Latest news with #RutgersNewJerseyMedicalSchool
Telegraph
01-04-2025
- Health
- Telegraph
The good body fat that holds the key to keeping weight off (and how to activate yours)
It is the 'good' fat which can help us lose weight rather than gain it. Now new research has found that the brown adipose tissue (BAT) which is rich in mitochondria, could promote longevity and help keep us healthy as we age. The Rutgers New Jersey Medical School study found that mice lacking a specific gene developed an unusually potent form of BAT that expanded lifespan and increased exercise capacity by 30 per cent. The genetically modified mice, which lack a protein called RGS14, lived around 20 per cent longer than normal mice and avoided typical signs of ageing including hair-loss and greying. Their BAT also protected them from obesity, glucose intolerance, cardiovascular disorders, cancer and Alzheimer's disease. The team is now working on a drug that could mimic these effects in humans. 'Exercise capacity diminishes as you get older, and to have a technique that could enhance exercise performance would be very beneficial for healthful ageing,' said Prof Stephen Vatner, the study's senior author. What role does brown fat play? Most of the fat in our bodies is white tissue, distributed around our waist, hips and thighs. But most adults have around 100g of brown fat, too, according to Prof Michael Symonds, the deputy head of the University of Nottingham School of Medicine, mainly stored around our necks and also found in the collarbone and spine. Studies suggest it is only detectable in a minority of people – possibly as few as 10 per cent – but currently, the only way to know how we compare is via a positron emission tomography (PET) scan, which involves injecting radioactive material into the body and is usually used to diagnose cancer. The primary function of brown fat is to provide warmth: it produces 300 times more heat than any other tissue in the body. It is first activated in newborn babies to protect them from the shock of exposure to the cold after birth. As we age, the amount of brown fat in our bodies declines. But it would be helpful if we could hang onto it or increase the levels we have. Research has shown it has numerous health benefits, including better blood sugar control – decreasing the risk of Type 2 diabetes – higher levels of 'good' cholesterol and a decreased risk of fatty liver. A study of over 52,000 participants by The Rockefeller University in New York also found a strong link between having detectable brown fat and a reduction in coronary heart disease, heart failure and high blood pressure. Brown fat has a unique protein – the uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1) – which makes it different from white fat. This protein is present on the inner mitochondria, and when it's stimulated, it produces heat. 'To make heat, brown fat requires a lot of energy in the form of lipids [fats] and sugar,' says Toni Vidal-Puig, a professor of molecular nutrition and metabolism at the University of Cambridge. 'It burns this excess fuel – meaning that the more brown fat you have, the higher your capacity to remain lean. Intriguingly, the Rockefeller University study also suggested that if obese people have detectable brown fat, it can protect them from the harmful effects of their white fat. 'It acts like a vacuum cleaner preventing the nutrients [from the fats and sugar] going to the liver, the arteries and muscles,' says Prof Vidal-Puig. As a result, researchers are working to find a way to harness brown fat to 'prevent the complications associated with obesity', he says. The drug Mirabegron, used to treat an overactive bladder, has been shown to activate brown fat, but it also raises blood pressure. Researchers are exploring whether smaller doses of the drug taken over long periods will be enough to stimulate brown fat without significant cardiovascular risks. In the meantime, there are ways to safely activate brown fat through lifestyle changes. Spend two hours a day in the cold The brown fat protein, UCP1, 'isn't innately active; it has to be activated,' says Roland Stimson, professor of endocrinology at the University of Edinburgh. Perhaps the most efficient way to do this is through cold exposure. One study in Maryland involved five healthy 21-year-old men spending 10 hours per night in a room with the temperature set to 19C. After a month of this exposure to mild cold, they had a 42 per cent increase in brown fat volume and a 10 per cent increase in fat metabolic activity. Turning the thermostat down at night, then, could be a simple way to activate brown fat. And if that sounds too punishing, according to Prof Stimson: 'We've seen from the controlled studies that even mild cold exposure of 17C for two hours a day is sufficient to expand the function of your brown fat.' Take a cold shower Immersion in cold water is also beneficial. ''Three or four minutes in a cold shower every morning, or a cold water swim a few times a week will activate brown fat and may be helpful in keeping excess weight off,' says Prof Symonds. In 2008, researchers at Maastricht University found that Wim Hof, the Dutch extreme athlete known for his ability to withstand freezing temperatures, had built up so much brown fat he could produce five times more heat energy than the typical 20-year-old. Cold water also helps boost your immune system, increases endorphins and improves circulation, making it a particularly positive habit to adopt. Drink a daily cup of coffee A first-of-its-kind 2019 study by Prof Symonds and his Nottingham University team suggested that drinking a cup of coffee can stimulate brown fat. The team used a thermal imaging technique they pioneered to trace the body's brown fat reserves, then used it again immediately after participants had drunk the coffee to see if the brown fat became hotter. 'The results were positive,' says Prof Symonds. The team are conducting further research to ascertain if caffeine supplements have a similar effect. In the meantime, he says: 'Drinking 10 cups of coffee a day won't prevent you from having a weight problem, sadly, but as part of a bigger picture, it's certainly worth adding a coffee into your daily routine.' Eat spicy food and drink green tea Research by Japanese scientists has shown that capsinoids, the compounds found in chilli peppers and some types of red peppers, activate brown fat – so adding spice to your meals may help you stave off excess pounds. Other foods which have been shown to stimulate brown fat include green tea, which is rich in catechins, a type of flavonoid and polyphenol known for its strong antioxidant properties. Another Japanese study looked at participants who had ingested catechins and caffeine in the same drink and found it 'acutely increases EE [whole body energy expenditure] associated with increased BAT [brown adipose tissue] activity'. Eat more mackerel Omega fatty acids have also been shown to positively impact brown fat, particularly docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), which are primarily found in oily fish such as salmon, tuna, mackerel and sardines. Fish oil supplements are a good idea for those who don't eat seafood. Ursolic acid, an anti-inflammatory, antioxidant compound found in plants including apples, rosemary and thyme, has been shown in mice studies to increase brown fat and energy expenditure. Other studies involving mice suggest ginger can also induce browning in white fat – in other words, turn unhealthy white fat into beneficial brown fat. Don't starve yourself – or binge Researchers at the Yale School of Medicine found that in mice, the neurons in the brain which regulate hunger can encourage fat to turn brown. The study found that eating too few calories prevented white fat from turning brown, while eating just enough to satisfy hunger stimulated the neurons and turned the fat brown. Conversely, eating too much can also cause harm, not only because it increases white fat, but because it could interfere with brown fat's ability to burn calories.
Yahoo
25-03-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
NervGen Pharma to Host Virtual Investor Event
Key opinion leaders and company management will discuss the current spinal cord injury treatment landscape and NervGen's Phase 1b/2a clinical trial evaluating NVG-291 in individuals with spinal cord injury VANCOUVER, British Columbia, March 25, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- NervGen Pharma Corp. (TSX-V: NGEN) (OTCQB: NGENF), a clinical-stage biotech company dedicated to developing neurorestorative therapeutics, today announced that it will host a virtual investor event on Wednesday, April 9, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. ET. To register for the event, click here. The event will feature key opinion leaders, Monica Perez, PT, Ph.D. (Shirley Ryan AbilityLab) and Steven Kirshblum, MD (Rutgers New Jersey Medical School), who will join company management to discuss the unmet medical need and current treatment landscape for individuals with spinal cord injury. Ahead of clinical data expected in the second quarter for the company's Phase 1b/2a proof-of-concept, double-blind, randomized placebo-controlled clinical trial, the event will highlight the study design and provide an overview of endpoints being measured, including electrophysiology. NervGen will also review data from preclinical trials evaluating NVG-291-R and the Phase 1 trial evaluating safety of NVG-291, NervGen's first-in-class therapeutic peptide targeting nervous system repair, in chronic and subacute SCI. A live question and answer session will follow the formal presentations. About Monica A. Perez, PT, PhDMonica A. Perez, PT, PhD, is the Scientific Chair of the Arms + Hands Lab at Shirley Ryan AbilityLab, a Professor in the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at Northwestern University, and a Research Scientist at the Edward Jr. Hines VA Hospital. Dr. Perez has studied neural mechanisms contributing to the control of voluntary movement in healthy humans and in people with spinal cord injury for more than 15 years. Her research aims to understand how the brain and spinal cord contribute to the control of movement with the ultimate goal of using this mechanistic information to develop more effective rehabilitation therapies for people with spinal cord injury. This theme is mainly investigated from a neurophysiological point of view, using a combination of transcranial magnetic stimulation, magnetic resonance imaging, electrical stimulation, and behavioral techniques. About Steven Kirshblum, MDSteven Kirshblum, MD, is a Professor and Chair of the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School and the program director for the Spinal Cord Injury Medicine Fellowship. He also serves as the chief medical officer for the Kessler Foundation and the co-director of the Foundation's Tim and Caroline Reynolds Center for Spinal Stimulation. Dr. Kirshblum is the project co-director of the Northern New Jersey Spinal Cord Injury Model System, one of only 18 federally designated centers in the country. Dr. Kirshblum also serves as chief medical officer for Kessler Institute for Rehabilitation. About Phase 1b/2a TrialThe double-blind, placebo-controlled proof-of-concept Phase 1b/2a clinical trial (NCT05965700) evaluates the safety and efficacy of NVG-291 in two separate cohorts of individuals with cervical spinal cord injury: chronic (1-10 years post-injury) and subacute (20-90 days post-injury), given demonstrated efficacy in preclinical models of both chronic and acute spinal cord injury. The trial is designed to evaluate the efficacy of a fixed dose of NVG-291 using multiple clinical outcome measures as well as objective electrophysiological and MRI imaging measures and blood biomarkers that together will provide comprehensive information about the extent of recovery of function, with a focus on improvements in motor function. Specifically, the primary objective is to assess the change in corticospinal connectivity of defined upper and lower extremity muscle groups following treatment based on changes in motor evoked potential amplitudes. Secondary and exploratory objectives are to evaluate changes in a number of clinical outcome assessments focusing on motor function and strength, as well as changes in additional electrophysiological measurements. The cohorts will be comprised of approximately 20 subjects each and will be evaluated independently as the data becomes available. The trial is being partially funded by a grant from Wings for Life, which is being provided in several milestone-based payments and will offset a portion of the direct costs of this clinical trial. About NVG-291NervGen holds exclusive worldwide rights to NVG-291, a first-in-class therapeutic peptide targeting nervous system repair. NVG-291's technology was licensed from Case Western Reserve University and is based on academic studies demonstrating the preclinical efficacy of NVG-291-R, the rodent prototype of NVG-291, in animal models of spinal cord injury. Effects of NVG-291-R reported in multiple independent academic studies include the promotion of neuroplasticity, remyelination, anti-inflammatory polarization of microglia, and functional improvement in preclinical models of spinal cord injury, stroke, and peripheral nervous system injury. NVG-291 has received Fast Track designation in spinal cord injury from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. About NervGenNervGen (TSXV: NGEN, OTCQB: NGENF) is a clinical-stage biotech company dedicated to developing innovative treatments to promote nervous system repair in settings of neurotrauma and neurologic disease. The company is testing the clinical efficacy of its lead molecule, NVG-291, in a Phase 1b/2a clinical trial in spinal cord injury and has initiated preclinical evaluation of a new development candidate, NVG-300, in models of ischemic stroke, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and spinal cord injury. For more information, visit and follow NervGen on X, LinkedIn, and Facebook for the latest news on the company. Contacts Bill Adams, Chief Financial Officerinfo@ Mike MoyerManaging Director, LifeSci Advisors, LLCmmoyer@ Schull or Ignacio Guerrero-Ros, Note Regarding Forward-Looking StatementsThis news release may contain 'forward-looking information' and 'forward-looking statements' within the meaning of applicable Canadian and United States securities legislation (collectively, 'forward-looking statements'). Such forward-looking statements herein include but are not limited to, the Company's current and future plans, expectations and intentions, results, levels of activity, performance, goals or achievements, or any other future events or developments constitute forward-looking statements, and the words 'may', 'will', 'would', 'should', 'could', 'expect', 'plan', 'intend', 'trend', 'indication', 'anticipate', 'believe', 'estimate', 'predict', 'likely' or 'potential', or the negative or other variations of these words or other comparable words or phrases, are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements include, without limitation, statements relating to: the subject matter to be presented at the virtual investor event; the objectives, planned clinical endpoints, timing, expected rate of enrollment, and timing of data readout and study design of our Phase 1b/2a clinical trial of NVG-291 in individuals with spinal cord injury; the development plans, timelines, expected benefits, and prospective target indications for NVG-300; the receipt of the milestone-based grant payments; and the creation of neurorestorative therapeutics to promote nervous system repair in settings of neurotrauma and neurologic disease. Forward-looking statements are based on estimates and assumptions made by the company in light of management's experience and perception of historical trends, current conditions and expected future developments, as well as other factors that we believe are appropriate and reasonable in the circumstances. In making forward-looking statements, we have relied on various assumptions, including, but not limited to: our ability to obtain future funding on favourable terms or at all; the accuracy of our financial projections; obtaining positive results in our clinical and other trials; our ability to obtain necessary regulatory approvals; our ability to arrange for the manufacturing of our product candidates and technologies; and general business, market and economic conditions. Many factors could cause our actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements or future events or developments to differ materially from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements, including without limitation, a lack of revenue, insufficient funding, reliance upon key personnel, the uncertainty of the clinical development process, competition, and other factors set forth in the "Risk Factors" section of the company's most recently filed prospectus supplement, short form base shelf prospectus, annual information form, financial statements and management discussion and analysis all of which can be found on NervGen's profile on SEDAR+ at All clinical development plans are subject to additional funding. Readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements made in this news release. Furthermore, unless otherwise stated, the forward-looking statements contained in this news release are made as of the date of this news release, and we have no intention and undertake no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable law. The forward-looking statements contained in this news release are expressly qualified by this cautionary in to access your portfolio
Yahoo
16-03-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
A New Study Found That This Morning Beverage Can Improve Your Gut Health Almost Instantly
"Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links." Sipping on a cup of joe is an easy way to infuse some much-need pleasure into a hectic morning or slow afternoon at work. But a growing body of research suggests that coffee might do your physical health a solid, too, even helping your gut cultivate some great bacteria. A new study, which was published in Nature Microbiogy, found that a coffee habit is linked with a certain type of bacteria growth that's believed to boost your gut health. However, the link is a little complicated. So, with that in mind, here's what the study found, plus what doctors want you to know. Meet the experts: Danbee Kim, MD, nutrition expert, weight loss surgeon, and assistant professor at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School; Nicola Segata, PhD, study co-author, professor, and principal investigator at the CIBIO Department of the University of Trento; Rudolph Bedford, MD, a gastroenterologist at Providence Saint John's Health Center in Santa Monica, CA For the study, researchers analyzed fecal (i.e. poop) data from more than 20,000 people and tracked how much coffee they consumed on a daily basis. The researchers found that people who regularly drank coffee also had a bacterium called Lawsonibacter asaccharolyticus in their gut. 'People who drink coffee, on average, have a six to eight times higher amount of this bacterium in the gut,' says Nicola Segata, PhD, study co-author, professor, and principal investigator at the CIBIO Department of the University of Trento. We don't actually know a ton about L. asaccharolyticus. The bacterium was first identified in research in 2018. It produces butyrate, a sign of gut fermentation that suggests good digestion and nutrient absorption, Segata explains. "It's probably producing short-chain fatty acids, which are supposed to be positive modulators of immunity,' Segata adds. Still, he says that 'strong data' is needed to learn more about what this actually does for your gut health. What he does know is that there's a solid link between coffee consumption and the presence of L. asaccharolyticus. Segata and fellow researchers actually fed coffee to L. asaccharolyticus that was growing in petri dishes and found it made the bacteria grow faster. 'It's clear that the coffee was stimulating it,' Segata says. This stimulation is possibly due to metabolites in the coffee. Plus, it's 'probably not the caffeine, because decaf had a similar effect," Segata adds. As of now, this bacterium is just linked to coffee. However, aronia berries contain chlorogenic acid and polyphenols like coffee, so they may have a similar effect, says Danbee Kim, MD, nutrition expert, weight loss surgeon, and assistant professor at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School. 'Other foods high in chlorogenic acid—such as blueberries, apples, and pears—might also support the growth of this gut bacteria, though more research is needed to confirm this,' she says. Having a cup or two of coffee a day promotes the growth of Segata says. But he points out that 'heavy' coffee drinkers, who have three or more coffees a day, have up to 10 times more of the bacteria in their gut compared to people who don't drink coffee. There are a few to keep in mind. The biggest potential drawback is that it could raise your risk of acid reflux, says Rudolph Bedford, MD, a gastroenterologist at Providence Saint John's Health Center in Santa Monica, CA. 'It also increases gastrointestinal mobility and can potentially cause diarrhea,' he says. But, overall, Bedford says that coffee is considered a relatively safe drink for people, provided they don't overdo it on the caffeine. You Might Also Like Jennifer Garner Swears By This Retinol Eye Cream These New Kicks Will Help You Smash Your Cross-Training Goals
Yahoo
20-02-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Drug overdose deaths fall in 2023 for 1st time since pandemic began: CDC
Rates of drug overdose deaths decreased in the United States for the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic began, according to new federal data published early Thursday. The rate of overdose deaths fell from 32.6 deaths per 100,000 people in 2022 to 31.3 per 100,000 people in 2023, a 4% decrease, according to the report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's National Center for Health Statistics. Dr. Aitzaz Munir, an assistant professor of psychiatry at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School and associate program director for the Rutgers Addiction Medicine Fellowship Program, told ABC News the drop in the overdose death rate was "surprising" to him but a positive sign. MORE: Overdose deaths have continued to drop, now at their lowest level in 3 years, data shows He said he believes the decrease in deaths may be due to a more "aggressive approach" toward the treatment of drug conditions including more treatment programs and making them more widely available. This includes making naloxone, an overdose reversal drug, more widely available and increasing the availability of drug checking supplies, including fentanyl test strips. "So, there might be a better response in places where these treatments are available and patients are getting those treatments," he said. "Treatment for addiction works, and if we are seeing this result that there's a decrease in death rates, that is because of the treatment the patients are getting." Dr. Magadelna Cerdá, a professor in the department of population health and director of the center for opioid epidemiology and policy at New York University Grossman School of Medicine, said the drop may also be linked to a decrease in the fentanyl supply. Fentanyl has been associated with an increase in overdose deaths over the last several years. It is up to 50 times more potent than heroin and 100 times more potent than morphine, and can be deadly even in small doses, according to the CDC. She said the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency announced last year that the potency of fentanyl pills agents have been seizing was decreasing, which may be contributing to the decline. "As the drug supply has become more saturated with fentanyl, good drug supply may be becoming more stable, and people may be just developing a tolerance for fentanyl," Cerdá said. The report found that West Virginia was the state with the highest rate at 81.9 deaths per 100,000 while Nebraska had the lowest rate at 9.0 deaths per 100,000. Additionally, between 2022 and 2023, rates of drug overdose deaths decreased in 20 states and did not change significantly in 25 states. MORE: Overdose crisis reaches historic levels in New York City Meanwhile, over that same period, increases were seen in six states: Alabama, Alaska, California, Nevada, Oregon and Washington. Cerdá said one hypothesis is that the increase in overdose death rates in western states may be due to shifts in the drug market. "We saw that the penetration of fentanyl really started in the East Coast," she said. "Over time, we saw a shift in the drug supply where fentanyl actually has started to enter the western drug markets … we also see a recent increase in counterfeit pills containing fentanyl, which has also infiltrated the drug market." Nationwide, the overdose death rate from any opioid decreased from 25 deaths per 100,000 in 2022 to 24 deaths per 100,000 deaths in 2023. The death rate from synthetic opioids other than methadone -- which includes fentanyl -- fell as well from 22.7 deaths to 22.2 deaths per 100,000. Meanwhile, the overdose death rate for psychostimulants with abuse potential, which includes methamphetamine, increased from 10.4 deaths per 100,000 in 2022 to 10.6 deaths in 2023. The death rate for cocaine also increased from 8.2 deaths per 100,000 to 8.6 over the same period. "We should celebrate the decline in overdose deaths, particularly in some of those areas which have historically been most hard hit by this epidemic," Cerdá said. "And we should invest resources and trying to figure out why the decrease is happening, and how can we learn, particularly from those states that are experiencing this decrease to proactively respond to those states which are currently experiencing an increase." Drug overdose deaths fall in 2023 for 1st time since pandemic began: CDC originally appeared on
