How the body controls sugar cravings

Specific brain cells to control how big the Desire is to consume sugar. These cells are used in combination with the hormone largely responsible for how well we Snacks sweet can resist, as a current study shows.

Researchers at the University of Iowa Health Care have identified the cells in the brain that control our Craving for sugar. This knowledge can play a major role in the pathogenesis of obesity and type 2 Diabetes, since these diseases are often the result of excessive consumption of unhealthy food. The results of the study were recently presented in the journal “Cell Metabolism”.

People’s diseases, obesity and Diabetes

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The understanding of the biological mechanisms that control the sugar consumption and preference for sweet taste, could have an important impact on the management and prevention of obesity and type 2 Diabetes. These diseases have spread in the last decades and become a growing Problem in public health.

A hormone curbs the appetite

In the center of the new study, a hormone called fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) is. This hormone is known that it is involved in the energy balance, the control of body weight and insulin sensitivity. “This is the first study that has really found out where this hormone in the brain works, and how it regulates the sugar intake,” says research Manager Matthew Potthoff.

FGF21 suppress the Craving for sugar

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Potthoff and his Team had previously discovered that FGF21 is produced in the liver as a reaction to increased glucose levels and in the brain acts to the sugar consumption and preference for sweet taste to suppress.

Building on this knowledge, the Team has now shown for the first time, which brain do cells react to the signals of FGF21 and how to regulate this interaction contributes to the sugar consumption and preference for sweet taste.

These brain cells control the sugar appetite

Although it was already known that FGF21 acts in the brain remained so far unclear, which cells, the hormone binds, the receptors for this hormone are formed only in very small quantities. Now it reaches to uncover the research team of this interface. The hormone binds to the so-called glutamatergic neurons, in order to reduce the sugar intake and the preference for sweet taste.

Can FGF21 help you lose weight?

Several medicines that are based on a modified Form of FGF21, are already being tested for the treatment of obesity and Diabetes. The new findings could help develop a Drug that cravings can be suppressed. (vb)

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