- 2017
- Press releases - 10.07.2017
An antidiabetic drug moves a step forward
In humans, apelin is able to regulate blood sugar levels and increase the sensitivity of cells to insulin. These two observations have paved the way for a clinical trial led by Inserm researchers from Toulouse, and represent a promising step forward for the development of a new treatment for diabetes, in particular type 2 diabetes.
- Press releases - 06.07.2017
Physical activity does not protect against the onset of dementia
Physical activity in adulthood is not associated with a reduced risk of developing dementia. However, a decline in this activity is observed during the decade preceding its diagnosis. If this decline in activity cannot be considered as an early sign of dementia, it could be one sign – among others – to be taken into account by the attending physician. This is demonstrated by a study conducted by an Inserm research team of the Center for Research in Epidemiology and Public Health (Unit 1018 Inserm / Université Paris-Saclay).
- Press releases - 05.07.2017
Gut bacteria can help to predict how the body will respond to fatty foods
Scientists have found that certain compounds, produced by microbes in the guts of mice, could be used to show which animals are at greater risk of becoming obese, or developing health conditions such as diabetes or cardiovascular disease.
- Press releases - 03.07.2017
A major advance towards a treatment for accelerated ageing
In a study published today in the journal EMBO Molecular Medicine1, the team led by Prof. Nicolas Lévy identifies the mechanism associated with the accumulation of progerin, a toxic protein produced in the course of ageing, and demonstrates the therapeutic potential of a new drug – MG132 – to treat progeria, a rare syndrome involving premature and accelerated ageing. Nicolas Lévy and his team have demonstrated the ability of this drug to considerably reduce progerin production and simultaneously degrade it. This drug, along with other compounds from the same family, is undergoing evaluation for the treatment of other rare diseases, as well as more common diseases including certain types of cancer.
- Press releases - 29.06.2017
A Tool to Predict Cognitive Decline Within 10 Years of Parkinson’S Disease Onset
An international study with the participation of physicians from the AP-HP Paris public hospitals network and researchers from Inserm, UPMC and CNRS within the Brain & Spine Institute (ICM) has identified a clinical-genetic score to predict cognitive impairment in Parkinson’s disease sufferers. Cognitive impairment is one of the most debilitating characteristics to manifest in certain patients with the disease. The ability to predict its emergence within ten years of the onset of Parkinson’s is of major importance for their treatment and for the set-up of targeted clinical trials.
- Press releases - 27.06.2017
Opening of medically assisted procreation to female couples and single women
Today, the National Consultative Ethics Committee (CCNE) has decided to open up medically assisted procreation (MAP) to female couples and single women in France.
In a report released on June 19, the National Academy of Medicine has advocated egg preservation for women who wish to do so. - Press releases - 27.06.2017
FGF 19: a New Factor to Fight Skeletal Muscle Wasting
Skeletal muscle wasting, a process commonly associated with aging but also seen with various chronic diseases (obesity, cancer, kidney failure), situations of immobilization (accidents, post-operative periods) or prolonged weightlessness (astronauts), strongly impacts quality of life. Researchers from the Cardiovascular, Metabolism, Diabetology and Nutrition (CarMeN) laboratory (Inserm/Inra/Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1/Insa Lyon) in Lyon (France), led by Hubert Vidal, Inserm Research Director, in collaboration with the team of Dr. Jérome Ruzzin from the Department of Biology of the University of Bergen (Norway), have discovered that a hormone produced by the intestine called fibroblast growth factor 19 (FGF19), is able to increase skeletal muscle mass in mice and increase the size of human muscle cells in culture.
- What's on? - 27.06.2017
Opening of medically assisted procreation to female couples and single women
Today, the National Consultative Ethics Committee (CCNE) has decided to open up medically assisted procreation (MAP) to female couples and single women in France. In a report released on June 19, the National Academy of Medicine has advocated egg preservation for women who wish to do so. Medically assisted procreation (MAP) involves manipulating an egg and/or […]
- Press releases - 23.06.2017
Omega-3 Essential for the Brain from Adolescence into Adulthood
Omega-3 fatty acids are crucial for the brain. Deficiency in these acids can lead to depressive mood. A new study led by Inserm and Inra researchers from Unit 901, “Mediterranean Institute of Neurobiology” (Inserm/Université d’Aix-Marseille) and UMR 1256, “Nutrition and Integrated Neurobiology” (Inra/Université de Bordeaux) reveals the mechanisms of disease that develop in adult mice on a low omega-3 diet since adolescence. It also demonstrates therapeutic approaches. The results have been published in The Journal of Neuroscience.
- Press releases - 21.06.2017
Discovery of a new mechanism involved in the migration of cancer cells
Une équipe de jeunes chercheurs dirigée par Guillaume Montagnac, chargé de recherche Inserm à Gustave Roussy, en collaboration avec l’Institut Curie et l’Institut de Myologie, a découvert un nouveau mécanisme qui aide les cellules à migrer. La cellule forme à la surface de sa membrane de multiples petites pinces qui l’aident à s’accrocher pour mieux progresser le long des fibres présentes à l’extérieur de la cellule. Ce mécanisme permet de mieux comprendre comment une cellule s’échappe de la masse tumorale et se déplace dans le corps pour aller former un nouveau foyer.