Compound in the drink disrupts the process of forming new fat cell

Apr 5, 2012 09:10 GMT  ·  By

According to the conclusions of a new study conducted at Purdue University, it would appear that a compound found in grapes, red wine, and a number of other fruits, is very effective at blocking the formation of new fat cells.

The group behind the research says that the compound – which is very similar in structure to a chemical called resveratrol – acts by blocking the cellular processes that enable fat cells to develop.

Researchers published details of their investigation in the latest issue of the scientific Journal of Biological Chemistry. The paper was authored by Purdue assistant professor of food science Kee-Hong Kim and graduate student Jung Yeon Kwon.

The newly-found compound is called piceatannol. In lab tests, it proved to be very effective at stopping the development and growth of immature fat cells. According to scientists, the chemical resveratrol is converted into piceatannol in our bodies after consumption.

Previous studies have linked resveratrol to a wide range of beneficial effects, including protective effects against cancer, neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's and heart conditions. The new study therefore highlights a new avenue of research for developing a drug against obesity.

“Piceatannol actually alters the timing of gene expressions, gene functions and insulin action during adipogenesis, the process in which early stage fat cells become mature fat cells. In the presence of piceatannol, you can see delay or complete inhibition of adipogenesis,” Kim explains.

In the body, immature fat cells called preadipocytes need about 10 days to complete an intricate, multi-stage development process. Only then can they become fully-matured fat cells called adipocytes.

“These precursor cells, even though they have not accumulated lipids, have the potential to become fat cells. We consider that adipogenesis is an important molecular target to delay or prevent fat cell accumulation and, hopefully, body fat mass gain,” the assistant professor adds.

At this point, the research team is focused on finding a way of improving the stability and solubility of piceatannol, so that it could be used to create biological effect within the human body. If this effort is successful, it could result in the development of a new therapy against obesity.

Since this condition is a risk factor for diabetes and heart diseases, among others, the potential healthcare cost savings would be massive if the research is successful.