Abstract
To maintain a constant body weight, energy intake must equal energy expenditure; otherwise, there is a risk of overweight and obesity. The hypothalamus is one of the primary brain regions where multiple nutrient-related signals from peripheral and central sources converge and become integrated to regulate both short- and long-term nutritional states. The aim of the afternoon session of the 15th Annual International Symposium of the Laval University Obesity Research Chair held in Quebec City on 9 November 2012 was to present the most recent insights into the complex molecular mechanisms regulating food intake. The aims were to emphasize on the interaction between central and peripheral actions of some of the key players acting not only at the hypothalamic level but also at the periphery. Presentations were focused on melanocortin-3 receptor (MC3R) and melanin-concentrating hormone (MCH) as anorexigenic and orexigenic components of the hypothalamus, on endocannabinoid receptors, initially as a central neuromodulatory signal, and on glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and gastric inhibitory polypeptide (GIP) as peripheral signals. What becomes clear from these four presentations is that the regulation of food intake and energy homeostasis involves several overlapping pathways, and that we have only touched the tip of the iceberg. From the examples presented in this symposium, it could be expected that in the near future, in addition to a low-fat diet and exercise, a combination of appropriate peptides and small molecules is likely to become available to improve/facilitate the objectives of long-term maintenance of energy balance and body weight.
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Acknowledgements
This work was supported by grants from the Canadian Institute of Health Research to Nicole Gallo-Payet (MOP27912). NGP is a past recipient of a Canada Research Chair in Endocrinology of the Adrenal Gland.
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This article is published as part of a supplement sponsored by the Université Laval's Research Chair in Obesity in an effort to inform the public on the causes, consequences, treatments, and prevention of obesity.
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Gallo-Payet, N. Central (mainly) actions of GPCRs in energy homeostasis/balance: view from the Chair. Int J Obes Supp 4 (Suppl 1), S21–S25 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1038/ijosup.2014.7
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/ijosup.2014.7