A Potential Solution for Treating Obesity Might be Found in the Shells of Crabs and Insects

Chitin, a substance that plays a vital role in providing structural support and protection to arthropods like crustaceans, spiders, and insects with soft bodies, could have an unexpected function in regulating metabolism and combating weight gain in mammals.

Chitin has garnered attention in various research areas, including the development of more robust materials and improved drug delivery methods. It has also been considered as a potential weapon against malaria. In a recent study involving mice conducted by researchers at the Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, it was discovered that chitin stimulates an immune system response in the intestinal tract. Inhibiting the body’s enzymes responsible for breaking down chitin could offer a novel approach to treating obesity.

Addressing the Obesity Epidemic

“Obesity has become an epidemic,” stated Steven Van Dyken, an assistant professor specializing in pathology and immunology. “The substances we consume have a profound impact on our body’s functioning and how we process food. We are exploring methods to combat obesity by leveraging our understanding of how the immune system responds to dietary factors.”

When chitin is ingested, stomach cells initiate the production of chitinases, enzymes responsible for breaking down this polysaccharide. Within the human body, there exist two chitinases, namely chitotriosidase 1 (CHIT1) and acid mammalian chitinase (AMCase).

Historically, these enzymes have played roles in combating pathogens containing chitin in their cell walls, including harmful fungi and the intestinal linings of parasitic nematodes. They have also been associated with inflammation related to conditions such as asthma and other immune response disorders.

Chitin’s Impact on Weight Gain

In this research, three separate groups of mice were subjected to a high-fat diet. One group had their chitinase activity suppressed, rendering them unable to break down chitin. Another group maintained regular chitinase production, while a third group was not provided with any chitin. Interestingly, the mice that consumed chitin but were unable to break it down experienced the least weight gain and had the lowest levels of body fat, in contrast to those that either didn’t consume chitin at all or consumed it and had the ability to break it down.

The scientists posit that the immune response triggered in the mice incapable of chitin degradation played a crucial role in their ability to resist obesity despite their dietary intake.

The Intricate Role of Host Chitinases in Chitin Breakdown

“We believe that the breakdown of chitin primarily relies on the host’s intrinsic chitinases,” explained Van Dyken. “Stomach cells adapt their enzyme production in response to this process. It’s noteworthy that this adaptation occurs independently of microbial involvement, as bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract also produce chitinases that can break down chitin.”

The researchers are looking forward to conducting a human study to determine whether introducing chitin into diets while simultaneously inhibiting chitinase production could yield comparable benefits for weight management.

Fortunately, for those who might be hesitant about consuming crunchy crickets, chitin is also present in yeast, algae, commonly consumed mushrooms, and can be readily incorporated into more appealing dietary supplements.

“We have various methods for suppressing stomach chitinases,” stated Van Dyken. “Combining these strategies with chitin-rich foods could potentially provide significant metabolic advantages.”

Read the original article on: New Atlas

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