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BRETT FLORIE. Effects of Dexamethasone on Ob Gene Expression and Leptin Secretion in Obese and Lean Subjects. RATIONAL QUESTIONS. What effect does dexamethasone have on ob gene expression and leptin production? Do gluccocorticoids affect obese and lean adipose tissue differently?
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BRETT FLORIE Effects of Dexamethasone on Ob Gene Expression and Leptin Secretion in Obese and Lean Subjects
RATIONAL QUESTIONS • What effect does dexamethasone have on ob gene expression and leptin production? • Do gluccocorticoids affect obese and lean adipose tissue differently? • What can be done to counter the role that gluccorticoids play in obesity?
PROCEDURES and METHODS • Abdominal adipose tissue was taken from 8 obese and 9 non-obese subjects • Tissue samples were cultured for up to 48 hours in MEM • Dexamethasone was added to culture in accordance to protocol • Ob mRNA was measured via autoradiograpphic signals from Northern blots • Leptin levels were measured using RIA
CONCLUSION • Findings suggest a important interplay between gluccocorticoid’s and leptin secretion, which is critical in weight maintenance for lean people • Obese people may have a greater response in Ob gene activity, which may contribute to abnormalities associated with obesity. • In obesity,there may be a loss of the negative feedback between coticoids and leptin
CONCLUSION CONTINUED • Gluccocorticoid’s increase leptin secrertion more potently in obese people vs. lean people • Dexamethasone was found to act at the pretranslational level
FUTURE TREATMENT • Continued research is needed to determine the overall effects of leptin in humans • Find a hormone or drug that is able to block or negate the effects that gluccorticoids have on leptin secretion in obese patients • Studies have shown that insulin may inhibit the role of gluccocorticoids in leptin production, but further research is needed