Researchers study 'inhibitors'

A study under way at the University of Cincinnati may lead to the development of drugs that might allow people to eat whatever they want without gaining significant amounts of weight.

David Hui, a professor of pathology and laboratory medicine and Joachim Herz, a researcher at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, have received $200,000 from the National Institute of Health for a study on preventing obesity and related disorders like diabetes.

The five-year study is focusing on a specific cell receptor involved in the accumulation of fat in the body. By targeting this molecule, scientists hope eventually to develop drugs to reduce fat transport to cells in the body.

"We are very interested in this receptor and are using a gene-targeting approach," Hui said.

Two independent groups of genetically-altered mice are being used in the study to reduce fat in cells by introducing "inhibitors," or blocking agents, either orally or through injection.

A specific cell receptor, known as the adipocyte LDL receptor-related protein 1 (LRP1) molecule, is being studied in the mice. When the LRP1 molecule is active, it causes the body to increase overall fat storage.

When two groups of mice were fed identical low-fat diets, the mice whose cells were blocked from receiving the LRP1 molecule experienced no significant weight gain. These mice also had smaller amounts of fat to provide warmth, which increased muscular activity to raise body temperature, ultimately gaining less weight, and tolerated glucose better.

"By delivering small molecule inhibitors we believe it will allow us to block the rate of fat transport in the body." Hui said.

A drug blocking accumulation of fat is years away, according to Hui.

"We are only in the first stage, far from human testing and treatments," Hui said.

Obsesity is a growing problem throughout the nation. Up to 33 percent of American adults between the ages of 20 and 74 are overweight or obese due to diets high in fats and carbohydrates and a lack of exercise, according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, a national health organization.

High levels of obesity are leading to increased rates of Type 2 diabetes, coronary artery disease and other health complications.

Diet aids are popular at area health stores like Vitamin World in Colerain Township, where approximately 25 percent of revenues stem from the sale of weight loss products, according to Kathy Nielsen, store manager of Vitamin World, located in Colerain.

"Most people taking diet pills are looking for a miracle," Nielsen said. "No weight loss products work if you don't work with them. It's more of a change of life style."