Enterostatin

Enterostatin

Chemical structure of Enterostatin

Enterostatin is a peptide hormone that plays a crucial role in the regulation of food intake and body weight. It is derived from the precursor protein procolipase, which is produced in the pancreas and secreted into the small intestine. Enterostatin acts as a satiety signal, signaling the brain to reduce appetite and food intake.

Discovery

Enterostatin was first discovered in 1992 by researchers studying the effects of pancreatic procolipase on food intake. They found that a specific fragment of procolipase, consisting of amino acids 1-42, had potent appetite-suppressing effects. This fragment was later named enterostatin.

Mechanism of Action

Enterostatin exerts its effects by binding to specific receptors in the brain, particularly in the hypothalamus, which is the region responsible for regulating appetite and energy balance. Once bound to its receptors, enterostatin activates signaling pathways that reduce hunger and increase feelings of satiety.

Role in Food Intake Regulation

Studies have shown that enterostatin administration leads to a decrease in food intake and body weight in both animals and humans. It has been suggested that enterostatin may act as a natural regulator of meal size, helping to prevent overeating and maintain a healthy body weight.

Clinical Implications

The potential therapeutic applications of enterostatin in the treatment of obesity and related disorders have been explored. However, further research is needed to fully understand its mechanisms of action and to develop safe and effective enterostatin-based therapies.

See Also

• Procolipase
• Satiety
• Hypothalamus