Liver Gene May Boost Weight Loss

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Research scientists at the University of Southern Denmark (SDU) have made an exciting breakthrough that could reshape the way we approach weight loss plateaus. Their study was led by Kim Ravnskjaer and explores how the liver uses energy and the critical role a gene plays on metabolic health. During fasting, the liver conserves energy by transitioning from carb consumption to fat oxidation.

An endothelial gene called plasmalemma vesicle-associated protein (PLVAP or PV-1) plays a pivotal role in how the liver shifts between burning carbohydrates and oxidizing fatty acids during periods of reduced food intake or fasting. This adaptation is believed to lead to the notorious weight-loss plateau, which is a frustrating hurdle where the body slows its calorie burn as a survival mechanism.

Remarkably, turning off the PLVAP gene in mice totally prevented this metabolic slowdown. Instead of switching to fat oxidation, the liver continued burning carbs, keeping metabolism normally elevated. Even more compelling, the suppression of this gene also improved insulin sensitivity and lowered blood sugar levels, offering potential implications beyond weight loss for potentially enhancing metabolic health and wellness.

NOTE: The University of Southern Denmark’s PV-1 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 PLVAP 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 researchers also believe that targeting the PLVAP gene could pave the way for the development of more groundbreaking strategies for shedding pounds by restoring metabolic efficiency. This could easily include complementing existing medical weight loss treatments like using prescription receptor agonists to kickstart a weight loss journey. Hopefully, scientists will find innovative ways to overcome metabolic slowdowns and achieve long-term health benefits.

Normally when there is a reduced intake of calories, specific cells in the liver regulate how the body shifts between burning sugar (carbohydrates) and oxidizes fatty acids to produce ketone bodies for energy support. However, with the scientists uncovering a way to suppress the PLVAP gene response, it deactivated the mechanism in mice and their livers failed to recognize the fasting state. This led to a continued burn of calories instead of transitioning to fat metabolism.

Even more intriguing, in this altered state, fatty acids from fat tissues were redirected to skeletal muscles without adverse effects. So, this unexpected mechanism offered a fresh perspective on how the liver regulates metabolism, highlighting its potential to address weight-loss plateaus and potentially boost the results of using a prescriptive receptor agonists like MRC’s compounded meds that are known for managing appetite and blood sugar levels.

Kickstart Your Journey for Weight Control

Prescriptive weight loss medications, initially developed to treat type 2 diabetes, have been transforming the weight management landscape for the past few years now. These receptor agonists mimic the naturally produced glucagon-like peptide-1 hormone that helps regulate blood sugar levels and sends fullness signals to the brain. By reducing hunger pangs and curbing between-meal snacking, compounded injectables make it easier to create and maintain a calorie deficit while promoting a healthier diet.

MRC Tyler’s medical weight loss clients generally feel satisfied with consuming smaller portions at meal times and limited between meal snacks that support effective weight loss without constant cravings fueled by hunger. Administered as a weekly injections, incretin mimetics not only help with shedding unintended weight gain but also help reduce chronic health risks by improving metabolic efficiency. When combined with personalized guidance and one-on-one coaching, MRC can help transform your journey.

With more than three and a half decades of experience, Metabolic Research Center programs make long-term weight management more achievable. If you're ready to explore how medications can fit into your weight loss plan, visit us at the medical weight loss clinic Tyler to see how our experienced team can help you succeed. All it takes is a quick email or phone call to schedule a free consultation to learn more about MRC’s science-based, holistic approach to sustainable weight management that supports long-term healthy living.