Leptin and insulin pathways in POMC and AgRP neurons that modulate energy balance and glucose homeostasis

EMBO Rep. 2012 Dec;13(12):1079-86. doi: 10.1038/embor.2012.174. Epub 2012 Nov 13.

Abstract

With the steady rise in the prevalence of obesity and its associated diseases, research aimed at understanding the mechanisms that regulate and control whole body energy homeostasis has gained new interest. Leptin and insulin, two anorectic hormones, have key roles in the regulation of body weight and energy homeostasis, as highlighted by the fact that several obese patients develop resistance to these hormones. Within the brain, the hypothalamic proopiomelanocortin and agouti-related protein neurons have been identified as major targets of leptin and insulin action. Many studies have attempted to discern the individual contributions of various components of the principal pathways that mediate the central effects of leptin and insulin. The aim of this review is to discuss the latest findings that might shed light on, and lead to a better understanding of, energy balance and glucose homeostasis. In addition, recently discovered targets and mechanisms that mediate hormonal action in the brain are highlighted.

Publication types

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

MeSH terms

  • Adipose Tissue / metabolism
  • Agouti-Related Protein* / genetics
  • Agouti-Related Protein* / metabolism
  • Brain / metabolism
  • Energy Metabolism / genetics
  • Glucose / metabolism
  • Homeostasis / genetics
  • Humans
  • Insulin Secretion
  • Insulin* / metabolism
  • Leptin* / metabolism
  • Obesity* / complications
  • Obesity* / etiology
  • Obesity* / metabolism
  • Proprotein Convertases* / genetics
  • Proprotein Convertases* / metabolism
  • Signal Transduction

Substances

  • Agouti-Related Protein
  • Insulin
  • Leptin
  • Proprotein Convertases
  • Glucose