Inhibiting fatty acids in immune cells decreases atherosclerosis risk

Scientists at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis have found a way to significantly reduce atherosclerosis in mice that does not involve lowering cholesterol levels or eliminating other obesity-related problems. Atherosclerosis is the process through which fatty substances, such as cholesterol and cellular waste products accumulate in the lining of arteries. The research team inhibited atherosclerosis in the mice by interfering with production of a substance called fatty acid synthase, an enzyme that converts dietary sugars into fatty acids in the liver.  

Perhaps a longer lifespan, certainly a longer ‘healthspan’

Organisms from yeast to rodents to humans all benefit from cutting calories. In less complex organisms, restricting calories can double or even triple lifespan. But researchers at Washington University School of Medicine and two other centers report in the journal Science that they are less interested in calorie restriction for longer life than for its ability to promote good health throughout life.  

Belly fat may drive inflammatory processes associated with disease

An abdominal MRI scan showing the locations of subcutaneous and visceral fatAs scientists learn more about the key role of inflammation in diabetes, heart disease and other disorders, new research from the School of Medicine suggests that fat in the belly may be an important promoter of that inflammation. It’s well known that excess fat is associated with disease, but the researchers have confirmed that fat cells inside the abdomen are secreting molecules that increase inflammation. It’s the first evidence of a potential mechanistic link between abdominal fat and systemic inflammation.

Belly fat may drive inflammatory processes associated with disease

An abdominal MRI scan showing the locations of subcutaneous and visceral fatAs scientists learn more about the key role of inflammation in diabetes, heart disease and other disorders, new research from Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis suggests that fat in the belly may be an important promoter of that inflammation. It’s well known that excess fat is associated with disease, but the researchers have confirmed that fat cells inside the abdomen are secreting molecules that increase inflammation. It’s the first evidence of a potential mechanistic link between abdominal fat and systemic inflammation. More…

Washington University researchers to launch center focused on mind/body connections

The mind and the body are intimately linked, but although more and more research is demonstrating that the mind plays a role in sickness and in health, little is understood about how a person’s mental health affects physical health. A Washington University team of investigators led by Ray E. Clouse, M.D, professor of medicine and psychiatry, and Patrick J. Lustman, Ph.D., professor of psychiatry, hopes to change that by launching a new Center for Mind/Body Research that will focus specifically on ways that mental health affects heart disease, diabetes, cancer and other illnesses. New research has shown, for example, that although women are at a lower risk for heart attacks than men, the risk for women with diabetes and depression is virtually identical to what’s seen in men. The investigators believe that depression is the main cause of that increased risk, but they hope that by focusing more closely on mind/body interactions they will be able to understand more about the relationship between mental health and physical well being.