January 6, 2010

Possible key to fight obesity

By Kelley Luckstein

Mayo Clinic researchers and investigators at the University of Iowa, University of Connecticut and New York University said that the energy-saving mechanism is controlled by ATP-sensitive potassium (KATP) channels. ATP, or adenosine triphosphate, is the "energy currency" utilized by cells in the body…

 

"While mechanisms that preserve energy are naturally protective - in times of food shortage or environmental stress - they promote obesity in a sedentary, modern society. Our findings suggest that therapeutic targeting of the KATP channel function, specifically in muscle, could offer a new option for obese patients with lower capacity for exercise," said Alexey Alekseev, Mayo Clinic electrophysiologist and first author of the study.

 

Times of India, 1/5/10

 

Additional coverage:

AFP

Tags: ATP-Sensitive potassium channels, Nutrition, Obesity, Research

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