A new research in mice shows that when certain neurons in the hypothalamus block the function of an enzyme, known as ABHD6, it is impossible to lose weight, even if an ideal regime of diet and exercise is followed.
For the investigation, the team of Thierry Alquier and Alexandre Fisette, from the University of Montreal in Canada, worked with genetically modified mice, without the enzyme ABHD6 in a specific population of hypothalamic neurons.
The researchers found that under normal feeding conditions, these mice are identical to normal mice. However, they are more likely to become obese when they eat a high-fat diet. What’s more, once they are obese and they are fed a healthy diet to lose weight, they are no longer able to return to normal weight.
Researchers have discovered that this enzyme acts as a kind of switch for adjusting the body to extreme food situations.
Is there an identical process in humans? Alquier said that clinical studies will be needed to find out, but he believes that ABHD6 plays a key role in the rebound effect often observed after a diet regimen. Specifically, people who experience difficulties in losing weight not attributable to skipping the regimen may have a deficiency of this enzyme.
Source: Agencia ID
