Controlling Obesity by Altering Hormonal Action

Energy balance for most healthy people is accomplished by the action of hormones in the bloodstream. For example, we know that the hormone leptin controls metabolism, and that insulin controls the action of storage of sugar as fat. Bombesin is a relatively recently found hormone, and its action appears to be to control appetite. All hormones act through special areas in the cells that are called receptors, and it is this area that seems to attract research interest. From recent research regarding the action of bombesin, it appears to be possible to both control appetite, and increase metabolism.

Guam et al., whose research appears in the journal Cell Metabolism, explored the action of a particular bombesin receptor, called Bombesin Receptor Subtype-3, or BRS-3. Their experiment used two experimental methods of control of this receptor to explore its action and role in obesity control. If the results were interesting, perhaps this research could be applied towards the development of a human obesity control medication.

Application of the first chemical caused the animals to eat more. This particular chemical worked by blocking the action of this receptor, and the researchers shown that by so doing, the animals started to gain weight.

The second compound was designed to stimulate the action of the BRS-3. When administered, the results were very exciting. Not only have the animals reduced their appetite and ate less, but their metabolism increased. This would mean that the chemical's two effects would help in weight loss on two fronts.

The researchers report that they did not observe any detrimental effects within the scope of this experiment, but that more research needs to be done to validate the safety of this approach. They also reported that the action of bombesin at this receptor was complimentary to other metabolic control pathways. This certainly suggests that a compound medicine may potentially be developed, one that controls weight on multiple levels.

More research needs to be performed to show the safety and efficacy of such a medicine. However, these early results are very encouraging, and suggest that an effective medicine to control obesity may be close.

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