Ob1, the first commmon obesity gene was located on chromosome 10November 16, 1998Each family has at least one member whose body mass index (BMI, the ratio of the weight in kg to the surface of the body in m2; normal BMI is below 25) is higher than 40 and at least one other member whose BMI is over 27. 380 genetic markers, covering 23 pairs of chromosomes, were studied in order to find genetic similarities between the obese members of these families. Genetic analysis showed a very high correlation between obesity and the ob1 gene (the probability of such a correlation is 100,000 to 1). The ob1 gene can probably explain the 1/3 genetic risk of obesity in the French population. Two other chromosome regions, located on chromosomes 2 and 5 (1p1 and 1p2) influence the leptin rate, a hormone produced by fat tissue, which controls appetite and energy expenditure. This is the first time a gene playing a major role in common obesity - a disease which affects 8% of the French population - is located. This discovery will make it possible, once the ob1 gene is identified, to understand the molecular basis of common obesity. Since 1997, several genes responsible for very severe, but rare monogenic forms of obesity have been identified, such as the leptin gene, the leptin receptor and the MC4 receptor. These genes, however, do not seem to play an important part in common polygenic forms of obesity. In 1995, the CNRS EP 10 team had shown that the beta-3 adrenergic receptor could play a role in obesity, but that this role was minor. The discovery of the genetic factors responsible for common forms of obesity will lead to the development of new medication to treat this disease. In March 1998, an agreement was signed between the CNRS, the University of Columbia in New York, the British Diabetic Association and the Eli-Lilly pharmaceutical society. The aim of this agreement is to determine targets for the development of new drugs. These findings represent the first successful outcome of this international collaboration CNRS (Délégation Ile-de-France Ouest & Nord) |
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| Related Obesity Current Events and Obesity News Articles Physical education key to improving health in low-income adolescents School-based physical education plays a key role in curbing obesity and improving fitness among adolescents from low-income communities, according to a new study led by researchers at the University of California, San Francisco and UC Berkeley. Energy gap useful tool for successful weight loss maintenance strategy Americans continue to get heavier. Most weight control methods short of bariatric surgery are generally considered ineffective in preventing obesity or reducing weight. TV bombards children with commercials for high-fat and high-sugar foods Childhood obesity in the United States is reaching epidemic proportions. With more than one fourth of advertising on daytime and prime time television devoted to foods and beverages and continuing questions about the role television plays in obesity. New scientific study indicates that eating quickly is associated with overeating According to a new study accepted for publication in The Endocrine Society's Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism (JCEM), eating a meal quickly, as compared to slowly, curtails the release of hormones in the gut that induce feelings of being full. American Dietetic Association Releases Updated Position Paper Promoting and Supporting Breastfeeding The American Dietetic Association has released an updated position paper on breastfeeding that details health benefits for both infants and mothers and encourages promotion of breastfeeding whenever possible. Addressing obesity via the 'energy gap' The November issue of the Journal of the American Dietetic Association features a commentary by James O. Hill, an honorary ADA member, professor of pediatrics and medicine and director of the Center for Human Nutrition at the University of Colorado-Denver. MSU researcher: Obesity significantly cuts odds of successful pregnancy Obese women are as much as 28 percent less likely to become pregnant and have a successful pregnancy, according to research that earned a Michigan State University professor a national award. Study: Lap band surgery effective for morbidly obese children A surgeon at Children's National Medical Center and his colleagues from New York University have found laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (Lap band) to improve the health of morbidly obese adolescents. Gastroenterology/hepatology societies release report evaluating fellowship training curriculum Due to the increasing complexities of treating digestive diseases, allowing gastroenterological (GI) trainee physicians the opportunity to develop enhanced abilities and experiences in specific disease areas or procedures will be a great benefit to patients, according to a "Report of the Multisociety Task Force on GI Training." Study finds link between childhood physical abuse and arthritis Adults who had experienced physical abuse as children have 56 per cent higher odds of osteoarthritis compared to those who have not been abused, according to a new study by University of Toronto researchers. More Obesity Current Events and Obesity News Articles |
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