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Wednesday, February 25, 2009

Obesity and Diabetes? Prevent Onset By Blocking Fat Deposits in Tissues

Obesity and diabetes were the focus of the pathologists from the University of Cincinnati. They have recognized a new molecular target that may help researchers develop drugs to decrease fat transport to fat cells. This will prevent these evil twins from developing. This, I've got to know!

The Journal of Clinical Investigation reports the findings about a specific cell receptor that will supply significant clues regarding the mechanisms that regulate the transport of fat in the body. Wouldn't everyone like to know this to avoid both obesity and diabetes?

David Hui, PhD, et al showed that "knocking out" the LRP1 in the fat cells of mice that were genetically altered directly influenced the number of fats and fat-like substances transported to the fat cells. The mice put on less weight, piled up less fat, showed better glucose tolerance and had more energy than the control group because of improved muscle activity.

Professor of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology at the University of Cincinnati, Dr. Hui said that the results of the study showed the impact of the molecule to the rate of transport of fat. As the corresponding author of this research, Hui said that further study could target new drugs that could control getting fat and developing the condition that is linked to it. Oh, no, drugs again!

Two independent groups of LPR1-knockout mice were used for this study. Hui et al studied one group while the other group was monitored by Joachin Herz, PhD, of the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center. Dr. Herz is the co-author of this research that may add knowledge on how to prevent diabetes. .

Researchers found out that if the LRP1 receptor was active, more fat was absorbed and this made the body increase storage of fat. Both groups of mice were fed the same low-fat diet, yet one group stored more fat. Which one stored less fat? The LRP1 knockout mice stored less fat and therefore gained less weight than their counterpart.

The above discovery made the researchers conclude that LRP1 is a significant regulator of lipid absorption in fat cells. Pathology research instructor at UC, Susanna Hofmann said that a functional disturbance led to fewer fat absorption into the cells. This prevented the onset of obesity and diabetes.

Hui added that perhaps the smaller fat stores in the genetically altered mice that provide heat, made the mice increase their muscular activity to raise body temperature. This may have led to lack of weight gain. Naturally when intake is more than the energy expenditure, extra calories are stored as fat and this makes people gain weight. Dietary factors like eating triglyceride-rich foods such as fried foods can lead to obesity and diabetes .

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