In animal models, capsaicin has also been shown to suppress ghrelin release [166], increase adiponectin mRNA expression in the adipose tissue and PPARα/PGC-1α mRNA in the liver [167], enhance AMPK and regulate gluconeogenesis and glycogen synthesis genes [168], thus reducing obesity-induced insulin resistance. The gene discussed is PPARGC1A; the disease is obesity due to melanocortin 4 receptor deficiency.