‘Miracle’ fat-busting pill could ‘mimic exercise WITHOUT the pain’
Scientists believe they can harness the power of irisin, a hormone released in the body during exercise, that converts 'bad' white fat, into energy-burning 'good' brown fat
TO those among us with an aversion to exercise, this surely sounds too good to be true?
A fat-busting pill that mimics the effects of exercise - without the pain.
But, that mythical, miraculous sounding dream could one day be a reality, scientists say.
They have identified a hormone released by the body during exercise, that not only helps shift weight during exercise, but also prevents piling on the pounds in the future.
Irisin was only discovered in 2012, when researchers found both mice and people produced the hormone during exercise.
But, the finding has provoked controversy ever since, with some experts saying the chemical is produced when people work up a sweat, while others contend it doesn't even exist.
We used human fat tissue cultures to prove irisin has a positive effect by turning white fat into brown fat and that it increases the body’s fat burning ability
Professor Li-Jun Yang, of the University of Florida
Now, a new study has revealed more about irisin, and it's function.
Researchers at the University of Florida found it converts calorie-storing white fat cells into brown fat cells - the type that burns energy.
The hormone, which surges when the heart and other muscles are exerted, also inhibits the formation of fatty tissue, strengthening bones instead.
The findings, published in the American Journal of Physiology - Endocrinology and Metabolism, suggest the hormone may be an attractive target for fighting obesity and diabetes.
Professor Li-Jun Yang, of the University of Florida, said: "We used human fat tissue cultures to prove irisin has a positive effect by turning white fat into brown fat and that it increases the body's fat burning ability."
The study is believed to be the first of its kind to examine the mechanisms of irisin's effect on human fat tissue and fat cells.
It appears to work by boosting the activity of genes and a protein that are crucial to turning white fat cells into brown cells.
It also significantly increases the amount of energy used by those cells, indicating it has a role in burning fat.
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Researchers collected fat cells donated by 28 patients who had undergone breast reduction surgery.
After exposing the samples to irisin, they found a nearly five-fold increase in cells that contain a protein known as UCP1 that is crucial to fat burning.
The study also found irisin suppresses fat cell formation. Among the tested samples, irisin reduced the number of mature fat cells by up to 60 per cent compared with those of a control group.
That suggests irisin reduces fat storage in the body by hindering the process that turns undifferentiated stem cells into fat cells while also promoting their development into bone forming cells.
Professor Yang said knowing the body produces fat-fighting, irisin underscores the importance of regular exercise.
More than two thirds of US adults are overweight or obese, with Britain suffering a similar problem.
While it is possible the beneficial effects of irisin could be developed into a prescription medication, Professor Yang said that is uncertain and remains a long time away.
She said: "Instead of waiting for a miracle drug, you can help yourself by changing your lifestyle.
"Exercise produces more irisin, which has many beneficial effects including fat reduction, stronger bones and better cardiovascular health."
The present study builds on other findings about irisin's beneficial effects.
In 2015, her group found the hormone helps improve heart function in several ways, including boosting calcium levels that are critical for contractions.
In June, she showed irisin reduced plaque build up in mice by preventing inflammatory cells from accumulating, preventing hardening of the arteries.
Professor Yang, added: "Irisin can do a lot of things. This is another piece of evidence about the mechanisms that prevent fat build up and promote the development of strong bones when you exercise."
