Description

Copyright infringement not intended

Picture Courtesy: THE HINDU

Context:

A study published in the science journal Nature has revealed that the withdrawal of the non-essential amino acid cysteine leads to rapid 30% body weight loss in genetically modified mice within a week.

What Are Amino Acids?

Amino acids are organic compounds that are the building blocks of proteins.

Why Proteins are important?

Building and repairing tissues.
Enzyme production: Catalyzing biochemical reactions.
Hormone and neurotransmitter production: Regulating various bodily processes.
Immune function: Supporting the body's defense mechanisms.

There are 20 common amino acids => 9 are "essential", the body cannot produce them, and therefore must be obtained through diet.

11 amino acids are "non-essential", the body can produce them. "Cysteine" is a non-essential amino acid.

What Was the Discovery About Cysteine and Weight Loss?

Researchers used genetically engineered mice that could not naturally produce cysteine.

Cysteine's Impact => Removing cysteine caused 30.6% weight loss in a week, a much stronger effect than removing other amino acids.

Reversible => When cysteine was returned to the diet, the mice regained the lost weight.

No Effect in Normal Mice => The weight loss only occurred in the genetically modified mice, not in normal mice (because normal mice make their own cysteine).

Are There Side Effects of Removing Cysteine?

Side Effects => Cysteine withdrawal led to higher oxidative stress (harmful cell damage), because cysteine is vital for glutathione, a key antioxidant.

What are Free radicals and Antioxidant?

Free radicals => Unstable molecules that can damage cells and contribute to various diseases.
- They are produced naturally in the body and also by external factors like pollution and smoking.
Antioxidants => Substances that can prevent or slow cell damage caused by free radicals.
- They are found in many foods, especially fruits and vegetables, and can also be taken as supplements.

Researchers stated that it is a "promising start" for research, but "we are nowhere near" applying it to humans.

FAQ

Q. Why is the cysteine withdrawal study surprising for weight loss?

It is surprising because non-essential cysteine, when withdrawn in modified mice, caused a dramatic 30% weight loss, surpassing essential amino acid effects.

Q. What are the risks of cysteine withdrawal in diets?

Cysteine withdrawal increases oxidative stress by reducing glutathione, a key antioxidant.

Q. Why is cysteine withdrawal not yet applicable to humans?

The study was conducted on genetically modified mice, and requires more research before the clinical application stage.

Must Read Articles:

TAURINE

Gene Flow

Source: THE HINDU

PRACTICE QUESTION

Q. A recent study indicated weight loss in mice upon the withdrawal of a specific amino acid. Which amino acid was it:

A. Methionine

B. Cysteine