PV-1 Switch Boosts Metabolism

---

Weight-loss plateaus are a common and frustrating hurdle often faced by individuals working towards shedding excess weight. When daily caloric intake is reduced, the body’s natural survival mechanism (starvation mode) slows down metabolism, switches energy sources, and conserves calorie reserves to maintain essential processes.

This adaptive response in animals is crucial in times of food shortages, but it can counteract weight loss efforts in obese or overweight individuals with significant amounts of weight to lose by leaving them frustrated and discouraged. However, groundbreaking research on liver metabolism in mice at the University of Southern Denmark revealed a potential solution.

Although the liver normally transitions from burning carbohydrates (sugar) to oxidizing fatty acids when food intake is limited to create metabolic slowdowns, scientists were surprised when the mice livers continued to burn carbs after researchers suppressed the gene. Moreover, fat was redirected to skeletal muscles and without any adverse effects to the mice.

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

Historically, the human body’s natural tendency is to conserve energy during calorie restriction. This helped our ancestors survive periods of food scarcity, which explains why the plasmalemma vesicle-associated protein (PLVAP or PV-1) gene found in hepatic stellate cells naturally plays a vital role in shifting energy sources during metabolism from sugar to fat during fasting. But, implications of this discovery extends beyond weight loss, as it also improved insulin sensitivity.

Although further testing is needed, tricking the liver into maintaining carbohydrate utilization instead of switching to fat oxidation in the body will likely allow humans to sustain metabolic efficacy and help obese or overweight individuals to avoid metabolic slowdowns related to less daily food intake. So, the results of this study could also help transform therapeutic approaches for managing a host of weight-related metabolic disorders.

Interestingly, this breakthrough has the potential to complement existing weight-loss medications such as prescriptive receptor agonists, which have transformed treatment options for individuals struggling with long-term weight management. These revolutionary weight loss medications, while effective at shedding pounds through reductions in daily food intake, can lose their efficacy as metabolic rates adjust and create a weight-loss plateau.

Kickstart Your Journey for Weight Control

Prescription weight loss medications have helped many individuals address their weight management problems with an injectable receptor agonist that mimics the body’s natural hormone responses. These incretin mimetics curb hunger, reduce food cravings and slow gastric emptying to better regulate blood sugar levels by maintaining a daily calorie deficit. This innovative approach is not only a more comprehensive solution, but it also improves metabolic processing, especially when paired with healthy lifestyle practices.

Recent advancements in research at SDU, including innovative insights into PV-1 gene regulation, further highlights the potential of prescriptive treatments to help overcome common challenges like weight-loss plateaus. Additionally, profound benefits, such as better blood sugar control, enhanced cardiovascular health, and reduced food cravings, make these medications an effective tool for individuals battling obesity and related conditions. With over three decades of experience, MRC combines science-backed solutions for individualized strategies.

At the Metabolic Research Center, we combine cutting-edge treatments with personalized coaching to help our clients overcome plateaus and achieve sustainable results. Visit us at the medical weight loss clinic Northwest Indiana to see how our experienced team can help you achieve your goals. All it takes is a quick email or phone call to learn more about MRC’s science-based prescriptive or holistic weight loss plans. But don’t forget to schedule a free consultation, as your first step toward improving your metabolic health and wellness.