Summary of the Research on FGF19 and Obesity
This article details research conducted at the Obesity and Chronic Disease Research Center (OCRC) at UNICAMP, funded by FAPESP, investigating the potential of FGF19 to combat obesity. Here’s a breakdown of the key findings:
The Problem:
* Global Obesity Crisis: The world is facing a growing obesity epidemic, threatening to derail global health goals related to diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and cancer. Over 1 billion people are currently obese, with projections exceeding 1.5 billion by 2030.
* Brazil’s Situation: Around 31% of the Brazilian population is obese, and a significant portion of adults don’t meet recommended physical activity levels.
The Research & Findings:
* FGF19’s Role: FGF19, primarily produced in the small intestine, regulates energy metabolism in the liver. This study focused on its less understood effects in the brain.
* Experiment: Researchers induced obesity in mice with a high-fat diet and then administered FGF19 directly into their brains.
* Positive Results: Central FGF19 signaling improved energy homeostasis by:
* Boosting activity of the sympathetic nervous system.
* Stimulating thermogenesis (heat production) in adipose tissue, increasing energy expenditure.
* Cellular Level Investigation: Analysis of single-cell RNA sequencing data from the hypothalamus identified brain cells expressing FGF19 receptors, helping pinpoint where FGF19 exerts its effects.
Future Research Directions:
* Boosting Natural FGF19 Production: Researchers are now focused on finding ways to encourage the body to produce more FGF19 naturally.
* Neural Circuits & Eating Behavior: They are also investigating the connection between these findings and the neural circuits that control eating.
* Inflammation & FGF19: Exploring the role of FGF19 in hypothalamic inflammation associated with high-fat diets.
In essence, the study suggests that FGF19 in the brain could be a promising target for developing new strategies to combat obesity by influencing energy expenditure and potentially reducing inflammation.