Gene Therapy to Help Fight Obesity

Posted Sun, 2009/06/21 - 14:31 by Fred Lee

Photo:

Researchers out of Ohio State University are experimenting with gene therapy as way to help control obesity by tapping into the key feeding and weight control centers of the brain. The procedure involves the use of the gene that expresses hypothalamic brain-derived neurotrophic factor, or BDNF, which has been shown to help reduce fat mass and body weight by increasing insulin sensitivity.

BDNF is a neural growth factor, or neurotrophin, that acts on the neurons in both the central and peripheral nervous system, though it has been found in a variety of organs, including the kidneys and prostate. In the brain, it is most active in areas that are responsible higher thinking processes, including learning and memory. BDNF also functions to support existing tissue while encouraging growth and differentiation of new neurons and synapses.

While most of the cells in the human brain are formed at birth, certain areas retain stem cells that are able to differentiate into mature neurons, a process that is stimulated and controlled by neurotrophins like BDNF. It has been suggested, based on work done in animal models, that exercise increases the secretion of BDNF in human brains.

In the gene therapy study, a BDNF expressing gene was injected directly into the hypothalamus of three test groups of mice: a normal group, a diabetic group, and a group that was fed a high fat diet. The genes produced BDNF until a stable target weight was successfully reached. The expression of BDNF was modulated by a special micro RNA technique that kicked into gear in response to BDNF induced physiological changes so that excessive weight loss would not occur, mimicking the feedback loop mechanism that occurs naturally in our bodies.

The authors of the study feel the results are encouraging and are in the process of seeking FDA approval to begin testing the procedure in humans. And while they feel that further studies need to be done, the findings nonetheless represent a potentially promising new method to help combat the problem of obesity.

According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), obesity rates over the past 25 years have doubled in adults and tripled in children. Currently there are more than 72 million people who are obese, which includes more than one third of U.S. adult population and over 16% of the children. Obesity can reduce one’s life expectancy and is linked to a number of diseases which include heart disease, diabetes, and certain cancers. It is the leading cause of preventable death worldwide.

Permalink | 1 comment