Excess weight or obesity is synonymous with disease. But according to a recent study published in the journal Cell Press obese people have a chance to stay healthy and free of chronic disease risk.
Researchers from the University of Tokyo found that, in mice, inhibition of a specific protein associated with obesity and inflammatory conditions can prevent the onset of diabetes. They believe the findings could develop into a real treatment to prevent disease in obese people.
This protein, known as apoptosis inhibitor of macrophage (AIM) is found in high concentrations in obese people. AIM works to reduce the amount of fat that is stored when a person starts experiencing obesity. Increasingly gained weight, the more your body produces AIM.
Though AIM excessive levels in the blood will be dangerous. This is because AIM triggers antibodies that attack the body, causing inflammation. Inflammation will lead to many health problems that occur when obese.
"Obesity may develop metabolic and cardiovascular disease was initially triggered by insulin resistance caused by chronic inflammation," said the researchers, led by Toru Mizayaki.
"Inhibition of AIM potential therapies to prevent not only insulin resistance and metabolic disorders, but also autoimmunity in conditions of obesity."
The researchers also found that blood levels of the antibody immunoglobulin M (IgM) increased in mice fed a high-fat diet. IgM can also bind to the AIM, which could lead to further increased antibody production.
"Association of AIM-IgM plays an important role in autoimmune processes related to obesity," the researchers wrote in the study.
The researchers found that high levels of AIM in the blood correlated with a high body mass index, especially in patients with autoimmune diseases. They argue, by inhibiting the AIM can help prevent obesity-related diseases in humans.
"However, AIM is more varied levels in humans than in mice," wrote the researchers. So as to apply these findings in humans may still require a long time, in addition to requiring more research on humans.