Publications by authors named "Maria Villalon"
Article Synopsis
- - The study investigates the role of the Pyk2 gene in obesity among children and adolescents, noting its previously unclear involvement in energy balance-related diseases.
- - Researchers measured mRNA expression levels of Pyk2 in 130 Caucasian subjects, split into two groups based on Body Mass Index (BMI), and found higher expression levels in those with obesity.
- - The results revealed a positive correlation between Pyk2 expression levels and various obesity-related metrics (like weight, fat mass, and blood pressure), suggesting that Pyk2 may be a potential predictor for developing obesity.
Leptin is a hormone that is secreted by adipocytes in proportion to adipose tissue size, and that informs the brain about the energy status of the body. Leptin acts through its receptor LepRb, expressed mainly in the hypothalamus, and induces a negative energy balance by potent inhibition of feeding and activation of energy expenditure. These actions have led to huge expectations for the development of therapeutic targets for metabolic complications based on leptin-derived compounds.
View Article and Find Full Text PDF