United Kingdom (UK) researchers have developed the molecule "Compound 14" that mimics exercise, and could one day be used in new drugs as treatments for medical conditions such as obesity and type-2 diabetes. Their particle works by blocking an enzyme that is key in human metabolism.
The findings were published recently in the journal Chemistry & Biology.
Dr. Ali Tavassoli is a chemical biology professor at the University of Southampton. His research team developed the new "Compound 14" molecule.
Compound 14 blocks the function of ATIC, a cellular enzyme. It has a key role in the metabolism process.
Blocking ATIC causes a buildup of the ZMP molecule in cells, triggering their AMPK central energy sensor. Thus, they "think" they have low energy levels.
The cells then try to power up. They do that by boosting metabolism and glucose intake.
Tavassoli's research team tested Compound 14 on mice. One group was fed a regular diet, while the other group was given a high-fat diet.
The scientists discovered that the Compound 14-treated mice with a regular diet maintained a normal weight and levels of blood glucose, according to Medical News Today. However, the high-fat diet group that received one dose of the compound showed lower blood glucose levels that were close to normal.
Besides that, when the mice on a high-fat diet received one dose of the new molecule daily for 7 days, they showed improvements in glucose tolerance, according to GizMag. They also dropped about 5 percent of their body weight.
The researchers shared that their findings about Compound 14 could be used for new obesity treatments. That condition affects over one-third of the United States' adults.
In addition, the compound could improve treatments for type 2 diabetes. It makes up between 90 to 95 percent of all U.S. diabetes cases.
The research team is planning to develop Compound 14 more and monitor its long-term treatment results. They also want to learn precisely how it produces weight loss and boosts glucose intolerance.
It could ultimately result in new drugs. Using a tiny molecule to activate AMPK could produce a wide array of medications by mimicking exercise and boosting cells' intake and use of sugar and oxygen.