Agouti GeneThe gene for the agouti-related protein (AGRP) is located on chromosome 16. In this same region on Chromosome 16, there is a DNA sequence related to Bardet-Biedl syndrome. AGRP had been found in the arcuate nucleus in mice. In humans is has been found in the skin, heart, testes, ovaries, and fat tissue. In humans, the levels of agouti in the blood correlate with body weight. As levels increased, it was also noted that there was more insulin resistance (i.e. pre-diabetes), visceral fat, and higher levels of alpha-MSH. How the relation to obesity happens is not entirely known. It most likely has to do with the regulation of appetite by AGRP blocking the MC4R receptors in the hypothalamus. Studies have mostly been done on mice.
It is important you
discuss any weight loss or exercise plan with your doctor. Only you and
your physician can decide what is best for you. Some people have
certain conditions that prevent them from doing all exercises, and goal
body weights may be different for different people. You need to discuss
all these things with your physician before starting any weight loss or
exercise program. This article was written by John Vickery, MD. References J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2001 May;86(5):1921-4 Genes Dev. 1997 Mar 1;11(5):593-602
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