PV-1 Gene Helped Mice Burn Calories

---

Weight-loss plateaus can be one of the most discouraging obstacles for individuals trying to shed pounds by cutting calories. Initially, progress feels promising, but over time, the body adapts by slowing metabolism to conserve energy, as a natural survival mechanism linked to human “fight or flight” behavior and triggered by reduced calorie intake or fasting.

Recently, groundbreaking research study from the University of Southern Denmark offers new hope in overcoming this challenge. Scientists identified a gene called Plasmalemma Vesicle Associated Protein that plays a critical role in the liver's energy metabolism. When this gene was suppressed, the liver in mice continued to burn carbs instead of switching to fat oxidation during fasting.

This discovery lays the groundwork for developing new treatments that could enhance existing weight-loss drugs, such as compounded medications, and potentially revolutionize metabolic health management for dealing with frustrating weight-loss plateaus. Unfortunately, obese and overweight individuals who need to lose substantial pounds often struggle when faced with recurring metabolic slowdowns.

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

The Danish research on mice rather remarkably uncovered a potential new role that the PLVAP gene may play in manipulating metabolic liver function in selecting energy sources for fuel. Although PV-1 supports the natural transition from carb burning to fat oxidation in the liver, scientists discovered that suppressing the gene favorably altered metabolic processing by redirecting fatty acids to skeletal muscles rather than being absorbed by the liver.

Study results provided the first evidence of how liver sinusoidal cells, specifically hepatic stellate cells, influence fatty acid utilization through the PLVAP gene. Similar to incretin mimetics, the PV-1 gene has also been found to offer metabolic benefits, such as better lipid oxidation. Where receptor agonists can improve key markers of inflammation that can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, suppressing the PV-1 may help prevent metabolic slowdowns.

Importantly, this discovery suggests the potential for a new regulatory mechanism (medication or therapy) that can influence liver metabolism in real-time. These findings could also complement the use of revolutionary receptor agonists by helping to bypass metabolic slowdowns (weight-loss plateaus) to ensure sustained sugar metabolism during periods of fasting or reduced daily intake of food.

Kickstart Your Journey for Weight Control

The latest prescription weight loss medications like MRC’s compounded meds are transforming obesity management by targeting metabolic processes to reduce daily food intake. These medications mimic hormones released in the body that suppress hunger, which allows individuals to maintain a calorie deficit without strict dietary restrictions. By promoting feelings of fullness, receptor agonists make it easier to eat smaller portions and curbs annoying food cravings naturally.

Prescription weight management medications have quickly become a popular weight loss solution that offers efficient appetite control and improves metabolic processing. In addition, these incretin mimetics provide additional health benefits, such as regulating blood sugar levels to lower chronic health risks associated with obesity and overweight conditions with certain weight-related disorders. With access to certified compounding pharmacies and expert one-on-one coaching, MRC Durham can deliver a comprehensive strategy.

Whether you're just beginning your weight loss path or have been struggling with more traditional dietary methods, MRC's science-backed approach empowers you to meet your goals. Visit us at the medical weight management clinic in Durham to see how our experienced team can help you. All it takes is a quick email or call to learn more about MRC’s science-backed weight loss plans. And don’t forget to schedule a free consultation as your first step toward improved metabolic health and a lifetime of healthy living.