In a battle against obesity individuals may employ various methods. The following article can probably be beneficial for such people. Scientists from the National Institutes of Health affirmed a unique compound to improve metabolic abnormalities linked to obesity. Having conducted the experiment on mice, researchers anticipate the new treatment to successfully overcome some of the serious health consequences of obesity.
Apparently identical compounds are suggested to block the activity of endocannabinoids. It was enlightened that endocannabinoids are natural messengers in the body and chemically similar to the active compound in marijuana. They seemingly aid in controlling various biological functions. The compounds may not only be helpful in achieving weight loss but also enhance metabolic complications of obesity. These complications may include diabetes and insulin resistance, alterations in blood lipid composition, and fatty liver.
“Our results suggest that this compound could perhaps provide clinical benefits for obese individuals without the liabilities seen thus far with similar compounds,” elucidated George Kunos, M.D., Ph.D. senior author and NIAAA Scientific Director.
But employment of such compounds may result in side effects like anxiety, depression and suicidal thoughts. Researchers claim to develop a compound that can prevent such side effects and simultaneously block the activity of endocannabinoid. If a compound is incapable to enter into the brain, it would probably block the activity of endocannabinoid receptors in peripheral tissues. This action is believed to lessen metabolic and hormonal problems associated to obesity.
Dr. Kunos shared, “Endocannabinoid receptors are present in the brain, as well as in peripheral tissues including the liver, skeletal muscles, pancreas, and fatty tissues. Activation of peripheral endocannabinoid receptors contributes to obesity-related metabolic and hormonal abnormalities.”
Potential ability of the newly developed compound was experimented in obese mice. As a result, positive outcomes appeared in glucose regulation, fatty liver, and plasma lipid profiles of such mice. It was ascertained that the behavioral responses like cannabinoid-induced immobility and hypothermia continued to remain the same.
Dr. Joseph Tam, D.D.S., Ph.D., of the NIAAA Laboratory of Physiologic Studies, first author commented, “These preliminary findings are very encouraging and warrant further testing of this compound as a potential pharmacotherapy for the metabolic syndrome associated with obesity.”
These behavioral responses are known to be determined by endocannabinoid receptors in the brain. The experts explained that approximately 12 percent mice with diet-induced obesity reduced weight. Similar results may not have been reported in mice with a genetic predisposition for obesity.
The research is published online in the Journal of Clinical Investigation.