Gut-brain cross-talk in appetite regulation.
OBJECTIVE
To review the role of gut hormones involved in appetite regulation and their potential in the treatment of obesity.


RESULTS
The medical treatment of obesity has been fraught with challenges. With two centrally acting agents having been recently withdrawn from the market, new therapies are required. The gut hormones are especially promising therapeutic targets. This article looks at the interplay between gut and brain which mediates the regulation of appetite and energy expenditure. Some recent developments that point the way towards the future development of gut hormone analogues as treatments for obesity are reviewed.


CONCLUSIONS
Our understanding of the interaction between gut hormones and the neuronal circuits controlling appetite regulation has made great advances over recent years. This knowledge is essential if these peptides are to become potential obesity therapies, both from an efficacy and safety perspective.
Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Imperial College London, London, UK.
Jaimini
J
Cegla
Tricia M
TM
Tan
Stephen R
SR
Bloom
D000818:Animals; D001069:Appetite Regulation / Q000502:physiology*; D001921:Brain / Q000502:physiology*; D004734:Energy Metabolism; D005768:Gastrointestinal Hormones / Q000502:physiology* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D041981:Gastrointestinal Tract / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D009765:Obesity / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000503:physiopathology*; D020239:Receptor Cross-Talk
D005768:Gastrointestinal Hormones