CINCINNATIUniversity of Cincinnati (UC) researchers have determined why a certain class of diabetes drugs leads to weight gain and have found that the molecular system involved (PPAR-γ found in the brain) is also triggered by consumption of high-fat foods.
The study could lead to the modification of existing diabetes therapies and even dietary recommendations to limit the action of this nuclear receptor in the brain.
The research, led by Randy Seeley, PhD, UC professor and Donald C. Harrison Endowed Chair in Medicine, appears as an advanced online publication May 1, 2011, in the journal Nature Medicine.
PPAR-γ is found in white adipose (fat) tissue where it regulates the production of fat cells. This new research describes an important role for PPAR-γ in the brain.
PPAR-γ is the target of a class of diabetes drugs called TZDs (thiazolidinediones). This class of drugs reduces blood glucose levels but also causes considerable weight gain. That weight gain, Seeley says, makes many patients reluctant to use these therapies particularly since many are already trying to lose weight to improve their diabetes.
Seeley and his team set out to determine whether or not the brain's PPAR-γ system was responsible for the weight gain associated with TZDs. The team also wanted to learn if this system in the brain was activated by a high-fat diet.
To do so, they used animal models to test how the class of drugs interacted with the brain PPAR-γ system. They found that by giving TZD drugs in the same manner that people take them, rats gained weight. This was because the drugs activated PPAR-γ in the brain. Thus, weight gain associated with this class of drugs may not be a result of action of PPAR-γ in fat as had been previously thought, but rather a result of a change in activity in parts of the brain known to regulate appetite.
Seeley's team went on to also
'/>"/>
| Contact: Dama Ewbank dama.ewbank@uc.edu 513-558-4519 University of Cincinnati Academic Health Center Source:Eurekalert |
Related biology news :
1. UCSB urban ecosystem research featured in leading ecology journal
2. A tale of 2 lakes: One gives early warning signal for ecosystem collapse
3. RIKEN and Max Planck Society establish Joint Research Center for Systems Chemical Biology
4. Simple fungus reveals clue to immune system protection
5. Youku Upgrades Fingerprinting System for Tougher Copyright Protection Measures
6. Ahram Biosystems Announces Launch of the Palm PCR(TM) Portable PCR System
7. FDA approves the NovoTTF-100A system for the treatment of patients with recurrent glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) brain tumors
8. Death -- not just life -- important link in marine ecosystems
9. Stress wrecks intestinal bacteria, could keep immune system on idle
10. Common nanoparticles found to be highly toxic to Arctic ecosystem
11. A better understanding of the aging immune system
| Copyright © 2003-2012 Bio-Medicine. All rights reserved. ABOUT | CONTACT US | DISCLAIMER | PRIVACY POLICY | TERMS AND CONDITIONS |  |