Science Article Summary #1

Hotamisligil, G. Molecular ‘firing squad’ in mice triggered by overeating destroys metabolism Harvard School of Public Health. Biology News Net [Internet] February 4, 2010.[accessed Feb 4 2010] Available from:
http://www.biologynews.net/archives/2010/02/04/molecular_firing_squad_in_mice_triggered_by_overeating_destroys_metabolism.html

Molectular 'firing squad' in mice triggered by overeating destroys metabolism.

A new study conducted by the Harvard School of Public Health, has linked a molecule which was once considered to be involved only in the body’s natural immune response to viruses, with insulin resistance in diabetes and other diseases. If researchers can figure out how the molecule is triggered, they might then be able to find ways of either treating or preventing diabetes, and other diseases including heart or liver disease, cancer and stroke.

According to the author, Gokhan Hotamisligil, when a cell containing this molecule, known as PKR, is hit with too many nutrients, it triggers an immune system response to attack the invader - in this case, food. This causes insulin resistance and metabolic dysfunction, which leads to a process described as "metaflammation." This type of inflammation is common in diseases, such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease and obesity.

Mice were used in controlled experiments where both PKR-positive and PKR-negative mice were fed high fat, high calorie diets. The PKR-positive mice developed obesity and insulin resistance, while the PKR-negative mice gained significantly less weight and did not develop insulin resistance.

Now that the PKR molecule has been identified, further studies need to be conducted in order to determine which nutrients cause adverse effects. In the future, human trials may be conducted to test potential drugs or nutrients that may help to alleviate the negative effects of PKR.