Molecule in python blood could pave way for new obesity drugs, scientists say
Researchers find snake metabolite that suppresses appetite of obese mice ‘without some of side-effects’ of GLP-1 drugs
TL;DR
- Scientists have discovered a molecule called pTOS in the blood of pythons.
- This molecule is produced by gut bacteria and spikes after the snakes consume a large meal.
- When administered to obese mice, pTOS reduced their appetite and led to significant weight loss.
- Unlike some current obesity drugs, pTOS appears to act on the hypothalamus in the brain to regulate appetite.
- Researchers believe pTOS could be a basis for new obesity drugs with fewer side effects, as it occurs naturally in humans.
- The study was inspired by pythons' ability to consume large prey and survive long periods without eating, a feat involving extreme metabolic changes.