The protein, called TRAP (tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase), "stimulates the formation of new fat cells and can thus precipitate the development of obesity," the Institute said in a statement.

Advertisement

The research was based on cell cultures and mice studies, and showed that patients with obesity have excessive levels of the protein.

"This protein is potentially useful in the treatment of conditions involving morbid cachexia (weight loss), such as cancer diseases," professor Goeran Andersson, who led the study, said.

What the findings mean
"The discovery can also lead to new ways of treating obesity based on the inhibition of this protein's effect," he said.

The study lasted four years and followed 14 obese women, Andersson said. The results were published in the US online journal Public Library of Science. – (Sapa)

March 2008

Read more:
Clue to deep belly fat
Protein diet fights hunger
 

Print this article on

Rate this article Poor 1 2 3 4 5 Excellent

JOBS

Civil Engineering Technician Gauteng - Johannesburg Financial Manager R380,000-400,000 Per Annum Cost To Company Gauteng - West Rand Treasury Specialist R300,000-380,000 Per Annum Cost To Company Gauteng - Johannesburg JAVA DEVELOPER (YL028 – 04/09) Gauteng DELPHI DEVELOPER (YL023 – 04/09) R320,000-360,000 Per Annum Cost To Company Market Related Gauteng Senior and Lead .NET Developers (C#.NET, Arc, Design, Code.) R300,000-600,000 Per Annum Cost To Company Gauteng - Johannesburg A C# Developer (C Sharp Developer) Gauteng - Johannesburg A C++ Developer (Software Developer) Gauteng - Pretoria Find more jobs Register your CV Post a job