Potential New Obesity Fighter?

In a study done at the Veteran’s Administration Hospital at American Lake in Lakewood, Washington, experiments found a way to yield mice that, in spite of overeating, stayed lean.  The difference in the mice that remained lean was higher levels of interleukin-15, also known as IL-15.  IL-15 is a protein molecule that naturally occurs in humans and in mice and it is secreted into the bloodstream in small amounts by the muscles.

The study done on the mice used artificial genes created by the laboratory team that were specifically crafted to secrete larger amounts of IL-15.  The results of the study are promising with the male IL-15 mice staying leaner but not adding muscle and the female IL-15 mice actually adding muscle but not staying as lean.

Commercially, the Agriculture Department is interested in IL-15 ‘s possible use to decrease fat in cattle and pigs to yield leaner meat cuts for our food supply.  The potential benefits for the human population’s health are even more promising.  Il-15′s discovery in this study could have great health benefits in controlling obesity which contributes to a host of other problems such as diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease and stroke.

For senior citizens, IL-15 shows promise for it’s ability to restore muscle mass and strength.  The body building industry would be extremely interested in Il-15 when it becomes available in pill form for decreasing fat and increasing lean muscle.

After an injury or fall, especially for senior citizens, IL-15 has the potential to speed recovery time.  Usually, after an injury or broken hip, the muscles atrophy which slows recovery time.  With IL-15, the muscles regain strength faster and recovery time is shortened and enhanced.