Effects of recombinant leptin therapy in a child with congenital leptin deficiency

Article Abstract:

Leptin treatment may be beneficial for obese children. Leptin is a hormone involved in regulating body weight. Researchers treated a 9-year-old girl with leptin deficiency with daily injections of recombinant leptin. At the beginning of therapy, she weighed 207 pounds. During the one-year treatment, she lost about 36 pounds at the rate of 2 to 4 pounds per month. Her fat mass dropped considerably but her lean body mass increased. Her basal metabolic rate also decreased 18%, but she became more physically active. Her body produced antibodies against the injected leptin but the antibodies did not seem to change the effectiveness of the treatment.

Author: Farooqi, I. Sadaf, O'Rahilly, Stephen, Hughes, Ieuan A., Prentice, Andrew M., McCamish, Mark A., Jebb, Susan A., Cheetham, Christopher H., Langmack, Gill, Lawrence, Elizabeth (American landscape architect)
Health aspects, Care and treatment, Leptin

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Clinical spectrum of obesity and mutations in the melanocortin 4 receptor gene

Article Abstract:

A mutation in the gene for the melanocortin 4 receptor appears to be one cause of obesity, according to a study of 500 obese children. This gene codes for the receptor for an enzyme called alpha melanocyte-stimulating hormone. The hormone causes a decrease in food consumption. The mutation would create a defective receptor, which could interfere with the proper function of the hormone.

Author: Farooqi, I. Sadaf, O'Rahilly, Stephen, Keogh, Julia M., Yeo, Giles S.H., Lank, Emma J., Cheetham, Tim
Intermedin, Melanocyte stimulating hormone

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Melanocortin receptors weigh in

Article Abstract:

The melanocortin-4 receptor (MC4R) that is highly expressed in the brain acts as a central regulator of food intake and fat mass. The studies confirming the MC4R links to obesity is presented.

Author: Farooqi, I. Sadaf, O'Rahilly, Stephen, Yeo, Giles S.H.
United States, Science & research, Biological Product (except Diagnostic) Manufacturing, Drugs, Biological Processors, Bioreactors, Research, Gene mutations, Gene mutation, Obesity

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Subjects list: Obesity in children, Childhood obesity, Genetic aspects
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