Neuromedin U--a new target in obesity.
With the increasing prevalence of obesity, effective therapies are urgently required. When neuromedin U was administered intracerebroventricularly to rats there was a marked decrease in weight, whereas injection of an antibody to neuromedin U increased food intake. Unlike wild type, Nmu(-/-) mice become obese when freely fed ordinary mouse chow. The plasma levels of insulin, leptin, total cholesterol, triglycerides and free fatty acids were higher in the Nmu(-/-) than wild-type mice. Energy expenditure was lower in Nmu(-/-) mice. The anorexigenic effect of neuromedin U was independent of the leptin signalling pathway. Transgenic mice overexpressing neuromedin U have lower body weight, less somatic and liver fat, were hypophagic, and had improved insulin sensitivity. These data establish neuromedin U as a target in obesity.
Doggrell
Sheila A
SA
Auckland University of Technology, School of Nursing, Akoranga Campus, Northcote, Auckland, New Zealand. s_doggrell@yahoo.com
D000818:Animals; D019440:Anti-Obesity Agents / Q000494:pharmacology*; D017353:Gene Deletion; D005786:Gene Expression Regulation; D020738:Leptin / Q000378:metabolism; D051379:Mice; D009479:Neuropeptides / Q000172:deficiency / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000494:pharmacology; D009765:Obesity / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000378:metabolism*
D019440:Anti-Obesity Agents; D020738:Leptin; D009479:Neuropeptides; C056900:neuromedin U