Zárate A, Manuel-Apolinar L

Language: Spanish
References: 0
Page: 104-106
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ABSTRACT

Douglas L. Coleman (October 6, 1931 to April 16, 2014) proposed, using rodent experiments, the theory of the existence of a substance in the circulation that regulates the appetite to prevent obesity. Jeffrey M. Friedman identified the gene expressing the substance and named it leptin, which originated in adipose tissue and reached the hypothalamus, where it was recognized by a specific receptor and thus reduced appetite. According to the kind of mutation, the synthesis of either leptin or its receptor could be deleted, inducing hyperphagia, obesity and diabetes. These findings encouraged the possibility to get a treatment for obesity and were the reason why they were granted the Lasker Award in 2010. It is known that Coleman was nominated for the Nobel Prize, but his death now excludes him.