Hot peppers really do bring the heat

	Tweet

Chili peppers can do more than just make you feel hot, reports a study in the August 1 Journal of Biological Chemistry; the active chemical in peppers can directly induce thermogenesis, the process by which cells convert energy into heat.

Capsaicin is the chemical in chili peppers that contributes to their spiciness; CPS stimulates a receptor found in sensory neurons, creating the heat sensation and subsequent reactions like redness and sweating.

Now, Yasser Mahmoud has found that capsaicin can create “heat” in a more direct manner by altering the activity of a muscle protein called SERCA. Normally, muscle contraction initiates following the release of a wave of calcium ions from a compartment called the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR); SERCA then actively pumps the calcium back into the SR (using ATP energy), causing muscle relaxation and renewing the cycle. 

Capsaicin, however, can attach to SERCA and “uncouple” this pumping activity; that is, the protein still burns ATP energy but doesn’t use it to pump calcium. Instead, all the ATP energy is given off as heat. This uncoupling, known as thermogenesis, is one important method of staying warm and is most often seen in hibernating animals.

Mahmoud notes that capsaicin is the first natural compound known to augment the thermogenesis process .

These findings further explain how capsaicin intake can increase metabolism and body temperature. And although these studies required relatively high amounts of capsaicin (probably more than someone could eat), the structure of capsaicin could be used as a model to design more potent compounds that might have clinical use such as treating hypothermia.

###

From the JBC article: “Capsaicin stimulates uncoupled ATP hydrolysis by sarcoplasmic reticulum calcium pump” by Yasser Ahmed Mahmmoud

Corresponding Author: Yasser Ahmed Mahmmoud, Institute of Physiology and Biophysics, University of Aarhus, Denmark; Tel: +45 8942 2927; e-mail

Contact: Nick Zagorski

301-634-7366
American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology

RELATED STORIES:
Red Wine Protects the Prostate   Meat, poultry to have nutrition labels by 2012: USDA   San Francisco approves limits on toys with fast-food meals   Abnormal activation of a protein may explain deadly link between high salt intake and obesity   The Benefits Of Green Tea   Coffee Drinking Protects Against an Eyelid Spasm That Can Lead to ‘Blindness’   New Evidence That Dark Chocolate Helps Ease Emotional Stress   Mad cow measures protect human food chain   How a cup of coffee keeps your breath smelling sweet   Too much vitamin C not good for diabetics’ hearts   McDonald’s New Menu Includes Calorie Information, UK   EU food agency gives green light to GMO hybrids

Comments

[ + Post Your Own ]

Now you're in the public comment zone. What follows is not Armenian Medical Network's stuff; it comes from other people and we don't vouch for it. A reminder: By using this Web site you agree to accept our Terms of Service. Click here to read the Rules of Engagement.

There are no comments for this entry yet. [ + Comment here + ]