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April 19, 2006

New research links metabolism and appetite suppression, opening door to obesity treatments

A team led by a Canadian researcher has discovered a process by which a small protein acts directly within muscles to increase the body's metabolism to burn fat while simultaneously suppressing appetite. These findings suggest that the protein, known as the ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF) - a cytokine expressed by glial cells, could play a key role as a weight loss agent.

Of particular interest to diabetics is that there is data that supports the use of CNTF as a potential therapeutic means to combat lipid-induced insulin resistance.

Posted by Diabetologica at April 19, 2006 9:13 PM