An elevated blood glucose level one hour after the oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) signals a critical metabolic state – even before prediabetes. Affected individuals respond particularly well to lifestyle interventions. This value could become a new clinically relevant biomarker – and enable more targeted, earlier prevention of type 2 diabetes. This is the conclusion reached by a team from the University of Tübingen, Helmholtz Munich and the German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD). This research, conducted in cooperation with Prof. Michael Bergman from New York University, has now been published in Metabolism.

The time of eating influences the lipid metabolism in our body. A study conducted at the German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD) and the German Institute of Human Nutrition Potsdam-Rehbrücke (DIfE) shows: Eating earlier in the day leads to measurable changes in fat metabolism, as compared to a later eating window with the same calorie intake and nutrient composition.The time of eating influences the lipid metabolism in our body. A study conducted at the German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD) and the German Institute of Human Nutrition Potsdam-Rehbrücke (DIfE) shows: Eating earlier in the day leads to measurable changes in fat metabolism, as compared to a later eating window with the same calorie intake and nutrient composition.

The aberrant overexpression of Lysine-specific demethylase 1 (LSD1/KDM1A) is a common feature across a wide spectrum of human cancers, and its elevated levels correlate with poor survival of cancer patients, making it an attractive target for pharmacological intervention. However, the clinical trials of LSD1 small-molecule inhibitors are facing few serious challenges, including toxicity at therapeutic doses. Here, the authors reported the discovery of LD-110 as a potent PROTAC degrader via the ubiquitin-proteasome system, leading to significantly growth suppression of cancer cells both in vitro and in vivo.

This study developed and evaluated a novel transferosomal gel formulation incorporating luliconazole to enhance topical antifungal therapy. Luliconazole, an imidazole antifungal drug, is widely prescribed for dermatophytic infections such as tinea pedis, tinea cruris, and tinea corporis. However, conventional topical formulations often suffer from poor skin penetration, low drug bioavailability, and the need for frequent application, which may reduce patient compliance.

In this work, transferosomes were prepared using thin film hydration with lecithin and Tween 80 at varying concentrations, followed by incorporation into a carbopol gel base. The transferosomes demonstrated high entrapment efficiency of 74.45% and 92.75% with particle sizes ranging between 60–200 nm, and scanning electron microscopy confirmed their spherical morphology. The in vitro release study revealed an inverse relationship between entrapment efficiency and release rate, indicating a controlled and sustained release behavior.

The formulated transferosomal gel was further characterized for pH, drug content, spreadability, and viscosity, all of which fell within acceptable ranges for topical application. Importantly, antifungal activity testing confirmed that the luliconazole transferosomal gel exerted a strong therapeutic effect against dermatophytes.

Overall, the study highlights the potential of transferosomal technology to overcome the limitations of conventional antifungal formulations. By improving drug penetration and sustaining drug release, the luliconazole transferosomal gel reduces the frequency of application required, which may enhance treatment adherence and patient outcomes. These findings underscore the promise of transferosome-based gels as a novel drug delivery strategy for managing dermatophytic skin infections effectively.