A study by Jonathan Graff and colleagues, reported in EMBO, has revealed that the enzyme TPPII may contribute to obesity by stimulating the formation of fat cells. It has previously been linked to making people feel hungry but now it has been shown that it may be even more deeply involved in causing obesity.
The team found that TPPII actually stimulated the formation of fat cells in worms and mammalian cells and that by reducing it, fat stores decreased. Mice with lower levels of TPPII were thinner than their wild type littermates, although their food intake was comparable.
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.
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The authors hope that TPPII could be exploited as a drug target to help fight increasing levels of obesity; inhibiting the enzyme would both increase feelings of fullness after eating and decrease build up of fat cells.
Around 40 million Americans are obese and the UK Government predicts that 12 million adults in the UK will be obese by 2010 if nothing is done. Obesity is responsible for 70% of cardiovascular diseases and 80% of type II diabetes and represents a serious health risk and financial drain.
Source: Eurekalert
GAN/C
Source: Eurekalert
GAN/C
Scientists Identify "master Switch" for Brown Fat in Mice
Scientists have identified a "master switch" for the production of brown fat, a type of adipose tissue that generates heat and counters obesity caused by overeating, by conducting
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 Common Cold Virus may Contribute to Obesity: StudyA common virus that causes colds can be a factor in obesity, according to a study released Monday offering further evidence that a weight problem may be contagious. | Advertisement
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