Publications by authors named "A Alvarsson"
Five hundred thirty-seven million people globally suffer from diabetes. Insulin-producing β cells are reduced in number in most people with diabetes, but most individuals still have some residual β cells. However, none of the many diabetes drugs in common use increases human β cell numbers.
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- The amygdala plays a key role in how animals adapt behaviorally to threats, but its role in metabolic changes is less understood.
- Research shows that acute stress activates specific amygdala neurons that lead to higher blood sugar levels and reduced appetite, without relying on traditional hormonal signals.
- Repeated exposure to stress can impair this amygdala-liver communication, leading to issues like unstable blood sugar levels and weight gain, highlighting a link between stress and metabolic problems.
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- Cold exposure activates sympathetic nerves that increase fat cell (adipocyte) thermogenesis through a protein called uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1), which varies by sex and fat location.
- Mammary gland duct cells in female mice influence UCP1 expression in subcutaneous white adipose tissue (scWAT) by releasing factors called 'mammokines.'
- Research shows that these mammokines, particularly lipocalin 2, can limit UCP1 expression, resulting in lower fat oxidation and energy expenditure in females compared to males, highlighting sex-specific differences in fat metabolism.
Article Synopsis
- The workshop on the integrated physiology of pancreatic diseases took place at the NIH, bringing together researchers to discuss pancreatic health and disease over 1.5 days.
- It focused on six key themes, including pancreas anatomy, diabetes, metabolic influences, genetic factors, analysis tools, and crosstalk between endocrine and exocrine functions.
- Discussions highlighted knowledge gaps and emphasized the need for better integration of basic physiology with the disease mechanisms affecting both endocrine and exocrine pancreatic disorders.