Blocking Fatty Acid Enzyme Prevents Obesity

Using antisense oligonucleotides to block the expression of a key fatty acid enzyme can prevent diet-induced obesity in mice. Steroyl-CoA desaturase-1 (SCD1) converts saturated long-chain fatty acids into monounsaturated fatty acids, the main components of triglycerides, senior author Dr. Bei B. Zhang, from Merck Research Laboratories in Rahway, New Jersey, and colleagues note.

The authors tested the effect of blocking SCD1 expression on body weight in mice on a high-fat diet.

As anticipated, SCD1 inhibition caused a drop in the synthesis and secretion of fatty acids and an increase in fatty acid oxidation in mouse hepatocytes. In addition, it prevented diet-induced obesity and seemed to have beneficial effects on body adiposity and insulin sensitivity.

The results suggest that "SCD1 inhibition represents a new target for the treatment of obesity and related metabolic disorders," the investigators conclude.
J Clin Invest 2005.
=============================

WarmFeet Kit can help with painful neuropathy and wound healing.
To Find our more:
https://www.diabetesincontrol.com/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=2007

The 10,000 STEP STUDY:
"The Results". A simple answer to a difficult problem.
https://www.diabetesincontrol.com/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=2001