Obesity and Comorbidities Research Center

Protein restriction can be effective in combating obesity and diabetes, study suggests

Twenty-one patients with metabolic syndrome were given a calorie or protein restriction diet in a randomized clinical trial by Brazilian and Danish researchers. Weight loss, controlled blood pressure and improved blood sugar and lipid levels were observed in all participants.

Experimental treatment prevents Alzheimer’s-associated weight gain in mice

In a study conducted at a FAPESP-funded research center, a bile acid derivative known by the acronym TUDCA reduced food intake and increased energy expenditure in mice, improving quality of life. The results are promising for humans.

Atlas of human lung helps understand effects of novel coronavirus on alveoli

Researchers at the University of Campinas in Brazil reveal the mechanisms whereby SARS-CoV-2 disrupts the regulation of inflammation, coagulation and blood pressure when it infects alveolar cells, responsible for gas exchange in the lungs.

Study shows how low-protein intake during pregnancy can cause renal problems in offspring

In an article published in PLOS ONE, scientists at a FAPESP-supported research center describe the impact of hypoproteinemia on the expression of microRNAs associated with kidney development in rat embryos.

Study proves that novel coronavirus harms brain and details its effects on nerve cells

Led by research groups from the universities of Campinas and São Paulo, the investigation combined MRI scans of mild COVID-19 patients, analysis of brain tissue samples from patients who died from COVID-19, and experiments performed with human nerve cells infected in the laboratory.

Researchers will study body fat immune cells to understand obesity-associated inflammation

Brazilian researchers are the only Latin American group to have had a project selected in an international request for applications by the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative. Funding of more USD 175,000 has been awarded to the study, which will be the first in Brazil to use single-cell analysis.

Researchers discover mechanism that makes COVID-19 more severe in diabetics

Higher blood glucose levels captured by defense cells provide energy for augmented viral replication, triggering overwhelming immune response that kills lung cells.

FAPESP selects first projects in call to combat COVID-19

One of the studies will evaluate the effectiveness of drugs that inhibit bradykinin against pulmonary inflammation in critical patients. The other will analyze the transmission dynamics of the novel coronavirus in a small town in Amazonia.

Novel blood test points to risk of weight gain and diabetes

The blood test method makes use of machine learning and can be used to predict whether patients will put on weight, unless they change their habits. The project was conducted in Brazil with funding from FAPESP.

Zika inhibits the proliferation of prostate cancer cells

Experiments performed by Brazilian scientists showed that Zika virus inhibits tumor cell proliferation even when inactivated by high temperature. The study was supported by FAPESP and published in Scientific Reports.