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Associations between dopamine D2 receptor availability and BMI depend on age
Linh C Dang1, Gregory R Samanez-Larkin2, Jaime J Castrellon1
1Department of Psychology, Vanderbilt University, 219 Wilson Hall, 111 21st Avenue South, Nashville, TN 37203, USA.
Neuroimage
|May 22, 2016
Summary
Dopamine D2/3 receptor availability and BMI association depends on age. In individuals over 30, higher dopamine D2/3 receptor availability correlates with increased BMI, challenging previous hypotheses.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Radiology
- Endocrinology
Background:
- Dopamine D2/3 receptors (DRD2/3) are key biomarkers in obesity research, but findings are inconsistent.
- Previous studies often used small samples and overlooked age's significant impact on DRD2/3 levels.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between dopamine D2/3 receptor availability and Body Mass Index (BMI).
- To clarify this association across a wide BMI range, considering the crucial role of age.
Main Methods:
- 130 healthy participants aged 18-81 underwent Positron Emission Tomography (PET).
- PET scans utilized [18F]fallypride, a ligand with high affinity for DRD2/3.
Main Results:
- DRD2/3 availability decreased with age, as anticipated.
- Age significantly modulated the association between DRD2/3 availability and BMI in midbrain and striatal regions.
- In individuals over 30, higher DRD2/3 availability was linked to increased BMI in the midbrain, putamen, and ventral striatum.
Conclusions:
- The findings contradict the dopaminergic hypofunction hypothesis of obesity.
- Age is a critical factor when examining the relationship between DRD2/3 function and BMI.
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