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Biochemical Pathway Case Study

Rapid acting diet pills begin working from the minute they are consumed and show results within hours. They contain specially extracted alkaloids that increase thermogenesis and oxidation of fat, even during rest, by increasing the release of norepinephrine, epinephrine, caffiene and cortisol. They also cause lipolysis and burn fat quickly. Some pills contain amphetamines,or amphetamine - mimicing substances, which cause appetite suppression. It regulates bood sugar levels through active ingredients, such as corosolic acid, which is a triterpinoid found in leaves. They also reduce sugar cravings. It is important to know the ingredients and exact dosage of these diet pills to prevent the body from reacting in an unwanted manner through effects that can cause detrimental effects to the health of the individuals.(The Bottom Line about Diet Pills). A study shows that natriuretic peptides are powerful lipolytic agents, contained in subcutaneous adipose tissues. Isoproterenol and LCDs are two drugs that cause increased lipolysis through a natriuretic peptide inducing pathway, at a post receptor pathway. This effect was proved through intravenous administration of atrial natriuretic peptide, which induced the same mobilizing effect that was enhanced by LCD. (Sengenes et. al, 2002). These are a few mechanisms by which diet pills act :("Diabolsecafirecaps," ).
* It increases lipolysis (fat breakdown) through enhanced dopamine concentration and thyroid output.Triglycerides are first broken down into fatty acids and glycerol. Degradation and oxidation of fatty acids occurs in the mitochondria only. It is first transported into the mitochondria via a shuttle called carnitine. Fatty acid is then degraded to acetyl CoA by beta oxidation. The acetyl CoA produced as a result enters the citric acid cycle. The more the oxidation of these fatty acids, the greater the amount of adenosine triphospate is formed thus producing lots of energy. The metabolism of fat is regulated through short and long term pathways. In the short term pathway, substrate availability, allosteric effectors and/or enzyme modification bring about negative feedback allowing control. The long term pathway is brought about directly through changes of gene expression which inhibits enzyme synthesis. Diabolic pills effect these normal feedback regulations. Recently, ephedrine has been withdrawn from the market due to its multiple adverse effects, although...

(Champe, et. al, 2009). * It stimulates the release of the main adrenal fat loss hormones such as epinephrine and norepinephrine. Epinephrine and cortisol activates hormone-sensitive triacylglycerol lipase which hydrolyze triglycerides. (Champe, Pamela C, Harvey, 2009)
* Epinephrine also decreasesinsulin levels, thus reducing insulin's gluconeogenic abilities, allowing the body to use stored fat. This is accomplished by the blood sugar lowering effects of these pills. Low sugar levels causes low insulin levels which in turn activates hormone sensitive triacylglycerol lipase that hydrolyze triglycerides, which yield fatty acids and glycerol. Also when there is decreased levels of insulin, glucose does not enter fat and liver cells which prevent glucose derived acetyl-Co A and NADPH needed for the synthesis of fats. Lack of glucose and fat cells additionally reduces the availabitily of alpha-glycerophosphate, which in turn does not allow the body to form triglycerides.(Hendset, et. al, 2005).
* It prevents fat loss hormones from being broken down allowing the signals to work continuously. Thyroid hormone causes an increase in the overall rate of energy metabolism in the cells of the body which results in reduced levels of acetyl coA and other intermediates of fat and carbohydrate metabolism thus causing fat mobilization. Epinephrine and norepinephrine directly activate the hormone sensitive triglyceride lipase which causes breakdown of fatty acids and mobilization of fat. Recently, thyroid hormones are also being exploited in the use of diet pills. This can lead to hyperthyrodism and hepatotoxicity. Most herbal diet pills have been investigated to contain undeclared ingredients, such as T3 and T4. (Hendset et. al, 2005).
* Enhances the fat loss signal molecule by preventing the messenger molecule called cAMP from being broken down.(Champe et. al, 2009).
* Effectively blocks alpha- 2 receptors sites which reduces the non-esterified fatty acids as part of lipolysis. Alpha 2 receptor stimulation increases glucagon level. Glucagon is a hormone secreted by the pancreas, when the human body is in a starved state. This increases blood glucose levels. (Henn, &DeEugenio, 2005).
* Changes levels of neurotransmitter which creates an anorectic effect(appetite suppressing). Cocaine and amphetamine regulated transcript reduce…

Sources used in this document:
REFERENCES:

Champe, Pamela C., Harvey, Richard, &Ferrierq, Denise R. (2009). Biochemistry. Philadelphia: Elsevier.
Guyton, Arthur, & Hall, John E. (2010). Textbook of medical physiology. Philadelphia: W. B. Saunders.
C Sengenes, V Stich, M Berlan, J Hejnova, M Lafontan, Z Pariskova and J Galitzky.Increased lipolysis in adipose tissue and lipid mobilization to natriuretic peptides during low-calorie diet in obese women. (2002). International Journal Of Obesity, 26(1), 24-32.
The bottom line about diet pills.(n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.chasefreedom.com/drugs.html
Hendset M, Lunder N, Refsum H, Island TK[dietary supplements--surprise pills?]. (2005).Pubmed, 125(6), Retrieved from:http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15776071
Henn, Debrah, &DeEugenio, Deborah.(2005). Diet pills. New York: Chelsae House.
Lewis, R. Goldrank&Flomenbaum, Neal .(2006). Goldfrank'stoxicoloy emergencies. New York: Mcgraw Hill Company.
Diabolsecafirecaps.(n.d.). Retrieved from:http://store.femnutrition.com/innovative-laboratories-diablos-eca-fire-caps-100c.html
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