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Heidelberg (pte035/27.02.2003/14:51) - Scientists in Heidelberg have been able to locate the receptor molecule for nicotinic acid, which plays an important role in the treatment of high blood fats or lipids.
"Now that we know which is the receptor for nicotinic acid, we can look for more effective agents with fewer side effects," said Stefan Offermans, director of the Heidelberg Institute for Pharmacology http://www.pharmakologie.uni-hd.de/index-d.htm .
Nicotinic acid, which is a member of the vitamin B family, has been used for nearly fifty years to help lower blood fats in humans. It attaches itself directly to the fat cells and prevents the cleavage and spreading of triglycerides in the blood. But the treatment can often produce unpleasant side effects, such as itching, rash and heartburn, and may even cause liver damage.
For years, researchers have postulated that the fat-reducing effect of nicotinic acid is based on a specific receptor. Together with the University of Munich and the University of Dusseldorf, Offermann's team was finally able to pinpoint the receptor molecule.
In their experiments the researchers determined that nicotinic acid only has an effect on cells that carry a so-called PUMA-G receptor (in mice) or HM-74 receptor (in humans) on their surface. The scientists compared their results to experiments conducted with genetically modified mice, which did not have the receptor.
With this new knowledge, the researchers are confident that new forms of treatment involving lower and more targeted doses will both improve the response to the agent and reduce unwanted side effects.
The study has been published online by the British journal 'Nature Medicine' http://www.nature.com/medicalresearch .
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