Problem areas and belly fat Immune cells slow down important lipid metabolism

With increasing age, many people accumulate more fat in the abdominal area - even if they are otherwise slim. This is not without risk, because the abdominal fat is considered a risk factor for many diseases such as diabetes, high blood pressure, gout and coronary heart disease. Researchers at the University of Yale and the University of Bonn have now found a possible explanation for why fat loss in old age does not work properly. The study, which is currently published in the journal Nature, may also open up new treatment options, according to the scientists.

contents

• Thicker bellies even in slim people
• Researchers are studying stomach fat from mice
• Caterpillars sit next to nerve cells
• Bonn scientists analyze transcriptome data
• Enzymes destroy norepinephrine
• Transferability of the results to humans is being examined
• Tips: How to reduce belly fat
• Move as much as possible

Thicker bellies even in slim people

Older people usually have more fat in the abdominal area, even if they are otherwise normal weight. The reason for the increasing "hip gold" is a disturbed fat loss in old age, informed the University of Bonn. As a result, the body taps the fat storage on the abdomen and hip only to a very limited extent when it needs energy. Why fat loss works worse in older age, was previously unknown. Scientists from the University of Yale and the University of Bonn were now able to provide valuable explanations through a study with mice.

Obesity is a very common cause of hypertension. The waist plays a special role here. A large waist is more dangerous. (Image: tibanna79 / fotolia.com)

Researchers are studying stomach fat from mice

To understand what causes the disruption of fat loss, the researchers examined the adipose tissue of laboratory mice - because even these reduce fat in the age of insufficient, informs the University of Bonn in a recent release. The group from Yale suspected as a cause of age-related changes a specific cell type in the abdominal fat of rodents, more specifically a new type of so-called macrophages. These large phagocytes are white blood cells (leukocytes), which, among other things, play a crucial role in the defense against pathogens.

Caterpillars sit next to nerve cells

The researchers around Prof. Dr. Vishwa Deep Dixit from Yale University had previously recognized that these types of phagocytes also reside in adipose tissue, always near nerve cells. Once the mice starve, the nerve cells would produce messengers that stimulate fat burning, the report said. The researchers therefore assumed that the macrophages could be the reason for the disruption of lipid metabolism.

Bonn scientists analyze transcriptome data

For their study, scientists from the macrophages in the abdominal fat of mice isolated all active genes (transcriptome) - both in the young and in the old animals. All rodents had been dieted before this step. The data were then sent to the Life & Medical Sciences Institute (LIMES) of the University of Bonn for further investigation.

The analysis of the Bonn colleagues brought first insights: "We could thus find out which genes differ in their activity in the old and young animals. Among them were also the hereditary factors that are responsible for the slower fat metabolism in old age, "said Prof. Dr. med. Joachim Schultze of the LIMES Institute according to the communication.

Enzymes destroy norepinephrine

After narrowing down the genes in question, the US researchers finally showed the mechanism of disturbed fat loss. Accordingly, the nerve cells in the belly fat in hunger mode release the neurotransmitter norepinephrine, which boosts fat loss. In the older animals, however, the macrophages switched constantly in a kind of inflammatory mode, whereby the phagocytes, inter alia, increasingly produced the enzyme monoamine oxidase-A (MAOA). MAOA in turn destroys norepinephrine, which prevented the rodents from accumulating the accumulated fat.

Transferability of the results to humans is being examined

According to the communication, this detection is currently only applicable to mice. But the researchers assume that in humans an analogous mechanism is responsible for the increase of belly fat in old age. This theory is currently under review and could open the door for new treatment options if the appropriate evidence. It is known, for example, that the enzyme monoamine oxidase-A can be inhibited by certain antidepressants. "Theoretically, one could use these drugs to improve the metabolism of older people," said study director Vishwa Deep Dixit.

Tips: How to reduce belly fat

Often, even small changes in everyday life are a good start to reduce belly fat and thus reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. It is important, for example, a regular breakfast to avoid cravings for sweets and greasy. In addition to fiber and minerals, healthy and balanced breakfasts should include vitamins and complex carbohydrates, e.g. in the form of wholemeal bread. In general, be sure to drink plenty of cold water throughout the day to fill your stomach and avoid sudden hunger pangs.

Those who want to reduce belly fat, should pay attention to a low-calorie diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables, healthy olive oil, fish and protein-rich foods. However, finished products, chips, fast food, soft drinks and sugar should be avoided.

Move as much as possible

Just as important as proper nutrition is exercise to melt the fat on the stomach and hips. Make use of every opportunity for activity, for example by to drive to work by bike. Especially effective is strength training. Avoid negative stress, as it is often the trigger for cravings for sweets or greasy snacks. (No)