title: Effects of caloric restriction and exercise on B-endorphin, ACTH and cortisol circulating levels in obesity.
abstract: B-Endorphin (B-Ep), ACTH and cortisol circulating levels, before and after a two months therapy with a hypocaloric diet and an increase in physical exercise, were measured by RIA in 17 obese female subjects. After therapy, the body weight excess fell from 56.6 +/- 22.2% to 38.6 +/- 22.1% (p less than 0.01). Plasma levels of B-Ep decreased from 18.3 +/- 12.5 fmol/ml to 6.4 +/- 3.5 fmol/ml (p less than 0.01); those of ACTH from 46.8 +/- 22.8 pg/ml to 31.2 +/- 11.6 pg/ml (p less than 0.01); and those of cortisol from 15.9 +/- 4.6 micrograms% to 10.3 +/- 2.5 micrograms% (p less than 0.01). The reduction of the elevated plasma B-Ep levels found in obese subjects is related principally to the diet therapy. Thus, as shown in experimental animals, excessive feeding results in an increased hypothalamic-pituitary secretion of B-Ep.
authors.affiliation: I Patologia Medica, University of Rome La Sapienza, Italy.
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Scavo
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Barletta
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Buzzetti
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Vagiri
mesh_terms: D000324:Adrenocorticotropic Hormone / Q000097:blood*; D000328:Adult; D001835:Body Weight; D004038:Diet, Reducing; D002149:Energy Intake; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006854:Hydrocortisone / Q000097:blood*; D009765:Obesity / Q000097:blood / Q000178:diet therapy*; D005082:Physical Exertion; D001615:beta-Endorphin / Q000097:blood*
chemical_list: D001615:beta-Endorphin; D000324:Adrenocorticotropic Hormone; D006854:Hydrocortisone