Brain Derived Neurotropic Factor, or BDNF, is a protein that functions as a growth factor in humans. It is believed it regulates appetite. Experiments on mice demonstrated that lower levels of the substance lead to higher food intake and weight gain. The implications of these studies suggest possible new ways of treating and preventing obesity in adults and children
Brain Derived Neurotropic Factor is produced in the brain and migrates to the hypothalamus to regulate hunger and food intake. Researchers have recently discovered that a variation in the BDNF gene inhibits production of the protein and leads to an increased risk of obesity in adults and children. A portion of the affected gene interacts with hnRNP DoB, lowering the levels of BDNF in the hypothalamus. The scientists were clear that this is a variation of the gene, not a mutation. This variation leads to low levels of the protein, which stops people from feeling full. This leads to poor appetite control and weight gain. The variation more common in blacks and Hispanics than other races.
Understanding the way this variation manipulates BDNF levels has major implications for public health across the world. The rising numbers of obese and adult children found in many countries poses one of the largest threats to public health the world faces. The results of these recent studies suggest that there may be new ways to identify who is at risk for extreme weight gain. Additionally, understanding how BDNF interacts with hnRNP DoB may lead to new discoveries in the field of weight loss and hunger control, opening the door for new developments in weight control for those at risk. Since current options like medication and weight loss surgeries can have such severe side effects, new innovations are both welcome and needed.
There are many different reasons a person may become obese, and it appears that science has stumbled upon one of them. Low levels of BDNF lead to poor appetite control and continuing hunger, causing weight gain in those with a specific genetic variation. While it will take time for researchers to fully understand these results and how to apply them, the future looks promising. By learning the ways the brain regulates and manipulates food intake, scientists hope to be able to control for these factors in adults and kids. In doing so, they will develop new tools in the fight against the rising numbers of obese people across the planet, improving health and lives in the process.
Serum brain-derived neurotrophic factor is associated with reduced appetite in healthy older adults
Article in The Journal of Nutrition Health and Aging 12(3):183-5 · March 2008 with 7 Reads
Impact Factor: 3.00 · DOI: 10.1007/BF02982616 · Source: PubMed
Loss of appetite and body mass are common in older adults and are associated with negative consequences. Research indicates that these processes likely involve increases in serum brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). Animal and human models demonstrate that BDNF may serve a regulatory function in food intake, but no study has addressed the possibility that BDNF may be involved in appetite reduction and loss of body mass in older adults. 34 older adults without significant neurological or psychiatric history underwent fasting blood draw and measurement of body composition. Appetite and eating behavior were assessed by questionnaire and related to serum BDNF levels. Partial correlations showed serum BDNF levels were inversely related to appetite (r = -.38, p = .02). No significant correlations emerged between serum BDNF and age, diet, or body composition. The current study extends past work and shows that BDNF is associated with appetite in healthy older adults. Further work is needed to clarify mechanisms for these findings, particularly prospective studies.
J Nutr Health Aging. 2008 Mar;12(3):183-5.
Serum brain-derived neurotrophic factor is associated with reduced appetite in healthy older adults.
Stanek K1, Gunstad J, Leahey T, Glickman E, Alexander T, Spitznagel MB, Juvancic Heltzel J, Murray L.
OBJECTIVE:
Loss of appetite and body mass are common in older adults and are associated with negative consequences. Research indicates that these processes likely involve increases in serum brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). Animal and human models demonstrate that BDNF may serve a regulatory function in food intake, but no study has addressed the possibility that BDNF may be involved in appetite reduction and loss of body mass in older adults.
DESIGN AND PARTICIPANTS:
34 older adults without significant neurological or psychiatric history underwent fasting blood draw and measurement of body composition. Appetite and eating behavior were assessed by questionnaire and related to serum BDNF levels.
RESULTS:
Partial correlations showed serum BDNF levels were inversely related to appetite (r = -.38, p = .02). No significant correlations emerged between serum BDNF and age, diet, or body composition.
CONCLUSIONS:
The current study extends past work and shows that BDNF is associated with appetite in healthy older adults. Further work is needed to clarify mechanisms for these findings, particularly prospective studies.
APL (American Performance Labs) is a research group dedicated to the collection, analysis, and dissemination of published research and articles on the science of hyperthermia and the various applications, technologies and protocols for the use of hyperthermic conditioning.