Question

Certain weight loss drugs in the past have been used to uncouple chemiosmotic machinery and make the mitochondrial membrane leaky to hydrogen ions. Discuss how such drugs could cause profuse sweating, weight loss, and possible death.

Answer 1

Uncouplers of the electron transport chain destroy the proton gradient of the inner mitochondrial membrane..This leads to the inhibtion of ATP synthesis by the ATP synthase of the inner mitochondrial membrane. The ATP synthase forms ATP when there is a proton gradient. However due to uncoupling the gradient is lost and the electron transport chain is directed towards the production of heat.

The drugs used in the past uncouple the chemiosmotic machinery and destroy the proton gradient. ATP synthesis halts and there is heat production. Due to this there will be excessive sweating. To account for the decreased energy levels I.e ATP, the body will utilize the stored nutrients (glycogen, fats and proteins). This leads to weight loss.Due to the decreased levels of ATP in the body and excessive utilization of the stored nutrients, these drugs can cause possible death.