Abstract
Obesity is a leading risk factor for insulin resistance, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and cardiovascular complications, collectively referred to as metabolic diseases. Given the prevalence of obesity and its associated medical problems, new strategies are required to prevent or treat obesity and obesity-related metabolic effects. Here we summarize contributors of obesity, and molecular mechanisms controlling adipogenesis from studies in mammalian systems. We also discuss the possibilities of using Drosophila as a genetic model system to advance our understanding of players in fat biology.
Highlights
Obesity is a leading risk factor for insulin resistance, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and cardiovascular complications, collectively referred to as metabolic diseases
Genetic predispositions associated with obesity or its related complications have been identified in many human diseases, including Prader-Willi syndrome, Cohen’s syndrome, lipodystrophy, and Carpenter’s syndrome
This study indicates that higher physical activity and less dietary fat intake by the Mexican residents compared to the Arizona Pima Indians prevents obesity and its related metabolic complications, despite the same genetic background
Summary
An excessive accumulation of body fat, is a chronic condition that contributes to a number of metabolic diseases, such as cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes (Kopelman, 2000). The prevalence of obesity is increasing worldwide, with as many as 400 million people being obese (Hofker and Wijmenga, 2009). As this rate is not showing any signs of declining in future, the need to develop anti-obesity medications is increasing. There have been numerous efforts in the development of anti-obesity drugs, the growth of obesity prevalence outruns the growth of the anti-obesity drug market, perhaps due to lack of molecular targets and strategies. A better understanding of the molecular mechanisms controlling adipogenesis, especially in vivo, is required to identify new molecular targets and therapeutic interventions against obesity
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
