Victoria AdolphusResearchers from the University of Exeter and Jagiellonian University Medical College have made a groundbreaking discovery that could revolutionize the treatment of obesity. A new study published in Pharmacological Research reveals that therapies delivering hydrogen sulfide to cells can significantly slow weight gain and reduce liver fat accumulation.
The Power of Hydrogen Sulfide
Hydrogen sulfide, a gas naturally produced in the body, plays a crucial role in regulating fat metabolism in the liver. Previous studies have shown that small amounts of hydrogen sulfide can help mitigate the negative effects of obesity. However, targeting this process directly has proven challenging until now.
AP39: A Potential Game-Changer
The researchers developed a compound called AP39, which delivers hydrogen sulfide directly to mitochondria, the energy-producing centers of cells. In mice fed a high-fat diet, AP39 treatment:
- Reduced weight gain by 32% on average over 12 weeks
- Decreased liver fat accumulation
- Lowered the production of detrimental fats in the body
- Regulated harmful signals that can lead to liver inflammation
Implications for Human Treatment
Professor Matt Whiteman, study co-author, notes that these findings could translate to humans, providing a new treatment option for obesity and related diseases. With obesity being a growing global health challenge, innovative solutions are desperately needed.
Expert Insights
“Hydrogen sulfide could one day play a role in treating diabetes, obesity, and complications arising from excess body fat.” – Professor Matt Whiteman
“Our research demonstrates that AP39 slows weight gain and reduces multiple markers of obesity in mice. This is very exciting and marks the beginning of a new era in therapeutic approaches for metabolic diseases.” – Dr. Aneta Stachowicz
Next Steps
MitoRx Therapeutics, a spin-out company from the University of Exeter, is advancing AP39 towards clinical trials. This breakthrough discovery highlights the potential of hydrogen sulfide-based therapies in combating obesity and related diseases.
Reference
Stachowicz et al. (2024). Mitochondria-targeted hydrogen sulfide donor reduces fatty liver and obesity in mice fed a high fat diet. Pharmacological Research, 107428. DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2024.107428
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