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Updated: May 17, 2026
07:29
Real-time Analysis of Gut-brain Neural Communication: Cortex wide Calcium Dynamics in Response to Intestinal Glucose Stimulation
Published on: December 29, 2023
Bowels control brain: gut hormones and obesity
1Section of Investigative Medicine, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom. g.bewick@imperial.ac.uk
Biochemia Medica
|October 25, 2012
Summary
Gut peptide hormones signal nutrient status to the brain, regulating appetite and metabolism. This review explores these hormones and their potential for developing anti-obesity treatments.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Neuroscience
- Metabolism
Background:
- Peptide hormones from the gastrointestinal tract respond to nutrient intake.
- These hormones convey energy balance status to the brain.
- They play crucial roles in regulating appetite, energy expenditure, and glucose homeostasis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review key gut hormones involved in food intake regulation.
- To explore the targeting of these hormones for anti-obesity therapies.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of peptide hormones released by the gastrointestinal tract.
- Analysis of hormonal signaling pathways to the brain.
- Examination of current anti-obesity treatment strategies targeting gut hormones.
Main Results:
- Gut hormones communicate nutrient availability and energy status to the central nervous system.
- Hormonal actions include regulation of appetite, energy expenditure, and glucose balance.
- These hormones can act via circulation, vagal nerve activation, or direct action on brain regions like the hypothalamus and brainstem.
Conclusions:
- Gut hormones are critical regulators of energy homeostasis.
- Understanding these pathways offers promising avenues for novel anti-obesity drug development.
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