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Peptide YY (PYY)

Meaning

Peptide YY (PYY) is a linear 36-amino acid peptide hormone predominantly secreted by enteroendocrine L-cells located in the ileum and colon, with its release directly proportional to the caloric content of a meal, particularly fat. Functioning as a potent anorexigenic signal, PYY plays a crucial role in the physiological regulation of appetite and satiety, promoting a sustained feeling of fullness after food consumption. This gut-derived hormone acts on the central nervous system to significantly reduce subsequent food intake, establishing it as a key component of the enteroendocrine system that links peripheral digestion with central energy homeostasis. Its actions are of significant clinical interest for developing novel therapeutic strategies for weight management and metabolic disorders.