Molecular neuroendocrine targets for obesity therapy.
OBJECTIVE
Although energy balance is tightly regulated in order to maintain a specific level of adiposity, the incidence of obesity continues to increase. Consequently, it is essential that effective therapeutics for the treatment and prevention of obesity be developed. This review provides a brief update on some recent advances in the characterization of neuroendocrine targets for obesity therapy.


RESULTS
During the review period, considerable progress occurred in the understanding of previously described neuroendocrine regulators of energy balance, and several novel targets have been identified. Moreover, the understanding of the neural circuitry and molecular mechanisms of the neuroendocrine regulation of energy homeostasis has been expanded.


CONCLUSIONS
Energy balance is maintained by neuroendocrine signals arising from many tissues including the gastrointestinal tract and adipose tissue. These signals are integral to the cessation of meals and to the ability of the brain to monitor energy status and respond accordingly. Many current targets for obesity therapy are based on manipulating the activity of these signals and their receptors; however, to date, clinical-weight loss based on this strategy has been minimal and alternative approaches such as combinatorial therapies are emerging.
de Kloet
Annette D
AD
Program in Neuroscience, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio 45237, USA. dekloead@mail.uc.edu
Woods
Stephen C
SC
D000273:Adipose Tissue / Q000502:physiology; D000818:Animals; D001069:Appetite Regulation / Q000502:physiology; D002766:Cholecystokinin / Q000502:physiology; D002149:Energy Intake / Q000502:physiology; D041981:Gastrointestinal Tract / Q000502:physiology; D054439:Ghrelin / Q000502:physiology; D052216:Glucagon-Like Peptide 1 / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D007328:Insulin / Q000502:physiology; D020738:Leptin / Q000502:physiology; D051379:Mice; D009490:Neurosecretory Systems / Q000502:physiology; D009765:Obesity / Q000378:metabolism / Q000628:therapy*; D015431:Weight Loss / Q000502:physiology
D054439:Ghrelin; D007328:Insulin; D020738:Leptin; D052216:Glucagon-Like Peptide 1; D002766:Cholecystokinin