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Matthew PotthoffResearcher and Associate Professor, Department of Pharmacology, Iowa State University
Country:
 USA |
Content:
- Sweet Tooth Savior: Breakthrough in Sugar Dependency
- FGF21: The Liver's Weapon against Sugar
- Role of FGF21 in Macroelement Regulation
- Genetic Evidence and Animal Studies
- Selective Sugar Suppression
- Future Research Directions
Sweet Tooth Savior: Breakthrough in Sugar Dependency
Discovery of Sugar-Blocking HormoneResearchers at Iowa State University have found a hormone that holds promise for combating sugar addiction. FGF21 (fibroblast growth factor 21), produced by the liver, acts as a "sugar-blocking" hormone, sending signals to the brain to suppress the craving for sugary treats. This discovery provides potential avenues for addressing obesity and diabetes.
FGF21: The Liver's Weapon against Sugar
FGF21 is triggered by elevated carbohydrate levels. Once released into the bloodstream, it targets the brain, curbing the urge for sugary foods. Professor Matthew Potthoff, one of the study's authors, explains, "This is the first hormone we know of that is produced by the liver specifically to regulate sugar intake."
Role of FGF21 in Macroelement Regulation
Prior research has established the role of hormones in influencing appetite. However, these hormones did not specifically regulate macroelements (such as carbohydrates, proteins, or fats) or originate from the liver. Lucas Bondurant, a doctoral candidate in molecular and cellular biology, notes, "We've known for a while that FGF21 can improve insulin sensitivity." The recent study adds to this knowledge, suggesting that FGF21 may also benefit individuals who struggle to recognize sugar satiety, increasing their risk for diabetes.
Genetic Evidence and Animal Studies
Genetic studies have linked mutations in certain DNA segments to macroelement consumption. Two of these mutations pinpointed the gene encoding FGF21. Iowa State researchers investigated its role in macroelement preference.
Genetically modified mice and pharmacological tests were employed to examine FGF21's effect on sugar cravings. Mice administered with FGF21 reduced their sugar intake by sevenfold compared to their baseline consumption. Mice lacking FGF21 or overproducing it exhibited significant variations in sugar consumption, further supporting the hormone's role in sugar appetite regulation.
Selective Sugar Suppression
FGF21's sugar-suppressing effect is selective. While it effectively reduces sucrose, fructose, and glucose intake, it does not affect the consumption of complex carbohydrates. Researchers attribute this selectivity to the specific neural pathways involved in FGF21's macroelement regulation.
Future Research Directions
The researchers plan to continue their investigations, focusing on identifying the neural circuits through which FGF21 exerts its effects. They also seek to discover if other hormones play a similar role in regulating the consumption of specific macroelements like fats and proteins.
"If they do exist, the question becomes how these signals are integrated to regulate neural responsiveness to different macroelements," says Professor Potthoff. Such insights hold the potential to revolutionize the management of metabolic disorders and promote healthier dietary choices.
