New treatment approach Targeted activation of brown adipose tissue for fast weight loss?

Researchers are discovering a new approach to treating overweight and diabetes
The activation of brown adipose tissue by means of a special substrate offers, according to a recent study, a promising approach for patients with obesity and diabetes. In a recent study on human cell lines, scientists from the Leipzig University Hospital have demonstrated that the "Substrate MP-10" can achieve activation of brown adipose tissue as well as significant weight loss and improved insulin resistance. The researchers published their results in the journal EMBO Molecular Medicine.

With their study, the researchers of IFB Obesity Diseases at the University of Leipzig have "found a promising approach to weight loss and improvement of insulin resistance in brown adipose tissue," according to the University of Leipzig. For the first time, the tested substrate has been able to influence the genetic pathway for activation in brown adipose tissue. The researchers see here a new approach to the treatment of obesity and diabetes.

An activation of the brown adipose tissue with the help of a special substrate allows a significant weight reduction. (Image: Kurhan / fotolia.com)

Increased energy turnover through activation of brown adipose tissue
Brown adipose tissue is responsible for the development of heat (thermogenesis) in the body and consumes large amounts of energy, according to the University of Leipzig. "This increased energy consumption would be of particular advantage for people with overweight and obesity. An activation of the brown adipose tissue and the associated increase in energy expenditure can be achieved, for example, by exposure to cold, the researchers report. However, they have now succeeded in proving that a drug intervention is also possible to activate the brown adipose tissue.

Brown adipose tissue can also be activated in adults
For a long time, according to the Leipzig researchers, the assumption was that brown adipose tissue is only active in children and plays a minor role in the energy balance of adults. But in recent years, various studies have shown that brown adipose tissue is also activatable in adults. In addition, it has been proven today that white adipose tissue, which otherwise serves only as a pure energy store, can be partially converted into "beige adipose tissue", according to the University of Leipzig.

Special substrate allows activation of brown adipose tissue
The research team around Dr. Wiebke Fenske of the IFB Adiposity Diseases claims to be the first to identify the enzyme PDE10A (phosphodiesterase 10A) in brown adipose tissue and in part of the cerebrum, the so-called striatum. A targeted elimination of this enzyme by the substrate MP-10 led to a significant weight loss and improvement of insulin resistance by activation of the brown adipose tissue.

Safe approach to weight loss and treatment of diabetes
According to the researchers, the substrate MP-10 is well tolerated by humans and also has the advantage that the enzymatic target, in comparison to other research approaches, represents a dual approach to weight loss via a central pathway in the brain and adipose tissue. With his help, the Leipzig researchers hope to enable overweight patients to safely lose weight and improve diabetes without negative cardiac side effects. (Fp)