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Cytokines and feeding.
1The RW Johnson Pharmaceutical Research Institute, Johnson and Johnson, Spring House, Pennsylvania 19477, USA. cplatasa@prius.jnj.com
Summary
Cytokines like interleukin-1 and leptin inhibit feeding. These molecules play roles in physiological and disease-related anorexia, impacting central nervous system control of appetite.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Immunology
- Endocrinology
Background:
- Cytokines are key mediators in physiological and pathophysiological processes.
- Cytokines influence appetite regulation, with roles in both normal function and disease states.
- Leptin (ob protein) and pro-inflammatory cytokines are examples of feeding-inhibitory cytokines.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the role of various cytokines in the central nervous system (CNS) modulation of feeding and anorexia.
- To understand how peripheral challenges and disease states lead to cytokine production in the brain.
- To investigate the implications of brain cytokine production for appetite control.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing data on cytokine involvement in feeding regulation.
- Analysis of cytokine roles in physiological conditions (e.g., leptin).
- Examination of cytokine involvement in pathophysiological conditions (e.g., infection, inflammation, malignancy, cytokine immunotherapy).
Main Results:
- Multiple cytokine categories, including interleukin-1, -6, leptin, chemokines, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, and interferon-alpha, are involved in feeding control.
- Cytokines contribute to anorexia associated with acute and chronic diseases like infection, inflammation, and malignancy.
- Anorexia is a common side effect of cytokine immunotherapy in humans, indicating CNS effects.
Conclusions:
- Cytokines are critical regulators of feeding behavior and appetite.
- Local cytokine production within specific brain regions is a significant factor in CNS modulation of feeding and anorexia.
- Understanding brain cytokine signaling is crucial for interpreting their role in appetite control during various physiological and pathological conditions.