New gene therapy discovered to reduce fat and gain muscle

The new gene therapy will have to go through many more stages before it is officially tested on humans.

According to Digital Trends , researchers at Washington Medical University, St. Louis has demonstrated a new gene therapy that helps to increase strength and muscle mass quickly and prevent obesity even if the person is on a high-fat diet. However, this is not something so crazy, but rather just the support of physiotherapy for people with osteoarthritis or arthritis leading to muscle weakness.

This gene therapy may help increase muscle mass.

"We know that obesity and joint injury are the main risk factors for osteoarthritis . However, in the case of obesity or a severe muscular deficiency, it would be extremely difficult if not wanted. "It is impossible to lose weight or improve muscle strength just through regular exercise and diet." The goal of this study is to show the importance of muscle strength in exercise. avoiding the harmful effects of obesity on joints, " says Farshid Guilak, professor of orthopedic surgery and research director at Children's Shriners Hospital in St. Louis. Louis.

So far, gene therapy has only been proven in mice. The researchers transmitted the gene to a molecule called follistatin to the muscle of an 8-week-old rat through injection. This protein blocks myostatin, a molecule often responsible for inhibiting muscle growth. The mice in the experiment doubled their muscle mass and were able to completely burn off all the extra energy from an unhealthy fat diet. This prevents almost all metabolic complications of obesity, such as systemic inflammation, high blood sugar, and a significant reduction in arthritis and soreness.

Researchers fear gene therapy could negatively impact the hearts of mice. However, this has been shown to be baseless and heart function in mice has actually improved, along with overall cardiovascular health.

"The first studies in mice have shown that this method is extremely effective and safe. The next steps will be long-term studies on mice and possibly even larger animals to ensure their safety of the study , " Guilak said.

If these steps prove successful, the researchers will look at human trials - with initial tests for people with serious illnesses that can threaten muscle life, such as muscular dystrophy.