Endocrinology articles from across Nature Portfolio

Optical measurements through the skin are challenging because they usually represent averages across the various layers of skin that are illuminated. A study in Nature Metabolism uses a depth-selective variant of Raman spectroscopy to probe glucose levels specifically in the skin vasculature, and thereby achieves improved glucose sensing in humans.

Exercise during pregnancy benefits both mother and child. A Nature Metabolism study identifies the adipokine SERPINA3C as crucial for enhancing metabolic health in offspring, and provides insights into the mechanisms behind maternal exercise benefits.

Genetic deletion of Kdm2a or pharmacological blockade of KDM2A, a histone 3 demethylase, in skeletal muscle shifts fuel preference from glucose to lipids under cold challenge in mice fed a high-fat diet. KDM2A loss increases the proportion of mitochondria-rich, slow-twitch myofibres, conferring flexible protection against metabolic stress.

Rhode et al. investigate the applicability of smartphone-based point-of-care diagnostics for monitoring HbA1c levels of diabetes patients under real-world conditions in a lower-middle income setting. They discover that the method offers an acceptable alternative for accessible monitoring under these conditions.

Optical measurements through the skin are challenging because they usually represent averages across the various layers of skin that are illuminated. A study in Nature Metabolism uses a depth-selective variant of Raman spectroscopy to probe glucose levels specifically in the skin vasculature, and thereby achieves improved glucose sensing in humans.

Non-communicable diseases represent the primary cause of mortality and morbidity globally, accounting for 74% of all deaths and more than three-quarters of years lived with disability. Here, we argue that metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease should be considered a non-communicable disease.

Exercise during pregnancy benefits both mother and child. A Nature Metabolism study identifies the adipokine SERPINA3C as crucial for enhancing metabolic health in offspring, and provides insights into the mechanisms behind maternal exercise benefits.

Genetic deletion of Kdm2a or pharmacological blockade of KDM2A, a histone 3 demethylase, in skeletal muscle shifts fuel preference from glucose to lipids under cold challenge in mice fed a high-fat diet. KDM2A loss increases the proportion of mitochondria-rich, slow-twitch myofibres, conferring flexible protection against metabolic stress.

This study systematically analyzed 175 health outcomes in 2 million people using glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) or other antihyperglycemics. GLP-1RAs reduce risks of neurocognitive, substance use, cardiovascular and respiratory disorders, but increase risks of gastrointestinal issues, hypotension and pancreatitis. The study provides important insights for clinical practice and future research.