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New drug target in obesity: Fat cells make lots of melanin
October 30, 2008New article in the FASEB Journal shows for the first time that fat cells hold the secret to good health
As millions of Americans gear up for the Thanksgiving holiday, a new research report published online in The FASEB Journal (http://www.fasebj.org), may provide some relief for those leery of having a second helping. In the report, researchers describe a discovery that may allow some obese people avoid common obesity-related metabolic problems without actually losing weight: they make a common antioxidant, melanin, in excess. Even more promising is that some of the antioxidant drugs that can mimic the melanin effect are FDA-approved and available. This availability would greatly speed the development of new treatments, should they prove effective in clinical trials.
The researchers made the unexpected discovery--fat cells in obese people produce melanin in excess--when they were comparing fat cells of obese people to those of people with normal weight. After the comparison, they found that the gene responsible for making melanin was working in "overdrive" in the fat cells of obese people. The finding was then confirmed using additional laboratory tests. Melanin is a common antioxidant responsible for skin and eye color.
Ancha Baranova, one of the study's researchers from George Mason University and INOVA Fairfax Hospital says, "Most scientific efforts aim at making obese individuals lose weight, but this has proven difficult. Hopefully, this study will lead to a drug that keeps obese individuals healthy, reducing the cost-burden to society as well as some of the stigma associated with this condition."
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the prevalence of obesity in 2005� was about 1 in 3 for men and women. Obesity increases the risk of diseases and health conditions, such as high blood pressure, osteoarthritis, dyslipidemia, Type 2 diabetes, coronary heart disease, stroke, gallbladder disease, sleep apnea and respiratory problems, and some cancers.
"No pill can replace a healthy diet and exercise, yet," said Gerald Weissmann, MD, Editor-in-Chief of The FASEB Journal, "but this could be a major advance for physicians looking for a safe drug target in their search to keep obese patients healthy while their weight becomes normal."
Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology
Ancha Baranova, one of the study's researchers from George Mason University and INOVA Fairfax Hospital says, "Most scientific efforts aim at making obese individuals lose weight, but this has proven difficult. Hopefully, this study will lead to a drug that keeps obese individuals healthy, reducing the cost-burden to society as well as some of the stigma associated with this condition."
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the prevalence of obesity in 2005� was about 1 in 3 for men and women. Obesity increases the risk of diseases and health conditions, such as high blood pressure, osteoarthritis, dyslipidemia, Type 2 diabetes, coronary heart disease, stroke, gallbladder disease, sleep apnea and respiratory problems, and some cancers.
"No pill can replace a healthy diet and exercise, yet," said Gerald Weissmann, MD, Editor-in-Chief of The FASEB Journal, "but this could be a major advance for physicians looking for a safe drug target in their search to keep obese patients healthy while their weight becomes normal."
Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology
Melanin Current Events and Melanin News RSSNew findings on the formation of body pigment
The skin's pigment cells can be formed from completely different cells than has hitherto been thought, a new study from the Swedish medical university Karolinska Institutet shows. The results, which are published in the journal Cell, also mean the discovery of a new kind of stem cell.
Afib triggered by a cell that resembles a pigment-producing skin cell
The source and mechanisms underlying the abnormal heart beats that initiate atrial fibrillation (Afib), the most common type of abnormal heart beat, have not been well determined.
BUSM researchers identify better laser for treating facial spider veins
Researchers from Boston University School of Medicine (BUSM) have concluded that the 940nm wavelength laser is superior for treating facial spider veins (telangiectasias) as compared to the 532nm wavelength laser.
Iridescence found in 40-million-year-old fossil bird feather
Known for their wide variety of vibrant plumage, birds have evolved various chemical and physical mechanisms to produce these beautiful colors over millions of years.
Scientists find evidence of iridescence in 40 million-year-old feather fossil
Known for their wide variety of vibrant plumage, birds have evolved various chemical and physical mechanisms to produce these beautiful colors over millions of years.
Sensitizing tumor response to cancer therapy
Two forms of skin and brain cancer respond very poorly to chemotherapy and radiation: melanoma and glioblastoma multiforme brain cancer.
Study catches 2 bird populations as they split into seperate species
A new study finds that a change in a single gene has sent two closely related bird populations on their way to becoming two distinct species.
Skin color clue to nicotine dependence
Higher concentrations of melanin -- the color pigment in skin and hair -- may be placing darker pigmented smokers at increased susceptibility to nicotine dependence and tobacco-related carcinogens than lighter skinned smokers, according to scientists.
UCI researchers find new way to fight cocaine addiction
UC Irvine pharmacological researchers have discovered that blocking a hormone related to hunger regulation can limit cocaine cravings.
Not enough vitamin D in the diet could mean too much fat on adolescents
Too little vitamin D could be bad for more than your bones; it may also lead to fatter adolescents, researchers say.
More Melanin Current Events and Melanin News Articles
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Melanin: The Chemical Key To Black Greatness (Black Greatness Series) by Carol Barnes (Author) This book, is designed to familiarize the Black Human with Melanin and its importance to life, memory processes, ancient African history, sunlight, music, dancing, anti-aging, anti-cancer, religion, electromagnetism, and any other scientific and cultural parameters. |
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Source Naturals N-Acetyl L-Tyrosine 300mg, 120 tablets by Source Naturals Dietary supplement. N-Acetyl L-Tyrosine is a more rapidly absorbed and bioavailable form of the amino acid L-tyrosine, and is less prone to urinary excretion. L-Tyrosine is converted in the body to key biologic compounds, including epinephrine, dopamine, L-dopa, CoQ10, thyroid hormones, and melanin. The B vitamins pyridoxine (B-6) and folic acid are provided to assist in the conversion process (These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease). Suitable for vegetarians. Contains no yeast, dairy, egg, gluten, soy or wheat. Contains no sugar, starch, preservatives, or artificial color, flavor or fragrance. |
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From the Notebooks of Melanin Sun by Jacqueline Woodson (Author) Melanin Sun has a lot to say. But sometimes it’s hard to speak his mind, so he fills up notebooks with his thoughts instead. He writes about his mom a lot— they’re about as close as they can be, because they have no other family. So when she suddenly tells him she’s gay, his world is turned upside down. And if that weren’t hard enough for him to accept, her girlfriend is white. Melanin Sun is angry and scared. How can his mom do this to him—is this the end of their closeness? What will his friends think? And can he let her girlfriend be part of their family? |
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Why Darkness Matters : The Power of Melanin In the Brain by Ann Brown (Author) Asking the question, Are people with dark skin truly different?, these essays consider the history, science, and psychology of melanin. With contributions from such noted writers and scholars as Hunter Adams, Ann Brown, Richard King, and Owen Moore, these writings explore the history of people with surface skin melanin. The genetic influence of melanin on culture and learning is also addressed, with a specific look at the unfair treatment of African American children in schools that has led to poor IQ test scores and disproportionate numbers of African American children in special education classes. |
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Melanin: A Key To Freedom by Richard King (Author) The Study Of Melanin in the human form and throughout nature is a precious key that will unlock the chains of mental slavery that presently imprison the minds of African people throughout the world. |
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Meladine All Natural Melanin Enhancer (4 oz) by Meladine Today thousands of women are annoyed and embarrassed by tiny blonde hairs, frequently referred to as "peach fuzz", that often cover the sides of the face, the abdomen and other areas of the body. And even though we are now able to walk on the moon and clone a sheep, until recently, there has been no permanent solution for this pesky problem. Today, many women still resort to repeated waxing treatments, tweezing and even shaving. And for those who have considered resolving the problem through laser hair removal, the fact is that 30% of those seeking this procedure cannot be treated due to a lack of pigmentation in the hair. Meladine is a natural melanin enhancer solution which, when sprayed on the desired area, selectively deposits natural melanin directly into the hair... |
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2008 Face & Legs Hard to Tan Places w/ Melanin Booster & Light DHA 8 Oz by Norvell/Body Invest 2008 Face & Legs Hard to Tan Places w/ Melanin Booster & light DHA 8oz Face-Leg Tanner/Melanin Booster Specialty tanning lotion for hard to tan places with melanin booster. Hypo allergenic and non-sensitizing. Blended with the highest active levels of fine raw materials to tan delicate and hard to tan places. Wonderful fresh peach honey fragrance. |
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The Science of Melanin: Dispelling the Myths by T. Owens Moore (Author) In this ground-breaking work, perhaps the first full length scientific analysis of the substance found in practically all living organisms and inanimate objects, T. Owens Moore attempts to dispel the myths and rectify the common misconceptions associated with melanin. In part one, he focuses on writers of five key texts that employ an African-centered perspective. The recurring theme espoused by these writers is that melanin alone is the entity that makes black people psychologically and behaviorally different from non-black people. Nothing could be farther from the truth, argues Moore. |
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UVEX MP-VII Melanin Polarized Sunglasses (Matte Black) by Uvex Featuring Melanin. With over 500 million years of development by nature, it provides a powerful defense against sunlight damage. A patented process now creates Melanin that is formulated into the matrix of high performance polycarbonate sunglass lenses, creating the ultimate in sun protection. The lenses in the MP series are also Polarized, adding additional protection against reflected glare (especially useful on or near snow or water). |
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Melanin Man by Mutabaruka Mutabaruka is described as a "celebrated reggae dub/poet" in his publicity, but this album, Melanin Man, is underwhelming on all three counts. The reggae is relegated to a minor role in the arrangements, more a signifier of the monologuist's Jamaican roots than a music with a satisfying syncopation or melody. The dance-hall rhythms and dub echoes are used in such an unimaginative, mechanical manner that they pander to all the worst stereotypes about programmed tracks. And Mutabaruka's verse is all strident polemics full of abstract nouns with none of the sensual imagery and fresh metaphor of the Caribbean's best musical poets such as Bob Marley and Shinehead, much less literary poets like Derek Walcott. --Geoffrey Himes |
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