Grape compound increases beneficial fat hormone
By ANISaturday, January 8, 2011
WASHINGTON - A compound in grapes displays antioxidant and other positive properties. Now, a new study has described a novel way in which resveratrol exerts these beneficial health effects.
Resveratrol stimulates the expression of adiponectin, a hormone derived from cells that manufacture and store fat, the team found.
Adiponectin has a wide range of beneficial effects on obesity-related medical complications, said senior author Feng Liu, professor of pharmacology and member of the Barshop Institute of Longevity and Aging Studies at UT Health Science Center San Antonio.
Both adiponectin and resveratrol display anti-obesity, anti-insulin resistance and anti-aging properties.
“Results from these studies should be of interest to those who are obese, diabetic and growing older,” Dr. Liu said.
“The findings should also provide important information on the development of novel therapeutic drugs for the treatment of these diseases.”
The researchers confirmed the finding in cells and animal models.
The study appears in the Jan. 7 issue of the Journal of Biological Chemistry. (ANI)
