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Obestatin: is it really doing something?
Letizia Trovato1, Davide Gallo, Fabio Settanni
1Division of Endocrinology, Diabetology and Metabolism, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy.
Frontiers of Hormone Research
|April 16, 2014
Summary
Obestatin, a ghrelin-associated peptide, has controversial roles in appetite and metabolism. Emerging evidence suggests it may act as a hormone with diverse cellular and systemic effects, though its receptor remains debated.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Molecular Biology
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- Obestatin, identified in 2005, is derived from the prepro-ghrelin gene.
- Initial reports linked obestatin to G-protein-coupled receptor GPR39, reduced food intake, and gastric emptying, but these findings are debated.
- The precise receptor and physiological functions of obestatin are still under investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the current understanding of obestatin's physiological role.
- To discuss the ongoing debate regarding its receptor and effects on feeding behavior.
- To explore obestatin's broader cellular and metabolic functions.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on obestatin.
- Analysis of research investigating obestatin's receptor interactions.
- Examination of data on obestatin's effects on cellular functions and metabolism.
Main Results:
- Obestatin's role in appetite regulation and gastric emptying remains controversial.
- Potential interaction with the glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor is suggested, alongside metabolic benefits.
- Obestatin exhibits cellular effects including regulation of metabolism, proliferation, and apoptosis inhibition.
- Obestatin is produced in the gastrointestinal tract, pancreas, and adipose tissue, acting both locally and centrally.
Conclusions:
- Obestatin exhibits diverse cellular and metabolic effects, suggesting a potential hormonal role.
- Further research is necessary to elucidate obestatin's precise physiopathological functions and confirm its receptor.
- Clarifying obestatin's actions is crucial for understanding its contribution to metabolic and gastrointestinal health.
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