Mac researchers discover new use for aspirin

Another benefit to one of the world’s oldest drugs has been uncovered by researchers at McMaster University.

Hamilton doctors joined forces with colleagues in Scotland and Australia to test the latest findings of aspirin. It seems the little tablet’s active ingredient – salicylate – speeds up the activity of a protein involved in cell growth and metabolism. It was found to increase fat burning in cells, while reducing liver fat in obese mice.

Dr Greg Steinberg of McMaster University explains it this way: “When you become obese you store fat in other organs such as your liver and your muscle. In particular, we show in this study that the aspirin reduces the amount of fat that is stored in your liver, which can cause the high glucose levels developing with obesity.”

Experts say this finding could lead to the design of a better drug, that doesn’t have the side effects of aspirin.

Video: Maria Hayes reports: