Burn Fat While Not Eating?

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Under normal conditions, the liver shifts from burning carbohydrates to oxidizing fatty acids during fasting. However, when the PLVAP (PV-1) gene was removed in a recent study, this transition stalled, causing the liver to continue burning carbs while avoiding fat oxidation and storage. This disruption prevents the liver from effectively utilizing fat as an energy source, which could be key for losing weight.

Previously, scientists associated PLVAP genes solely with endothelial cell function. Endothelial cells, which line blood and lymphatic vessels, play critical roles in regulating blood flow, delivering oxygen and nutrients, and controlling inflammation. They maintain tissue homeostasis (stable internal environment) by influencing metabolic activity and extracellular matrix composition.

A recent Danish study, however, has revealed that PV-1 also plays a vital role in burning fatty acids, particularly during periods of starvation or reduced calorie intake. Mice without the PLVAP gene continued relying heavily on carbohydrates, redirecting fat to their muscles rather than their livers. For humans, "tricking" the liver into maintaining this state could support optimal weight loss by preserving a high metabolic rate.

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

Researchers exploring the unique capabilities of PLVAP accidentally discovered the gene’s ability to signal the liver that the body is not fasting and this revealed several critical findings about the liver in the process. This means it is the liver's stellate cells trigger the metabolic changes during fasting, which highlights an unexpected role of stellate cells in regulating liver metabolism. But, while fat was redirected to muscles, the mice exhibited no adverse effects.

On the contrary, they experienced improved insulin sensitivity and reduced blood sugar levels. These findings are particularly significant as elevated blood sugar levels can lead to chronic complications in individuals with type 2 diabetes or obesity. Understanding how PLVAP functions may pave the way for better blood glucose control and more efficient weight loss strategies, as the liver can burn sugar and oxidize fat to enhance the effectiveness of medications.

These latest drugs have been revolutionary for those who need to lose significant weight, but many individuals face dreaded weight-loss plateaus where their progress slows despite having a lot more weight to lose. Research could lead to the development of complementary treatments that work alongside prescription drugs to steadily boost losing weight. In addition, researchers hope PV-1 genes can advance treatments for other metabolic health conditions.

Kickstart Your Journey for Weight Control

For many individuals, injections can be a powerful addition to their weight loss and obesity treatment plans. Incretin mimetics slow gastric emptying and is thought to be the major reason why people stay feeling full and not hungry when they take these medications. The medications, however, may not be the sole answer for long-term success and sustainable weight management. So, it’s important to have the right support while navigating the ups and downs.

Compounded medication is a welcomed development in the management of metabolic health, diabetes, and weight loss medications. These weight loss treatment options have the potential to keep blood sugar under tight control, allow people to lose weight and, in particular, provide cardiovascular protection. Nonetheless, it is important for the science that helps improve these drugs to be applied, as this adds to the medical options that people will have to lose weight.

Metabolic Research Center has been helping individuals lose weight for over 35 years with a personalized approach to following science-backed programs to lose weight and prevent unwanted weight regain. If you’re ready to improve your well-being, visit us at the medical weight loss clinic Dothan to see how our experienced team can help you. All it takes is a quick email or  phone call to learn more and schedule a free consultation as your first step toward a healthier you.