New insight into middle-aged weight gainNeurons' shape linked to obesity, study finds

A Recent Study Shows Potential Implications for Obesity in Humans

A recent study has revealed that a change in the shape of neurons in rats can have a significant impact on obesity. The results of the study, conducted by researchers from Nagoya University, Osaka University, and other institutions in Japan, are believed to have implications for humans and could potentially aid in the fight against middle-aged weight gain.

The focus of the study was on a protein called melanocortin-4 (MC4R), which acts as a messenger in the brain to suppress food intake when the body senses an excess of calories. The researchers found that MC4R accumulates in the primary cilia structures of certain groups of neurons in the hypothalamus area of the brain. These cilia are then activated by hormones known as melanocortins, which signal the body to stop eating when it has had enough.

The scientists then investigated whether the cilia structure changed as the rats aged, and if this was related to the tendency to gain weight as we get older. They discovered that the MC4R cilia in middle-aged rats (six months old) were significantly shorter than those in younger rats (nine weeks old). This decrease in cilia length corresponded to a slower metabolism and reduced fat-burning ability in the older rodents.

"We believe that a similar mechanism exists in humans as well. We hope our findings will lead to a better understanding of obesity and ultimately, better treatments," stated lead author Kazuhiro Nakamura from Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine.

To further investigate the role of MC4R, the researchers put one group of rats on a standard diet to establish a baseline for cilia shrinkage with age. They then put two other groups on either a high-fat diet or a restricted diet. The rats on the high-fat diet showed a faster decrease in MC4R cilia length as they aged, while those on the restricted diet had slower shrinking cilia.

In a separate experiment, the team genetically engineered rats with shortened MC4R cilia in their youth and found that these rats ate more, had slower metabolisms, and gained weight. This further supported the link between short MC4R cilia and obesity.

The researchers also examined the hormone leptin, which is known to regulate appetite, in the experimental rats. They found that rats with shortened cilia showed no reduction in appetite when given leptin, indicating a resistance to the hormone. This "leptin resistance" is often observed in obese humans and has been a barrier to effective treatment for the condition.

Co-author of the study, Manami Oya, stated, "In obese patients, adipose tissue secretes excessive leptin, which triggers the chronic action of melanocortin. Our study suggests that this may promote the age-related shortening of MC4R+ cilia and put animals into a vicious cycle, where melanocortin becomes ineffective, increasing the risk of obesity."

While more research is needed to determine if these findings apply to humans, Nakamura advises that the key to maintaining healthy MC4R cilia and preventing age-related weight gain is to monitor food intake and maintain moderate eating habits.

The study has been published in the journal Cell Metabolism.

Alton Shaffer
With a strong hold on the business domain with an experience of over 10 years, Alton owns a Masters Degree in Business Administrations. He is associated with Industry News USA from last 3 years and handles the Business section successfully. In team Industry News USA, Alton is known as an affluent source of knowledge. He is honored for greatest efforts in his field. With a unique style of communicating, Alton is labeled as a problem-solver of Industry News USA.