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Published on: April 4, 2025
Molecular neuroendocrine targets for obesity therapy
Annette D de Kloet1, Stephen C Woods
1Program in Neuroscience, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio 45237, USA. dekloead@mail.uc.edu
Purpose Of Review:
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.
Recent Findings:
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.
Summary:
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.
Insights
Obesity treatment is advancing with new neuroendocrine targets identified for regulating energy balance. Research is expanding our understanding of neural circuits and molecular mechanisms for effective obesity therapies.
Area of Science:
- Neuroendocrinology
- Metabolic Regulation
- Obesity Research
Background:
- Obesity incidence is rising despite tight energy balance regulation.
- Effective obesity therapeutics are crucial for public health.
- Neuroendocrine systems play a key role in maintaining adiposity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent advances in neuroendocrine targets for obesity therapy.
- To update on the characterization of these targets.
- To discuss novel therapeutic strategies.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of recent scientific publications.
- Analysis of neuroendocrine regulators of energy balance.
- Examination of neural circuitry and molecular mechanisms.
Main Results:
- Significant progress in understanding neuroendocrine regulators of energy balance.
- Identification of several novel therapeutic targets.
- Expanded knowledge of neural circuitry and molecular mechanisms in energy homeostasis.
Conclusions:
- Neuroendocrine signals from the gut and adipose tissue regulate energy balance.
- Current obesity therapies target these signals and receptors with limited success.
- Emerging strategies include combinatorial therapies for obesity treatment.
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