New anti-obesity target identified
Scientists at the Scripps Research Institute in Florida have identified a protein that promotes fat accumulation in animal models. The protein works by slowing the breakdown of fat and promoting storage, the results have been published in the International Journal of Biochemistry & Cell Biology. The researchers found that by deleting a protein called IP6K1 resulted in a higher energy expenditure and protected animal models from diet-induced obesity and insulin resistance.
A process called lipolysis precedes the expenditure of fat energy, and this is when fat is broken down to smaller products. The team found that by deleting IP6K1 the interfered with the protein interactions, causing lipolysis, and therefore this process, was enhanced. They then looked at introducing chemicals that would inhibit IP6K1, and found that an inhibitor known as TNP slowed the initiation of diet-induced obesity and insulin resistance. The researchers are hoping to further this research to better understand the mechanisms behind both the protein and the inhibitor.
Read MoreObesity linked conditions in children projected to rise
Researchers have estimated that by 2025, almost 268 million children will be overweight, with 91 million obese in a new study. This is assuming that no large scale interventions prove effective at changing current trends. The researchers have also anticipated that obesity related conditions will sharply rise in children. By 2025, 12 million children will have impaired glucose tolerance, 4 million will have T2DM, 27 million will have hypertension and 28 million will have a build-up of fat in the liver.
Member states of the WHO have adopted resolutions aiming to achieve ‘no increase in obesity levels’ by 2025 for infants, adolescents and adults. The figures in this study are based on current trends and therefore the researchers are urging governments, health planners and service providers, to address these problems and take strong action against them. In conclusion, the researchers stated that the 2025 targets are unlikely to be met and service providers must plan for a significant increase in obesity-linked comorbidities as well.
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