Ace Therapeutics: Expert preclinical contract research provider for obesity research. Gain crucial insights into energy expenditure and thermogenesis to accelerate your drug development pipeline.
Within the intricate network of energy regulation, brown adipose tissue (BAT) emerges as a key player. This specialized type of fat tissue possesses a remarkable ability to generate heat through a process known as thermogenesis . Characterized by a high density of mitochondria, BAT actively burns calories to produce heat, a mechanism referred to as nonshivering thermogenesis. This inherent capacity of BAT to enhance energy expenditure has garnered significant attention in the context of obesity research.
Mounting evidence from preclinical studies indicates that strategies aimed at promoting the thermogenic activity of BAT hold considerable promise for restoring energy balance and combating obesity . By increasing energy expenditure through BAT activation, it may be possible to counteract the positive energy balance that drives weight gain and associated metabolic disorders. Consequently, the ability to accurately profile energy expenditure and assess thermogenic function in preclinical models is becoming an indispensable tool in the development of innovative anti-obesity treatments.
Fig.1. Impaired energy expenditure and BAT thermogenesis in lean p62Δ69-251 mice (Fischer, K., et al. 2020)
At Ace Therapeutics, we provide comprehensive preclinical contract research services tailored to the specific needs of obesity research, with a particular focus on energy expenditure and thermogenesis profiling. Our expertise and cutting-edge technologies empower pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies to gain critical insights into the metabolic effects of their novel therapeutic candidates.
We employ state-of-the-art indirect calorimetry systems, widely recognized as the most accurate method for measuring energy expenditure in preclinical animal models. This non-invasive technique works by meticulously analyzing the respiratory gas exchange of the subject, quantifying the volume of oxygen consumed (VO2) and carbon dioxide produced (VCO2).
To provide a more holistic understanding of energy balance, Ace Therapeutics offers comprehensive metabolic caging studies. These sophisticated systems allow for the continuous and non-invasive monitoring of various physiological parameters related to energy intake and expenditure in rodents. Within our specialized metabolic cages, we can simultaneously and accurately measure food and water intake, spontaneous locomotor activity, and respiratory gas exchange.
Understanding the thermogenic capacity of preclinical models is crucial for evaluating the potential of novel anti-obesity drugs that aim to enhance energy expenditure through heat production. Ace Therapeutics offers a suite of advanced services specifically designed to assess thermogenesis.
Body temperature regulation is intricately linked to the process of thermogenesis. To effectively evaluate thermogenic responses, we employ a range of precise temperature monitoring techniques in preclinical models. This includes the use of implantable telemetry systems that allow for the continuous monitoring of core body temperature, providing real-time data on the animal's thermal state.
To further probe the mechanisms of thermogenesis, Ace Therapeutics conducts specialized studies involving pharmacological stimulation and controlled environmental challenges. We utilize specific pharmacological agents, such as β3-adrenergic receptor agonists, known to potently stimulate thermogenesis in BAT, allowing us to assess the tissue's maximal heat-producing capacity.
Technique | Advantages | Applications |
Indirect Calorimetry | Accurate measurement of metabolic rate, substrate utilization. | Assessing the impact of drug candidates on overall energy expenditure, determining changes in fuel metabolism. |
Metabolic Cages | Provides a holistic view of energy balance over time, allows for behavioral analysis. | Evaluating the effects of interventions on food intake, activity levels, and energy expenditure simultaneously, long-term studies of metabolic changes. |
Temperature Monitoring | Direct measure of heat production, can be continuous with telemetry. | Assessing the thermogenic response to pharmacological agents or environmental stimuli like cold exposure, evaluating the impact of interventions on body temperature regulation. |
Infrared Imaging | Non-invasive, visual assessment of heat production. | Detecting changes in BAT activity in response to drug treatment or other interventions, longitudinal monitoring of thermogenic capacity. |
Contact us today to explore how our specialized energy expenditure and thermogenesis profiling services can provide crucial insights for your preclinical obesity research. Our dedicated team is ready to collaborate with you to unlock the full potential of your novel therapeutic candidates.
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