A New Way to Fight Weight Gain
Two cell proteins that relax the gut and help accommodate a big meal
have been identified by UCL (University College London) scientists. The
proteins could offer a future drug target against weight gain, by
preventing the stomach from expanding.
Two cell proteins that relax the gut and help accommodate a big meal
have been identified by UCL (University College London) scientists. The
proteins could offer a future drug target against weight gain, by
preventing the stomach from expanding.
In a paper published in the Journal of Pharmacology and Experimental
Therapeutics, Dr Brian King and Dr Andrea Townsend-Nicholson
explored the molecular basis of relaxations of the gut.
In the study, the authors identified two protein receptors – P2Y1 and
P2Y11 – involved in fast and slow relaxations of the gut.
These proteins were identified in the guinea pig, but are also present in
the human gut, and thus offer the potential as a future target for drug
treatment. Further research by the UCL team will focus on the human
isoform of the P2Y11 protein receptor.
Dr Brian King of the UCL Department of Neuroscience, Physiology and
Pharmacology says: “The mechanisms we have identified are important
to the normal workings of the stomach - a hollow organ which actively
relaxes to help accommodate the size of your meal.
"The human stomach has a ‘resting’ internal volume of 75 millilitres but,
by relaxing its muscular wall, can expand to an internal volume of two
litres or more - a 25-fold increase in the volume it can accept.
"This expansion is controlled by nerves inside the stomach wall and
these nerves release molecules that stimulate the P2Y1 and P2Y11
receptor proteins embedded in muscle cells in the gut wall."
The mechanism of slow relaxation of the stomach might represent a
future drug target in the fight to control weight gain and reverse obesity.
"We are looking to identify drugs that would block the P2Y11 receptor
and, therefore, prevent slow relaxation of the stomach," Dr King said. "As
a result of blocking the P2Y11-based mechanism, meal size would be
smaller, offering the person a better chance of regulating their food
intake."
Dr King said this would be a brand new approach to weight control.
"At present, the most successful way to help obese patients lose weight
is gastric banding or stomach stapling, both of which reduce the
maximum volume of the stomach. But these are also tricky surgical
procedures, not without attendant risks.
"A pill that could replace this surgery, yet have the same effect, might be
a useful alternative,” Dr King said.
Want to Lose Weight? Eat a Big Breakfast!
Study says eating a big breakfast helps in weight loss.
The Best Abdominal Exercises
Researchers look at the top 13 exercises for great abs.
Watch What You Eat
If you're serious about losing weight, you've got to watch
what you eat.
Calculating Your Ideal Body Weight
Do you have an ideal body weight? Find out using this
simple calculator.
The Best Time to Exercise
It's not only how but also when that is important when
following a weight reduction or fitness program.
Study says eating a big breakfast helps in weight loss.
The Best Abdominal Exercises
Researchers look at the top 13 exercises for great abs.
Watch What You Eat
If you're serious about losing weight, you've got to watch
what you eat.
Calculating Your Ideal Body Weight
Do you have an ideal body weight? Find out using this
simple calculator.
The Best Time to Exercise
It's not only how but also when that is important when
following a weight reduction or fitness program.
Pot Bellies Linked to Heart Disease
Excess Body Fat Causes Cancer
Brain Chemical Blocks Weight Gain
Weight Maintenance Helps Prevent Cancer
Large Waist Triples Risk of Dementia
A New Way to Combat Weight Gain
'Most Effective Weight Loss Diet'
New Hope for Prostate Cancer Victims
The Power of Juice
Daytime Dozing Linked to High Stroke Risk
This Diet Reduces Risk of Memory Problems
Naps Are Good for Your Heart
Build Stronger Bones
Top 10 Nutrition Myths Debunked
For Complete List of Stories, Click Here
Excess Body Fat Causes Cancer
Brain Chemical Blocks Weight Gain
Weight Maintenance Helps Prevent Cancer
Large Waist Triples Risk of Dementia
A New Way to Combat Weight Gain
'Most Effective Weight Loss Diet'
New Hope for Prostate Cancer Victims
The Power of Juice
Daytime Dozing Linked to High Stroke Risk
This Diet Reduces Risk of Memory Problems
Naps Are Good for Your Heart
Build Stronger Bones
Top 10 Nutrition Myths Debunked
For Complete List of Stories, Click Here
|
|
|