Research Theme :

The Obesity Research Center focuses on increasing our understanding of the development of obesity and its associated co-morbidities with a special emphasis on the molecular mechanisms. One of the main objectives of the Center is to expand our knowledge of obesity towards obtaining effective preventive and therapeutic strategies. The use of cutting-edge technologies under the direction of experienced investigators will ensure we accomplish the Center's objectives.

The ORC research theme includes three main areas:

1. OBESITY AT GENETICS AND PROTEOMICS LEVELS:

Obesity and genetics: We hypothesize that the presence of specific gene polymorphisms (different forms of the genes) in the Saudi population represents an essential part of the molecular basis of obesity. To test this hypothesis, our approach includes the search and identification of obesity-associated gene polymorphisms. This research could identify new prognostic markers for classifying obesity and defining risk factors for the prediction of obesity-related complications, including but not limited to T2DM and cardiovascular complications. In addition, this work will establish a basis for the development of new therapeutic and preventive measures for obesity and to support a rationale to tailor the management of obesity according to the genetic setup of the patient.

Obesity and proteomics: We hypothesize that characterizing the changes that accompany weight gain or loss will provide important insights into obesity and the mechanisms of weight loss following therapeutic medical or surgical interventions. A variety of proteins are likely to be involved, such as those regulating lipid and glucose metabolism, oxidative stress processes and adipocyte differentiation. To test this hypothesis, proteomic analysis of various fat depots are being undertaken.

2. OBESITY AND CHRONIC INFLAMMATION

During the past decade it became obvious that chronic inflammation is a key underlying feature of many disorders including obesity. Several pro-inflammatory cytokines have been shown to be over-expressed in adipose and other tissues, both in experimental animal models of obesity and in humans. The combinatorial and additive effect of these mediators in metabolic homeostasis is a critical but inadequately understood area. Our research in this area aims to identify the relationships between obesity and some common inflammatory and allergic conditions. Special emphasis is on studying obese patients suffering from asthma, hypertension or type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). We hypothesize that there is a causal (and possibly mutual) relationship between obesity and these conditions. If such a relationship is demonstrated, it will open new avenues for effective preventive and therapeutic means for both the cause and the consequence..

3. ADIPOCYTE BIOLOGY & OBESITY AT THE LEVEL OF ADIPOCYTES

Adipocytes secrete proteins that regulate various processes responsible for hemostasis, control of blood pressure, immune function, angiogenesis and energy balance. Fat is distributed in multiple depots in the body and its metabolic behavior differs in each of these regions. The regional differences in fat cell behavior have important clinical consequences; where central adiposity is more frequently associated with the comorbid states of obesity. A key unanswered question is why is visceral fat particularly significant in terms of obesity-associated disorders? In the ORC, we focus on studying the biological properties of visceral adipose tissues as compared to peripheral adipose tissue. We hypothesize that by manipulating the cells in detrimental depots – primarily visceral – toward those in more benign depots, there is potential for treating obesity and its related metabolic disturbances. An approach to testing this hypothesis is to study the differential nature of the production and/or action of specific adipokines from both fat depots.