25 March 2009

Prevent Obesity by turning off a gene?


Obesity affects a large percentage of first world countries. SCientists at the University of California have recently discovered the 'missing link' of carbohydrate conversion into fats. Experiments on rats have shown that when this gene is turned off the rate at which body fat is produced is significantly reduced.


DNA-PK is the gene which has been identified as having the ability to affect the creation of fatty acids from glucose. This research has the potential of eventually helping to decrease weight gain after over indulgence on carbohydrates such as bread and pasta. Experiments on rats were carried out to provide evidence for this discovery and it was found that when rats were fed on a diet of 70% carbohydrates and no fats, the rats with the DNA-PK gene disabled had a body fat which was 40%lower than that of the control group.

Roger H.F. Wong said, "We hope that this research will one day help people eat bread, pasta and rice, and not worry about getting fat."

Original Article Link
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/03/090319132919.htm

Picture accessed from:
http://www.healthnews-stat.com/primages/OBESITY.jpg