Scientists have identified a hormone that suppresses appetite

Columbia University researchers have identified a hormone released by bone cells that suppresses appetite. Lipocalin 2 could be used to develop new therapies to combat obesity and other metabolic disorders.

Researchers at Columbia University Medical Center (CUMC) conducted the study on mice, whichóre confirmed their thesis that Lipocalin 2 affects neurons in mózgu, które previously been associated with appetite suppression. Study reveals previously unknown mechanism of body’s energy regulation.

The researchers thus proved that the skeletal system is an endocrine organ, który secretes hormones. Earlier studies also conducted at CUMC showed that the skeleton produces hormones that affect mózg, kidney or fertility in men. Now appetite suppression should also be added to its functions.

Scientists led by Dr. Stavroula Kousteni suspected the existence of this hormone as early as 2007. They also suspected that it is produced by osteoblasts – comórki forming bones. It was previously thought that the headóTheóThe bottom of Lipocalin 2 are adipocytes – comórki fat and that this hormone contributes to obesity.

During the study, Dr. Kousteni removed osteoblasts from miceóin the FOXO1 gene. She noted that the rodents significantly reduced the amount of food they ateów. On further investigation, the researchers found that Lipocalin 2 levels in osteoblasts are more than ten times higher than in adipocytes. Following this discovery, the researchers bred mice with które were lacking Lipocalin 2 in either osteoblasts or adipocytes. It turned out that the rodents had metabolic problems, whichórym removed hormone from the bloodstreamórial comórek.

Lipocalin 2, when tested on mice, inhibited their appetite, improved metabolism and led to weight loss. – It is hoped that Lipocalin 2 has the same effect on humans as it does on animals. It is also hoped that our discovery will be used to develop effective therapies for obesity and metabolic disorders – said Kousteni.

The mechanism observed by the researchers will be able to be used in future therapies for metabolic disorders, primarily to combat obesity. It can also helpóc in therapies for type 2 diabetes.