Recent research into the subject of metabolic disease has suggested that the different kinds of fat have their effect on the human body in the development of such conditions.
Using this knowledge of how the different kinds of fat cells have different effects on the body, the researchers have come up with a proof of concept for a novel cell-based treatment plan against metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes and other conditions linked to obesity.
Brown fat cells or brown adipose tissue (BAT) are known for burning energy in the human body, besides storing heat and helping the body to maintain its temperature. By contrast, white fat cells or white adipose tissue (WAT) is used to store excess energy. As all fat cells essentially store lipids, white fat cells are triggered when insulin is released from the pancreas.
The scientists have proposed the transplant of HUMBLE (human brown-like) fat cells, which are essentially white fat cells that have been genetically re-engineered into brown fat cells. As brown fat cells burn energy, which is the opposite function of white fat cells, these new cells can help lower excessive levels of glucose and lipids in the blood, thereby reducing the risk of developing metabolic diseases.
Read more: How a chain reaction in white fat cells aggravates obesity and related diseases
Overweight or obese people have less accumulation of brown fat cells as excess fat getting stored in the body is indicative of more white fat cells in the system. This treatment with the use of HUMBLE cells is particularly useful in these situations.
The researchers used CRISPR technology which is a tool for editing genomes, as it allows practitioners to edit or alter DNA sequences and modify the functioning of the genes. CRISPR technology has already been in use to treat genetic disorders and control the spread of various diseases.
The investigation into fat cells called for the researchers to boost the expression of a gene known as UCP1, which triggers the progenitors of white fat cells which instead develop into cells that look like brown fat cells. The research was carried out in mice which did not have an adequate immune system, which led to the HUMBLE fat cells acting like their own brown fat cells.
It was also reported that the mice with HUMBLE transplants put on less weight as compared to mice who were transplanted white fat cells after both groups were placed on a high-fat diet. Those with HUMBLE transplants had a greater response to insulin and were efficient in using up glucose in the blood. These are the two major functions that are impaired in patients with type 2 diabetes.
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The results of this study appear to be pathbreaking, although the individualised application of HUMBLE cells in each patient may prove to be a costly affair. The researchers have proposed its use in gene therapy and via biometricals. Biometricals is a process that helps to prevent rejection of the cells by the immune system, as it happens in the development of various diseases.
Researchers have made this breakthrough despite the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic that refuses to die down. However, the development is all the more significant as people with underlying conditions such as obesity and diabetes are at an elevated risk of suffering from the severe symptoms of the new coronavirus infection, also increasing the chances of fatality in them.
Read more: Obesity increases chances of COVID-19 death by 48%
This new breakthrough can help reduce overall body weight, improve an individual's metabolism as well as their quality of life and health of people living with metabolic diseases.
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