How Does AMG 133 Work?

AMG 133 is based on the combination of two natural hormones—GLP-1 and GIP. Each of these hormones plays a distinct role in managing appetite and energy storage. GLP-1, a hormone released after eating, signals fullness and encourages the body to burn energy rather than store it. 

Because of these effects, GLP-1 treatments are already used for managing type 2 diabetes and, more recently, as weight-loss medications. The hormone GIP, on the other hand, usually promotes fat storage and can make it harder for people to lose weight.

AMG 133 combines these effects in a clever way. It includes both a GLP-1 agonist (a compound that mimics GLP-1’s effects) and a GIP antagonist (a compound that blocks GIP’s fat-storing effects). 

This two-in-one approach has shown promise in early testing. The theory is simple: boost the body’s ability to feel full and burn calories while blocking the urge to store extra fat.

Alzheimer’s disease, a leading cause of dementia, gradually erodes memory and thinking abilities, affecting millions globally. The APOE-ε4 gene is a known risk factor, raising a person’s chances of developing Alzheimer’s by up to twelve times. 

Yet, having the gene doesn’t guarantee Alzheimer’s, and many people with the disease don’t carry it. So, scientists are looking beyond genes, studying blood proteins to reveal new insights.

The researchers conducted an experiment with 90 piglets, divided into three groups. Each group was fed a different diet over a 28-day period. 

One group received a basic diet with composite enzymes but without protease (control group), another received a diet with no enzymes (negative control), and the last group received the same basic diet but with added protease.

The results were nothing short of remarkable. Piglets that received the protease-supplemented diet showed significantly improved growth performance. They gained more weight daily compared to their counterparts in the other groups. 

But the benefits didn’t stop at just weight gain. These piglets also exhibited enhanced antioxidant capacity, indicating a better ability to combat oxidative stress—a vital factor for overall health and disease resistance.

The results were startling. They found that children aged 5 to 15 years, whose mothers smoked while pregnant, had a higher risk of breaking bones. This was not a small increase – these children were 12% more likely to suffer fractures.

The scientists dug deeper and discovered that this risk was especially significant for non-high-energy fractures, like those that happen from everyday activities rather than serious accidents.

Pharmaceuticals in the environment are a growing concern worldwide. These substances, originating from human and veterinary medicine, have been found in water bodies across the globe. 

Although they are often present in minuscule amounts, their potential impact on ecosystems and human health is significant. This study, published in the Journal of Xenobiotics, focuses on detecting and analyzing pharmaceuticals in surface water and wastewater in Portugal.

The research team collected samples from the Lis River and two wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) over several years. 

They used advanced techniques like ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS) to identify and quantify various pharmaceuticals. Among the detected substances were common drugs like ibuprofen, caffeine, and diclofenac, as well as antibiotics and psychiatric medications.