Genetic deficiency and pharmacological stabilization of mast cells reduce diet-induced obesity and diabetes in mice

Mast cells, which are involved in inflammation and wound healing, have now been shown to have a role in obesity and diabetes in a new report by Guo-Ping Shi and his colleagues. They go on to show that pharmacological inhibition of mast cell function is sufficient to reduce these metabolic disturbances in mice, suggesting a new therapeutic avenue in the clinic for these disorders.