2023-05-28 12:00:00
In France, excess weight affects 57.3% of people aged 65 and over, according to National Institute of Health and Medical Research (Inserm). Among 18-24 year olds, this percentage is 23.2%. But regardless of the age group, obesity is a major public health problem, the incidence of which has been increasing for several years worldwide. Indeed, according to the world health organization (WHO), between 1975 and 2016, the prevalence of overweight or obesity in children and adolescents aged 5 to 19 increased more than fourfold, from 4% to 18% globally.
A protein linked to obesity and diabetes
Thus, much research is being conducted to try to better understand the mechanisms of obesity and, in fine, better treat this disease. Recently, researchers discovered the role of a protein, called MINAR2, in the development of obesity and diabetes. Until now, the link of MINAR2 with these two pathologies had not been found. Their work has been published in the journal Molecular Metabolism.
“This discovery could help us understand new mechanisms of obesity and diabetes and develop new preventive and curative treatments.“, indicates Nader Rahimi, one of the authors, in a communiqué.
To study the role of MINAR2, the scientists tested it in the laboratory, on animal models. On some, they annihilated its function so that these animals would be deficient in MINAR2. Results: When they were fed a normal, non-high-fat diet, they had more fat than control animal models whose MINAR2 function had not been altered.
More fat when the role of the molecule is deficient
On the other hand, when these animals were fed a high-fat diet, they gained weight faster than the control models. They also had signs of type 2 diabetes related to their obesity.
“Drugs that target MINAR2 could lead to the development of effective treatments [contre l’obésité]concludes Nader Rahimi. Controlling excess fat is one of the greatest scientific and medical challenges of our time.”
In France, 17% of the population, or more than 8 million adults, are obese, according to the Ministry of Solidarity and Health.
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