STUDIES OF THE OB GENE IN HUMANS

本研究建议的主要目的是阐明这一机制(S) 调节瘦素的产生和循环中的浓度 人类。瘦素是一种新发现的荷尔蒙，由脂肪产生 参与新陈代谢调节和维持的组织 身体成分。肥胖是美国的一种主要疾病 影响到三分之一的全部人口和高达50%的少数族裔 女性(非裔美国人和西班牙裔)。更好地理解 导致过剩脂肪组织发展的机制将 改善对这种疾病和相关疾病的治疗，如 糖尿病和高血压。为了实现这些目标，实验已经 旨在评估体重减轻、体重增加、禁食 并以ob基因表达和血清瘦素水平为食。此外, 利用分离的原代脂肪细胞进行的体外实验 皮下脂肪组织活检将用于评估和确定 调节ob基因表达的因素。

The major goal of this research proposal is to elucidate the mechanism(s) that regulate the production and circulating concentrations of leptin in humans. Leptin is a newly discovered hormone, produced by the adipose tissue, which is involved in the regulation of metabolism and maintenance of body composition. Obesity is a major disease in the United States affecting one third of the entire population and up to 50% of minority females (African American and Hispanic). A better understanding of the mechanisms that lead to the development of excess adipose tissue will improve the treatment of this disease and associated diseases such as diabetes and hypertension. To accomplish these goals, experiments have been designed to assess the effect of weight loss, weight gain, fasting and feeding on ob gene expression and serum leptin levels. In addition, in vitro experiments utilizing primary adipoyctes isolated from subcutaneous adipose tissue biopsy will be used to assess determine the factors that regulate ob gene expression.