Appetite hormones are a collective group of endocrine signaling molecules that critically regulate energy homeostasis by influencing the sensation of hunger (orexigenic signals) and satiety (anorexigenic signals). These peptides are secreted from various organs, including the gut, pancreas, and adipose tissue, forming a complex communication network with the central nervous system. Their balanced action is essential for maintaining a stable body weight and preventing metabolic dysregulation. Dysfunctions in this delicate hormonal orchestra can contribute significantly to clinical conditions such as obesity and eating disorders.
Origin
The concept originates from early endocrinology and physiology studies that sought to understand the chemical messengers governing feeding behavior, primarily focusing on the gut-brain axis. The term “hormone” itself comes from the Greek hormao, meaning “I excite” or “I set in motion,” reflecting the regulatory nature of these secreted substances. Clinical research in the latter half of the 20th century began to identify and characterize key players like ghrelin and leptin, establishing the modern understanding of this system. This scientific exploration continues to unveil the intricate details of metabolic signaling pathways.
Mechanism
These hormones operate through an intricate feedback loop, primarily targeting receptors within the hypothalamus of the brain, the central command center for appetite control. Ghrelin, often termed the “hunger hormone,” is secreted by the stomach and stimulates appetite by activating the growth hormone secretagogue receptor. Conversely, peptides like leptin from fat cells and PYY and GLP-1 from the gut act as satiety signals, binding to their respective receptors to inhibit food intake and promote energy expenditure. The relative concentrations and receptor binding affinities of these signals dictate the physiological drive to eat or cease consumption.
We use cookies to personalize content and marketing, and to analyze our traffic. This helps us maintain the quality of our free resources. manage your preferences below.
Detailed Cookie Preferences
This helps support our free resources through personalized marketing efforts and promotions.
Analytics cookies help us understand how visitors interact with our website, improving user experience and website performance.
Personalization cookies enable us to customize the content and features of our site based on your interactions, offering a more tailored experience.