Scientists talked about the role of the immune system in slowing down weight loss

Scientists from the University of California at San Diego have identified a new function of immune cells: they can slow down fat loss in the body. The discovery shows that neutrophils, penetrating into adipose tissue, send signals that inhibit the breakdown of fats, which may explain the conservation of energy under stressful conditions and open up ways to treat obesity and metabolic disorders. This was reported on December 10 in the journal Medical Xpress.

White adipose tissue plays a key role in maintaining energy balance.: it stores excess energy and releases it during periods of hunger, cold, or metabolic stress. Until now, the mechanisms that protect the body from excessive fat consumption have remained unclear.

The researchers used mouse models and human genetic data. They found that activation of the sympathetic nervous system leads to a rapid influx of neutrophils into the visceral fat surrounding vital organs. These cells produce signaling molecules that inhibit further fat breakdown.

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When neutrophils were removed or their signals were blocked, mice showed accelerated fat breakdown under metabolic stress. In obese people, the activity of the genes associated with this mechanism was higher.

The discovery highlights an unexpected physiological alliance between fat cells and the immune system: immune cells not only protect the body from infections, but also regulate energy balance. The authors of the study believe that targeted intervention in this pathway may be a promising approach to the treatment of obesity, metabolic syndrome, and conditions associated with unintended weight loss.

On November 14, Medical Xpress spoke about a potential probiotic therapy against obesity. According to the publication, the intestinal bacterium Turicibacter is able to significantly reduce the manifestations of obesity and improve metabolic parameters even with a high-fat diet.

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