NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - Using antisense oligonucleotides to block the expression of a key fatty acid enzyme can prevent diet-induced obesity in mice, according to a report in April 1st online issue of The Journal of Clinical Investigation.
Steroyl-CoA desaturase-1 (SCD1) converts saturated long-chain fatty acids into monounsaturated fatty acids, the main components of triglycerides, senior author Dr. Bei B. Zhang, from Merck Research Laboratories in Rahway, New Jersey, and colleagues note.
The authors tested the effect of blocking SCD1 expression on body weight in mice on a high-fat diet.
As anticipated, SCD1 inhibition caused a drop in the synthesis and secretion of fatty acids and an increase in fatty acid oxidation in mouse hepatocytes. In addition, it prevented diet-induced obesity and seemed to have beneficial effects on body adiposity and insulin sensitivity.
The results suggest that “SCD1 inhibition represents a new target for the treatment of obesity and related metabolic disorders,” the investigators conclude.
Source: J Clin Invest 2005. [ Google search on this article ]
MeSH Headings:Animal Diseases: Disease Models, Animal: Specialty Chemicals and Products: Nucleic Acids, Nucleotides, and Nucleosides: Molecular Probes: Nucleic Acid Probes: Antisense Elements (Genetics): Oligonucleotides, Antisense: Laboratory Chemicals: Chemical Actions and Uses: Uses of Chemicals and Drugs: Chemicals and Drugs: DiseasesCopyright © 2002 Reuters Limited. All rights reserved. Republication or redistribution of Reuters content, including by framing or similar means, is expressly prohibited without the prior written consent of Reuters. Reuters shall not be liable for any errors or delays in the content, or for any actions taken in reliance thereon. Reuters and the Reuters sphere logo are registered trademarks and trademarks of the Reuters group of companies around the world.
