Published: July 04, 2011
D3's New Study Reveals a Novel Approach to Targetting Obesity
GENOA, Italy - (BUSINESS WIRE) - A new
study has revealed a surprising biological response to the intake of
fats, which could provide a novel approach to targeting obesity.
The study published today in the Proceedings of the National Academy of
Sciences shows for the first time that endocannabinoid signaling in the
gut plays an important role in regulating fat intake. It had previously
been thought that signaling was limited to receptors in the brain.
The preclinical study by the Drug Discovery and Development (D3) unit of
the Italian Institute of Technology and the University of California,
Irvine, showed that a meal containing fats results in the upper gut
producing endocannabinoids, a family of biologically active lipids.
Sugar and proteins do not have this effect, the study noted.
Dr Daniele Piomelli, Scientific Director of D3, and lead investigator
said: "We know that eating fatty foods can taste good but the
molecular mechanisms and signals behind the response have been largely
unknown.
"We now know that fatty foods generate a signal in the tongue that
results in the small intestine producing what are known as the body's
natural marijuana-like chemicals in a powerful positive feedback loop
that drives fat intake."
The unrestricted availability of fatty foods in industrialised countries
is considered to be a key contributing factor for obesity, diabetes and
cardiovascular disease.1
New treatments for obesity are an active area of pharmaceutical
research. Blocking cannabinoid type 1 receptors with an antagonist is a
potential mechanism of action, but can cause serious psychiatric side
effects if the drug enters the brain. This latest publication suggests
it might be possible to halt cravings for fatty foods by blocking the
actions of endocannabinoids in the gut, using an antagonist that does
not enter the brain.
About the Drug Discovery and Development Unit (D3)
The D3 is a specialist unit of the Italian Institute of Technology
dedicated to the discovery of new medicines that get to the core of 21st
Century disease, including pain, inflammation and dementia.
D3 combines the creativity of start-of-the-art academic laboratories
with the focus of a start-up company to accelerate research in important
areas of unmet medical need.
D3 collaborates with private partners, including pharmaceutical
companies, venture capitalists and angel investors, on specific projects
of shared interest in discovery.
For more information, visit www.iit.it/d3.
About the Italian Institute of Technology
The Italian Institute of Technology (IIT) is a foundation established
jointly by the Italian Ministry of Education, Universities and Research
and the Ministry of Economy and Finance to promote excellence in basic
and applied research and to contribute to the economic development of
Italy.
The primary goals of the IIT are the creation and dissemination of
scientific knowledge as well as the strengthening of Italy's
technological competitiveness. To achieve these two goals, the IIT will
cooperate with both academic institutions and private organisations,
fostering through these partnerships scientific development,
technological advances and training in high technology.
For more information, visit www.iit.it/en.
About the University of California (UCI), Irvine
Founded in 1965, UCI is a top-ranked university dedicated to research,
scholarship and community service.
Led by Chancellor Michael Drake since 2005, UCI is among the most
dynamic campuses in the University of California system, with nearly
28,000 undergraduate and graduate students, 1,100 faculty and 9,000
staff. Orange County's largest employer, UCI contributes an annual
economic impact $3.9 billion.
For more UCI news, visit www.today.uci.edu.
References
1. Cordain L, et al. Origins and evolution of the western diet:
health implications for the 21st century. Am J Clin Nutr
81 (2): 341-354
ENDS
Daniele Piomelli at D3
Tel: +39 010 7178 1442
Mobile: +39 338
730 2957
daniele.piomelli@iit.it
or
Oliver
Jelley at Tudor Reilly
Tel: +44 (0) 20 7034 7608
Mobile +44
(0)77 2555 4632
oliver.jelley@tudor-reilly.com
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