Elderly people, those with a vitamin B12 deficiency “ a state that is associated with neurological disorders, megablastic anaemia and developmental problems in unborn babies “ or anyone on a strictly vegetarian diet may benefit substantially.

This study will investigate biochemical pathways, how they are controlled and how they can be engineered to enhance the metabolic ability of the host cell. It will explore the limitations and consequences of engineering complex metabolic pathways (the chemical reactions carried out by a cell) into different organisms, such as taking the genetic software that allows bacteria to make vitamin B12 and transferring it into bacteria that are unable to make B12.

Professor Warren said: Vitamin B12 is unique among the vitamins in that it is the only one whose synthesis is restricted solely to bacteria. We plan to take the genetic software that allows bacteria to make vitamin B12 and transfer it into bacteria that are unable to make B12, as well as into yeast and a higher plant, thereby conferring upon these organisms the ability to make this essential nutrient. ™

For this project Professor Warren and his team will take advantage of the latest developments and technologies in metabolic engineering.

kent.ac

The health benefits associated with taking the drugs varied. For example, orlistat reduced the incidence of diabetes in one trial and all three drugs lowered patients' levels of certain types of cholesterol. Adverse effects were recorded with all three drugs, in particular, rimonabant increased the risk of mood disorders such as depression or anxiety. The authors noted that no trials examined rates of death and disease as a result of taking anti-obesity pills. They recommend that trials looking at this should be carried out in the future.

The authors also noted that there were high drop-out levels in all the trials. On average 30 “ 40% of patients failed to complete the trial. They say this suggests that a failure to properly adhere to the treatment could be a major factor limiting the effectiveness of anti-obesity drug therapy.

In an accompanying editorial, Professor Gareth Williams warns of the potential damage to society if anti-obesity drugs are licensed to be sold without prescription. This already happens in the United States, and as Glaxo Smith Kline (GSK) has applied to sell orlistat over the counter throughout Europe, it could happen here. He warns:

Selling anti-obesity drugs over the counter will perpetuate the myth that obesity can be fixed simply by popping a pill and could further undermine the efforts to promote healthy living, which is the only long term escape from obesity.

bmj