E., Kim, J. Y., Kim, H. S., Conboy, M. J., Conboy, I. M., Wiley, C. D., Shin, J.-S., & Jeon, O. H. (2025). Propagation of senescent phenotypes by extracellular HMGB1 is dependent on its redox state. Metabolism - Clinical and Experimental, 168.
Medscape
18-06-2025
- Health
- Medscape
Are Pre-Workout Powders Overloading the Heart?
Pre-workout supplements are gaining popularity in Brazil because of their promising effects, including increased focus, energy, endurance, enhanced performance, and reduced muscle fatigue. A growing number of brands are now available in specialty stores, pharmacies, and supermarkets. However, with so many options in the market, are consumers aware of the risks and product components, and do these products benefit physical performance? Typically sold in powdered soluble form, but also available as capsules, gummies, gels, or ready-to-drink liquids, pre-workout supplements combine various substances, such as caffeine, beta-alanine, arginine, taurine, and creatine, with formulas that vary by brand. 'Pre-workout [supplements] usually have a combination of multiple elements, such as vitamins, proteins and amino acids, but only a very small portion actually have any effect with proven scientific evidence on sports performance,' said Cristiano Barcellos, PhD, director of the Department of Sports and Exercise Endocrinology at the Brazilian Society of Endocrinology and Metabolism. Metabolic effects vary depending on the dosage of each component. Barcellos identified four substances with 'robust evidence' supporting their benefits in physical activity: Caffeine: increases alertness; the suggested daily dose (including coffee consumption) is 3-6 mg/kg of body weight Beta-alanine: increases cellular carnosine, blocking hyperacidity in muscles that compromises performance; ideal for intense exercises lasting 1-4 minutes Creatine: boosts strength and muscular endurance, particularly in short, high-intensity, intensive efforts Nitrate: improves circulation, supports long-duration aerobic activity Safety Concerns In addition to the aforementioned substances, a wide variety of others are also present in pre-workout supplements. These include citrulline, malate, arginine, taurine, tyrosine, branched-chain amino acids, and other adaptogens. Although they may produce the desired effects, current evidence supporting their impact on performance remains weak to moderate. Further studies are required to understand their mechanisms and effectiveness. Without understanding these components, individuals may take pre-workout supplements designed for short, high-intensity workouts but engage in prolonged aerobic activities, such as long-distance running or soccer. In such cases, in addition to a possible worsening of performance, there is a risk for unexpected adverse effects. 'There are reports of cases that require hospitalization and, occasionally, even result in death. The person ends up being exposed only to the side effects of these substances, so I personally do not recommend the use of these ready-made combinations,' said Barcellos. 'Qualified professionals, such as nutritionists or sports physicians, should advise using only the necessary components individually,' he concluded. Caffeine Risks Caffeine, one of the most common components in pre-workout supplements and proven to be effective as a stimulant and improve focus, is also among the most concerning. Some ready-made products exceed the recommended limit of 200 mg and contain up to 1 g of caffeine, posing a major health risk to consumers. Given the wide variability in dosages, inconsistent formulations, and often a lack of transparency in product labels, Luiz Eduardo Ritt, MD, PhD, president of the Department of Ergometry, Exercise, Nuclear Cardiology, and Cardiovascular Rehabilitation at the Brazilian Society of Cardiology, also advises against the use of ready-made blends. 'There is a large variation in the individual response to each pre-workout [supplement], with reports of patients who developed arrhythmias when making a more strenuous effort, both atrial and ventricular, the latter being more severe and with the potential to progress to cardiac arrest,' he said. Ritt emphasized a particular concern when caffeine is used in combination with hormones or antidepressants, which can increase the risk for arrhythmias. 'The mechanism involved is often related not only to increased adrenergic tone, which makes the heart more susceptible to arrhythmias, but also to the widening of the QT interval, a factor directly related to the occurrence of malignant arrhythmias, such as ventricular arrhythmias,' he explained. Beta-Alanine Beta-alanine, another common component of pre-workout supplements, raises concerns due to paresthesia, a side effect that causes tingling sensations in the extremities. Although this effect is common, it is not typically harmful. 'This effect is still being studied. We do not know exactly why this occurs, but we know that beta-alanine can bind to a neurologic receptor in the skin that is associated with the transmission of painful impulses to the brain, causing tingling. This is a temporary and self-limiting effect, with no apparent severity,' Barcellos explained. The National Health Surveillance Agency in Brazil (ANVISA) delayed the approval of beta-alanine due to several factors and only authorized its use in November 2020 after pressure from the sports sector. Until then, access was limited to imported products or compounded formulations, although this substance has been used internationally. A detailed review by the International Society of Sports Nutrition confirmed the ergogenic effects of beta-alanine, particularly in short, high-intensity workouts, and established a recommended dosage and favorable safety profile. Clinical Guidance Pre-workout supplement use should be personalized. 'It is necessary to analyze which product is being used, in what dose, individual sensitivity, and whether there is concomitant use with any other substance. The risks accumulate with each of these variables,' Ritt stated. A basic electrocardiogram can help detect cardiac rhythm abnormalities and elevated cardiovascular risk. 'We assess for signs of hypertrophy, ventricular dysfunction, impaired contractility, valvular abnormalities, or insufficiencies. Combined with a thorough medical history and physical examination, these findings help identify higher-risk individuals,' he said. All supplements and physical activities should be accompanied by a balanced diet. Natural foods have beneficial metabolic effects on humans. 'Nitrate is one of the most natural and effective compounds found in many vegetables, such as beetroot. It favors long-lasting activity by stimulating nitric oxide production in the arteries. There is no need to rely on powdered supplements if beetroot juice can provide the same effect,' said Barcellos, noting that nitrate is the only natural product with a proven effect on individual performance. Other natural products may have ergogenic properties without the need for commercial pre-workout supplements. These include coffee and guarana powder, which act as stimulants, and cinnamon and ginger, which are potentially beneficial for improving physical performance. 'Some vitamins and teas commonly used in nutrition also combine compounds with ergogenic potential. However, the effect varies from person to person, and excessive use can be risky, particularly because of possible liver toxicity,' Ritt noted. 'Natural does not mean harmless. Each factor must be carefully considered.' He also emphasized the importance of hydration in this regard. 'If physical exercise is intense, in conditions of high heat and humidity, and there is no adequate hydration, disorders may arise that lead to changes in sodium levels and hypernatremia. An excessive increase in body temperature can also lead to sudden illness, resulting from the combination of all these factors.'
