A Muscle and Fat Cell Protein Cardiotrophin 1 Shows Promise in Treatment of Obesity

A muscle and fat cell protein Cardiotrophin 1 shows promise in treatment of obesity and metabolic syndrome. Metabolic syndrome is characterised by:

• Obesity,
• Hypertension,
• Diabetes,
• Dyslipidemia, abnormality in lipid or fat level in blood  and

• Kidney disease etc.

Cardiotrophin 1 has cell protective effect and effect in tissue regeneration. It was developed for its use in organ transplant.
 Image of Excessive Adipose Tissue in Abdomen
Researchers found that the administration of cardiotrophin 1 accelerates the elimination of fat from the adipose tissue and increases the rate at which fat is burnt in muscles.
Treatment of obese and diabetic mice with cardiotrophin 1;

• Iincreased energy expenditure,
• Reduced food intake and 
• Corrected obesity and diabetes. 

They also noticed that in addition to its effects on fat metabolism, cardiotrophin 1 promotes the entry of glucose into the cells and increases the insulin sensitivity.

Cardiotrophin 1 (CT-1) is a member of the interleukin-6 cytokine family. The use of CT-1 in liver transplantation has already been granted Orphan Drug Status by both the FDA and the EMEA.
Let us watch for new developments in this front.