A laboratory-created protein helps with weight loss

Researchers have designed and created a protein that helps reduce body weight, insulin and cholesterol levels in obese mice, rats and primates. Their results could pave the way for necessary alternatives to bariatric surgery in the treatment of obesity. GDF15 gene administration reduced their body weight. Also food intake and serum insulin levels in animals. The scientists generated two different fusion proteins. Because GDF15 has a short life in plasma and is very difficult to produce in substantial quantities. These were more stable and led to higher yields. Both proteins effectively decreased the body weight of mice and cynomolgus apes. Interestingly, the researchers showed that the GDF15 regimen altered the food preferences of the mice. Which led them to prefer a low-calorie diet when they were offered the option between the standard diet and an extra-rich condensed milk diet.

Mice off the regimen preferred foods with more calories.

The authors determined that the GDF15 regimen activated a population of nerve cells called AP neurons that make up a portion of the gut-brain axis. But they point out that more studies are needed to identify the cellular receptor for the protein. As the potential therapy reaches the clinic. This research is a watershed in what the future could hold for processes and options in the treatment of obesity. It is important to follow them closely to be aware of how these investigations are progressing. If you want to read the original research, click here: http://stm.sciencemag.org/content/9/412/eaan8732