Hypothalamic inflammation and food intake regulation during chronic illness

Publication date: Available online 6 July 2015 Source:Peptides Author(s): J.T Dwarkasing , D.L. Marks , R.F Witkamp , K. van Norren Anorexia is a common symptom in chronic illness. It contributes to malnutrition and strongly affects survival and quality of life. A common denominator of many chronic diseases is an elevated inflammatory status, which is considered to play a pivotal role in the failure of food-intake regulating systems in the hypothalamus. In this review, we summarize findings on the role of hypothalamic inflammation on food intake regulation involving hypothalamic neuropeptide Y (NPY) and pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC). Furthermore, we outline the role of serotonin in the inability of these peptide based food-intake regulating systems to respond and adapt to changes in energy metabolism during chronic disease.
Source: Peptides - Category: Biochemistry Source Type: research