Changing Molecular Structure Of Obesity Altered Liver Cells Can Reverse Metabolic Disease

Apr, 2022 - By SMI

Researchers found that altering molecular structure of cells under obesity-related stress can restore the healthy metabolic function and reverses metabolic diseases

Scientists are studying the effects of obesity on cells to prevent its harmful effects such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes. Now a team of scientists at Harvard University discovered that altering molecular structure of cells under obesity-related stress can restore metabolic functions and can reverse metabolic diseases.

In this new research the team of scientists started with studying fatty liver disease, which is a common condition caused by obesity. The team studied liver samples of healthy lean mice as well as samples of obese mice having fatty liver disease. The team used various devices to study these samples in detail including deep learning, artificial intelligence, and high-resolution imaging by electron microscopy using ion-beam scanning. This procedure resulted into 3D reconstructions of multipurpose structures in liver cells known as organelles. Due to this, the scientists were able to compare the diseased sample on molecular level to the healthy ones. The images that the team studied were visualization in most detailed form of these subcellular structures in their normal tissue surroundings that was ever produced.

Furthermore, with these detailed images it was visible that the organelles in the group of mice having fatty liver disease had significant alterations to molecular structures than the healthy group of mice. The team then partially patched up these alterations in the repaired cells that then looked normal, and showing improved metabolism and remained stress free. According to the team, these findings could be used for development of new therapeutics targeting the mechanism to treat metabolic diseases such as fatty liver disease, and with this, resistance or vulnerability of an overweight person can also be measured.