Medicosnext
Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine and Stanford School of Medicine have identified a molecule in the blood produced during exercise that can effectively reduce food intake and obesity in mice. Co-corresponding author Dr. Yong Xu, professor of pediatrics-nutrition and molecular and cellular biology at Baylor believes that it would be beneficial to understand the mechanism, at the molecular level, by which exercise triggers weight loss, regulates appetite, and improves metabolic profile, particularly in obese people. The researchers believe that this understanding can be of immense help to older or frail people who cannot exercise enough, because they may someday benefit from taking a medication that can slow down osteoporosis, heart disease, or other conditions.
Comprehensive analyses of blood plasma compounds from mice after intense treadmill running revealed that the most significantly induced molecule was a modified amino acid called Lac-Phe, which is synthesized from lactate (a byproduct of strenuous exercise) and phenylalanine (an amino acid). In obese mice on a high-fat diet, a high dose of Lac-Phe suppressed food intake by about 50%, as compared to control mice, without affecting their energy expenditure. Administration of Lac-Phe over 10 days resulted in reduction in cumulative food intake and body weight, as well as improved glucose tolerance. The study also found that an enzyme called CNDP2 is involved in the production of Lac-Phe, and that mice lacking this enzyme did not lose as much weight. They also found healthy increase of Lac-Phe levels in racehorses and humans following physical activity. Sprint exercises were found to show the highest increase in Lac-Phe levels, followed by resistance and endurance training.
