A new study led by researchers at the University of Houston suggests that a single molecule, derived from cholesterol, lurks inside your bloodstream and will increase your body fat, even if you don't eat a diet filled with red meat and fried food. That kind of diet, however, will increase the levels of this molecule and body weight, noted the researchers.
Professor of biology Michihisa Umetani said in the journal Endocrinology: "We found 27HC directly affects white fat tissue and increases body fat, even without eating the diet that increases body fat." Doctoral student Arvand Asghari also participated in the study.
Long term applications of the findings could lead researchers to a treatment that reduces the levels of 27HC. Because this molecule is linked to estrogen receptors, the researchers hope to develop a new therapeutic approach to treat cholesterol and/or estrogen receptor-mediated diseases such as cardiovascular diseases, osteoporosis, cancer and metabolic diseases. Men have lower levels of estrogen.
