Influence of the gut microbiome on appetite-regulating neuropeptides in the hypothalamus: Insight from conventional, antibiotic-treated, and germ-free mouse models of anorexia nervosa

In this study, we investigate the role of the gut microbiome in appetite regulation using activity-based anorexia (ABA) mouse model of anorexia nervosa (AN) - a severe eating disorder with significant health consequences. ABA was induced in conventional, antibiotic-treated, and germ-free mice. Our results show the clear influence of the gut microbiome on the expression of four orexigenic (neuropeptide Y, agouti-related peptide, melanin-concentrating hormone, and orexin) and four anorexigenic peptides (cocaine- and amphetamine-regulated transcript, corticotropin-releasing hormone, thyrotropin-releasing hormone, and pro-opiomelanocortin) in the hypothalamus. Additionally, we assessed alterations in gut barrier permeability. While variations were noted in germ-free mice based on feeding and activity, they were not directly attributable to the gut microbiome. This research emphasizes that the gut microbiome is a pivotal factor in AN's appetite regulation beyond just dietary habits or physical activity.PMID:38432539 | DOI:10.1016/j.nbd.2024.106460

Source: Neurobiology of Disease - March 3, 2024 Category: Neurology Authors: Radka Roubalov á Petra Proch ázková Tereza Kov ářová Janet Je žková Tom áš Hrnčíř Helena Tlaskalov á-Hogenová Hana Pape žová Source Type: research