Newly discovered hormone mimics benefits of exercise for weight loss and type 2 diabetes

[DCUK NewsBot]

A hormone has been discovered that curbs weight gain and benefits type 2 diabetes in the same way as exercise. The hormone, known as MOTS-c, increases insulin sensitivity, regulated metabolism, and inhibits weight gain, according to the study. The study, which was published in Cell Metabolism, was conducted by injecting the hormone into a group of mice. Prior to the injection, the mice had been fed a diet designed to make them obese. Once the researchers injected MOTS-c, their weight gain decreased, and the insulin resistance caused by the unhealthy diet was reversed. MOTS-c is a unique hormone because it is found in the DNA of mitochondria, which are responsible for converting food into energy. The findings could lead to the development of new therapeutic solutions to obesity and type 2 diabetes. The next step is to administer the hormone to humans. Although the study was only conducted on mice, the researchers noted that all of the mechanisms necessary for the hormone to work are present in humans. Dr. Pinchas Cohen, senior author of the study, said: "This represents a major advance in the identification of new treatments for age-related diseases such as diabetes." Changhan Lee, the study's other lead author, explained: "This discovery sheds new light on mitochondria and positions them as active regulators of metabolism."

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