Neuromedin U – a new target in obesity

Author: Doggrell, Sheila A

Source: Expert Opinion on Therapeutic Targets, Volume 9, Number 4, 1 August 2005 , pp. 875-877(3)

Buy & download fulltext article:

Price: $99.00 plus tax (Refund Policy)

Abstract:

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.

Keywords: food intake; neuromedin; Nmu-/-mice; obesity; transgenic mice overexpressing neuromedin U

Document Type: Miscellaneous

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1517/14728222.9.4.875

Publication date: 2005-08-01

More about this publication?