American scientists have developed a new drug, still at the experimental stage, to prevent weight gain and protect the liver even in the case of a fatty and sugary diet.
Still in the experimental stagea new drug would be able to limit weight gain even in the case a diet high in sugars and fatsreveal researchers from the Texas University of Health and Science in San Antonio in the United States in a study published in the journal Cell Reports. This so-called “small cell” treatment which the researchers named CPACCwould even allow protect the liver from toxins in decreasing fat accumulation in the liverthus limiting the risk of hepatic steatosis.
Limit the entry of magnesium into the cells
The mechanism of action is simple to understand: the drug would limit the entry of magnesium into the mitochondria, the parts of cells responsible for generating energy and burning calories. Depriving them of this “fuel” would therefore make it possible to limit mitochondrial abnormalities, involved in the appearance of various metabolic diseases food-induced notably diabetes, obesity and cardiovascular disease. Magnesium is certainly an important mineral in the maintenance of health and in particular helps regulate blood sugar and blood pressure. But too much magnesium in the body would slow down the production of energy, essential for burning calories.
Mice deprived of this gene did not gain weight despite their rich diet
To develop this new treatment, the researchers looked at the specific gene that encodes the protein transporting magnesium in the mitochondria called MRS2. They then studied the effects of a Western diet high in fats, sugars and calories on normal mice and then on mice whose MRS2 gene had been deleted. At the end of their analysis, which lasted a year (considered a long lifespan in mice), the researchers found that mice without the MRS2 gene were not gaining weight and remained healthy despite their rich diet. “These results are the result of several years of work.said Madesh Muniswamy, molecular biochemist and lead author of the study.
Results soon applicable to humans?
Of course, the results obtained in mice are not necessarily applicable to humansbelieve the researchers who filed a patent application for their drug, these results present certain limits and require additional studiesespecially for mimic metabolic syndrome in humans. As a reminder, a diet rich in sugars and fats remains a diet unbalanced and deleterious for health. According to nutritional recommendations of ANSES in force in France: the recommended proportion of lipids in energy intake is 35 to 40%, favoring quality fatty acids (such as vegetable oils, nuts, fatty fish, seeds, etc.) and limiting saturated and “trans” fats (cold meats, fried foods, butter, cakes, etc.). The Agency recommends that adults not consume more than 100 g of total sugars per day (excluding sugars contained in fruit, milk and starchy foods).