Related Experiment Video

Updated: Mar 1, 2026

Author Spotlight: Semi-Automated Isolation of the Stromal Vascular Fraction from Murine White Adipose Tissue Using a Tissue Dissociator
06:08

Author Spotlight: Semi-Automated Isolation of the Stromal Vascular Fraction from Murine White Adipose Tissue Using a Tissue Dissociator

Published on: May 19, 2023

3.0K

Blocking FSH induces thermogenic adipose tissue and reduces body fat

Peng Liu1, Yaoting Ji1,2, Tony Yuen1

  • 1Department of Medicine, and Mount Sinai Bone Program, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York 10029, USA.

Nature
|May 25, 2017
PubMed

Insights

A new antibody targeting follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) reduces fat tissue and increases bone mass in mice. This discovery offers potential treatments for both obesity and osteoporosis.

Area of Science:

  • Endocrinology
  • Metabolic research
  • Bone biology

Background:

  • Menopause is linked to bone loss and increased visceral fat.
  • Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) plays a role in these postmenopausal changes.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the effects of targeting the FSH β-subunit with a polyclonal antibody.
  • To explore potential therapeutic strategies for obesity and osteoporosis.

Main Methods:

  • Administration of a polyclonal antibody targeting the FSH β-subunit in wild-type mice.
  • Analysis of adipose tissue, bone mass, and brown adipose tissue activation.
  • Comparison with genetic haploinsufficiency for the FSH receptor (Fshr).

Main Results:

  • The FSH β-subunit antibody significantly reduced adipose tissue in mice.
  • The antibody treatment mimicked the effects of Fshr gene haploinsufficiency.
  • Enhanced browning of adipose tissue, increased mitochondrial density, and activated thermogenesis were observed.
  • Increased bone mass was also noted, similar to previous findings.

Conclusions:

  • Targeting the FSH β-subunit with a specific antibody can reduce fat accumulation and increase bone mass.
  • This approach shows promise for simultaneously treating obesity and osteoporosis.
  • Blocking FSH action presents a novel therapeutic avenue for metabolic and bone health.

More Related Videos

Measurement of Basal and Forskolin-stimulated Lipolysis in Inguinal Adipose Fat Pads07:59

Measurement of Basal and Forskolin-stimulated Lipolysis in Inguinal Adipose Fat Pads

Published on: July 21, 2017

10.1K
Assessment of the Metabolic Effects of Isocaloric 2:1 Intermittent Fasting in Mice08:06

Assessment of the Metabolic Effects of Isocaloric 2:1 Intermittent Fasting in Mice

Published on: November 27, 2019

9.6K

Related Concept Videos

Thermoregulation01:26

Thermoregulation

The human body has a sophisticated thermoregulation system that employs negative feedback mechanisms to maintain an optimal core temperature. When the core temperature drops, peripheral and central thermoreceptors send signals to the hypothalamus, activating the heat-promoting center. This center triggers several responses aimed at increasing the core temperature. First, vasoconstriction reduces the flow of warm blood from internal organs to the skin so that the heat is not lost from the skin,...
2.6K
Hypodermis01:02

Hypodermis

The hypodermis (the subcutaneous layer or superficial fascia) is present directly below the dermis. It connects the skin to the underlying fascia (fibrous tissue) of the bones and muscles. It is not strictly a part of the skin, although the border between the hypodermis and dermis can be difficult to distinguish. The hypodermis consists of well-vascularized, loose, areolar connective tissue and adipose tissue, which functions as a mode of fat storage and provides insulation and cushioning for...
8.2K
Metabolic States of the Body: Fasting and Starvation01:24

Metabolic States of the Body: Fasting and Starvation

During the initial hours of fasting, the body uses up its glycogen stores as an energy source. Once these glycogen reserves are depleted, the body begins breaking down stored triglycerides and structural proteins. During this stage, glycerol becomes a key substrate for gluconeogenesis, while free fatty acids undergo beta-oxidation to provide energy for tissues, such as skeletal muscle. In the fasting state, the body spares protein breakdown as much as possible to conserve muscle and structural...
3.1K
Decreased Body Temperature01:29

Decreased Body Temperature

A decreased body temperature can occur in patients with hypothermia and frostbite. Heat loss with extended cold exposure overpowers the body's ability to create heat, resulting in hypothermia. Core temperature readings help classify hypothermia. Mild hypothermia is temperatures between 32 °C (89.6 °F) and 35°C (95 °F) and is caused by impaired thermoregulation. Moderate hypothermia is temperatures between 28 C (82.4 °F) and 32 °C (89.6 °F) caused by...
1.1K
Metabolic States of the Body: The Postabsorptive State01:18

Metabolic States of the Body: The Postabsorptive State

The postabsorptive state usually starts about four hours after a meal and lasts until the next meal is eaten. During this time, the digestive system stops absorbing nutrients, and the body uses stored energy reserves to maintain stable blood glucose levels.
Initially, glycogen stored in the liver is broken down to release glucose into the bloodstream, while glycogen in the muscles is broken down to supply glucose for energy directly within the muscle cells. As glycogen stores diminish,...
1.5K