[Plasma levels of beta-endorphin in obese subjects with normal glucose tolerance test and in diabetics].
Forty obese subjects with normal glucose tolerance test (NGTT) thirteen diabetic obese subjects and sixteen normal subjects were studied to evaluate the possible interactions between beta-endorphin (B-Ep) and glucose homeostasis. On the basis of baseline B-Ep levels, two subgroups were selected: one group with normal mean values of B-Ep (7.02 +/- 0.59 pmol/l); another group with elevated mean values of B-Ep (18.95 +/- 1.52 pmol/l). No differences between these subgroups were found as regards body mass index (BMI), insulin and glucagon levels. Normal B-Ep values were found in diabetic obese subjects. No significant correlation was found between B-Ep and BMI, insulin or glucagon. Considering that B-Ep is involved in eating behavior and on the basis of our results, we suggest that elevated B-Ep levels can be found only in those obese NGTT subjects whose obesity is probably related to an abnormal modulation of food intake, such as hyperphagia.
Donatelli
M
M
Cattedra di Clinica medica I, Università, Palermo.
Terrizzi
C
C
Russo
V
V
Bucalo
M L
ML
Scarpinato
A
A
Verga
S
S
Puglisi
S
S
Miceli
G
G
Iraci
T
T
Bompiani
G D
GD
D000328:Adult; D001786:Blood Glucose / Q000032:analysis*; D003920:Diabetes Mellitus / Q000097:blood*; D005260:Female; D005934:Glucagon / Q000097:blood; D005951:Glucose Tolerance Test; D006801:Humans; D007328:Insulin / Q000097:blood; D008297:Male; D009765:Obesity / Q000097:blood*; D001615:beta-Endorphin / Q000097:blood*
D001786:Blood Glucose; D007328:Insulin; D001615:beta-Endorphin; D005934:Glucagon