Tackling obesity and diabetes 'demands understanding of gut-brain axis'

Diabetes and obesity are two of the biggest challenges facing doctors and dieticians across the UK, but a group of researchers at York University are attempting to understand how neural and endocrine signals in the brain and gut affect weight and blood-glucose.

The focus of the scientists' most recent investigation has turned to a protein known as nesfatin-1, which is found in the brain. Led by Suraj Unniappan, of York's biology department, researchers have been investigating the relationship between this protein and what they term the 'gut-brain axis'.

In an experiment using rats and mice, scientists discovered that those administered with nesfatin-1 ate less and burned more stored fat when active. Those who received the treatment were also more active compared to rodents that were not injected with the protein.

"The energy reserve being preferably used during nesfatin-1 treatment was fat. This suggests more fat loss, which could eventually result in body weight loss," explained Professor Unniappan.

Biologists already understand that the gut is responsible for regulating hunger, satiety and blood sugar levels in combination with the brain's energy balance regulation. "A major question we're trying to address is how these peptides act and interact with other peptides in the endocrine network - which is so complex - in order to maintain steady blood glucose levels and body weight," added Professor Unniappan.

The findings of this most recent study echo those made by a research team in Japan in 2006, which found that nefatin-1 helped to regulate appetite and the production of body fat.

However, Professor Unniappan is quick to point out that the protein is a long way to becoming a candidate for hormone treatments, but believes better understanding of the gut-brain axis will help to develop pharmaceutical interventions.