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Emerging data suggest a role for autoimmunity in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). In this Perspectives, the authors discuss the nature of the immune response in diabetes mellitus and the evidence for an autoimmune component in T2DM and obesity.
Fructose is increasingly being used in food supply. In this Perspectives, the authors discuss the links between fructose intake and obesity; in particular, the negative effects of fructose exposure during early development are highlighted.
Vitamin D is the nutrient du jour, yet scant evidence exists for various health claims related to vitamin D. This Perspectives article aims to dispel misconceptions about vitamin D, including discussion of osteoporosis, chronic disease risk, requirements in pregnancy and lactation, and vitamin D deficiency and supplementation.
For >30 years, HDL's association with protection from atherosclerosis has been unquestioned. However, in the past 5 years, powerful new human genetic data together with negative clinical trials have cast doubt on the HDL hypothesis. This Perspectives examines evidence for and against HDL's direct role in atherosclerosis and considers reasons why the HDL hypothesis seems to be 'too big to fail'.