Answer to Question #329092 in Cell Biology for Zanzibar

Question

Pharmaceutical and healthcare companies are very interested in substances that affect the mitochondria and associated energy releasing metabolic pathways. Depending on their effect, such substances may potentially be developed into ‘weight-loss’ drugs or ‘weight-gain’ drugs. Some substances are marketed as nutritional supplements that increase energy levels and enhance athletic performance.

Answer 1

The example of the first group of the substance that potentially can be developed weight loss drug is emodin that mainly affects oxidative phosphorylation pathways by inhibiting the function of the mitochondrial respiratory chain complexes. This can increase the energy intake from high-fat food.

The examples s of the second group of substances that can assist in weight gain are Additional vitamins E and C, Acetyl L-carnitine (ALC) that play a role in in inreasing mitochondrial energy production as well.