A study by the Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL) and the University of Barcelona (UB) with the Arctic University of Norway compares the effect of two treatments on the alterations in mitochondrial respiration in obesity.

Mitochondrial respiration is a vital process responsible for producing energy in our cells. In people with obesity, this process can be affected, which can contribute to significant health problems.

The results of this study published in the journal Frontiers of Endocrinology showed that in mouse models treatment with the GLP-1 receptor agonist improved mitochondrial function in the liver. On the other hand, the omega-3 fatty acid supplement, which had shown beneficial effects at the cardiac level, had no negative effects on mitochondrial respiration.

These findings could have implications for obesity-related diseases treatment, such as diabetes and heart disease.

The Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL) is a biomedical research center created in 2004. It is participated by the Bellvitge University Hospital and the Viladecans Hospital of the Catalan Institute of Health, the Catalan Institute of Oncology, the University of Barcelona and the City Council of L’Hospitalet de Llobregat.

IDIBELL is a member of the Campus of International Excellence of the University of Barcelona HUBc and is part of the CERCA institution of the Generalitat de Catalunya. In 2009 it became one of the first five Spanish research centers accredited as a health research institute by the Carlos III Health Institute. In addition, it is part of the “HR Excellence in Research” program of the European Union and is a member of EATRIS and REGIC. Since 2018, IDIBELL has been an Accredited Center of the AECC Scientific Foundation (FCAECC).