Looking for answers
Scientists say they could hold the answer to several lifestyle diseases of the modern world like obesity, diabetes and infertility. Four in every five Americans is reported obese.
At 1.4 kg, the 'sumo' rats are four times the weight of a normal rat. Scientists hope to find a new obesity gene in these sedentary rodents that could be similar to the one in humans, offering hope for couch potatoes who crash in front of television with something to eat."While becoming obese, 60 per cent develop tumour, 20 per cent cataract and 90 per cent kidney abnormalities and 100 per cent infertility. This is obesity-related lifestyle disease," said Dr N V Siridharan, scientist.
Behavioural studies
Scientists found that the obese rats are infertile and lack libido. Interestingly, by restricting their diet and making them lose weight, the infertility was reversed and they developed libido as well.The fat rats show rapid ageing and die in about 18 months as compared with the normal three years. Scientists say the sumo rats are good models for human disorders such as diabetes and infertility. And, unlike other models, these rats also develop cataract and tumor."These are all facets of the same disease. This model is one that provides all in one lifespan. In other models, such opportunity is not there. That is why it is unique," said DR B Sivakumar, Director, National Institute of Nutrition.
US$ 500,000 have been set aside for the Indo-US project that hopes to make a breakthrough in two years.
