After discovering different protein isoforms of PGC-1a, scientists are hopeful that a new weight loss drug can be developed that does not require exercise or dieting.
A team of Japanese scientists has recently identified protein isoforms that increase during exercise and aid in fat burning. This discovery could pave the way for developing a new type of medication that helps users lose weight without the need for dietary restrictions.
Scientists hope to soon develop a weight loss drug that does not require dieting – (Illustrative photo: AFP).
According to research published in the European scientific journal Molecular Metabolism, scientists from Kobe University School of Medicine and other institutions have identified various isoforms of the protein PGC-1a produced in skeletal muscle during exercise. They found that the greater the increase in these protein isoforms, the more energy the individual expends.
The research team clarified that the increase in PGC-1a protein is primarily due to enhanced regulation of alternative isoforms. This plays a crucial role in boosting the adaptability of energy expenditure processes.
The researchers also discovered that mice lacking these protein isoforms frequently exhibited reduced energy expenditure during exercise, leading to obesity and increased blood insulin levels.
When the research team examined human skeletal muscle, they found that the alternative PGC-1a protein isoforms also increased during exercise. Consequently, they concluded that the variability in the number of protein isoforms produced differs among individuals, resulting in variations in weight loss effectiveness even when people perform the same exercises for the same duration.
Currently, appetite suppressant medications are commonly prescribed to treat obesity. However, the aforementioned new findings open up hope for formulating and producing new drugs that could enhance PGC-1a protein isoforms without the need for exercise or dieting.
Team member Professor Wataru Ogawa from Kobe University stated that scientists and medical professionals are currently focusing on reducing obesity rates, and if these new findings can eliminate this condition, it may lead to the discovery of many viable methods for treating various diseases in the future.
