StemCell Therapy

24.09.2012 - (idw) University of Gothenburg

Researchers at the Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Sweden, have identified a molecule in the immune system that could affect hunger and satiety. The researchers hope that new treatments for obesity will benefit from this finding. Interleukin-6 is a chemical messenger in our immune system that plays an important role in fighting off infection. However, recent research has, surprisingly, shown that it can also trigger weight loss. Researchers at Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, have been investigating and managed to identify the specific types of brain cells that are targeted by the interleukin-6 molecule.

The results show that the cells that are affected by interleukin-6 produce substances that not only affect our sense of hunger and fullness but also control the bodys ability to burn fat. Interleukin-6 increases levels of substances in the brain that trigger weight loss, which could explain why high levels of this molecule lead to weight loss, says doctoral student Erik Schle, who is presenting the results in his thesis.

It is known that our normally low levels of interleukin-6 in the brain increase dramatically during an infection, typically accompanied by reduced hunger and fatigue.

Our previous findings would indicate that interleukin-6 can play a key role in regulating the metabolism of healthy individuals too, says Erik Schle.

Although it is not yet fully understood how interleukin-6 in the brain affects bodyweight, the researchers have concluded that anyone whose brain produces plenty of interleukin-6 could be protected against overweight. The thesis also shows that our gut bacteria indirectly affect the substances in the brain that regulate bodyweight.

This is both surprising and new. It could in the long run lead to people fighting obesity by changing what they eat in line with how it affects the brain, says Erik Schle.

Contact; Erik Schle, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg. + 46 31 786 3681 erik.schele@medic.gu.se function fbs_click() {u=location.href;t=document.title;window.open('http://www.facebook.com/sharer.php?u='+encodeURIComponent(u)+'&t='+encodeURIComponent(t),'sharer','toolbar=0,status=0,width=626,height=436');return false;} html .fb_share_link { padding:2px 0 0 20px; height:16px; background:url(http://www.stemcelltherapy.tv/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/29c1d78260e_icon.gif.gif?6:26981) no-repeat top left; } Share on Facebook

See the rest here:
Immune system molecule affects our weight

This entry was posted on September 24, 2012 at 10:14 am and is filed under Immune System. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed. |