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Regulation of Food Intake

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Short-term regulation of food intake primarily involves neural signals from the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, blood nutrient levels, and GI tract hormones. Communication between the gut and brain via vagal nerve fibers plays a significant role in evaluating the contents of the gut. Clinical studies have shown that protein ingestion produces a more prolonged response in these nerve fibers compared to an equivalent amount of glucose. Additionally, the activation of stretch receptors caused by GI...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 23, 2026

White and Brown Adipose Grafts: An Approach to Correct Reproductive, Metabolic, and Renal Deficits in Black and Tan Brachyury (BTBR) Obese Mice

White and Brown Adipose Grafts: An Approach to Correct Reproductive, Metabolic, and Renal Deficits in Black and Tan Brachyury (BTBR) Obese Mice

Published on: September 9, 2025

Leptin in anorexia and cachexia syndrome.

Diana R Engineer¹, Jose M Garcia

¹Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Michael E DeBakey Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA.

International Journal of Peptides

|April 21, 2012

Summary

Leptin, a hormone regulating appetite, is altered in chronic diseases, contributing to anorexia-cachexia syndrome. Understanding leptin pathway changes is crucial for managing this condition.

Area of Science:

Endocrinology
Metabolism
Physiology

Background:

Leptin, secreted by adipocytes, regulates food intake and energy expenditure via hypothalamic pathways.
Caloric deprivation typically leads to compensatory increases in appetite and body weight.
Anorexia-cachexia syndrome in chronic diseases paradoxically lacks this compensatory response.

Purpose of the Study:

To review evidence on leptin pathway alterations in anorexia-cachexia syndrome.
To explore potential mechanisms linking leptin signaling and inflammation in chronic diseases.

Main Methods:

Literature review of studies on leptin, inflammation, and anorexia-cachexia syndrome.
Analysis of potential crosstalk between leptin and inflammatory signaling pathways.

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Experimental Approach to Examine Leptin Signaling in the Carotid Bodies and its Effects on Control of Breathing

Experimental Approach to Examine Leptin Signaling in the Carotid Bodies and its Effects on Control of Breathing

Published on: October 25, 2019

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Last Updated: May 23, 2026

White and Brown Adipose Grafts: An Approach to Correct Reproductive, Metabolic, and Renal Deficits in Black and Tan Brachyury (BTBR) Obese Mice

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Published on: September 9, 2025

A RAPID Method for Blood Processing to Increase the Yield of Plasma Peptide Levels in Human Blood

A RAPID Method for Blood Processing to Increase the Yield of Plasma Peptide Levels in Human Blood

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Experimental Approach to Examine Leptin Signaling in the Carotid Bodies and its Effects on Control of Breathing

Experimental Approach to Examine Leptin Signaling in the Carotid Bodies and its Effects on Control of Breathing

Published on: October 25, 2019

Main Results:

Leptin levels and signaling are dysregulated in chronic diseases associated with anorexia-cachexia.
Inflammatory signaling pathways may interfere with normal leptin function.
This interference may explain the lack of compensatory appetite increase and energy expenditure.

Conclusions:

Alterations in the leptin pathway, potentially influenced by inflammation, are implicated in anorexia-cachexia syndrome.
Further research into these mechanisms could reveal therapeutic targets for managing weight loss in chronic conditions.