Mechanisms and Pathophysiology of Obesity

Obesity is the excessive accumulation of body fat caused by genetic, behavioral, environmental, and metabolic factors, and is associated with an increased risk of many chronic diseases such as heart disease and stroke. Genes and environment interact in a complex system to regulate energy balance, related physiological processes, and body weight. The hypothalamus regulates food intake and energy expenditure through inhibition or excitation involving hormones such as leptin and ghrelin. Compared with people who are not overweight, obese people have greater fat and lean mass, as well as higher resting energy expenditure, cardiac output, and blood pressure, and greater pancreatic beta cell mass. Adipose tissue acts as an active endocrine organ, releasing various cytokines that cause systemic inflammation and insulin resistance.

With years of experience and advanced experimental equipment, Protheragen has developed a one-stop solution for obesity research. We not only provide obesity-related testing and analysis services but also develop obesity treatments targeting specific targets, bringing new treatment hope to obese patients.

We develop different novel Anti-Obesity Therapies targeting the above targets and conduct preclinical studies of these therapies using Obesity Models. These therapies include but are not limited to:

Preclinical Studies of Anti-Obesity Therapeutics

Unlocking the Science of Obesity: Your Partner in Comprehensive Analysis and Personalized Solutions

Protheragen is at the forefront of obesity research and therapeutic development and is committed to translating scientific understanding into effective solutions to combat obesity. We offer comprehensive obesity-related analytical and testing services designed to address the complexity of obesity and its related diseases. We delve into the multifactorial root causes of obesity, examining genetic, environmental, and metabolic factors. We provide advanced diagnostic tests to accurately assess the progress of obesity interventions. Our obesity prediction services use advanced algorithms and genetic information to predict obesity risk, enabling early preventive measures. We specialize in identifying obesity biomarkers, providing key insights for the development of personalized treatment strategies. Our expertise extends to obesity-related gene editing, using advanced genetic technologies to correct obesity-related genetic abnormalities. We have also conducted extensive research on the obesity microbiome and pathobiology to understand the role of gut bacteria and pathological processes in obesity. Protheragen also provides professional weight loss and weight management services, testing hormone adaptations and foods during weight loss, allowing scientific weight loss monitoring and management.

• Obesity Causation Analysis Services

Protheragen explains the causes and mechanisms of excessive weight gain from three perspectives: genetic factors, medications, and diseases. We use advanced genetic testing, metabolomics, proteomics, lipidomics, and other technologies to identify specific genetic variants associated with obesity and metabolic disorders caused by diseases and medications. Our goal is to provide fast, precise, and driven insights to enable medical researchers to develop targeted intervention strategies to effectively manage weight and prevent obesity.

Genetically Induced Obesity Analysis: We use sequencing technology to detect genes in serum or saliva samples to screen for abnormal mutations or variant genes associated with obesity.

Monogenic Obesity Gene

• ADCY3 Gene
• BDNF Gene
• CEP19 Gene
• DYRK1B Gene
• KIDINS220 Gene
• KSR2 Gene
• LEP Gene
• LEPR Gene
• MC4R Gene
• NLGN2 Gene

• NR0B2 Gene
• NTRK2 Gene
• PCSK1 Gene
• PHIP Gene
• POMC Gene
• PPARG Gene
• SH2B1 Gene
• SIM1 Gene
• UCP3 Gene

Obesity Gene Panel

• Non-Syndromic Monogenic Obesity Panel
• Comprehensive Monogenic Obesity Panel
• Diabetes-Obesity NGS Panel
• Bardet-Biedl Syndrome Panel

Obesity Causation Analysis of Disease-Induced Obesity: Protheragen analyzes the complex interactions between disease components and obesity from the perspectives of genomics, metabolomics, and lipidomics, thereby providing reference information for the development of targeted therapies.

• Cushing’s Syndrome
• Thyroid Underactivity
• Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
• Hypothyroidism
• Prader-Willi Syndrome
• Cohen Syndrome
• Alstrom Syndrome

• Fragile X Syndrome (FXS)
• Down Syndrome
• Bardet–Biedl Syndrome
• WAGR Syndrome
• Smith-Magenis Syndrome
• Kallmann Syndrome



Obesity Causation Analysis of Medication-Induced Obesity: With advanced equipment and comprehensive technical means, we help clients study the mechanisms of obesity induced by various medications.



• Steroids
• Antidepressants
• Antipsychotics
• Diabetes Medicines
• Beta Blockers
• Seizure Medications

• Diagnostic Tests

Protheragen offers a comprehensive diagnostic testing service to specifically address obesity through personalized genetic insights. Our DNA diet and fitness 3 test kits provide insight into how your genes influence nutrition, weight loss, and exercise responses to optimize your health goals through personalized DNA insights. Our DNA weight loss test and weight management test optimize your diet and exercise plan by analyzing your DNA and identifying changes that affect your risk of obesity. DNA nutrigenetic testing explores how individual genes interact with various nutrients to improve your metabolic health through tailored dietary insights. These diagnostic tools provide convenience for the effective management of obesity through a personalized approach.

DNA Diet & Fitness 3 Test

DNA Weight Loss Test

Weight Management DNA Test

DNA Nutrigenetics Testing

• Obesity Prediction Service

Protheragen is at the forefront of preventive healthcare, aiming to predict and mitigate the risk of obesity through advanced analytical techniques. We combine genetic analysis, historical health data, lifestyle factors, and innovative artificial intelligence-driven algorithms to predict the propensity to develop obesity. Early identification of markers and trends provides individuals and healthcare providers with actionable insights to effectively implement personalized intervention strategies. Our services are designed not only to curb the onset of obesity but also to promote long-term health and well-being by advocating proactive lifestyle modifications and preventive measures. Our services are as follows:

Genetic and Epigenetic Sequencing-based Obesity Risk Analysis

• WGS-based Obesity-Related Gene Identification
• WES-based Obesity-Related Gene Identification
• EWAS-based Obesity-Related Epigenetic Modification Analysis
• Multi-Omics Integration Analysis
• Functional Annotation and Pathway Analysis
• Non-Coding Variant Analysis
• Pathway Enrichment Analysis
• Gene-Environment Interactions Analysis
• Individual Genetic Profiling

Physio-psycho-social Model-based Obesity Prediction

Blood Test-based Obesity Prediction

Machine Learning and Predictive Modeling

• Machine Learning-based Obesity Prediction Model Development: Genomic Data, Epigenomic Data, Dietary and Lifestyle Data
• Genetic Variant Panel Assisted Obesity Prediction Model Development

Bioinformatics-based New Obesity Gene Screening

Obesity-related Therapeutic Target Identification

• Candidate Gene Identification
• Drug-Gene Interaction Analysis

• Obesity Biomarker Identification and Analysis Service

Our obesity biomarker identification and analysis service is designed to deepen the understanding of obesity at the molecular level and develop targeted intervention strategies. We use methods such as bioelectrical impedance, dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, imaging, etc., to identify genetic, proteomic, and metabolic biomarkers that indicate obesity risk, progression, and treatment response. This service includes comprehensive biomarker discovery, validation, and quantitative analysis to correlate biomarkers with clinical phenotypes of obesity. Our approach promotes medical development by pinpointing specific biomarkers for the development of personalized therapies and prediction of efficacy, paving the way for the development of new diagnostic tools and therapeutic targets.



Bioelectrical Impedance



Dual-energy X-ray Absorptiometry



Imaging Approach

We provide the following obesity biomarker identification and analysis services to our clients using bioelectrical impedance, dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, and imaging.

• Leptin Analysis
• Adiponectin Analysis
• Adipocyte Fatty Acid-binding Protein Analysis
• Inflammatory Cytokine Analysis
• Resistin Analysis
• Endocannabinoid Analysis
• Platelet Analysis
• Plasma Ceruloplasmin Analysis
• Cholesterol Analysis
• Triglyceride Analysis
• Visfatin Analysis
• Insulin-Like Growth Factor (IGF) Analysis
• Oxidative Stress Biomarker Analysis
  • Ischemia-Modified Albumin
  • F2 isoprostanes
  • Complement Factor 3
  • Monocyte Chemoattractant Protein-1 (MCP-1)
• DNA Methylation Analysis

• Targeted Editing for Obesity Genes

We use knockout, overexpression, silencing, knock-in, and other methods to precisely modify single or multiple genes related to obesity to study their roles and develop potential therapeutic interventions. Our team of experts meticulously designs, executes, and validates gene editing projects to ensure high specificity and minimal off-target effects. These services are essential for researchers seeking to elucidate the genetic mechanisms behind obesity, identify new drug targets, and develop new therapies aimed at alleviating obesity through direct genetic intervention. Whether it is academic research or therapeutic development, our comprehensive gene editing services provide strong support for the fight against obesity.

Candidate Obesity Gene Screening Bioinformatics Transcriptome Sequencing Drosophila Obesity Single Gene Editing Obesity Multigene Gene Editing Obesity Gene Knockout Obesity Gene Overexpression Obesity Gene Silencing Obesity Gene Knockin

Obesity Microbiota Research Service

Our obesity microbiome research service focuses on exploring the complex relationship between the gut microbiome and obesity. We analyze the composition and function of the gut microbiome to reveal how these microorganisms affect metabolic processes, energy balance, and fat accumulation. We use advanced metagenomic sequencing and other technologies to identify specific microbial patterns and key organisms associated with obesity. In addition, we also study how diet, lifestyle, and genetic factors affect the role of the microbiome in the development of obesity. Our services are as follows:

Obesity Pathobiology Research Service

Our obesity pathobiology research service is dedicated to uncovering the complex mechanisms of obesity development and progression. We combine advanced molecular biology techniques with cutting-edge bioinformatics to elucidate how genetic, epigenetic, cellular, and systemic factors lead to obesity. Our services include key signaling pathway analysis that affects fat accumulation and energy balance, hormone regulation, and metabolic process analysis. Our services include:

Weight Loss and Weight Management

Our weight loss and weight management services are dedicated to providing comprehensive support and research to help individuals achieve and maintain a healthy weight. Our services focus on hormone adaptation research to understand how hormone changes affect weight loss and develop targeted strategies to counteract hormonal resistance to weight loss. In addition, we perform detailed weight loss food analyses to determine the nutritional value and impact of various dietary choices on weight management. We ensure sustained weight loss and overall health by combining cutting-edge scientific research with practical dietary solutions to provide personalized and effective weight management plans. Our services include:

Applications

• Through our obesity biomarker identification and analysis services, researchers discover new biomarkers for obesity, facilitating early detection and development of targeted treatments.
• Researchers explore the role of the gut microbiome in obesity, providing insights that lead to innovative probiotic treatments or dietary recommendations.
• Helping healthcare providers accurately assess and manage weight-related health issues through sophisticated diagnostic tests such as DNA diet and health tests, DNA weight loss tests, and nutrigenetics tests.

Advantages

• Our services cover the entire range of obesity research and management, including obesity cause analysis, diagnostic testing, prediction, biomarker identification, gene editing, microbiome research, and pathobiology research.
• We integrate cutting-edge technologies and comprehensive analytical methods from multidisciplinary fields such as genomics, molecular biology, and microbiology to provide a holistic understanding of obesity.
• With our advanced tools and expertise, clients expect highly accurate and actionable solutions to effectively address the multifaceted nature of obesity.
• We also provide specialized services such as hormone adaptation studies and weight loss food analysis, enhancing our ability to support customized weight management programs.

Publication Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Could you develop anti-obesity therapies targeting the targets? How do you evaluate the safety and efficacy of anti-obesity therapies preclinically?

Yes, we develop small molecule drugs, gene therapy, cell therapy, antibody therapy, tissue engineering therapy, nanotherapy, etc., for specific targets. Then we evaluate the safety and effectiveness of these therapies in preclinical settings through pharmacodynamic study, pharmacokinetic study, bioanalysis, and safety assessment.

What makes Protheragen's obesity-related services unique?

Our obesity-related services are known for their comprehensive and integrated approach, combining cutting-edge genetics, microbiome research, pathology research, metabolic research, etc., with advanced analytical and predictive tools. Our multidisciplinary team of experts works together to understand the complex biological pathways that influence obesity, allowing us to provide scientifically based targeted therapeutic development to meet the specific needs of the project.

Protheragen from identifying genetic predispositions to assessing the impact of the gut microbiome, our comprehensive strategy helps clients address the problems encountered in obesity-related research. Our obesity-related services are favored by clients around the world for their comprehensive and advanced approaches. Please feel free to contact us to discuss your project needs and customize a personalized solution.

All of our services and products are intended for preclinical research use only and cannot be used to diagnose, treat or manage patients.

• Anti-Obesity Therapy Development
• Preclinical Studies of Anti-Obesity Therapeutics
• Targets for Developing Anti-Obesity Therapeutics