Small molecules for fat combustion: targeting thermosensory and satiety signals in the central nervous system

Jingxin Liu; Ligen Lin

doi:10.1016/j.drudis.2018.09.013

Small molecules for fat combustion: targeting thermosensory and satiety signals in the central nervous system

Drug Discov Today. 2019 Jan;24(1):300-306. doi: 10.1016/j.drudis.2018.09.013. Epub 2018 Sep 21.

Authors

Jingxin Liu¹, Ligen Lin²

Affiliations

¹ State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Avenida da Universidade, Taipa, Macau 999078, China.
² State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Avenida da Universidade, Taipa, Macau 999078, China. Electronic address: [email protected].

PMID: 30248402
DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2018.09.013

Abstract

Brown adipose tissue (BAT) dissipates fatty acids as heat to maintain body temperature in cold environments. The existence of BAT and beige cells in human adults supplies a promising weight-reduction therapy. The central thermogenic regulation descends through an excitatory neural pathway from the hypothalamus, medullar and spine towards BAT. This sympathoexcitatory thermogenic circuit is controlled by GABAergic (γ-aminobutyric acid) signaling from the thermoregulatory center in the preoptic area and the satiety center in the ventromedial nucleus of the hypothalamus. This review summarizes recent research progresses in thermogenic regulators targeting thermosensory and satiety signals in the central nervous system, and speculates on their potential as antiobesity agents.

Publication types

Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
Review

MeSH terms

Adipose Tissue / physiology*
Animals
Central Nervous System / physiology*
Humans
Obesity / physiopathology*
Satiety Response / physiology*
Thermogenesis*
Thermosensing