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Metabolism, diet and disease

Edited by: Sabina Alam and Miranda Robertson

Collection published: 21 May 2012

Last updated: 20 February 2013

To mark the 2012 BMC conference on Metabolism, diet and disease, the two conference host journals, BMC Biology and BMC Medicine, are launching a thematic series of publications aimed at showing how basic research on the biochemistry, cell biology and genetics of metabolism can address the major health problems of cancer, obesity, cardiovascular disease, diabetes and insulin resistance, and how the therapeutic and nutritional implications can inform the clinical management and treatment of these diseases. The series will include original research, review, comment and opinion pieces, as well as interviews and Q&As, and we welcome further research submissions on these topics.

Video

The obesity-cancer connection

Panel discussion from 'Metabolism Diet and Disease' held in Washington DC,
May 29-31 2012

The opinions presented by the panel are those of the individuals and do not represent an endorsement of any organization or product.

		Research article High end of normal ACTH and cortisol levels are associated with specific cardiovascular risk factors in pediatric obesity: a cross-sectional study Flavia Prodam, Roberta Ricotti, Valentina Agarla, Silvia Parlamento, Giulia Genoni, Caterina Balossini, Gillian E Walker, Gianluca Aimaretti, Gianni Bona, Simonetta Bellone BMC Medicine 2013, 11:44 (20 February 2013) Abstract \| Provisional PDF \| PubMed \| Editor’s summary High levels of adrenocorticotropic hormone and cortisol are associated with distinct cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors in obese children, suggesting complex mechanisms underlie interactions between hormones and metabolic impairments in obesity.
		Opinion Tackling overweight and obesity: does the public health message match the science? Katherine Hafekost, David Lawrence, Francis Mitrou, Therese A O'Sullivan, Stephen R Zubrick BMC Medicine 2013, 11:41 (18 February 2013) Abstract \| Provisional PDF \| PubMed \| Editor’s summary Many weight-loss interventions based on a simple model of energy balance fail to achieve long-term results; Stephen R Zubrick and colleagues recommend that multiple factors affecting energy regulation should be considered in order to tackle obesity.
		Commentary Role of aerobic glycolysis in genetically engineered mouse models of cancer Chi V Dang BMC Biology 2013, 11:3 (23 January 2013) Abstract \| Full text \| PDF \| PubMed \| Editor’s summary Chi Van Dang gives his perspective on research published in the newly launched Cancer and Metabolism suggesting a new target for intervention in the aerobic glycolysis that supports tumor development.
		Opinion Recent findings on the health effects of omega-3 fatty acids and statins, and their interactions: do statins inhibit omega-3? Michel de Lorgeril, Patricia Salen, Pascal Defaye, Mikael Rabaeus BMC Medicine 2013, 11:5 (4 January 2013) Abstract \| Full text \| PDF \| PubMed \| Editor’s summary Michel de Lorgeril and colleagues review contrasting evidence on the health benefits of omega-3 fatty acids (n-3), and discuss how n-3 may be ineffective in statin users due to complex interactions between the two compounds.
		Opinion Diet, a new target to prevent depression? Almudena Sanchez-Villegas, Miguel A Martínez-González BMC Medicine 2013, 11:3 (3 January 2013) Abstract \| Full text \| PDF \| PubMed \| Editor’s summary Depression is linked to inflammation and high lipid profiles, so recent cohort studies have focused on the effects of diet; Sanchez-Villegas and Martinez-Gonzalez discuss how diet may prevent depression, and recommend that observational studies and clinical trials can confirm the association.
		Question & Answer Video Q&A: Excess body weight and cancer Rudolf Kaaks BMC Medicine 2013, 11:2 (3 January 2013) Full text \| PDF \| Editor’s summary Rudolf Kaaks talks about types of cancers linked to the overweight and obesity epidemic, and advises that although weight loss may decrease the risk of developing cancer, ultimately prevention is better than the cure.
		Commentary Commentary on the clinical management of metabolic syndrome: why a healthy lifestyle is important Michel de Lorgeril BMC Medicine 2012, 10:139 (14 November 2012) Abstract \| Full text \| PDF \| PubMed \| Editor’s summary Michel de Lorgeril comments on a systematic review and meta analysis showing that diet and exercise interventions can help resolve metabolic syndrome, and recommends that lifestyle changes should be used as first-line management.
		Research article Effects of lifestyle modification on metabolic syndrome: a systematic review and meta-analysis Kazue Yamaoka, Toshiro Tango BMC Medicine 2012, 10:138 (14 November 2012) Abstract \| Full text \| PDF \| PubMed \| Editor’s summary Evidence from a systematic review and meta-analysis shows that lifestyle modification incorporating various diet and exercise programs is an effective way to treat metabolic syndrome (MetS), and can reduce the severity of MetS-related problems.
		Research article Dietary iron intake, body iron stores, and the risk of type 2 diabetes: a systematic review and meta-analysis Wei Bao, Ying Rong, Shuang Rong, Liegang Liu BMC Medicine 2012, 10:119 (10 October 2012) Abstract \| Full text \| PDF \| PubMed \| Editor’s summary A systematic review and meta-analysis finds increased body iron stores and higher heme iron intake are linked to a higher risk of type 2 diabetes, while non-heme iron intake is not, suggesting that caution needs to be applied in the type and amount of iron supplementation.
		Commentary The relationship between obesity and prostate cancer: from genetics to disease treatment and prevention Giovanni Lughezzani BMC Medicine 2012, 10:109 (25 September 2012) Abstract \| Full text \| PDF \| PubMed \| Editor’s summary Obese patients with prostate cancer have altered gene expression in periprostatic adipose tissue compared to patients who are lean; Giovanni Lughezzani comments on this, suggesting that the resultant change in microenvironment may influence cancer progression.
		Research article Obesity and prostate cancer: gene expression signature of human periprostatic adipose tissue Ricardo Ribeiro, Cátia Monteiro, Victoria Catalán, Pingzhao Hu, Virgínia Cunha, Amaia Rodríguez, Javier Gómez-Ambrosi, Avelino Fraga, Paulo Príncipe, Carlos Lobato, Francisco Lobo, António Morais, Vitor Silva, José Sanches-Magalhães, Jorge Oliveira, Francisco Pina, Carlos Lopes, Rui Medeiros, Gema Frühbeck BMC Medicine 2012, 10:108 (25 September 2012) Abstract \| Full text \| PDF \| PubMed \| Editor’s summary Obese patients with prostate cancer (PC) have different gene expression in their periprostatic adipose tissue compared to lean patients, which promotes a favorable environment for tumor progression by crosstalk between this tissue and the cancer cells.
		Research article Effects of phlebotomy-induced reduction of body iron stores on metabolic syndrome: results from a randomized clinical trial Khosrow S Houschyar, Rainer Lüdtke, Gustav J Dobos, Ulrich Kalus, Martina Broecker-Preuss, Thomas Rampp, Benno Brinkhaus, Andreas Michalsen BMC Medicine 2012, 10:54 (30 May 2012) Abstract \| Full text \| PDF \| PubMed \| Cited on BioMed Central \| Editor’s summary Iron reduction by phlebotomy lowers blood pressure and increases insulin sensitivity in patients with metabolic syndrome, suggesting that blood donation can benefit these people by reducing the risk of diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
		Commentary Back to past leeches: repeated phlebotomies and cardiovascular risk Melania Manco, Josè Fernandez-Real BMC Medicine 2012, 10:53 (30 May 2012) Abstract \| Full text \| PDF \| PubMed \| Editor’s summary Manco and Fernandez-Real comment on a BMC Medicine study showing that phlebotomy reduces cardiovascular risk in patients with metabolic syndrome, and discuss how the findings could benefit obese people, as well as lead to increased blood donations.
		Minireview New insights into the health effects of dietary saturated and omega-6 and omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids Michel de Lorgeril, Patricia Salen BMC Medicine 2012, 10:50 (21 May 2012) Abstract \| Full text \| PDF \| PubMed \| Cited on BioMed Central \| Editor’s summary de Lorgeril and Salen review recent findings on the effects of different types of dietary fats on cardiovascular disease and cancer, concluding that low intake of omega-6 reduces disease risk due to its link with breast cancer.
		Question and Answer Q&A: 'Toxic' effects of sugar: should we be afraid of fructose? Luc Tappy BMC Biology 2012, 10:42 (21 May 2012) Abstract \| Full text \| PDF \| PubMed \| Editor’s summary Before the colonial era of sugar plantations we consumed, on average, about 15-fold less fructose than we do today. Luc Tappy explains, in question and answer format, the special features of fructose metabolism and discusses the evidence that high fructose intake has contributed to the current epidemic of obesity and metabolic disease.
		Comment Mending walls Gregory A Petsko BMC Biology 2012, 10:41 (11 May 2012) Abstract \| Full text \| PDF \| PubMed \| Editor’s summary The real topic of Gregory Petsko's Comment in our Metabolism diet and disease series is not, despite its title, mending walls, but patterns of comorbidity that argue for cross-disciplinary research: obesity and cancer are linked, for example, but apparently not if you are also schizophrenic.
		Research article Regular consumption of vitamin D-fortified yogurt drink (Doogh) improved endothelial biomarkers in subjects with type 2 diabetes: a randomized double-blind clinical trial Sakineh Shab-Bidar, Tirang R Neyestani, Abolghassem Djazayery, Mohammad-Reza Eshraghian, Anahita Houshiarrad, A'azam Gharavi, Ali Kalayi, Nastaran Shariatzadeh, Malihe Zahedirad, Niloufar Khalaji, Homa Haidari BMC Medicine 2011, 9:125 (24 November 2011) Abstract \| Full text \| PDF \| PubMed \| Editor’s summary Endothelial dysfunction may lead to cardiovascular disease, a major cause of death in diabetes type 2 patients, but can be ameliorated by regular consumption of vitamin D fortified yoghurt by improving glycemic status, lipid profile and endothelial biomarkers in these subjects.
		Research article A systematic review on the effect of sweeteners on glycemic response and clinically relevant outcomes Natasha Wiebe, Raj Padwal, Catherine Field, Seth Marks, Rene Jacobs, Marcello Tonelli BMC Medicine 2011, 9:123 (17 November 2011) Abstract \| Full text \| PDF \| PubMed \| Editor’s summary There is inadequate evidence for a clear effect of sweetener consumption on glycemic response and weight control, highlighting a need for good quality controlled trials to determine whether they have a clinically relevant outcome.
		Review Epigenetic regulation of caloric restriction in aging Yuanyuan Li, Michael Daniel, Trygve O Tollefsbol BMC Medicine 2011, 9:98 (25 August 2011) Abstract \| Full text \| PDF \| PubMed \| Editor’s summary Tollefsbol and colleagues review the evidence for the effect of epigenetic regulation in response to caloric restriction and how it might contribute to clinical advances in treatment and prevention of human aging-associated disease.

		Research article High end of normal ACTH and cortisol levels are associated with specific cardiovascular risk factors in pediatric obesity: a cross-sectional study Flavia Prodam, Roberta Ricotti, Valentina Agarla, Silvia Parlamento, Giulia Genoni, Caterina Balossini, Gillian E Walker, Gianluca Aimaretti, Gianni Bona, Simonetta Bellone BMC Medicine 2013, 11:44 (20 February 2013) Abstract \| Provisional PDF \| PubMed \| Editor’s summary High levels of adrenocorticotropic hormone and cortisol are associated with distinct cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors in obese children, suggesting complex mechanisms underlie interactions between hormones and metabolic impairments in obesity.
		Opinion Tackling overweight and obesity: does the public health message match the science? Katherine Hafekost, David Lawrence, Francis Mitrou, Therese A O'Sullivan, Stephen R Zubrick BMC Medicine 2013, 11:41 (18 February 2013) Abstract \| Provisional PDF \| PubMed \| Editor’s summary Many weight-loss interventions based on a simple model of energy balance fail to achieve long-term results; Stephen R Zubrick and colleagues recommend that multiple factors affecting energy regulation should be considered in order to tackle obesity.
		Commentary Role of aerobic glycolysis in genetically engineered mouse models of cancer Chi V Dang BMC Biology 2013, 11:3 (23 January 2013) Abstract \| Full text \| PDF \| PubMed \| Editor’s summary Chi Van Dang gives his perspective on research published in the newly launched Cancer and Metabolism suggesting a new target for intervention in the aerobic glycolysis that supports tumor development.
		Opinion Recent findings on the health effects of omega-3 fatty acids and statins, and their interactions: do statins inhibit omega-3? Michel de Lorgeril, Patricia Salen, Pascal Defaye, Mikael Rabaeus BMC Medicine 2013, 11:5 (4 January 2013) Abstract \| Full text \| PDF \| PubMed \| Editor’s summary Michel de Lorgeril and colleagues review contrasting evidence on the health benefits of omega-3 fatty acids (n-3), and discuss how n-3 may be ineffective in statin users due to complex interactions between the two compounds.
		Opinion Diet, a new target to prevent depression? Almudena Sanchez-Villegas, Miguel A Martínez-González BMC Medicine 2013, 11:3 (3 January 2013) Abstract \| Full text \| PDF \| PubMed \| Editor’s summary Depression is linked to inflammation and high lipid profiles, so recent cohort studies have focused on the effects of diet; Sanchez-Villegas and Martinez-Gonzalez discuss how diet may prevent depression, and recommend that observational studies and clinical trials can confirm the association.
		Question & Answer Video Q&A: Excess body weight and cancer Rudolf Kaaks BMC Medicine 2013, 11:2 (3 January 2013) Full text \| PDF \| Editor’s summary Rudolf Kaaks talks about types of cancers linked to the overweight and obesity epidemic, and advises that although weight loss may decrease the risk of developing cancer, ultimately prevention is better than the cure.
		Commentary Commentary on the clinical management of metabolic syndrome: why a healthy lifestyle is important Michel de Lorgeril BMC Medicine 2012, 10:139 (14 November 2012) Abstract \| Full text \| PDF \| PubMed \| Editor’s summary Michel de Lorgeril comments on a systematic review and meta analysis showing that diet and exercise interventions can help resolve metabolic syndrome, and recommends that lifestyle changes should be used as first-line management.
		Research article Effects of lifestyle modification on metabolic syndrome: a systematic review and meta-analysis Kazue Yamaoka, Toshiro Tango BMC Medicine 2012, 10:138 (14 November 2012) Abstract \| Full text \| PDF \| PubMed \| Editor’s summary Evidence from a systematic review and meta-analysis shows that lifestyle modification incorporating various diet and exercise programs is an effective way to treat metabolic syndrome (MetS), and can reduce the severity of MetS-related problems.
		Research article Dietary iron intake, body iron stores, and the risk of type 2 diabetes: a systematic review and meta-analysis Wei Bao, Ying Rong, Shuang Rong, Liegang Liu BMC Medicine 2012, 10:119 (10 October 2012) Abstract \| Full text \| PDF \| PubMed \| Editor’s summary A systematic review and meta-analysis finds increased body iron stores and higher heme iron intake are linked to a higher risk of type 2 diabetes, while non-heme iron intake is not, suggesting that caution needs to be applied in the type and amount of iron supplementation.
		Commentary The relationship between obesity and prostate cancer: from genetics to disease treatment and prevention Giovanni Lughezzani BMC Medicine 2012, 10:109 (25 September 2012) Abstract \| Full text \| PDF \| PubMed \| Editor’s summary Obese patients with prostate cancer have altered gene expression in periprostatic adipose tissue compared to patients who are lean; Giovanni Lughezzani comments on this, suggesting that the resultant change in microenvironment may influence cancer progression.
		Research article Obesity and prostate cancer: gene expression signature of human periprostatic adipose tissue Ricardo Ribeiro, Cátia Monteiro, Victoria Catalán, Pingzhao Hu, Virgínia Cunha, Amaia Rodríguez, Javier Gómez-Ambrosi, Avelino Fraga, Paulo Príncipe, Carlos Lobato, Francisco Lobo, António Morais, Vitor Silva, José Sanches-Magalhães, Jorge Oliveira, Francisco Pina, Carlos Lopes, Rui Medeiros, Gema Frühbeck BMC Medicine 2012, 10:108 (25 September 2012) Abstract \| Full text \| PDF \| PubMed \| Editor’s summary Obese patients with prostate cancer (PC) have different gene expression in their periprostatic adipose tissue compared to lean patients, which promotes a favorable environment for tumor progression by crosstalk between this tissue and the cancer cells.
		Research article Effects of phlebotomy-induced reduction of body iron stores on metabolic syndrome: results from a randomized clinical trial Khosrow S Houschyar, Rainer Lüdtke, Gustav J Dobos, Ulrich Kalus, Martina Broecker-Preuss, Thomas Rampp, Benno Brinkhaus, Andreas Michalsen BMC Medicine 2012, 10:54 (30 May 2012) Abstract \| Full text \| PDF \| PubMed \| Cited on BioMed Central \| Editor’s summary Iron reduction by phlebotomy lowers blood pressure and increases insulin sensitivity in patients with metabolic syndrome, suggesting that blood donation can benefit these people by reducing the risk of diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
		Commentary Back to past leeches: repeated phlebotomies and cardiovascular risk Melania Manco, Josè Fernandez-Real BMC Medicine 2012, 10:53 (30 May 2012) Abstract \| Full text \| PDF \| PubMed \| Editor’s summary Manco and Fernandez-Real comment on a BMC Medicine study showing that phlebotomy reduces cardiovascular risk in patients with metabolic syndrome, and discuss how the findings could benefit obese people, as well as lead to increased blood donations.
		Minireview New insights into the health effects of dietary saturated and omega-6 and omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids Michel de Lorgeril, Patricia Salen BMC Medicine 2012, 10:50 (21 May 2012) Abstract \| Full text \| PDF \| PubMed \| Cited on BioMed Central \| Editor’s summary de Lorgeril and Salen review recent findings on the effects of different types of dietary fats on cardiovascular disease and cancer, concluding that low intake of omega-6 reduces disease risk due to its link with breast cancer.
		Question and Answer Q&A: 'Toxic' effects of sugar: should we be afraid of fructose? Luc Tappy BMC Biology 2012, 10:42 (21 May 2012) Abstract \| Full text \| PDF \| PubMed \| Editor’s summary Before the colonial era of sugar plantations we consumed, on average, about 15-fold less fructose than we do today. Luc Tappy explains, in question and answer format, the special features of fructose metabolism and discusses the evidence that high fructose intake has contributed to the current epidemic of obesity and metabolic disease.
		Comment Mending walls Gregory A Petsko BMC Biology 2012, 10:41 (11 May 2012) Abstract \| Full text \| PDF \| PubMed \| Editor’s summary The real topic of Gregory Petsko's Comment in our Metabolism diet and disease series is not, despite its title, mending walls, but patterns of comorbidity that argue for cross-disciplinary research: obesity and cancer are linked, for example, but apparently not if you are also schizophrenic.
		Research article Regular consumption of vitamin D-fortified yogurt drink (Doogh) improved endothelial biomarkers in subjects with type 2 diabetes: a randomized double-blind clinical trial Sakineh Shab-Bidar, Tirang R Neyestani, Abolghassem Djazayery, Mohammad-Reza Eshraghian, Anahita Houshiarrad, A'azam Gharavi, Ali Kalayi, Nastaran Shariatzadeh, Malihe Zahedirad, Niloufar Khalaji, Homa Haidari BMC Medicine 2011, 9:125 (24 November 2011) Abstract \| Full text \| PDF \| PubMed \| Editor’s summary Endothelial dysfunction may lead to cardiovascular disease, a major cause of death in diabetes type 2 patients, but can be ameliorated by regular consumption of vitamin D fortified yoghurt by improving glycemic status, lipid profile and endothelial biomarkers in these subjects.
		Research article A systematic review on the effect of sweeteners on glycemic response and clinically relevant outcomes Natasha Wiebe, Raj Padwal, Catherine Field, Seth Marks, Rene Jacobs, Marcello Tonelli BMC Medicine 2011, 9:123 (17 November 2011) Abstract \| Full text \| PDF \| PubMed \| Editor’s summary There is inadequate evidence for a clear effect of sweetener consumption on glycemic response and weight control, highlighting a need for good quality controlled trials to determine whether they have a clinically relevant outcome.
		Review Epigenetic regulation of caloric restriction in aging Yuanyuan Li, Michael Daniel, Trygve O Tollefsbol BMC Medicine 2011, 9:98 (25 August 2011) Abstract \| Full text \| PDF \| PubMed \| Editor’s summary Tollefsbol and colleagues review the evidence for the effect of epigenetic regulation in response to caloric restriction and how it might contribute to clinical advances in treatment and prevention of human aging-associated disease.