BEN-ZVI LAB

Research

Weight loss independent effects of bariatric surgery on fatty liver and diabetes

Using patient data and rodent models we are figuring out what proteins and pathways are affected by bariatric surgery independent of weight loss. We then change these pathways, to test if we can affect fatty liver, glycemia and other metabolic parameters, and are perplexed by the ingenuity of cellular metabolism. @Arnon, @Hadar, @Doron, @Shira

Enhancing outcomes of bariatric surgery

Outcomes of bariatric surgery vary in people, and even in mice. We hope we have a drug to enhance the outcomes of surgery in terms of weight loss and glycemic control. But what regulates this pathway normally? @Doron @Yhara

What underlies leptin resistance?

We think that changes in the biophysical properties of the fenestrated blood vessels that enable hormones such as leptin to enter the hypothalamus can explain hormonal imbalances such as leptin resistance. Some cool imaging by @Aviv

How does the stomach respond to sleeve gastrectomy?

We use mathematical modeling, ML, mice, organoids, and single-cell sequencing from human gastric biopsies to find how the stomach changes after sleeve gastrectomy, why, and whether this "new" stomach contributes to the effects of surgery. En route, we are discovering some gastric developmental biology and physiology. @Botros, @Amit, @Dana, @Haya

What causes fasting hyperglycemia?

Patients with type 2 diabetes suffer from fasting hyperglycemia. Why don't they secrete more insulin, like they do after every meal? Are they, tired, lazy? We think they fail to sense glucose, and have a mathematical model based on the unique beta-cell metabolism to support our claim. Nothing to do with bariatric surgery. @Sarah