Endocrine Regulation of Energy Flashcards
What is the function of brown adipose tissue?
- The transfer of food into heat energy 2. Lipid utilisation
What is the function of white adipose tissue?
- Fuel storage 2. Insulation 3. Produces the hormone leptin
Where is the hormone leptin produced?
White adipose tissue
What receptor does leptin act on?
ObRb receptor
What does leptin do?
Decreases food intake Increases energy expenditure
What can a mutation of the Ob gene lead to and why?
Obesity as the Ob gene is responsible for leptin production
Where is ghrelin produced?
PD1 cells in the fundus of the stomach
What does ghrelin do?
Stimulates appetite Increases food intake Promotes fat storage
What is meant by orexigenic?
Increased hunger and food intake
Where does ghrelin act?
GHS-R receptor in the brain
What is meant by anorexigenic?
Decreased hunger and food intake
What role does alpha-MSH play in obesity?
Melanocortins are anorexigenic thus reducing food intake, fighting obesity.
What role does MC4 play?
MC4 is an agonist to alpha-MSH, thus aiding decrease in food intake and obesity
What is hyperphagia
Eating a lot of food
What are the uses of leptin, and what are it’s limits?
Leptin can be administered to treat obesity. - Decreases appetite and fat mass - Causes hyperinsulinaemia However obesity is multifactorial and so leptin is not a perfect solution.
What are the effects of GLP-1?
Increases insulin production Decreases glucagon production Slows gastric emptying, reducing food intake.
Obesity is…
BMI over 30
Consequences of obesity

How does obesity lead to diabetes?
Amyloid and fat deposits in pancreas lead to decreased insulin production.
Insulin resistance is also made worse by obesity and physical inactivity.
Stimulation of NPY Y5 receptors has what effect on the body?
Stimulates food intake.
What role does AGRP play in obesity?
Causes obesity by:
- Inhibiting MC4 receptors
- Stimulating NPY Y5 receptors
Prader-Willi Syndrome
Description. Prader-Willi syndrome is a complex genetic condition that affects many parts of the body. In infancy, this condition is characterized by weak muscle tone (hypotonia), feeding difficulties, poor growth, and delayed development.
- Imprinting defect on Chr 15
- Small hands and feet
- Hypotonic infants
- Feed poorly until 2 years, then ravenous appetite
- Learning difficulties
Weight management approach:
- Dietary change – Energy restriction
- Physical activity – Increase energy expenditure
- Behavioural change/psychological support – Underpins and enables the first two
Orlisat does what?
Gastrointestinal lipase inhibitor to reduce weight gain.
Naltrexone/bupropion function:
Increases in POMC signaling reduces food intake and leads to weight loss.
Surgical obesity options
