Scientists Discover Compound That May Reduce Food Intake in Mice. This represents a significant advancement in research, potentially allowing humans to achieve exercise-like benefits through a pill.
According to a report by The Independent on June 20, scientists recently announced the discovery of a modified amino acid called Lac-Phe.
Regular exercise can help with weight loss and appetite… (Image source: freepik.com).
In a study published in the journal Nature, the research team reported that this compound is produced in the highest amounts in plasma right after mice are placed on a high-intensity treadmill.
“Regular exercise has been shown to help with weight loss, improve appetite, and enhance digestive function, especially for overweight and obese individuals,” said Yong Xu, a professor of pediatrics and molecular biology at Baylor College of Medicine (USA) and a co-author of the study.
According to the scientists, the Lac-Phe molecule is synthesized from lactate (a compound produced after high-intensity exercise) and phenylalanine (an amino acid that makes up proteins in the human body).
Experiments demonstrated that high doses of Lac-Phe could reduce food intake in mice by up to 50% after about 12 hours without affecting their activity levels or energy expenditure. When Lac-Phe was administered to mice over a period of 10 days, it significantly decreased food consumption, led to weight loss, reduced fat, and improved glucose tolerance.
The study also identified an enzyme called CNDP2 that is involved in the production of Lac-Phe. Mice lacking this enzyme lost weight more slowly compared to other mice.
In addition to mice, scientists also found evidence that the levels of Lac-Phe in the plasma of horses and humans increase after exercise, opening the possibility for this compound’s application in humans.
According to them, sprinting is the activity that most significantly increases Lac-Phe levels, followed by strength training and endurance exercises.
Co-author Janathan Long stated: “This discovery shows that Lac-Phe is an ancient system regulating eating behavior and is related to physical activity in many animal species.”
The authors aim to gain a deeper understanding of how Lac-Phe affects the body and brain. “For example, elderly or frail individuals who cannot exercise may one day benefit from using drugs that help slow down osteoporosis, cardiovascular disease, and other conditions,” Dr. Janathan Long suggested regarding its potential applications.
Professor Yong Xu added: “Our goal is to learn how to adjust exercise regimens for therapeutic interventions.”
