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Physiological roles for butyrylcholinesterase: A BChE-ghrelin axis
Stephen Brimijoin1, Vicky Ping Chen1, Yuan-Ping Pang1
1Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA.
Chemico-Biological Interactions
|February 27, 2016
Summary
Butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) enzyme impacts weight and fat metabolism by hydrolyzing the hunger hormone ghrelin. Increased BChE levels are linked to reduced aggression and potentially longer lifespan.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Physiology
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) was considered an orphan enzyme with no defined physiological function.
- Genetic deficiencies in BChE activity in humans and BChE-knockout mice showed no significant phenotype, except for weight gain on high-fat diets.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the physiological role of Butyrylcholinesterase (BChE).
- To determine the effect of BChE on circulating peptide hormone levels and associated physiological and behavioral outcomes.
Main Methods:
- Viral gene transfer of BChE in mice.
- Measurement of circulating ghrelin levels.
- Assessment of weight gain, fat metabolism, aggression, and social stress.
Main Results:
- BChE was found to hydrolyze ghrelin, significantly affecting its circulating levels.
- Overexpression of BChE led to lower ghrelin levels, reduced aggression, and decreased social stress in mice.
- These effects contributed to increased lifespan in group-housed animals under certain conditions.
Conclusions:
- Butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) plays a significant physiological role in regulating ghrelin levels, impacting metabolism, behavior, and potentially longevity.
- Findings suggest a link between BChE activity, ghrelin regulation, and healthspan, with potential implications for human cardiovascular disease patients.
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