Fat tissue retains a “memory” of obesity through cellular epigenetic and transcriptional changes that persist after weight loss, which could increase the likelihood of weight regain, a series of experiments in human and brain cells show. mice.
These are the conclusions of a work published this Monday in the magazine Naturewhich may help explain the problematic “yo-yo” effect which is often seen with diets or other weight loss strategies, in which people regain lost weight, and could inform future weight management strategies.
Ferdinand von Meyenn and his team have found transcriptional changes in cells that persist after noticeable weight loss. The authors identified these changes by comparing the RNA sequences of adipose tissue cells from 18 non-obese individuals with those from 20 individuals living with obesity before and after weight loss (at least a 25% reduction in Body Mass Index). Body) after bariatric surgery.
Targeting these changes in fat and potentially other cells in the future could improve long-term weight management
The researchers also performed similar analyzes in lean, obese, and formerly obese mice (the latter were obese and then lost weight), and found epigenetic changes (changes in the way DNA is copied into RNA. This material regulates gene expression). along with transcriptional changes that appear to be associated with alterations of some metabolic processes that persist after weight loss (such as fatty acid biosynthesis and fat cell formation), which may contribute to recovery from weight gain after the diet, the authors suggest.
Targeting these changes in fat and potentially other cells in the future could improve long-term weight management and health outcomes, the authors conclude.
Improve treatments
José Ordovásdirector of Nutrition and Genomics at Tufts University in Boston (USA), considers that, although the findings are solid and supported by both human and animal data, the study has limitations, including the lack of direct epigenetic analysis in human samples , heterogeneity in human data sets, and lack of long-term follow-up in mice. “It does not establish causality between epigenetic changes and weight recovery, so more research is required to confirm the mechanisms,” he says in statements to the SMC.
The result opens avenues for therapies to ‘reset’ adipose tissue memory and improve weight loss maintenance
José Ordovás
— Director of Nutrition and Genomics at Tufts University in Boston (USA)
On the positive side, Ordovás believes that the result opens avenues for targeted therapies, such as drugs or epigenetic editing, to ‘reset’ adipose tissue memory and improve the maintenance of weight loss. “Personalized weight control strategies could be based on an individual’s genetic and epigenetic profile, while public health policies could prioritize prevention and early intervention to avoid the establishment of an obesogenic memory,” he says. “Despite challenges such as cost and ethical concerns, this research provides a foundation for innovative obesity management approaches, integrating molecular findings with existing clinical practices to address the global obesity crisis.”
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