Study Finds Surprising Cause of Obesity, Diabetes, Liver Disease
Scientists from the UF Health Cancer Center have discovered that tiny hidden changes in blood cells, known as clonal hematopoiesis, may contribute to the development of conditions like obesity, diabetes, and fatty liver disease as people age.
These changes occur when stem cells in the bone marrow pick up random mutations in their DNA, allowing a stem cell with a mutation to grow faster and potentially take over the blood system.
- About 1 in 10 older people have this condition.
- Clonal hematopoiesis has been linked to a higher chance of getting blood cancers like leukemia.
Clonal hematopoiesis occurs when stem cells in the bone marrow pick up random mutations in their DNA.
Author's summary: Scientists discover link between clonal hematopoiesis and age-related diseases.