Body fat distribution in humans is becoming clearer to researchers after a new mouse stem cell study.
Scientists found that adding fat to mouse stem cells grown in the lab affects their response to the signals that push them to develop into one or other of the main types of fat storage cells - subcutaneous (under the skin) or visceral (around the organs).
Body Mass Index
Body mass index (BMI) is a simple tool that is generally used to estimate the total amount of body fat.
Advertisement
Visceral fat - the so-called "pot-belly" - indicates a much higher risk of cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes than subcutaneous fat. The findings of the new research will help scientists understand the fundamental biology underpinning these two major causes of obesity-related morbidity and mortality in the developed world.
During development, some groups of stem cells will go on to become adipose cells - the large globular cells that store and metabolise fats from our diets. This research suggests that the distribution of visceral versus subcutaneous adipose cells is at least in part down to the nutrition available to stem cells during the early stages of development.
![Obesity]( "Obesity")
Obesity is a condition where there is excess accumulation of body fat which poses a risk to the health of the individual. It can affect children and adults.
The study, led by Professor Kevin Docherty of the University of Aberdeen, found that adding palmitate (a major component in palm oil) to mouse stem cells affected how they responded to androgen and oestrogen, the sex hormones which normally control the types of fat cells that stem cells become.
Professor Docherty said: "This finding is an important insight as it suggests that nutrition in early development can affect how and where fat is stored in later life. We've known for a while that having a pot-belly suggests someone's risk of developing type 2 diabetes and heart disease is high, but there is still a lot to learn about why body fat distribution varies so much between people. Our research helps by putting another small piece into the puzzle.
"Type 2 diabetes used to be a disease that struck people in later life, but in the UK and some other developed countries we're seeing a worrying increase of this problem amongst overweight teenagers and younger adults. In the UK, 30% of teenagers are overweight or obese so it's crucial that we understand the fundamental biology of weight-related diseases so that we can develop better ways of preventing, treating and managing this serious problem."
The researchers hope that this study might lead to new insights into how to combat type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
Professor Docherty said: "The number one way of reducing the number of overweight people is improving diet and encouraging exercise, but we hope our research might eventually offer insights that lead to new treatments including drugs to reduce these high-risk fat stores around organs."
The research will be presented July 12 at the UK National Stem Cell Network Annual Science Meeting in Nottingham.
Source: ANI
Obesity
Obesity is a condition where there is excess accumulation of body fat which poses a risk to the health of the individual. It can affect children and adults.
Advertisement
The study, led by Professor Kevin Docherty of the University of Aberdeen, found that adding palmitate (a major component in palm oil) to mouse stem cells affected how they responded to androgen and oestrogen, the sex hormones which normally control the types of fat cells that stem cells become.
Professor Docherty said: "This finding is an important insight as it suggests that nutrition in early development can affect how and where fat is stored in later life. We've known for a while that having a pot-belly suggests someone's risk of developing type 2 diabetes and heart disease is high, but there is still a lot to learn about why body fat distribution varies so much between people. Our research helps by putting another small piece into the puzzle.
"Type 2 diabetes used to be a disease that struck people in later life, but in the UK and some other developed countries we're seeing a worrying increase of this problem amongst overweight teenagers and younger adults. In the UK, 30% of teenagers are overweight or obese so it's crucial that we understand the fundamental biology of weight-related diseases so that we can develop better ways of preventing, treating and managing this serious problem."
The researchers hope that this study might lead to new insights into how to combat type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
Professor Docherty said: "The number one way of reducing the number of overweight people is improving diet and encouraging exercise, but we hope our research might eventually offer insights that lead to new treatments including drugs to reduce these high-risk fat stores around organs."
The research will be presented July 12 at the UK National Stem Cell Network Annual Science Meeting in Nottingham.
Source: ANI
Visceral Fat Hormone That Could Protect Against Life-threatening Sepsis Discovered
Study finds a hormone naturally found in the fat that surrounds the abdominal organs for the first time has been linked to death related to sepsis
Advertisement
 Researchers Find Strong Correlation Between Depression And Visceral FatDepression is linked with the accumulation of visceral fat, the kind of fat packed between internal organs at the waistline, according to a new study done by Rush University Medical Center scientists. | Advertisement
|
Advertisement
Recommended Readings
Latest Research News
Malaria parasites sync their molecular rhythms with the internal 24-hour clocks of their hosts, said researchers.
A latest research suggests that the quality of a person's post-work recovery in the evening can impact their mood when they resume work the next day.
Researchers are working on new strategies and solutions for sleep apnea to ward off a range of health risks including cognitive decline.
The scientists discovered that when the stem cells in the hair follicle are made softer, they have a higher chance of growing hair.
A combinatorial therapy provided promising beneficial results among people with ischemic stroke.