Volume 14 Issue 3, March 2018

The role of group B coxsackieviruses (CVB) in the pathogenesis of type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) remains controversial. A recent report by Stone et al. showed that a CVB1-based vaccine can protect against both CVB1 infection and CVB1-induced T1DM in mouse models. This tool could help to elucidate the relationship between CVB and T1DM.

The interactions of adipocytes with tumour cells have been extensively scrutinized. The adipocyte's mitogenic influence on tumour cells is attributed to several hormonal, growth factor and adipokine effects. A recent study has expanded our understanding of how adipocytes promote tumour progression by demonstrating that adipocytes actively catabolize the chemotherapeutic agent daunorubicin.

Treatment of type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) for individuals over the age of 30 years is often delayed. A recent large-scale population analysis used a genetic risk score to define T1DM in the first six decades of life, providing specific insights applicable to those >30 years of age.

TSH-suppressive therapy and the increased risk of cardiovascular disease in patients with differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) was previously reported. A recent study by Pajamäki and colleagues found that patients with DTC have a higher risk of atrial fibrillation but a lower all-cause cardiovascular death rate. This study offers insights into this effect.

A once-daily, modified-release hydrocortisone medication reduces BMI and improves glucose metabolism compared with the twice- or thrice-daily standard hydrocortisone treatment in patients with adrenal insufficiency. Now, further evidence emerges that changing to a once-daily, modified-release hydrocortisone medication improves the immune cell profile and results in fewer infections.

Animal models are necessary for the discovery, validation and optimization of novel therapeutics. Here, Matthias Tschöp and colleagues consolidate the key information on the currently available animal models of obesity and diabetes mellitus and highlight the advantages, limitations and important caveats of each of these models.

Dermal white adipose tissue (dWAT) has evolved novel features that are central to skin physiology. Here, Christian Guerrero-Juarez and Maksim Plikus discuss the close connectivity between dWAT and cycling hair follicles and how, by responding to multiple hair-derived signals, dWAT periodically cycles itself.

The bone-derived hormone osteocalcin is not only involved with energy metabolism but is also necessary for brain development and function in mice. This Review discusses the role of osteocalcin in the regulation of cognitive function in the mouse brain and potential therapeutic opportunities.

The incidence of adolescent obesity is increasing, which has serious long-term implications for the affected individuals and wider society. Here, Thomas Reinehr outlines the effects of adolescent obesity and discusses how the epidemic could be addressed.