What Is The Affordable Care Act? What Is Obamacare?

Editor's Choice
Main Category: Health Insurance / Medical Insurance
Also Included In: Medicare / Medicaid / SCHIP;  Public Health
Article Date: 29 Jun 2012 - 18:00 PDT

The Affordable Care Act, also known as the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA), and informally as Obamacare, was signed into law by President Barack Obama on 23rd March, 2010. The aim of the Act is a health care law aimed at improving the health care system of the United States by widening health coverage to more Americans, as well as protecting existing health insurance policy holders.

According to the Obama Administration, those who already have health insurance will benefit from the legislation in various ways. For example, insurance companies will not be able to cancel coverage if people get sick, out-of-pocket costs will be covered for proven preventive and screening services, such as mammograms (breast screening) and colonoscopies. The aim is to diagnose potentially chronic and serious diseases earlier on, when treatments are most effective.

People with jobs but no health insurance, as well as those as those with pre-existing conditions, such as asthma or cancer should find it easier to have reliable health care coverage as a result of the 2010 legislation. According to the US government, in 2014 more Americans will have access to health care coverage.

The Affordable Care Act aims to help small businesses get health insurance for their workers. According to the US government, the Act should "help increase the number of primary care physicians, nurses, physician assistants and other health care professionals."

Below are some highlighted details on the Affordable Care Act:

• Young adults can remain on their parents' health plans until they are 26 years old. This will also include young adults who don't live with their parents, are out of school, are not financially dependent on their parents, and are married (however, spouses and offspring will not be covered).

  Even if the young adult has gone off a parent-owned plan, they will be able to enroll again.

  Parents whose plans were already in place before March 23rd, 2010, can enter their young adult children into their plans if those are not eligible for their own employer-sponsored plan.

  Group plans which started before the Affordable Care Act was signed into law do not have to offer health coverage to young adults who qualify for other group coverage.



• Employers with fewer than 25 workers may receive help in funding the cost of providing health insurance. Some small businesses are taking advantage of new tax credits which makes the purchasing of health insurance for employees more affordable. Small businesses are eligible if they provide health care for their employees, have no more than 25 full-time workers, and pay an average yearly salary of less than $50,000. Starting in 2014, the tax credit will be 50% for small businesses and 35% for non-profit ones.


• Kids with pre-existing conditions may not be denied health coverage by insurance companies. This applies to people up to the age of 19 years and includes any pre-existing health problem, disease or disability that developed before their parents applied for health coverage.

  In 2014 this will apply to anybody, regardless of age.

  Premiums will not be allowed to be raised for babies or children because of a pre-existing condition or disability.



• Adults who have been denied coverage because of an existing precondition and have been uninsured for 6+ months may now get insurance. PCIP (Pre-Existing Condition Insurance Plan) is aimed at adults who could not get coverage because of a pre-existing condition, such as diabetes or cancer. In 2014, access will be available to them.
• Individuals in the "doughnut hole" now receive a 50% discount on brand named prescription medications and a 7% discount on generic ones. Those enrolled in the Medicare Part D program often fell into a "coverage gap", commonly referred to as a doughnut hole. As soon as their plan had spent a pre-determined amount of money, further expenses had to be paid for fully out-of-pocket. The new legislation aims to gradually eliminate this problem, so that it no longer exists by the end of this decade.


• Medicare patients are now eligible for mammograms, colonoscopies, and some other preventive services


• All new health policies must offer screening and preventive services free of charge (mammograms, colonoscopies, etc.)

The following benefits will soon come:
• Health insurance policies will be available for all people with pre-existing conditions (companies will not be allowed to refuse them). As from January, 2014, refusing coverage because of a pre-existing condition or disability will not be possible. Companies will not be allowed to raise premiums for those reasons either.

  What is a pre-existing condition? This is a health problem, disability or disease that started before the individual applied for health coverage.

  As from January 2014, health insurance companies will not be able to raise premiums because of an individual's gender or health status - this applies to individual and small group markets (small businesses that buy health insurance for their employees).



• Essential health benefits and coverage will be guaranteed for almost all Americans. As from January, 2014, policies will be required to offer a set of basic benefits which will be available on state-based marketplaces (exchanges). All exchanges will list the health plans on offer, so that people can make comparisons and shop around for the best plans. By 2014, all Medicaid state plans must offer at least:

  - Chronic disease management (such as asthma or diabetes)
  - Emergency room visits
  - Hospitalizations
  - Laboratory services
  - Maternity and newborn care
  - Mental health
  - Prescriptions
  - Preventive care



• The majority of Americans who do not already have health insurance or health coverage will have to make sure they do in 2014. Financial assistance will be available for those who cannot afford it. Individuals who decide not to be covered will have to pay a fee - many call this a form of taxation (in fact, in a Supreme Court ruling yesterday, they allowed the introduction of the word "tax" when referring to this part of the Act). Individuals who pay over 8% of their monthly income to buy health insurance will be exempt.


• Dollar limits on the amount of care people are entitled to with insurance companies will eventually be done away with


• Exchanges will be created in 2014, state-based marketplaces where Americans without insurance will be able to buy health insurance. The aim is to increase competition between insurers in a state and allow people to compare and shop around for health plans that suit their circumstances and pockets.


• A larger percentage of American citizens will have access to Medicaid health coverage

Affordable Care Act - What do people think?

Polls vary significantly on what the majority of Americans think - but the trend seems to be that slightly more do not support the law overall, while certain elements within it are very popular. While Republicans and Independents are mainly against the law, the majority of Democrats are in favor.

Many commentators have noticed that although most people are against the new law overall, they are mainly in favor when asked about specific provisions within it.

A Reuters-Ipsos poll carried out on 24th June 2012 showed that:

• 56% of the US adult population were generally against the law. 44% supported it


• 75% of Democrats, 14% of Republicans and 27% of Independents support the law overall


• 82% of Americans agreed that insurance companies should not be allowed to deny coverage for those with pre-existing conditions


• 61% agreed that young adults should be allowed to remain on the parents' insurance plans up to 26 years of age


• 72% agreed that companies with over 50 employees should provide their employees with health insurance


• 61% were against forcing everyone to have health insurance. This part of the law was favored by 41% of Democrats, 27% of Independents, and 19% of Republicans.


• There was overall support for the creation of insurance pools so that small companies and uninsured people may have access to insurance exchanges, as well as financial help for families which cannot currently afford health insurance

Is US Healthcare spending good value for money?

Source: The Economist

From 1960 to 2009, US Healthcare spending rose from 5.1% of GDP (Gross Domestic Product) to 17.4%. The figure today is estimated to be even higher. Today, even though the country uses up a significantly higher percentage of its economy on healthcare, the USA has over 50 million people with no health coverage at all, and tens of millions of others with "inadequate coverage" - a situation exclusive to America when compared to other rich nations.

In the United Kingdom, for example, only 8% of GDP is spent on healthcare, and health coverage is offered to all its citizens - the UK has a universal coverage healthcare system. In Japan people live nearly ten years longer, on average, than Americans do, and spend considerably less on healthcare.

The USA has fallen behind other rich nations in life expectancy, infant mortality, teenage pregnancies, and a series of other healthcare statistics.

In 2011 the USA ranked 50th in global life expectancy. Although the country's people are living longer than before, the increase in lifespan in other countries has improved at a much faster rate. (Link to article)

Whatever arguments people of different affiliations use in America regarding its healthcare system, most have to agree that it has become extremely expensive and provides very poor value for money, compared to what other rich nations have managed to achieve.

Written by Christian Nordqvist
Copyright: Medical News Today
Not to be reproduced without permission of Medical News Today

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What Is Latex A Allergy? What Causes A Latex Allergy?

Editor's Choice
Main Category: Allergy
Article Date: 27 Jun 2012 - 19:00 PDT

Latex allergy is a term that describes the range of allergic reactions to substances in natural latex. An allergy is a hypersensitivity disorder of the immune system. Allergic reactions appear when a person's immune system reacts to nontoxic substances in the environment, in this case latex.

Latex can be natural or synthetic. It is found in the milky fluid that exists in about 10% of angiosperms (flowering plants). Latex is a complex emulsion (mixture of at least two liquids that are normally unblendable), consisting of resins, tannins, oils, sugars, starches, alkaloids, proteins and gums that go hard when exposed to air. Plants usually exude latex after there are injured, rather like a human bleeds after a skin lesion. Natural latex is usually white, but can be scarlet, orange, and yellow. Plants use latex as a defense against insects.

Rubber gloves are the main source of allergic reactions. Latex is also used in a wide range of products, such as condoms and some medical devices. Latex is used in over 40,000 products with many different uses.

Examples of products we use that may have latex in them, include:

• Band-Aids (UK: sticky plasters)
• Balloons
• Blood pressure cuffs
• Bottle nipples
• Condoms
• Catheters
• Dental items, such as dams and orthodontic rubber bands
• Diaphrams
• Erasers
• Rubber gloves
• Helmets
• IV tubes
• Elastic waistbands in pants and underwear
• Pacifiers
• Rubber bands
• Rubber cement (used in schools and offices)
• Rugs and bathmats
• Shoes
• Some articles of clothing
• Some medical devices
• Surgical gloves
• Teething toys
• Toys
• Ventilator tubing
• Watch bands

Not all the brands contain latex. People with allergies should check the labels, or get in touch with the manufacturer.

According to Medilexicon's medical dictionary,, an allergy is:

"Hypersensitivity caused by exposure to a particular antigen (allergen) resulting in a marked increase in reactivity to that antigen on subsequent exposure, sometimes resulting in harmful immunologic consequences."

Rubber plantation in western Cameroon with containers for collecting latex

Latex may be present in unexpected places

The AAAAI (American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology) warns that less-visible elements in unexpected environments may also pose a danger for latex exposure. (Link to article)

Donald H. Beezhold, PhD, FAAAAI, chair of the AAAAI Latex Allergy Committee, said:

"Consider that restaurant meals are frequently prepared by cooks wearing latex gloves. In schools, the cafeteria may be a threat, but there is also potential exposure to latex in school supplies. This type of inadvertent exposure poses a serious health risk to millions of Americans."

What Causes Latex Allergy?

The exact cause of latex allergies is unknown. It appears that repeated and frequent exposure to latex and rubber products may bring on symptoms in some people.

Since the late 1980´s there has been a dramatic rise worldwide in allergy to latex. A logical explanation is the use of universal precautions for preventing the spread of infectious diseases such as the AIDS virus. As a result, the use of latex gloves is nowadays widespread. Frequent exposures to latex and rubber products are common. Health care workers are at particular risk for latex allergy.

According to the AAAAI, over 10% of healthcare workers are thought to have a latex allergy, as well as more than half of all spina bifida patients. Between 1% to 6% of the general population are allergic, experts believe.

Allergic people's immune systems identify latex as a pathogen - a substance or organism which harms health. Experts say that susceptible people react to a protein in the sap of the rubber tree. The immune system triggers cells in the body to produce IgE (immunoglobulin E); these are antibodies which fight the latex component. The next time the body comes into contact with latex, the IgE antibodies sense it and signal the immune system to release chemicals, including histamine into the bloodstream.

The more a susceptible person is exposed to latex, the greater their immune system is likely to be - this is called sensitization.

What is latex?

Latex, as we know it for human use, is a natural product which comes from a fluid that is extracted from the rubber tree found in Africa and Southeast Asia.

A latex medical glove

During manufacturing this fluid is often modified. Different procedures are involved in the manufacturing process. Often, in the case of rushed production the latex product is not thoroughly washed. As a result, more "free" latex is present on the surface. This "free" latex is responsible for a significant proportion of latex allergies.

The powder used in surgical gloves is a major problem. Latex easily sticks to the powder that is commonly used in surgical gloves. During use, the gloves frequently "snap" when we are putting them on or taking them off. This snapping sends the powder into the air. This powder often has latex stuck to it. Inhaled latex can be a serious allergic problem.

What are the different types of latex allergy?

Latex hypersensitivity (Type I)

This is a serious and rare form of allergy causing a severe immediate reaction that can be life-threatening. Some patients may react in a similar way to serious reactions to bee stings.

Symptoms include

• rhinitis
• conjunctivitis
• irritation
• severe itching
• cramps
• gastrointestinal problems

Symptoms may progress to:

• rapid heartbeat
• tremors
• chest pain
• difficulty breathing
• low blood pressure

People who are severely allergic to latex can suffer reaction to clothes, shoes, and other things that contain natural rubber latex (elastic bands, rubber gloves, condoms, pacifiers, baby-bottle nipples, balloons, cars...). People with this type of allergy are very sensitive - a Type I reaction can be triggered by exposure to airborne particles resulting from blowing up balloons. This can happen even if the person is not present while the balloons are being inflated.

Allergic contact dermatitis

People with this type have a delayed skin reaction and a rash after contact with latex.

Signs and symptoms, all of the skin, include:

• scaling
• burning
• blistering
• oozing

The allergy is caused by the additives and chemicals used to process the rubber. Today, there are tests that determine which chemical(s) the person is allergic to. As soon as they find out, they can then avoid products that are processed with that chemical.

Irritant contact dermatitis

This is the most common type of reaction and also the mildest. It causes dry, itchy, irritated areas on the skin. Burning and scaling lesions of the skin are most often located on the patient's hands. The skin becomes irritated after using gloves, frequent hand-washing, incomplete drying, and exposure to hand sanitizers, as well as the talcum powder substance that gloves are coated in.

Who is at risk for developing latex allergy?

Some people are genetically predisposed to be allergic to latex. However, repeated exposure to latex is necessary for an allergy to develop. People at increased risk include those who are:

• Health care workers (physicians, nurses, aides, dentists, dental hygienists, operating room employees, laboratory technicians, hospital housekeeping personnel...). In health care settings, latex is everywhere.


• People who have had multiple surgical procedures, especially in childhood.


• People with a defect in their bone marrow cells.


• Patients who require regular or continuous urinary catheters with a rubber tip.


• Spinal surgery patients.


• Those with eczema.


• Individuals affected by asthma.


• People with allergies. Especially those with allergies to plant foods, such as mango, kiwi, avocado, pineapple, banana, chestnuts, strawberry, and passion fruit. (See below "What is a cross reaction?)


• Employees who work distributing or delivering latex products.


• Rubber industry workers.


• People who work in car-tire factories


• Condom users.

  
  Those allergic to latex condoms can purchase latex-free ones
  

What is a cross reaction?

Some people who are allergic to latex may also be allergic to specific foods - we call this a Cross Reaction. When this occurs, the body's immune symptoms responds in the same way, producing the same allergic symptoms as would occur with exposure to latex.

Cross reactions are not the same for all people. While some people react to all foods known to cause a cross reaction, others may not. In the same way, if you are allergic to any of the foods listed below, you might also be allergic to latex:

• Some fruits - strawberries, pineapple, pears, nectarines, cherries, passion fruit, papaya, melons, grapes, figs, plums, peaches, kiwi, bananas, and apples


• Vegetables - tomatoes, avocados, celery, carrots, and raw potatoes


• Some nuts - hazelnuts and chestnuts


• Some cereals - rye and wheat

Anybody planning to undergo a medical procedure should tell their doctor if they are allergic to any of these foods. There is a risk they may have a cross reaction to latex.

How is latex allergy detected?

The doctor may order a standard allergy patch test, which can determine whether the patient is sensitive to latex and other similar substances. Great care needs to be taken when doing this test, because in some cases patients may have a strong reaction.

The physician may also order a blood test.

What are the treatment options for latex allergy?

There is no current treatment available to desensitize someone that is allergic to latex. In other words, there is no way to prevent an allergic reaction if somebody is allergic to latex and comes into contact with it.

Allergic reactions are treated with antihistamines, adrenaline, and steroids.

The most effective way to treat this type of allergy is to avoid products containing latex. Patients should learn how to identify and stay away from products that might contain latex. There are other substances that can be used to substitute latex, such as polymers (nitrile, SBR, Butyl, Vitron) and synthetic elastic, such as elastane or neoprene.

Powder-free latex gloves - a study carried out at The Medical College of Wisconsin found that the best way to prevent allergic sensitization to latex is to stop the usage of powdered latex gloves. By doing so, they reduced the allergen in the air and in air ducts at two hospitals, and effectively prevented sensitization to latex in hospital employees at both institutions. (Link to article)

Unfortunately, makers of latex-containing products are not legally required to mention on their labels which chemicals were used in the manufacturing process. Products made from natural rubber containing other emulsions seem to have a very low potential for causing sensitization.

In some cases, the patients' sensitivity is so heightened that replacement of Latex-containing products with non-latex ones may still result in a reaction. This is because the latex-free ones are manufactured in the same facility as the Latex-containing products, and there are traces of latex still about. Those cases are comparable to food allergy sufferers (peanuts, nuts...) who are unable to consume other produce manufactured in the same plant.

Some products are labeled "safe latex" by the manufacturer. This indicates lower proportions of natural latex. However, they can still cause latex allergy. Patients should beware of such labeling.

Written by Christian Nordqvist
Copyright: Medical News Today
Not to be reproduced without permission of Medical News Today

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Green-Banana Flour Makes Healthy Pasta Alternative For Celiac Disease Patients

Editor's Choice
Main Category: Food Intolerance
Also Included In: Nutrition / Diet
Article Date: 27 Jun 2012 - 15:00 PDT

A study by researchers at the University of Brazil and published in the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics reveals that a new gluten-free pasta, derived from the flour of green bananas is a healthier, delicious substitute compared to other pastas for celiac disease patients.

According to Medilexicon's medical dictionary, celiac disease is:

"A disease occurring in children and adults characterized by sensitivity to gluten, with chronic inflammation and atrophy of the mucosa of the upper small intestine; manifestations include diarrhea, malabsorption, steatorrhea, nutritional and vitamin deficiencies, and failure to thrive, or short stature."

Individuals with celiac disease cannot eat a normal diet because of their intolerance to gluten, which is found in many common foods, such as grains and wheat. The new pasta has been tested by tasters and most have agreed that it is better tasting than normal pastas. The green-banana pasta also is lower in cost and in fat content.

Renata Puppin Zandonadi, PhD, from the Department of Nutrition at the University of Brazil commented:

"There was no significant difference between the modified pasta and standard samples in terms of appearance, aroma, flavor, and overall quality. Green bananas are considered a sub-product of low commercial value with little industrial use. For banana growers and pasta product makers, there is the possibility of diversifying and expanding their market."

For their study, the authors looked at the differences between the pasta made from the green banana flour, water, gums, and eggs whites, and the pasta made from whole wheat flour and whole eggs.

Using the green banana flour, egg whites, water, and gums instead of whole wheat flour and whole eggs gave the pasta more protein and less fat content. This is significant because when gluten is taken out of products, most of the time, so are some of the proteins which are parts of typical pasta products. The gums and egg whites produced a pasta which was more firm, elastic, moist, and less sticky than most gluten-free pasta products.

The researchers found a 98% decrease in fat composition, which is great news for gluten-free dieters, considering most gluten-free products make up for the lack of gluten with high lipid composition.

During the study, 25 people with celiac disease, and 50 without tested the different kinds of pasta. Both groups agreed that the one made with green-banana flour was better tasting, had a better smell, feel, and was altogether a better product. This finding reveals that not only people with celiac disease will be interested in pasta made with green-banana flour.

The researchers note that the pasta made with green-banana flour could help regulate problems with intestinal regularity, fermentation by intestinal bacteria, cholesterol, and glycemic indexes, because it contains a large amount of resistant starch.

Dr. Zandonadi concludes:

"Considering that untreated celiac disease promotes cancer in intestinal cells and a highly inflammatory mucosal status, developing gluten-free products with bioactive compounds such as the ones present in green banana flour is important for celiac disease patients. Patients will benefit from ingesting a product with a better nutritional profile made from an ingredient that is produced and consumed throughout the world."

Written by Christine Kearney
Copyright: Medical News Today
Not to be reproduced without permission of Medical News Today

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"Green Banana Pasta: An Alternative for Gluten-Free Diets"
Renata Puppin Zandonadi, PhD, Raquel Braz Assunção Botelho, PhD, Lenora Gandolfi, PhD, Janini Selva Ginani, MSc, Flávio Martins Montenegro, MSc, Riccardo Pratesi, PhD
Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, June 2012, doi: 10.1016/j.jand.2012.04.002 Please use one of the following formats to cite this article in your essay, paper or report:

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Nectarines, Plums And Peaches May Fight Obesity And Diabetes

Editor's Choice
Main Category: Nutrition / Diet
Also Included In: Obesity / Weight Loss / Fitness;  Cardiovascular / Cardiology
Article Date: 18 Jun 2012 - 18:00 PDT

Stone fruits, also known as drupes, such as nectarines, plums and peaches, may contain useful compounds that help fight-off metabolic syndrome, which can lead to diabetes, heart attack and stroke, say researchers from Texas AgriLife Research, a member of Texas A & M University System.

Food scientist, Luis Cisneros-Zevallos and team showed that compounds that exist in stone fruits could be useful in the fight against metabolic syndrome, in which inflammation and obesity eventually lead to serious illnesses and health problems.

The scientists will present their findings at the American Chemical Society in Philadelphia in August, 2012.

Cisneros-Zevallos said:

"In recent years obesity has become a major concern in society due to the health problems associated to it. In the U.S., statistics show that around 30% of the population is overweight or obese, and these cases are increasing every year in alarming numbers."

Everyone now knows that diet, genetics, lack of sleep, and physical inactivity play a major role in the obesity epidemic. The main concern is obesity's association with metabolic syndrome. Metabolic syndrome is a collection of conditions, including high blood sugar levels, hypertension (high blood pressure), too much fat around the waist, and excessively high cholesterol levels - together, they considerably raise the risk of developing diabetes, having a stroke, or a heart attack.

Cisneros-Zevallos said:

"Our studies have shown that stone fruits - peaches, plums and nectarines - have bioactive compounds that can potentially fight the syndrome.

Our work indicates that phenolic compounds present in these fruits have anti-obesity, anti-inflammatory and anti-diabetic properties in different cell lines and may also reduce the oxidation of bad cholesterol LDL which is associated to cardiovascular disease."

Stone fruits (drupes) have a mixture of bioactive compounds that work together and attack different components of metabolic syndrome.

Cisneros-Zevallos explained:

"Our work shows that the four major phenolic groups - anthocyanins, clorogenic acids, quercetin derivatives and catechins - work on different cells - fat cells, macrophages and vascular endothelial cells. They modulate different expressions of genes and proteins depending on the type of compound.

However, at the same time, all of them are working simultaneously in different fronts against the components of the disease, including obesity, inflammation, diabetes and cardiovascular disease."

The researchers say that this is the first time bioactive compounds from a fruit have been demonstrated to have the potential to attack a disease from several different fronts.

Zevallos said "Each of these stone fruits contain similar phenolic groups but in differing proportions so all of them are a good source of health promoting compounds and may complement each other."

The scientists now plan to determine what the role each type of compound has, at a molecular level. They also wish to confirm their animal studies.

Written by Christian Nordqvist
Copyright: Medical News Today
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Appetite Controlling Brain Receptor May Be Target For Anti-Obesity Medications

Editor's Choice
Academic Journal
Main Category: Obesity / Weight Loss / Fitness
Also Included In: Endocrinology;  Neurology / Neuroscience
Article Date: 07 Jun 2012 - 18:00 PDT

A brain receptor which is involved in regulating appetite has been detected by scientists at Columbia University Medical Center. The researchers reported in the journal Cell that this very druggable target could mean that a new medication for obesity may not be that difficult to find.

The scientists focused on the hypothalamus, a small area of the brain that controls body temperature, thirst, sleep, fatigue, circadian cycles, and hunger. Previous studies had indicated that the regulatory mechanism is concentrated in neurons that express AgRP - a brain modulator, or neuropeptide. However, exactly what factors influence AgRP expression are poorly understood.

Study leader Domenico Accili, MD, professor of Medicine, said:

"We've identified a receptor that is intimately involved in regulating food intake. What is especially encouraging is that this receptor belongs to a class of receptors that turn out to be good targets for drug development, making it a highly 'druggable' target.

In fact, several existing medications already seem to interact with this receptor. So, it's possible that we could have new drugs for obesity sooner rather than later."

The scientists traced what insulin and leptin did and found clues regarding appetite control. Leptin and insulin are hormones, they play a key part in maintaining energy balance in the body. Leptin and insulin are also known to inhibit AgRP.

Dr. Accili said "Surprisingly, blocking either the insulin or leptin signaling pathway has little effect on appetite. We hypothesized that both pathways have to be blocked simultaneously in order to influence feeding behavior."

They wanted to test their hypothesis. So, they created a strain of mice with AgRP that lacked a protein that forms part of the signaling of leptin and insulin. The protein - Fox01 - had a considerable effect on the mice's appetite.

Lead author Hongxia Ren, PhD, said:

"Mice that lack Fox01 ate less and were leaner than normal mice. In addition, the Fox01-deficient mice had better glucose balance and leptin and insulin sensitivity - all signs of a healthier metabolism."

Fox01 is not a good drug target, so the scientist sought another way of inhibiting the protein's action.

They came across a gene that is highly expressed in animals with normal AgRP neurons, but is silenced in the mice without Fox01 in their neurons. They managed to do this by using gene-expression profiling. The gene is known as Gpr17; it produces a receptor called Gpr17 which lies on the surface of the cell.

They wanted to be sure that the receptor plays a role in controlling appetite, so they injected a Gpr17 activator into unmodified mice - their appetite got bigger. On the other hand, however, when the mice were given a Gpr17 inhibitor, the opposite occurred, their appetite dropped. When they injected the Fox01-deficient mice, there was no effect.

The fat mouse had a Gpr17 activator injected into it, while the slim one received a Gpr17 inhibitor

There are several reasons for targeting Gpr17 in obese humans, Dr. Accili explained - and creating drugs that can do that is feasible. Grp17 is highly druggable because it is part of the G-protein-coupled receptor family. A considerable number of medications work through G-protein-coupled receptors. The receptor is only abundant in AgRP neurons, it is scarce in other neurons. This means the risk of undesirable side effects is low.

Written by Christian Nordqvist
Copyright: Medical News Today
Not to be reproduced without permission of Medical News Today

• Additional
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• Citations

"FoxO1 Target Gpr17 Activates AgRP Neurons to Regulate Food Intake"
Hongxia Ren, Ian J. Orozco, Ya Su, Shigetomo Suyama, Roger Gutiérrez-Juárez, Tamas L. Horvath, Sharon L. Wardlaw, Leona Plum, Ottavio Arancio, Domenico Accili
Cell, Volume 149, Issue 6, 1314-1326, 8 June 2012. Doi: 10.1016/j.cell.2012.04.032 Please use one of the following formats to cite this article in your essay, paper or report:

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