Researchers have found a new enzyme called NAMPT produced by fat helps the brain to control its energy levels.
"We showed that fat tissue controls brain function in a really interesting way," said senior author Shin-ichiro Imai, professor of developmental biology and of medicine at the Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis.
Adding Peanuts With a High-Fat Meal can Ward Off Heart Diseases
Vascular dysfunction plays a major role in the development of atherosclerosis (formation of coronary plaques and lesions) that lead to coronary artery disease.
Advertisement
The researchers found that in mice the enzyme called NAMPT, secreted by fat tissues, affects the hypothalamus, a part of the brain known to have important roles in maintaining the body's physiology, including regulating body temperature, sleep cycles, heart rate, blood pressure, thirst and appetite.
"The results suggest that there is an optimal amount of fat tissue that maximizes the function of the control center of aging and longevity in the brain," Imai said. "We still do not know what that amount is or how it might vary by individual. But at least in mice, we know that if they do not have enough of a key enzyme produced by fat, an important part of the brain cannot maintain its energy levels," Imai noted.
![Body Fat and Mortality Rate Association Differs in Asians]( "Body Fat and Mortality Rate Association Differs in Asians")
The association between body fat and rate of mortality due to cardiovascular diseases is different between South and East Asians, a new study revealed
The findings may help explain the many studies that show a survival benefit to having a body mass index toward the low end of what is considered overweight. For the current study, the researchers raised mice that lacked the ability to produce NAMPT only in the fat tissue.
Mice with low NAMPT in fat tissue had low fuel levels in the hypothalamus. These mice also showed lower measures of physical activity than mice without this defect. Mice that expressed high levels of NAMPT in the fat tissue were very physically active.
The study appeared in the journal Cell Metabolism.
Source: Medindia
Body Fat and Mortality Rate Association Differs in Asians
The association between body fat and rate of mortality due to cardiovascular diseases is different between South and East Asians, a new study revealed
Advertisement
The findings may help explain the many studies that show a survival benefit to having a body mass index toward the low end of what is considered overweight. For the current study, the researchers raised mice that lacked the ability to produce NAMPT only in the fat tissue.
Mice with low NAMPT in fat tissue had low fuel levels in the hypothalamus. These mice also showed lower measures of physical activity than mice without this defect. Mice that expressed high levels of NAMPT in the fat tissue were very physically active.
The study appeared in the journal Cell Metabolism.
Source: Medindia
FAT10 Gene Deletion Slows Down Ageing, Reduces Body Fat
Crucial role is being played by a single gene in coordinating the immune system and metabolism and deleting the gene in mice could reduce body fat and extend lifespan
Advertisement
 Arteries Become Stiffer After Middle Age Due to Body FatA new study found that arteries lose their ability and become stiffer after middle age as the body fat rises. | Advertisement
|
Advertisement
Recommended Reading
Latest Research News
New study findings delineate how aging affects the immune response following Spinal cord injury (SCI) and highlight the participation of the spinal cord meninges in repair.
A recent clinical trial suggests that the first medication therapy to reduce the progression of nearsightedness in children could be on the way.
Autoimmune disorders were found to be linked to Sjogren's, systemic lupus erythematosus, and systemic sclerosis.
Successful brain pacemaker implantation has helped a 51year old Parkinson's disease patient to revitalize her quality of life.
Recent recommendations on lifestyle behaviors to prevent progression of rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases revealed.