EndoBreak: New CEO for AACE; Obesity and Pain Tolerance

Paul A. Markowski, CAE, will take over this May as the CEO of the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists. He will replace Donald C. Jones, who held the position for over two decades. (AACE)

Seventy-nine genetic syndromes associated with obesity were identified in a recent study. "A more clear understanding of the genetic causes of these syndromes may not only improve the lives of those afflicted with these mutations, but will also help us understand the genes and molecules that are important in obesity among members of the general population," stated David Meyre, of McMaster University, in a press release. (Obesity Reviews)

March 28th was Diabetes Alert Day, and the American Diabetes Association is still offering free, 1-minute online test to measure risk for type 2 diabetes.

A low dose of vaginal estriol gel, used before and after pelvic organ prolapse surgery, may lead to better outcomes for postmenopausal women. While the particular agent used in an Italian study is not currently available in the U.S., a low-dose cream, tablet, or ring are alternatives, suggested JoAnn Pinkerton, executive director of the North American Menopause Society. (Menopause)

Eli Lilly announced plans to invest $850 million in U.S. operations, including research labs and manufacturing during the course of 2017. In a statement, president and CEO David Ricks said the amount could potentially increase with new tax laws from the Trump administration. (Reuters)

People with obesity may have lower pain thresholds, according to a small study, which included responses from pressure pain from hot and cold temperatures. Participants with obesity reported nearly half the pain threshold compared to the normal BMI group. Possible explanations were a lower pain threshold due to the increased weight on joints, or that an individual who is more sensitive to pain may be less likely to exercise, researchers noted. (European Journal of Pain)

A diet high in short-chain fatty acids acetate and butyrate may protect against type 1 diabetes, according to a new study. This "extreme superfood" is common among foods comprising the Mediterranean diet, explained Eliana Mariño, PhD, of Monash University, in a press release. The diet "reduces pro-inflammatory factors and promote immune tolerance." (Nature Immunology)

A 5-year, $5.5 million NIH grant was awarded to researchers at the Cleveland Clinic, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, and MetroHealth System in order to study prevention of childhood obesity before conception in moms-to-be through a lifestyle intervention program. "Our hypothesis is that interventions after women become pregnant are too late to see the kinds of meaningful improvements in child and maternal health everyone is looking for," said Patrick M. Catalano, MD, of Case Western Reserve, in a press release. (Newswise)

A whopping 82% of marathon runners participating in a recent study developed acute kidney injury during a race. The finding is particularly noteworthy for marathon runners with diabetes, who are already at risk for kidney disease and damage. (American Journal of Kidney Diseases)

After 1 year of dietary counseling following the American Heart Association's guidelines, participants with metabolic syndrome consumed an average of 23.8 g less of added sugars per day, according to a study. However, on average, most participants still consumed higher than the AHA's recommended limits. (European Journal of Nutrition)

After already losing 385 lbs, "the world's most obese man" is preparing to undergo gastric bypass with biliopancreatic diversion. Juan Pedro of Mexico once weighed over 1,300 lbs; his doctor said he hopes Pedro will weigh around 242 lbs by the end of 2018. (Fox News)

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