The Importance of the Gastrointestinal Tract in Controlling Food Intake and Regulating Energy Balance

• Type: Article in International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2017

Authors

Monteiro, M (Author) ICBAS; Batterham, RL (Author) Other

Journal

Title: Gastroenterology

Vol. 152

Pages: 1707-+

ISSN: 0016-5085

Publisher: Elsevier

Indexing

ISI Web of Knowledge - 21 Citations

Scopus - 38 Citations

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-00Q-VKJ

DOI: 10.1053/j.gastro.2017.01.053

Abstract (EN): The gastrointestinal tract, the key interface between ingested nutrients and the body, plays a critical role in regulating energy homeostasis. Gut-derived signals convey information regarding incoming nutrients to the brain, initiating changes in eating behavior and energy expenditure, to maintain energy balance. Here we review hormonal, neural, and nutrient signals emanating from the gastrointestinal tract and evidence for their role in controlling feeding behavior. Mechanistic studies that have utilized pharmacologic and/or transgenic approaches targeting an individual hormone/mediator have yielded somewhat disappointing body weight changes, often leading to the hormone/mediator in question being dismissed as a potential obesity therapy. However, the recent finding of sustained weight reduction in response to systemic administration of a long-acting analog of the gut-hormone glucagon-like peptide-1 highlights the therapeutic potential of gut-derived signals acting via nonphysiologic mechanisms. Thus, we also review therapeutics strategies being utilized or developed to leverage gastrointestinal signals in order to treat obesity.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific

No. of pages: 13