Accumulating fats

2001/02/01 Elhuyar Zientzia Iturria: Elhuyar aldizkaria

• Medikuntza

In the Baylor College of Medicine, almost by chance, they have made a discovery that will help to avoid fat accumulation in animals. The experiment was carried out with rats that had modified the gene encoding the protein called perilipine. Perilipine covers fat drops, protecting them from the HSL enzyme capable of metabolizing fat.

The process of metabolization requires the energy that is left in the form of fat if not consumed. Perilipine is a very active protein, as in the case of rats, and from now on scientists intend to design drugs that neutralize their activity to reduce the problems of obesity.