WASHINGTON – Scientists have identified a member of a new class of hormones produced by body fat that they think could lead to fresh approaches to combat diabetes and other conditions related to obesity.

The hormone prevents the liver from accumulating fat and enhances toming from fat cells,” Hotamisligil said in a telephone interview.

One of its roles is to communicate with the liver and prevent it from accumulating fat, which can occur as people become obese, he said. It also encourages muscle to take up glucose from blood and dispose of it, he added.

It works almost as well as the hormone insulin at pushing sugar out of the blood, Hotamisligil said. Insulin regulates the absorption of sugar into the cells.

People with diabetes have blood sugar levels that are too high. Those with type 2 diabetes, the form closely related to obesity, are resistant to the effects of insulin or produce too little of it.

The researchers said that as body fat increases, less palmitoleate is produced. So in obese people, the beneficial functions of this hormone in controlling blood sugar levels and preventing fat accumulating in the liver would be diminished.

“When you need it the most, you produce the least,” Hotamisligil sa$180 billion in extra liquidity to calm panicked stock and money markets. Morgan Stanley was in deal talks with U.S. regional banking powerhouse Wachovia Corp, and negotiations advanced to a more formal stage, a source familiar with Morgan's plan said on Thursday.

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Rice says “bullying” Russia must be stopped

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Russia envoy warns NATO on air space to Afghanistan

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Iran vows no nuclear retreat despite sanctions threat

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Zimbabwe cabinet talks deadlocked over posts

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U.S. soldier sentenced over killings of Iraqis

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Pakistan says not informed of U.S. missile strike

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