Endocrine / Metabolic

Mouse studies suggest α-galactosylceramide (α-GalCer) could help treat obesity. In mice fed a high-fat diet, α-GalCer decreased fat mass and increased fatty acid oxidation, thermogenesis, white adipose tissue browning, levels of fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) levels in serum and adipose tissue compared with vehicle. Next steps include a Phase 0 trial of α-GalCer in patients with metabolic disease (see “Killer Burn,” page 13). ...