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Make a Gift Donate Now. Breadcrumb Navigation You are here: Home Newsroom News Releases Research identifies protein that promotes the breakdown of fat, potentially leading to new diabetes treatments.

Share Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn Mail Print. UT Southwestern researchers l-r Dr. Chaofeng Yang, Lisa Hahner, Dr. Perry Bickel, and Dr.

Violetta Gallardo Montejano identified a new role for a protein as a promoter of fat breakdown. Our bodies need this energy to do everything from moving to thinking to growing. Specific proteins in the body control the chemical reactions of metabolism.

Thousands of metabolic reactions happen at the same time — all regulated by the body — to keep our cells healthy and working. After we eat food, the digestive system uses enzymes to:. The body can use sugar, amino acids, and fatty acids as energy sources when needed.

These compounds are absorbed into the blood, which carries them to the cells. After they enter the cells, other enzymes act to speed up or regulate the chemical reactions involved with "metabolizing" these compounds.

During these processes, the energy from these compounds can be released for use by the body or stored in body tissues, especially the liver, muscles, and body fat.

Anabolism pronounced: uh-NAB-uh-liz-um , or constructive metabolism, is all about building and storing. It supports the growth of new cells, the maintenance of body tissues, and the storage of energy for future use.

In anabolism, small molecules change into larger, more complex molecules of carbohydrates, protein, and fat. Catabolism pronounced: kuh-TAB-uh-liz-um , or destructive metabolism, is the process that produces the energy needed for all activity in the cells.

Cells break down large molecules mostly carbs and fats to release energy. This provides fuel for anabolism, heats the body, and enables the muscles to contract and the body to move.

As complex chemical units break down into more simple substances, the body releases the waste products through the skin, kidneys, lungs, and intestines.

Several hormones of the endocrine system help control the rate and direction of metabolism. Thyroxine, a hormone made and released by the thyroid gland, plays a key role in determining how fast or slow the chemical reactions of metabolism go in a person's body.

Another gland, the pancreas , secretes hormones that help determine whether the body's main metabolic activity at any one time are anabolic pronounced: an-uh-BOL-ik or catabolic pronounced: kat-uh-BOL-ik.

For example, more anabolic activity usually happens after you eat a meal. That's because eating increases the blood's level of glucose — the body's most important fuel.

The pancreas senses this increased glucose level and releases the hormone insulin , which signals cells to increase their anabolic activities. Metabolism is a complicated chemical process.

So it's not surprising that many people think of it in its simplest sense: as something that influences how easily our bodies gain or lose weight. That's where calories come in.

Supplementation with 7-Keto may help increase the metabolic rate, accelerate weight loss, and help burn fat Bobyleva et al. These enzyme activations drive energy-producing substrates in a direction of less efficient ATP production relative to heat production.

The enzymes also promote the utilization of fat stores for energy and heat production Haller et al. Yohimbe comes from the bark of a particular African tree. It may be burn off stubborn body fat Rao et al. Yohimbe is most often promoted in dietary supplements as effective in increasing muscle mass by boosting testosterone levels, accelerating weight loss, and increasing energy levels Zahorska et al.

It is famous by enhancing blood flow and makes the oxidation of fatty acids easier Gades et al. Yohimbine acts on the adrenergic receptor system of fat cells, which regulate thermogenesis.

The beta-subunits of the adrenergic receptors targets of ephedrine can be seen as stimulatory for fat loss as they increase the activity of the enzyme adenyl cyclase and subsequently cAMP levels Manore The alpha-subunits are more suppressive of fat metabolism, in which their activation reduces activity of adenyl cyclase and reduces cAMP levels specifically alpha-2 Carmen and Víctor Yohimbine is a selective alpha-2 adrenergic receptor antagonist as it has a fold higher affinity for the alpha-2 subunit than it does for the alpha-1 subunit, which inhibits activation of the suppressive set of receptors and preserves adenyl cyclase activity and the effects mediated via the beta receptors Lalchandani et al.

Yohimbine itself can potentially induce fat loss indirectly via the release of adrenaline which is an activator of beta-adrenergic receptors MacDonald et al. Increases in plasma free fatty acids and the density of alpha-2 adrenergic receptors remain similar at both time points, suggesting that yohimbine selectively loses the spike in adrenaline but not direct receptor fat burning effects Reiner et al.

Chitosan is a non-digestible fiber extracted from the shells of crabs, lobsters, and other crustaceans. It is prepared in supplement form for products as Chitosan-C and Chitorich Galitzky et al.

It is an effective fat binder; it enters the body, binds to the fat in the food, and keeps it from being absorbed by the body Zenk et al. There are two downsides to this method. First, fat blockers can prevent the body from absorbing nutrients it needs.

Second, this bound fat still needs to leave the body, which it often does in the form of stomach pain, unpleasant anal leakage, and diarrhea. Chitosan is recommended for reducing lowering cholesterol levels and promoting weight loss Pooyandjoo et al.

L-Carnitine is a catalyst synthesized from amino acids and required for the transport of fatty acids from the bloodstream into the mitochondria during fats breakdown to generate metabolic energy for maintaining a healthy body weight. It is widely available as a nutritional supplement Anton et al.

Chromium is a trace element, which can increase insulin efficiency. It reduces insulin resistance, and glucose is diverted towards muscle rather than into fat storage Tian et al.

It builds muscle at the expense of body fat gains Fomous et al. Chromium supplementation led to reduced cravings for fat, not carbohydrates Shekelle et al. Ephedrine is a sympathomimetic amine, derived from various plants in the genus Ephedra , commonly used as a powerful stimulant, weight loss supplement, and appetite suppressant Clapham and Arch Synephrine is an alkaloid, derived primarily from the immature fruit of Citrus aurantium , and is commonly used in weight loss.

It has gained significant popularity as an alternative to ephedrine but it is safer and effective than ephedrine Bredsdorff et al. Raspberry ketone is a natural phenolic compound of red raspberries, cranberries, and blackberries Cotten et al. However, no effects on body weight of rats were observed with doses up to times greater than the estimated intake in humans Ivy The high-dose effect is reported to stem from the alteration of lipid metabolism, increasing norepinephrine-induced lipolysis Onakpoya et al.

Pyruvate is the salt of pyruvic acid, found in most dietary supplements combined with a mineral such as calcium or magnesium to improve stability Whingham et al.

It found to enhance weight loss, decrease appetite and fatigue, as well as increase energy levels, exercise endurance, and muscle glycogen stores Onakpoya et al.

Conjugated Linoleic Acid CLA has been found by researchers to encourage fat breakdown Millan et al. CLA transports dietary fat into cells to be burned for energy or used to build muscle Brenot et al. Suppressants that take away general hunger are called noradrenergic drugs Gray et al.

The other class of suppressants works by manipulating serotonin reuptake to prevent a sense of the need to eat more Whelan et al. For example, Hoodia gordonii , a plant in the South African desert, was originally used by hunters to ward off hunger and regulate thirst on long hunting expeditions.

This splendid plant can help to bide the time between meals Madgula et al. A purified extract of Hoodia , known as P57, was injected in an in vivo study directly into the brains of rats and easily broken down by the liver Spadafranca et al.

However, an in vitro study was found that P57 was generally not inhibited metabolically by human liver enzymes and has a relatively high secretion rate Fu et al. Carb Blockers are composed of the extract of Phaseolus vulgaris , the botanical name for kidney bean and often mixed with other ingredients such as chromium, vanadium, and fenugreek Kelly et al.

They are preventing the enzyme alpha-amylase which is produced in saliva from binding with starches and break down the carbohydrates into molecules that the body will absorb Mussolino et al. Thyroid regulators, such as guggul extract, are an ingredient which is found to improve thyroid functioning to produce more thyroid hormones and increase fat metabolism.

These supplements may keep the basal metabolic rate BMR at higher levels to burn and lose more weight Wilson et al. Some authorities claim that these supplements can safely be used in small amounts and they can be effective at jump-starting weight loss. Side effects are expected and ranged from uncomfortable to fatal Smith Anyone with any sort of pre-existing heart, hormonal, or digestive condition should seriously consider avoiding fat burning supplements.

For other people, it remains a personal choice, but one that should be made with a certain degree of wariness Berdanier et al. Most fat burner supplements often contain questionable ingredients and increase risk for an array of serious consequences, including heart palpitations, seizures, psychosis, severe anxiety, distress, and mood swings Wardlaw et al.

There are three macro-nutrients that can be present in food: fat, protein, and carbohydrate. One gram of protein yields 4 calories, 1 g of carbohydrate yields 4 calories, and 1 g of fat yields 9 calories. So basically, fats can provide double calories to the body compared to the other two nutrient units, but this does not mean that fats are bad, they are not Montama et al.

Many healthy fats are essential for the harmonious functioning of the body and foods that provide these fats need to be an integral part of the diet Schmitt et al. The body also needs to expend energy in order to digest foods to get energy from them, so a small percentage of old fuel is burnt off in the process of acquiring new fuel.

The harder the food is to digest the more energy is expended to digest it Jeukendrup et al. Fat is an important nutrient for health and plays many different roles in the body.

It supplies the body with energy, helps the body absorb vitamins A, D, E, and K, and helps the body grow and develop Vanhala et al. They found to lower cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart disease. They are divided into monounsaturated fat, which can be found in avocados, nuts, and vegetable oils Hooper et al.

They are found in beef and veal meat, chicken meat, and dairy products Kim et al. They are made from a chemical process known as partial hydrogenation; this is when liquid oil is made into solid fat.

Trans fats have been shown to raise bad cholesterol LDL levels and lower good cholesterol HDL , increasing the risks for heart disease Prentice They are found in hard margarines, shortening, cakes, cookies, crackers, croissants, doughnuts, muffins, pastries, and other snack foods Carlsen et al.

Although fat contains more calories than protein or carbohydrates, the secret is in what fats actually do when they enter the body that makes the difference.

Saturated and trans fats, especially when combined with high carbs will pile on the pounds. Controlling carbs allow the body to return to its natural ability to burn fat. As long as the carbs intake is controlled, the calories from fat are immediately used for energy which means they would not be stored.

The second step, involves the consumed fats within the body to generate energy. Trans fats, found in pre-packaged foods and baked goods, and anything deep fried should be avoided. Anything with hydrogenated or partially hydrogenated vegetable oil is a pound packer Vanhala et al. Good fats help in burning body fat, not to feel hungry, enhance metabolism, and stimulate certain hormones that have many functions within the body.

There are certain foods that are better than others for fat burning: Avocados, is rich in oleic acid and beta-sitosterol monounsaturated fats , it helps in fat burning and lowers LDL cholesterol and triglycerides Schneider et al. Nuts cashews, pecans, almonds, walnuts, peanuts Harris ; Parra et al.

Omega-3 fats help burn fat by enhancing the body response to leptin that signals the brain to suppress appetite and eat less for maintaining weight loss. Leptin stimulation reduces the activity of neuropeptide Y, a neurotransmitter that can trigger the hunger reflex Holm and this in turn increase the metabolism by enhancing the thyroid output King Palm oil, coconut oil, and cow butter contain medium chain triglycerides MCTs , saturated fats, with an unusual chemical structure that can be digested easily.

They contain fewer calories than other fats and they are absorbed and used directly for energy. Foods rich in MCTs suppress the appetite and help lose body fat Naber et al. All literatures, articles, and newsletters refer that the five mechanisms of how proteins burn fats were achieved by consuming protein-rich meals, which stimulate glucagon and growth hormone release and rich also in nitrogen, boost metabolism, suppress appetite, and get us to feel full Karst et al.

We wrote in the next section some examples of these proteins. The following mechanisms are through which protein may assist the body in burning fat more effectively. By keeping insulin production low, the body can access and utilize fat as a fuel source more effectively.

Glucagon stimulates the liver breakdown of glycogen to glucose and stimulates the gluconeogenesis in the liver by increasing the uptake of amino acids. Protein stimulates growth hormone GH release from the anterior pituitary.

GH may indirectly promote fat loss. It acts directly on the fat cells and stimulates the release of fatty acids and glycerol into the blood stream. A particular amino acid, glutamine, has been shown to dramatically boost growth hormone release in the body, which then may promote greater fat burning Guo et al.

Protein provides the building blocks of body tissues and regular consumption of it, i. Not only does protein promote greater energy expenditure by maintaining an elevated metabolic rate but it also boosts the metabolism because it requires more energy to be digested compared to the other macronutrients, carbohydrate, and fat.

As a result, the thermic effect of food TEF , which means the amount of energy expended through the process of digestion increases, which increases the overall amount of calories the body burns during the day Banni Protein has powerful appetite suppressing effects, especially compared to the other macronutrients.

Its appetite-suppressing qualities come from the fact that protein stimulates the release of cholecystokinin CCK from the stomach cells. This hormone then travels through the bloodstream to the hypothalamus in the brain where it tells the brain that the stomach is full Whingham et al.

From the aforementioned 5 mechanisms, it is easy to conclude why protein can help promote fat burning in the body. It can help in fat burning by simply making an effort to add a small portion of protein, from a variety of protein sources to each meal.

Protein, foliate, and vitamin D are found in red meat beef, veal, pork , skinless turkey, and chicken. Proteins are not only more complex to digest and assimilate but they also require more energy to be stored as fats, so, they help to feel full and help the body in fat loss Coyle and Patrick Dairy products provide whey protein and casein that build muscle, control appetite, and aid in weight loss Boirie et al.

They contain CLA that works to lower the triglycerides and cholesterol leading to upregulate the body metabolism Leonard ; Kim et al. The process of converting dairy down into lactic acid causes the body to utilize the energy stored in fat.

Low-fat dairy products such as cheese, milk, and yogurt contain calcium and complex carbohydrates which work to kick metabolism into action and burn fat Villarroel et al. Peanut butter provides protein, vitamins B 3 and E, magnesium, cortisol, foliate, dietary fiber, and arginine all of which increase protein synthesis, boost metabolism, and help in fat burning Christensen et al.

Eggs are rich in satiating protein. Eggs for breakfast can boost weight loss plan more than a carbohydrate-rich breakfast Soerensen et al.

Several studies have correlated higher calcium intakes with lower body weight or less weight gain over time Parikh et al. Two explanations have been proposed. First, high-calcium intakes might reduce calcium concentrations in fat cells by decreasing the production of parathyroid hormone and the active form of vitamin D.

Decreased intracellular calcium concentrations, in turn, might increase fat breakdown and discourage fat accumulation in these cells Earthman et al. Second, calcium from food or supplements might bind to small amounts of dietary fat in the digestive tract and prevent absorption of this fat Mallard et al.

Observational studies indicate that greater body weights are associated with lower vitamin D status, and obese individuals frequently have marginal or deficient circulating levels of vitamin D Lim et al.

Nevertheless, the association between vitamin D and obesity raises the question of whether increasing vitamin D concentrations might reduce body weight Gittleman ; Young et al. Fruits, although all fruits are strong healthy food, the fact is that only some have fat-burning properties.

The best choices include citrus fruits; the low-glycemic fruits lemons, limes, oranges, tangerines, and grapefruits , grapes, cherries, and kiwi fruits.

These fruits contain vitamin C, which not only works to dilute fat and cholesterol by its acidity but also helps release the fat cells. Apples and berries, especially raspberries, are the most pectin-rich fruit which limits the ability to absorb fat. Another choice is peaches, pears, plums, strawberries, and pomegranates.

They are rich in vitamins and minerals, high in water content, and have low glycemic index. They found to improve body metabolism and reduce bad cholesterol Denker et al. Bananas and mangoes make for excellent snack foods as well as breakfast foods.

Berries are extremely high in B vitamins that stimulate the thyroid hormone and boost metabolism. It is advised to eat the fruits whole for added fiber and increased the feeling of fullness Gittleman Grapefruit has been an integral part of many diets.

Its fat-burning mechanism is due to the high-fiber content that is known to burn more calories during the digestive process than calories in the grapefruit itself.

Grapefruit pills were found to improve insulin resistance compared to its juice Terry Vegetables have a low-calorie profile while containing essential minerals and vitamin that improve the metabolism of the body, except for certain calorie-rich vegetables like potatoes and sweet potatoes.

Potatoes were preferred to be cooked with the outer skin because it is a good source of insoluble fibers Li Veggies like broccoli, spinach, artichoke, peas, cauliflower, cabbage, and carrots are excellent sources of minerals and have low calories that offer fat burning.

They are rich in fiber, which delays hunger Biesiekierski Cucumbers are high in sulfur and silicone, both of which help the body rid itself of fat content. Beets are rich in iron, potassium, magnesium, and fiber. They enrich the blood and aid in liver function, thus helping to rid the body of fat through elimination Whitehead et al.

Onions and garlic also make great fat burners. The best way to cook veggies would be to boil them or stir fry them with healthy oils like olive oil, sunflower oil, Soybean oil or sesame oil Julkunen et al.

Grains and Seeds are rich in fibers which can control the blood sugar. Oats are rich in fiber, especially, insoluble β-glucan which is found in researches to stabilize the blood sugar of type II diabetics better than other types of fiber and improves metabolism Ramdath et al.

Oats also are digested slowly, keeping insulin production down. It is advised to eat one bowl of oatmeal at breakfast Mudryj et al. They can balance copper and zinc which support thyroid function and boost metabolism Whiting et al.

They are excellent sources of dietary fiber and are known to lower the bad cholesterol and thus contribute to heart health. The best way to eat legumes would be to eat the whole grains Earthman et al. Not only is flax oil rich in omega-3 but it also is found to lower cholesterol van Avesaat et al.

Thermogenic foods, are foods that help burn fat by heating up the body Pathak et al. Capsaicin, a well-known thermogenic compound found in chili peppers, jalapenos, and ginger, works to heat up the body, speed up metabolism, and burn fats Rhoades and Tanner It would not count as food because it has no calories.

Water helps improve the overall metabolism of the body and thus helps burn fat. And of course, water helps flush out toxins and thus improves the capacity of the body to stay healthy Gittleman Many studies have shown that extra water intake, especially up to ml at mealtime, was conducive to weight loss Stookey et al.

Certain foods are rich in their water content and thus help in the process of fat reduction and feeling full quickly, for example are watermelons, cantaloupes, cucumbers, snake gourd, papaya, and chard Rosenberg et al.

The ingested and the environmental toxins that were taken every day can be stored in fat cells. Toxins released during weight loss had the capacity to damage the fat-burning mitochondria and interfere with the thyroid hormones and their receptor sites, interfere with enzymes, and interfere with leptin signals to hunger reflex.

A number of studies have been found that a decreased metabolic rate is in response to the presence of toxins affecting the thyroid hormones and the rate at which the liver excretes them Hsueh et al. Fat flush is a low-carbohydrate eating plan devised with a focus on weight loss while detoxing the liver and lymphatic systems to enhance overall health.

In addition to limiting carbohydrates, it recommends eating fat-burning fats, high-fiber vegetables and fruit, clean protein, and thermogenic foods and supplements Gittleman Caloric intake on the fat flush plan ranges from to calories per day, which is in line with the nutrition recommendations for weight loss Klein and Kiat During this phase, margarine, sugar, oils except flaxseed oil , grains, bread, cereal, starchy vegetables, dairy products, and some spices are restricted.

During the second phase, calories are increased from to calories daily. It includes the same food that is in the first but with the addition of butternut, sweet potato, fresh or frozen peas, brown rice, and carrots once weekly.

This phase continues until reaching the needed weight. The last phase is to maintain weight loss and entail or more calories daily. Certain foods that were eliminated in phase 1 are reintroduced back such as some starchy carbohydrates, dairy, and gluten-free grains Gittleman It aims to cleanse the liver, improve wellness, and produce weight loss.

An expert opinion is that the elimination of all margarine, fats, oil, sugar, bread, grains, high-carbohydrate vegetables, and dairy products can be difficult for some people because they found the remaining food list so restrictive. Fat flush plan is incompatible with vegetarian diet because of the importance of eating lean protein from animal sources, which they cannot do; so vegetarians face difficulty in following this diet.

The plant-based protein could be a substitute animal-based protein for vegetarians. Protein found in soybean and legumes is considered as an acceptable protein substitute on the Fat flush plan. The lacto-ovo vegetarians consume eggs, light yogurt, and light cheeses as a source of protein Picco We can turn our body into fat-burning machine by including low-calorie foods instead of high-calorie foods in our diet.

The fat burning supplements are not alone to burn fats alone. Without a proper diet and regular exercise, we cannot reach the needed goal. If we decide to start any fat flush dietary program, we should seek approval from the doctor prior to starting. To avoid toxins which delay the burning process, we should eat organic foods as much as we can, avoid processed foods, and use natural product to be away from chemicals, additives, or preservatives.

Too much fats increase the risk of diabetes with the alarming complications of cardiovascular disorders. Modification of an unhealthy diet, bad eating habits, and lifestyle factors should remain the cornerstone in managing body fats. New kinds of natural foods should be added in daily meals to improve fat burning process to avoid health complications.

Scientific efforts must certainly be more oriented to discover how we should try to increase our brown fat cells to help in fat burning.

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Diab Care 32 6 — Prentice AM Macronutrients as sources of food energy. Find a Clinical Location. Donate Now. Our specialty is the health of Texas. August 24, DALLAS — Aug. The findings could have significant implications for development of new ways to treat obesity and type 2 diabetes, said Dr.

Perry Bickel , Associate Professor of Internal Medicine at UT Southwestern and senior author of the study published online today in Nature Communications. More than 29 million Americans have diabetes, and it is the seventh leading cause of death in the U.

Almost 26 percent of Americans age 65 and older have diabetes. The study reports a new role for the protein, Perilipin 5, in the cell nucleus as a regulator of fat metabolism. Bickel, who is also Chief of the Division of Endocrinology and holds the Daniel W. Foster, M. Distinguished Chair in Internal Medicine.

In obese people and rodents, excess fat can accumulate in tissues not specialized for fat storage, such as skeletal muscle, the heart, and liver. This buildup can lead to dysfunction of those tissues, Dr.

Bickel said. The cells are then left with a brew of partially processed fats that can be toxic to the mitochondria and lead to the insulin resistance seen in type 2 diabetes, he said. For now, Dr. Bickel said his team is continuing research on the action of Perilipin 5 in mice, and hopes to complete that study by early next year.

Other contributing authors from UTSW Internal Medicine included Dr. Violeta Gallardo Montejano, lead author and Assistant Instructor; Dr. Christine Kusminski, Instructor; Dr. Chaofeng Yang, postdoctoral researcher; John McAfee, former lab technician; and Lisa Hahner, senior research scientist.

Scientists from the Brown Foundation Institute of Molecular Medicine for the Prevention of Human Diseases at UT Health Science Center at Houston also participated in the study. Some early-stage findings of the research were funded by a grant from the National Institutes of Health while Dr.

Bickel worked as an endocrinologist at the UT Health Science Center at Houston. About UT Southwestern Medical Center UT Southwestern, one of the premier academic medical centers in the nation, integrates pioneering biomedical research with exceptional clinical care and education.

The faculty of almost 2, is responsible for groundbreaking medical advances and is committed to translating science-driven research quickly to new clinical treatments.

UT Southwestern physicians provide medical care in about 80 specialties to more than 92, hospitalized patients and oversee approximately 2. Media Contact: Debbie Bolles Email.

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UT Southwestern Medical Center is collaborating with Pfizer Inc. Automated external defibrillators AEDs are underutilized during cardiac arrest episodes despite laws in some states requiring their availability in high-risk areas such as athletic facilities, researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center found.