STUDIES OF THE OB GENE IN HUMANS

本研究计划的主要目标是阐明调节人体瘦素产生和循环浓度的机制。瘦素是一种新发现的激素，由脂肪组织产生，参与调节新陈代谢和维持身体成分。在美国，肥胖是一种主要疾病，影响着三分之一的人口和高达50%的少数族裔女性（非裔美国人和西班牙裔）。更好地了解导致过量脂肪组织形成的机制将改善这种疾病以及糖尿病和高血压等相关疾病的治疗。为了实现这些目标，研究人员设计了实验来评估体重减轻、体重增加、禁食和喂养对ob基因表达和血清瘦素水平的影响。此外，利用从皮下脂肪组织活检中分离的原代脂肪细胞的体外实验将用于评估确定调节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.