National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK)’s Post

In our Grantee Spotlight Interviews, AFAR’s recent grantees share their vision for their AFAR-supported research, in their own words. This month, we are pleased to share Grantee Spotlight Interviews with the 2023 Glenn Foundation for Medical Research and AFAR Grants for Junior Faculty recipients: The next recipient is Hiroshi Kumagai, PhD: On his 2023 Glenn Foundation for Medical Research and AFAR Grants for Junior Faculty Award Dr. Kumagai, of The University of Southern California explains: “I'm driven to uncover the molecular intricacies of skeletal muscle aging, not only to understand the aging process but also to devise strategies that enhance muscle health, thereby improving the quality of life and longevity for the aging population... Our current investigations are centered around developing methods to effectively inhibit this microprotein. Such inhibition could offer a promising therapeutic strategy for addressing conditions like sarcopenia and frailty.” Read more about what inspires Dr. Kumagai’s AFAR-supported research in his Grantee Spotlight interview here: https://ow.ly/9gRa50RzMMw AFAR will be sharing more Grantee Spotlight Interviews over the coming months. Stay tuned!

Since 2008, I have focused on understanding radiofrequency ablation (RFA) to enhance chronic pain treatment, starting with our first basic science RFA publication in 2010. The field has evolved swiftly, driven by clinical findings and advances in research and technology. Our recent publication explores new developments and the electrophysiological principles of RFA, highlighting factors that can optimize techniques. We investigate whether variables like time, temperature, and cannula design can impact clinical outcomes. Our paper provides evidence-based recommendations to improve treatment success. Read more https://lnkd.in/eT-7Raik

Peptides as Weapons Against Neurodegenerative Disorders I came across this article while preparing for a lecture in Brazil. Peptides will become more and more critical in the field of Regenerative Medicine. This article provides an overview of peptide therapies for neurodegenerative disorders (NDDs), focusing on Parkinson's disease (PD) and Alzheimer's disease (AD). The authors discuss how peptide deficiency contributes to disease progression in NDDs and explore the potential of peptide therapies as disease-modifying treatments. The paper examines the pathogenesis of PD and AD and the specific roles of peptides like glucagon-like peptides, glutathione, cholecystokinin, and neurotensin in these diseases. It also briefly covers other NDDs like Huntington's disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and multiple sclerosis. The authors then delve into the therapeutic potential of various peptides for NDDs, discussing their mechanisms of action and the results of preclinical and clinical studies.  The paper emphasizes the complex nature of NDDs and the urgent need for continued investigation into peptide-based treatments. The authors stress that peptides may offer a promising avenue for developing disease-modifying therapies for neurodegenerative disorders, which currently lack effective long-term treatments. In addition to the peptides discussed in the original article, several other promising candidates warrant consideration in the context of neurodegenerative disorders (NDDs). BPC-157 ( similar to vasoactive peptide) has demonstrated neuroprotective effects that could be beneficial in reducing inflammation and oxidative stress in the central nervous system. Cerebrolysin has shown promise in treating various neurological disorders due to its neuroprotective and neurotrophic properties. MOTS-c, a mitochondrial-derived peptide, has gained attention for its potential metabolic and neuroprotective effects, particularly in protecting against age-related cognitive decline. Semax and Selank, synthetic peptides, have demonstrated neuroprotective and nootropic properties that could be valuable in treating NDDs. While not strictly a peptide, NAD+ and its precursors like NMN are worth mentioning due to their role in cellular energy metabolism and potential neuroprotective effects. The synthetic peptide P21 has shown promise in promoting neurogenesis and improving cognitive function in animal models of neurodegenerative diseases. Humanin, another mitochondrial-derived peptide, has demonstrated neuroprotective properties, particularly in the context of Alzheimer's disease. SS-31 (Elamipretide), a mitochondria-targeting peptide, has the potential to protect against oxidative stress and improve mitochondrial function. JP https://lnkd.in/e5pUpKZj

The EU-funded Project SIMPATHIC consists of 22 international partners spread across Europe and Canada, including patient organizations, patient training organizations, academic centers, research infrastructures, and companies. #SIMPATHIC is the abbreviation for "accelerating #drugrepurposing for rare neurological, neurometabolic and neuromuscular disorders by exploiting SIMilarities in clinical and molecular PATHology”. What does that mean exactly? The researchers focus on expediting the drug repurposing process and enhancing every aspect of it. The goal is to make it faster, ensure that drugs reach patients as swiftly as possible and increase patients’ well-being. Radboudumc, Amsterdam UMC, University of Tuebingen, NCSR "DEMOKRITOS", University of Düsseldorf, EATRIS, University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Pharmacy of the University of Lisbon, VUmc Ziekenhuis, University of Luxembourg, APTEEUS, Foundation For Rare Diseases, EuroDyma, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, University Hospital Heidelberg (UKHD), EUPATI, International Mito patients, Eurotaxia,CHEO Research Institute, Biovista, FAIR Data Systems. Peter-Bram 't Hoen, Clara van Karnebeek, Laura Benkemoun, Ibrahim Boussaad, Martin de Kort ☀, Alessandro Pigrioni, #rarediseases, #rarediseaseday

Dear Colleagues, A recent publication in Medical Science Monitor by authors from Sichuan University, Chengdu, China, sheds light on the management of venous access ports (VAPs) in cancer patients. The study explores kinesiophobia, a fear of movement commonly experienced by individuals with malignant tumors using VAPs. By analyzing 33 articles, the research highlights assessment tools and preventive strategies that nursing staff can utilize to effectively manage kinesiophobia in these patients. Factors such as demographic variables, pain management, and cancer fatigue play significant roles in influencing kinesiophobia. Implementing the insights from this study may reduce complications and enhance the quality of life for patients. The complete report is now available on the Medical Science Monitor webpage. | https://lnkd.in/ddzd2stk

#drugrepurposing as applied in #SIMPATHIC is so important, considering the need for therapies for #rarediseases, as also discussed at #IDR24 next week in Barcelona

With the obesity epidemic worsening globally, breakthroughs like this are more crucial than ever. GLP-1 therapies, originally developed for diabetes, are now being explored for neuroprotection and heart health. It's amazing how one discovery can impact so many areas of medicine! #MedicalResearch #GLP1 #Innovation

Dear Colleagues, A recent publication in Medical Science Monitor by authors from Sichuan University, Chengdu, China, sheds light on the management of venous access ports (VAPs) in cancer patients. The study explores kinesiophobia, a fear of movement commonly experienced by individuals with malignant tumors using VAPs. By analyzing 33 articles, the research highlights assessment tools and preventive strategies that nursing staff can utilize to effectively manage kinesiophobia in these patients. Factors such as demographic variables, pain management, and cancer fatigue play significant roles in influencing kinesiophobia. Implementing the insights from this study may reduce complications and enhance the quality of life for patients. The complete report is now available on the Medical Science Monitor webpage. | https://lnkd.in/disvaj9e

Here are some definitions of personalized precision medicine and customized therapy introducing the mission of the Eric Kandel Institute in Vienna, Austria, a centre of research for precision medicine that should open in 2026. https://lnkd.in/eHQgy84Z

🥳 I’m super excited to share that our latest paper has just been published! This study, which is based on my PhD research, shows an upregulation of gluconeogenesis in MASH that is associated to liver fibrosis and driven by increased insulin resistance. Thanks to all to all the coauthors and in particular to Prof. Matej Oresic and Prof. Amalia Gastaldelli that guided me through all the journey! You can check the full paper here: https://lnkd.in/d6TKPkpK #MASH #genome_scale_modeling #fluxomics #pathways #precision_medicine #insulin_resistance