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A team of researchers from the Autonomous University of Barcelona found an effective treatment for obesity and type 2 diabetes in mice by gene therapy.
The study was presented by the research team at a press conference campus of the Autonomous University of Barcelona at Bellaterra, where the group of researchers, led by Fátima Bosch, was present. The results were published in the journal EMBO Molecular Medicine .
With the introduction, in a single injection, of an adeno-associated viral vector carrying the fibroblast growth factor gene 21 (FGF21), which allows the genetic manipulation of the liver, tissue adipose or musculoskeletal, the animal continuously produces FGF21 protein.
It is a hormone produced naturally by several organs and which acts on many tissues to regulate the proper functioning on the energetic level. thus inducing its production by gene therapy, leading to the reduction of animal weight as well as insulin resistance.
With regard to obesity, the therapy applied through the research project was successfully tested. two models of the disease, induced both genetically and by diet.
The researchers realized that the administration of gene therapy in healthy individuals caused also ensures healthier aging and protects them from the overweight and insulin resistance associated with the disease. ;age.
After treatment with AAV-FGF21, and during the year and a half when animals were monitored, the mice lost weight and reduced accumulation of fat and inflammation in the adipose tissue.
Deposition of fat (steatosis), inflammation and fibrosis in the liver were neutralized, while insulin sensitivity and general health increased with age,
Throughout In the process, the results were reproduced by genetic manipulation of various tissues to produce FGF21 protein, be it the liver, adipose tissue or muscle.
great flexibility in therapy because it allows to select the most appropriate tissue and, if there is a complication that prevents the manipulation of one of the tissues, it can be applied "[19659003] Fatima Bosch added that when one of these tissues produced FGF21 protein and place it in the bloodstream, it is distributed throughout the body.He also stressed the relevance of the results to the increase cases of type 2 diabetes and obesity worldwide
According to researchers, obesity increases the risk of mortality and represents a risk factor for cardiovascular disease, immune diseases, high blood pressure, arthritis, neurodegenerative diseases and certain types of cancer. the first time that obesity and long-term insulin resistance were countered by the administration of a single gene therapy session in the animal model, which more closely resembles Obesity and type 2 diabetes in humans "The study results also show that the administration of gene therapy has a protective effect against the risk of tumor formation when the liver is subjected to a strongly modified diet. caloric over a long period of time.
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