Healthy people are able to regulate their weight through energy balance, which is a function of hormones in the bloodstream. For instance, it is known that insulin can store sugar in fat, while leptin can increase metabolism. Bombesin is a newly described hormone that seems to play a role in controlling metabolism. It appears to be able to control appetite. The action of all hormones occurs at areas of the cells called receptors. This particular topic seems to be very interesting to research lately.
Guam et al., whose research appears in the journal Cell Metabolism, explored the properties of a particular bombesin receptor, called Bombesin Receptor Subtype-3, or BRS-3. Their experiment used two experimental methods of control of this receptor to explore its action and role in obesity control. If the results were interesting, perhaps this research could be applied towards the development of a human obesity control drug.
Application of the first chemical caused the animals to consume more food. This particular chemical worked by stopping the action of this receptor, and the researchers shown that by so doing, the animals started to gain weight.
The second chemical’s action was extremely interesting. By enhancing the action of the BRS-3, the researchers shown that it is possible to decrease appetite and increase metabolism, or attacking obesity on two fronts.
Additionally, the researchers wrote that no side effects were seen during the course of this research. However, as it lasted only two weeks, more research needs to be performed. More exciting was the finding that the action of bombesin was not affected by other efforts to control metabolism. This hints at the possibility that a compound medication could be developed and would work at multiple levels.
Clearly, more study needs to be done before a safe and effective medicine to control appetite and increase metabolism is developed and introduced into the market. However, this research does seem extremely promising for those that are hoping to be able to control their weight through medicine.
20bmi.com researches the latest developments in the field of diet, weight loss, nutrition and exercise, and publishes information making these achievements understandable for lasting weight loss. Visit our site to learn more about Exercise and Weight Loss for free.