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Recent Developments in Obesity: Metabolism, Pathophysiology and Treatment

A special issue of International Journal of Molecular Sciences (ISSN 1422-0067). This special issue belongs to the section "Molecular Endocrinology and Metabolism".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 20 January 2026 | Viewed by 581

Special Issue Editor


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Guest Editor
Department of Human Physiology and Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Riga Stradins University, Riga, Latvia
Interests: obesity related diseases; aortic valve stenosis; coronary artery disease; vasomotor and neurovascular dysfunction

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Recent studies have shed light on the complex metabolic pathways involved in obesity. Key findings include the identification of novel adipokines that influence insulin sensitivity and lipid metabolism. Studies have demonstrated that pro-inflammatory cytokines contribute to insulin resistance and adipose tissue remodeling. Pathophysiological insights reveal the contribution of chronic inflammation and hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis dysregulation to obesity. Additionally, the interplay between the gut microbiota and host metabolism has been explored, revealing potential therapeutic targets for obesity management. Recent clinical trials have evaluated the efficacy of new anti-obesity drugs, such as GLP-1 receptor agonists. In addition, lifestyle interventions, including personalized nutrition and physical activity programs, have been refined to enhance adherence and long-term success. These advancements offer new avenues for effective obesity management and highlight the importance of a multidisciplinary approach to tackle this global health challenge.

Original research papers and comprehensive, up-to-date review articles are all welcome.

Prof. Dr. Peteris Tretjakovs
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

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Keywords

  • obesity
  • adipokines
  • insulin sensitivity
  • lipid metabolism
  • pro-inflammatory cytokines
  • gut microbiota
  • GLP-1 receptor agonists
  • personalized nutrition
  • lifestyle interventions

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Published Papers (1 paper)

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Review

19 pages, 707 KiB  
Review
Salivary α-Amylase as a Metabolic Biomarker: Analytical Tools, Challenges, and Clinical Perspectives
by Gita Erta, Gita Gersone, Antra Jurka and Peteris Tretjakovs
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025, 26(15), 7365; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms26157365 - 30 Jul 2025
Viewed by 358
Abstract
Salivary α-amylase, primarily encoded by the AMY1 gene, initiates the enzymatic digestion of dietary starch in the oral cavity and has recently emerged as a potential biomarker in metabolic research. Variability in salivary amylase activity (SAA), driven largely by copy number variation of [...] Read more.
Salivary α-amylase, primarily encoded by the AMY1 gene, initiates the enzymatic digestion of dietary starch in the oral cavity and has recently emerged as a potential biomarker in metabolic research. Variability in salivary amylase activity (SAA), driven largely by copy number variation of AMY1, has been associated with postprandial glycemic responses, insulin secretion dynamics, and susceptibility to obesity. This review critically examines current analytical approaches for quantifying SAA, including enzymatic assays, colorimetric techniques, immunoassays, and emerging biosensor technologies. The methodological limitations related to sample handling, intra-individual variability, assay standardization, and specificity are highlighted in the context of metabolic and clinical studies. Furthermore, the review explores the physiological relevance of SAA in energy homeostasis and its associations with visceral adiposity and insulin resistance. We discuss the potential integration of SAA measurements into obesity risk stratification and personalized dietary interventions, particularly in individuals with altered starch metabolism. Finally, the review identifies key research gaps and future directions necessary to validate SAA as a reliable metabolic biomarker in clinical practice. Understanding the diagnostic and prognostic value of salivary amylase may offer new insights into the prevention and management of obesity and related metabolic disorders. Full article
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