PLVAP Gene Can Reverse Metabolism

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At the University of Southern Denmark, scientists have uncovered a fascinating way to trick the liver into sustaining carbohydrate burning, potentially unlocking easier and more effective long-term weight control. While conducting a study on liver metabolism, particularly its role in burning carbs and oxidizing fat, they zeroed in on the plasmalemma vesicle-associated protein (PLVAP) gene.

This gene, abundantly expressed in the liver, appears to play a significant role in how the body sources energy during fasting. By controlling the PLVAP (PV-1) gene, researchers found they could essentially “trick” the liver into maintaining its carbohydrate-burning state, disregarding typical fasting-induced metabolic changes.

Under normal conditions, fasting prompts the liver to shift its focus from burning carbohydrates to oxidizing fatty acids for energy. However, when the PV-1 gene was deactivated in mice, this switch didn’t occur. Instead, the liver continued to prioritize carbohydrate usage, preventing fat oxidation but maintaining high metabolic activity and preventing the onset of a normal “starvation mode.”

NOTE: The University of Southern Denmark’s PLVAP study on metabolism was initially published in the journal Cell Metabolism. The team of research scientists included Daniel Hansen, Jasmin Jensen, Christian Andersen, Peter Jakobsgaard, Jesper Havelund, Line Lauritsen, Samuel Mandacaru, Majken Siersbæk, Oliver Shackleton, Jonathan Brewer, Blagoy Blagoev, Nils Færgeman, and Kim Ravnskjær (all from SDU). Collaborators from Japan, the USA, and Finland. Danish scientists suggest that targeting the PV-1 gene could be key to overcoming common barriers by offering new hope for those with significant weight-loss goals.

How Cells Trigger Metabolic Changes

By mimicking the glucagon-like peptide-1 hormone produced in the gastrointestinal tract, prescriptive weight loss medications help the brain experience fewer sensations of hunger and slow the movement of food from the stomach to the small intestine. They stimulate secretions that promote fullness thus curbing hunger and reducing overall food intake. This also makes it easier to avoid between meal snacking and consuming less food at meal times.

The Danish research could pave the way for complementary treatments to suppress the PLVAP gene when combined with receptor agonists to keep the liver “in business” for burning carbohydrates at peak levels while consuming less food. This approach presents an exciting opportunity to bridge gaps in current treatments and provide a more sustainable solution to obesity and overweight-related health challenges.

It's important to remember that no medication can completely replace a healthy lifestyle alone, but prescription medications may be a helpful tool for those struggling with obesity or overweight with certain weight-related health conditions. Overall, the breakthrough in receptor agonists represents an exciting development for millions in their fight against chronic obesity and its associated health complications.

Kickstart Your Journey for Weight Control

Weekly injectables offer renewed hope for individuals who have struggled to lose weight by providing a new opportunity to enhance their quality of life. While weight loss is achievable without prescriptions, these prescription medications have revolutionized the success rate for many people faced with health challenges. Plus, maintaining a healthy diet and engaging in regular physical activity are still crucial components of successful long-term weight loss.

The latest medications have revolutionized weight management for many individuals, but they often lead to metabolic slowdowns once weight-loss plateaus are reached. By regulating the PLVAP gene, scientists theorize they could help sustain higher metabolic rates, allowing individuals to overcome dreaded weight-loss plateaus by continuing to lose weight with increased metabolic effectively. This remarkable discovery offers promising insights into potentially enhancing the results of incretin mimetics.

Metabolic Research Center’s three-decades of proven approaches to weight loss management now includes game-changing compounded prescription medications. These receptor agonists are effective in helping many people who have struggled to lose weight target key health markers and restore their health and wellness. Visit us at the medical weight loss clinic Conway to see how our experienced team can help you. All it takes is a quick email or  phone call to learn more and get a free consultation as your first step toward wellness.