A group of researchersdiscovered that a mutation in the MC4R gene, associated with extreme obesity, could act as an unexpected shield against cardiovascular diseases.
The study, published in Nature Medicine, revealed that those who possess this alteration not only have a greater predisposition to gain weight, but also a lower incidence of heart problems.
Quienes poseen esta alteración tienen una menor incidencia de problemas cardíacos
A finding that changes the perspective on obesity
According to geneticist Anke Hinney from the University of Duisburg-Essen, the discovery offers a new perspective. "Although obesity in carriers of these mutations is severe, their risk of cardiac complications is reduced".
The research was led by Sadaf Farooqi from the University of Cambridge. The study sought to understand why some people with overweight manage to maintain a healthy heart. The MC4R gene produces a protein that acts as an appetite brake: when that mechanism fails, the body loses control of hunger.
The analysis behind the discovery
To test the hypothesis, the team analyzed data from two projects: the Genetics of Obesity Study and the UK Biobank. In the first, 144 adults with inactive mutations of MC4R were identified. Despite their obesity, they showed lower blood pressure and reduced total cholesterol compared to those who had a normal version of the gene.
Se identificaron 144 adultos con mutaciones inactivas del MC4R
The second analysis, based on the UK Biobank, confirmed the pattern. Carriers of mutations in MC4R maintained a healthier lipid profile and a lower cardiovascular risk, even with a similar weight to the rest. The researchers concluded that the link between the brain and fat metabolism is deeper than previously thought.
Metabolic keys and possible treatments
In a second stage, the scientists evaluated how these individuals replied to the consumption of fatty foods. Those who had the mutation processed lipids differently. This reinforces the idea that MC4R influences appetite and the way the body handles fats.
Los científicos evaluaron cómo respondían estas personas al consumo de comidas grasas
These findings could be the basis for the development of new drugs targeting the central nervous system to protect the heart. "The protection against cardiovascular diseases is truly striking", Farooqi emphasized.
