Scientists found that a fat chemical (15-HETE) physically sticks to a key energy sensor (AMPK) in fat cells, turning it on and helping the cells burn more energy to make heat.
Scientific Claim
In mice, 15-HETE directly binds to AMPKα with a dissociation constant of approximately 100 µM, and this interaction increases AMPK phosphorylation, which is necessary for activating UCP1 and mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation in adipose tissue.
Original Statement
“autodocking to validate the predicted binding model between thermogenesis‐related proteins and 15‐HETE... Surface plasmon resonance (SPR) measurement further generated an estimated dissociation constant (KD) value of 100 µM... 15‐HETE treatment... significantly rescued the decrease of pAMPK in BAT and eWAT.”
Evidence Quality Assessment
Claim Status
appropriately stated
Study Design Support
Design supports claim
Appropriate Language Strength
association
Can only show association/correlation
Assessment Explanation
The claim accurately reflects the biochemical evidence (SPR, docking) showing direct binding and functional consequence in mice. The verb 'binds' and 'increases' are appropriate for mechanistic data.
More Accurate Statement
“In mice, 15-HETE directly binds to AMPKα with a dissociation constant of approximately 100 µM, and this interaction is associated with increased AMPK phosphorylation, which is necessary for activating UCP1 and mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation in adipose tissue.”
Evidence from Studies
Supporting (1)
The study found that a molecule called 15-HETE turns on a cellular switch (AMPK) that helps fat cells burn energy and generate heat, which is exactly what the claim says.