Abstract:
Epidemiological reports have underlined an alarming increase in the prevalence of obesity related Meatbolic Syndrome (MetS) and eating disorders, strongly indicating the necessity to counteract this trend in modern societies. Many recent studies have focused on the identification of the molecular basis, the neuronal networks and metabolic pathways involved in the control of body weight and the regulation of food intake. The characterization of a number of neurotransmitters / neuropeptides present in distinct hypothalamic nuclei and the ability of signals derived from peripheral organs to modulate the activity of these neuropeptides suggest the existence of a complex hypothalamic network which contributes to the control of energy balance and food intake. An intensified research on the basic mechanisms involved in feeding and appetite is also desirable because of the urgent need to provide new pharmacological and therapeutical approaches to cope obesity.Fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) is a stress-inducible hormone that has important roles in regulating energy balance and glucose and lipid homeostasis through a heterodimeric receptor complex comprising FGF receptor 1 (FGFR1) and ß-klotho. Administration of FGF21 to rodents or non-human primates causes considerable pharmacological benefits on a cluster of obesity-related metabolic complications, including a reduction in fat mass and alleviation of hyperglycaemia, insulin resistance, dyslipidaemia, cardiovascular disorders and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). However, native FGF21 is unsuitable for clinical use owing to poor pharmacokinetic and biophysical properties. A large number of long-acting FGF21 analogues and agonistic monoclonal antibodies for the FGFR1–ß-klotho receptor complexes have been developed. Several FGF21 analogues and mimetics have progressed to early phases of clinical trials in patients with obesity, type 2 diabetes mellitus and NASH.Cannabis sativa has been cultivated for more than five decades both to obtain fibers for manufacturing of textiles and to provide a variety of extracts for medicinal and recreational use. To the present, marijuana and other psychoactive derivatives of Cannabis sativa represent the most widely illegal drug consumed in the Western world. However, despite the social problems related to the abuse of these substances, scientific and social communities have recently started to be aware of the therapeutic potentials of cannabinoids and of new synthetic compounds interfering with the endogenous cannabinoid system. Since 300 AD, it was observed that Cannabis can stimulate hunger and increase appetite, particularly for sweet and palatable food. However, only a few years ago this phenomenon was seriously taken into consideration in research. After the discovery of cannabinoid receptors and their endogenous ligands (endocannabinoids), the existence of an endogenous cannabinoid system has been proposed, providing a physiological basis for the biological effects induced by marijuana and its derivatives. The importance of this system is also underlined by the finding of a high degree of evolutionary conservation across species, emphasizing the fundamental physiological role played by cannabinoids in brain function. The aim of this investigation is to give an understanding on the role of the metabolic markers derived from difference synthetic and natural sources and neurotransmitter system like endocannabinoid system in eating behavior and in the control of food intake by the development of diet-induced obese animal model for behavioral and metabolic studies. Moreover, starting from the present knowledge about neuroendocrine and cannabinoid pharmacology, a critical evaluation of potential therapeutical applications of cannabinoid antagonists in the therapy of obesity and eating disorders will also be discussed.
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Journal: Abstract Book on 9th Annual Neuroscience Conference (ANC-23) August 12-13, 2023 , Volume: 0, Issue: 0, Year: 2023