The team of researchers at An-Najah National University Hospital, in partnership with An-Najah National University, conducted a groundbreaking study that is considered the first of its kind in the world in the field of the relationship between obesity and insulin resistance. The study was published in a prestigious British journal specializing in Translational Medicine, a modern medical discipline that focuses on publishing research on unknown causes of diseases and syndromes.
The study included an analysis of the results of global research and provided evidence to guide future research efforts and educational initiatives.
Mona Al-Shakhshir, a nutrition specialist at the hospital and one of the key contributors to the study, emphasized the importance of research in the field of clinical nutrition. She highlighted the relevance of directing nutrition research, especially in the Palestinian community, given the common link between insulin resistance and obesity, particularly abdominal obesity, which is a crucial research area due to its association with diabetes and numerous other diseases.
The study addressed various topics related to this field, including inflammation resulting from obesity and insulin resistance, dysfunction of adipocytes (fat cells) linking obesity to insulin resistance, the relationship between obesity, insulin resistance, and the risk of heart disease, and finally, the impact of dietary supplements on gut microbiota, which can enhance cell sensitivity to insulin.
Dr. Saeed Zyoud, Head of the Clinical Research Department at the hospital, emphasized the importance of the research in building upon previous studies conducted by the Clinical Research Center at the hospital. These studies have focused on gut microbiota and their genes' relationship with health. The results have been published in leading international journals in the field.
The study has garnered praise from Professor Dr. Francesco Marincola, one of the world's leading scientists in genomics and cell therapy, and the Editor-in-Chief of the journal that published this research. Professor Marincola highlighted the significance of understanding the causes of diseases in determining their response to medications and effective treatment. This research is particularly relevant in the context of modern theories regarding the impact of dietary status on gut microbiota, their genes, their relationship with health, and their association with most diseases, as well as the expanding research efforts in this field worldwide. The study's findings contribute to a deeper understanding of these important connections.