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A new study shows that hyperthyroidism is associated with an increased risk of breast cancer compared with the general population. By contrast, hypothyroidism is associated with a slightly decreased risk of breast cancer. With this knowledge, what are the implications for clinical practice and further research?
Epidemiological, clinical and pathology studies in humans support viral infection, particularly by enteroviruses, as an environmental trigger for the development of type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM). In this Review, Op de Beeck and Eizirik discuss potential mechanisms by which enteroviruses could contribute to the specific destruction of pancreatic β cells in T1DM, focusing on data obtained in clinical studies and human samples.
In a new study, a dramatic decrease in the frequency of implantation, pregnancy and live birth is associated with increased urine levels of bisphenol A (BPA) in women undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF). However, in women who consume soy-containing foods, the interfering effect of BPA on IVF success is negated.
Here, Lodish and Stratakis discuss the genetic mutations that give rise to Cushing syndrome, specifically those leading to the dysregulation of cAMP-dependent protein kinase A signalling. The authors also highlight howARMC5mutations contribute to adrenocortical hyperplasia, and discuss the role of this knowledge in patient care.
Obstructive sleep apnoea is a common disorder, highly prevalent in patients with obesity and an independent risk factor for metabolic disease. Here, Gileles-Hillel and colleagues discuss the evidence from animal models and clinical studies of mechanisms linking obstructive sleep apnoea with metabolic dysfunction.
Theodore Friedman and colleagues discuss the metabolic effects of smoking cessation, focusing mainly on post-cessation weight gain. The authors highlight considerations for future smoking-cessation programs and therapies, which should be designed with an emphasis on reducing post-cessation weight gain.
Results from a recent randomized controlled trial on vitamin D3 supplementation suggest that even modestly high doses of vitamin D3, when given once monthly, might be associated with an increased rate of falls in older people. These findings support the conservative approach of the Institute of Medicine's recommendations of 800 IU of vitamin D3 per day for older adults.
Cold exposure enhances brown adipose tissue activity, the beiging of white adipose tissue and might have antidiabetic and antiobesity effects. In new data, cold exposure induces and sustains brown adipose tissue in metabolically healthy individuals with obesity, suggesting that cold treatment might be clinically beneficial, even for those with increased BMI.