 |
| A new study suggests that a
natural protein might boost the body's fat-burning ability.
The findings may
help in the development of a new anti obesity agent.
(file photo) |
BEIJING, April
19 (Xinhuanet) -- A new study suggests that a natural protein called
ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF) might boost the body's fat-burning
ability, reported this week's issue of Nature Medicine.
"While hormones such as leptin were initially thought to
be the cure-all for weight loss, they were later found to be ineffective in
obesity due to the presence of proteins which inhibit their ability to stimulate
fat metabolism. Fortunately, CNTF's effects on fat burning are maintained," Said
research leader Dr. Greg Steinberg, of the University of Melbourne in Australia,
in a statement.
Steinberg's team found that CNTF activates an enzyme
called skeletal muscle AMP kinase, which in turns boosts the body's ability to
metabolize fat and sugar.
Until recently, most obesity research has concentrated on
the regulation of appetite by hormones such as leptin.
The findings may help in the development of a new anti
obesity agent.
"Dr. Steinberg's finding is significant because this new
pathway that overcomes leptin resistance opens the door to a more promising
avenue for the development of a therapeutic anti-obesity agent," said Dr. Diane
Finegood, a Canadian scientist.Enditem
(Agencies)
