Washington. More than a third of US adults, i.e. about 72 million people, as well as 16% of American children, are obese. Since 1980, obesity rates have doubled in adults and tripled in children.
Worried about the rising incidence of obesity, researchers are exploring the possibility of directly introducing the necessary gene into one of the most important brain centers responsible for nutrition and weight control.

“Obesity greatly increases the risk of diabetes, cardiovascular disease, stroke, and even cancer,” said Matthew Duering, co-author of the study and professor at the Ohio State University Medical Center.

“Our findings represent a new, promising approach to treating obesity, which may ultimately provide a safer and more effective approach than some conventional therapies,” he said.

Scientists have found that a specific gene, BDNF (brain-derived neurotrophic factor gene), when active in the hypothalamus, can lead to improved insulin sensitivity, reduced fat mass and weight loss.

Lei Sao, co-author and assistant professor of molecular virology, immunology and medical genetics, said that during the study, the BDNF gene was introduced into normal mice, diabetic mice, and mice fed a special high-fat diet. This was done in order to determine how the gene transplant would affect their weight.

“The gene was active in overfed mice, but as they lost weight, the effect of this gene decreased. It uses a new approach called RNA intervention, which stops the weight loss process, allowing you to achieve an optimally stable weight mark,” said Lei Sao.

Professor Duering noted that the initial results of the research promise a great future, and outlined the next step in this matter – obtaining permission from the US Food and Drug Administration to conduct further studies, but already on humans. The professor plans to conduct further research at the medical center at the Ohio State University.