What is the thrifty gene?

[robs2nd75]

What are your thoughts on the "thrifty gene"?

 

[robs2nd75]

http://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s001250051268#page-1

 

[Nelson Vergel]

Thanks Rob. I suggest you write a sentence or two when you include a link if you can.

Yeah, we have known this for a long time. Anything that disrupts peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma and alpha (PPAR) receptors has been associated with all kinds of metabolic issues. Several of the diabetes (pioglitazone and rosiglitazone) and lipid lowering (fibrates) drugs have been developed with that knowledge.

Exercise can make PPAR gamma work better, so it works pretty much like a drug.

Low-intensity exercise exerts beneficial effects on plasma lipids via PPARgamma.http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18580406

 

[Nelson Vergel]

"Scientists use the "thrifty gene" theory proposed in 1962 by geneticist James Neel to help explain why many Pima Indians are overweight. Neel's theory is based on the fact that for thousands of years populations who relied on farming, hunting and fishing for food, such as the Pima Indians, experienced alternating periods of feast and famine. Neel said that to adapt to these extreme changes in caloric needs, these people developed a thrifty gene that allowed them to store fat during times of plenty so that they would not starve during times of famine."http://diabetes.niddk.nih.gov/dm/pubs/pima/obesity/obesity.htm

"Human ancestors lived through times of feast and famine. Some researchers believe that early humans possessed a "thrifty gene," which would have enabled them to store up fat during food shortages. Since those with the ability to live off stored fat were most likely to survive famines, they were also more likely to procreate and pass the thrifty gene along. In the modern, developed world, however, we rarely face serious food shortages, which means the thrifty gene is no longer useful. Those who still possess it may face struggles with their weight. Even if they exercise and eat a healthy diet, their bodies may store the fat as if in a famine."

 

[robs2nd75]

Thanks for the info, very helpful.