Metabolism: clinical and experimental
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De novo lipogenesis (DNL) is a complex and highly regulated metabolic pathway. In normal conditions DNL converts excess carbohydrate into fatty acids that are then esterified to storage triacylglycerols (TGs). These TGs could later provide energy via β-oxidation. In human body this pathway is primarily active in liver and adipose tissue. However, it is considered to be a minor contributor to the serum lipid homeostasis. Deregulations in the lipogenic pathway are associated with diverse pathological conditions. ⋯ De novo lipogenesis - which is an intricate and highly regulated pathway - can lead to adverse metabolic consequences when deregulated. Therapeutic targeting of this pathway may open a new window of opportunity for combating various lipogenesis-driven pathological conditions - including obesity, cancer and certain viral infections.
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We investigated whether KR-66195, a new synthetic dipeptidyl dipeptidase IV inhibitor, could prevent weight gain, as well as improving glycemic control in diet-induced obese (DIO) and ob/ob mice. ⋯ KR-66195 markedly increased plasma levels of GLP-1, resulting in the probable improvement in glucose tolerance and reduced body weight and food intake. Thus, KR-66195 might be further developed as a therapeutic drug to treat obesity, as well as diabetes.
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This cross-sectional study analyzed the association of serum irisin concentrations with cardiorespiratory fitness levels and common single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the FNDC5 gene and examined the relationships between cardiorespiratory fitness levels, common SNPs in FNDC5, and glucose metabolism. ⋯ In Japanese men, cardiorespiratory fitness levels and common SNPs in FNDC5 are not associated with circulating irisin levels, whereas high cardiorespiratory fitness abolishes the association between the rs3480 and rs16835198 SNPs and glucose metabolism independent of serum irisin levels.
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Serum uric acid (sUA) is believed to contribute to the pathogenesis of metabolic comorbidities like hypertension, insulin-resistance (IR) and endothelial dysfunction (EDF) in obese children. The present pilot study investigated the association between sUA concentrations and loss of body weight following laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) or laparoscopic Roux-en-Y-gastric bypass (RYGB) in severely obese adolescents. ⋯ sUA levels and metabolic comorbidities improved following bariatric surgery in severely obese adolescents. The impact of changes in sUA on long-term clinical complications of childhood obesity deserves further study.