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Friedrich T, Stengel A. Current state of phoenixin-the implications of the pleiotropic peptide in stress and its potential as a therapeutic target. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1076800. [PMID: 36860304 PMCID: PMC9968724 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1076800] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2022] [Accepted: 01/04/2023] [Indexed: 02/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Phoenixin is a pleiotropic peptide, whose known functions have broadened significantly over the last decade. Initially first described as a reproductive peptide in 2013, phoenixin is now recognized as being implicated in hypertension, neuroinflammation, pruritus, food intake, anxiety as well as stress. Due to its wide field of involvement, an interaction with physiological as well as psychological control loops has been speculated. It has shown to be both able to actively reduce anxiety as well as being influenced by external stressors. Initial rodent models have shown that central administration of phoenixin alters the behavior of the subjects when confronted with stress-inducing situations, proposing an interaction with the perception and processing of stress and anxiety. Although the research on phoenixin is still in its infancy, there are several promising insights into its functionality, which might prove to be of value in the pharmacological treatment of several psychiatric and psychosomatic illnesses such as anorexia nervosa, post-traumatic stress disorder as well as the increasingly prevalent stress-related illnesses of burnout and depression. In this review, we aim to provide an overview of the current state of knowledge of phoenixin, its interactions with physiological processes as well as focus on the recent developments in stress response and the possible novel treatment options this might entail.
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Affiliation(s)
- T. Friedrich
- Charité Center for Internal Medicine and Dermatology, Department for Psychosomatic Medicine, Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
| | - A. Stengel
- Charité Center for Internal Medicine and Dermatology, Department for Psychosomatic Medicine, Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany,Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany,*Correspondence: A. Stengel,
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2
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Liang H, Zhao Q, Lv S, Ji X. Regulation and physiological functions of phoenixin. Front Mol Biosci 2022; 9:956500. [PMID: 36090042 PMCID: PMC9456248 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2022.956500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2022] [Accepted: 07/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Phoenixin is a newly discovered neuropeptide generated from small integral membrane protein 20. Phoenixin is a ligand for the G protein-coupled receptor 173 (GPR173) and has been detected in central and peripheral tissues of human, rats, mice, bovine, and zebrafish. It was initially involved in regulating reproductive function by stimulating the luteinizing hormone release from pituitary cells by increasing the level of gonadotropin-releasing hormone. Recently, many functions of phoenixin have been generalized, including regulation of food intake, memory, Alzheimer’s disease, anxiety, inflammation, neuronal and microglial activity, energy metabolism and body fluid balance, cardiovascular function, and endocrine activity. In addition, the interaction between phoenixin and nesfatin-1 have been revealed. The present article summarized the latest research progress on physiological function of phoenixin, suggesting that it is a potential target for novel drug development and clinical application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Han Liang
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Henan University, Henan University, Kaifeng, China
| | - Qian Zhao
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, Henan International Joint Laboratory for Nuclear Protein Regulation, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Henan University, Kaifeng, China
| | - Shuangyu Lv
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, Henan International Joint Laboratory for Nuclear Protein Regulation, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Henan University, Kaifeng, China
- *Correspondence: Shuangyu Lv, ; Xinying Ji,
| | - Xinying Ji
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, Henan International Joint Laboratory for Nuclear Protein Regulation, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Henan University, Kaifeng, China
- *Correspondence: Shuangyu Lv, ; Xinying Ji,
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Role of the Novel Peptide Phoenixin in Stress Response and Possible Interactions with Nesfatin-1. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22179156. [PMID: 34502065 PMCID: PMC8431171 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22179156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2021] [Revised: 08/16/2021] [Accepted: 08/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The novel peptide phoenixin was shown to be involved in several physiological processes ranging from reproduction to food intake. Interest in this protein has steadily increased over the last few years and its known implications have become much broader, playing a role in glucose homeostasis, anxiety, nociception, and pruritus. Phoenixin is expressed in a multitude of organs such as the small intestine, pancreas, and in the hypothalamus, as well as several other brain nuclei influencing numerous physiological functions. Its highly conserved amino-acid sequence amongst species leads to the assumption, that phoenixin might be involved in essential physiological functions. Its co-expression and opposing functionality to the extensively studied peptide nesfatin-1 has given rise to the idea of a possible counterbalancing role. Several recent publications focused on phoenixin’s role in stress reactions, namely restraint stress and lipopolysaccharide-induced inflammation response, in which also nesfatin-1 is known to be altered. This review provides an overview on the phoenixins and nesfatin-1 properties and putative effects, and especially highlights the recent developments on their role and interaction in the response to response.
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The Role of Peptide Hormones Discovered in the 21st Century in the Regulation of Adipose Tissue Functions. Genes (Basel) 2021; 12:genes12050756. [PMID: 34067710 PMCID: PMC8155905 DOI: 10.3390/genes12050756] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2021] [Revised: 05/13/2021] [Accepted: 05/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Peptide hormones play a prominent role in controlling energy homeostasis and metabolism. They have been implicated in controlling appetite, the function of the gastrointestinal and cardiovascular systems, energy expenditure, and reproduction. Furthermore, there is growing evidence indicating that peptide hormones and their receptors contribute to energy homeostasis regulation by interacting with white and brown adipose tissue. In this article, we review and discuss the literature addressing the role of selected peptide hormones discovered in the 21st century (adropin, apelin, elabela, irisin, kisspeptin, MOTS-c, phoenixin, spexin, and neuropeptides B and W) in controlling white and brown adipogenesis. Furthermore, we elaborate how these hormones control adipose tissue functions in vitro and in vivo.
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Pałasz A, Żarczyński P, Bogus K, Mordecka-Chamera K, Della Vecchia A, Skałbania J, Worthington JJ, Krzystanek M, Żarczyńska M. Modulatory effect of olanzapine on SMIM20/phoenixin, NPQ/spexin and NUCB2/nesfatin-1 gene expressions in the rat brainstem. Pharmacol Rep 2021; 73:1188-1194. [PMID: 33928538 PMCID: PMC8413215 DOI: 10.1007/s43440-021-00267-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2021] [Revised: 04/20/2021] [Accepted: 04/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Background Phoenixin, spexin and nesfatin-1 belong to a family of newly discovered multifunctional neuropeptides that play regulatory roles in several brain structures and modulate the activity of important neural networks. However, little is known about their expression and action at the level of brainstem. The present work was, therefore, focused on gene expression of the aforementioned peptides in the brainstem of rats chronically treated with olanzapine, a second generation antipsychotic drug. Methods Studies were carried out on adult, male Sprague–Dawley rats that were divided into 2 groups: control and experimental animals treated with olanzapine (28-day-long intraperitoneal injection, at dose 5 mg/kg daily). All individuals were killed under anesthesia and the brainstem excised. Total mRNA was isolated from homogenized samples of both structures and the RT-PCR method was used for estimation of related SMIM20/phoenixin, NPQ/spexin and NUCB2/nesfatin-1 gene expression. Results Long-term treatment with olanzapine is reflected in qualitatively different changes in expression of examined neuropeptides mRNA in the rat brainstem. Olanzapine significantly decreased NPQ/spexin mRNA expression, but increased SMIM20/phoenixin mRNA level in the rat brainstem; while NUCB2/nesfatin-1 mRNA expression remained unchanged. Conclusions Olanzapine can affect novel peptidergic signaling in the rat brainstem. This may cautiously suggest the presence of an alternative mode of its action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Artur Pałasz
- Department of Histology, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Katowice, Medical University of Silesia, ul. Medyków Street 18, 40-752, Katowice, Poland.
| | - Piotr Żarczyński
- Department of Histology, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Katowice, Medical University of Silesia, ul. Medyków Street 18, 40-752, Katowice, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Bogus
- Department of Histology, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Katowice, Medical University of Silesia, ul. Medyków Street 18, 40-752, Katowice, Poland
| | - Kinga Mordecka-Chamera
- Department of Histology, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Katowice, Medical University of Silesia, ul. Medyków Street 18, 40-752, Katowice, Poland
| | - Alessandra Della Vecchia
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Section of Psychiatry, University of Pisa, 67, Via Roma, 56100, Pisa, Italy
| | - Jakub Skałbania
- Department of Histology, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Katowice, Medical University of Silesia, ul. Medyków Street 18, 40-752, Katowice, Poland
| | - John J Worthington
- Division of Biomedical and Life Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medicine, Lancaster University, Lancaster, LA1 4YQ, UK
| | - Marek Krzystanek
- Clinic of Psychiatric Rehabilitation, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Katowice, Medical University of Silesia, ul. Ziolowa 45/47, 40-635, Katowice, Poland
| | - Małgorzata Żarczyńska
- Department of Histology, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Katowice, Medical University of Silesia, ul. Medyków Street 18, 40-752, Katowice, Poland
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Billert M, Rak A, Nowak KW, Skrzypski M. Phoenixin: More than Reproductive Peptide. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21218378. [PMID: 33171667 PMCID: PMC7664650 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21218378] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2020] [Revised: 11/03/2020] [Accepted: 11/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Phoenixin (PNX) neuropeptide is a cleaved product of the Smim20 protein. Its most common isoforms are the 14- and 20-amino acid peptides. The biological functions of PNX are mediated via the activation of the GPR173 receptor. PNX plays an important role in the central nervous system (CNS) and in the female reproductive system where it potentiates LH secretion and controls the estrus cycle. Moreover, it stimulates oocyte maturation and increases the number of ovulated oocytes. Nevertheless, PNX not only regulates the reproduction system but also exerts anxiolytic, anti-inflammatory, and cell-protective effects. Furthermore, it is involved in behavior, food intake, sensory perception, memory, and energy metabolism. Outside the CNS, PNX exerts its effects on the heart, ovaries, adipose tissue, and pancreatic islets. This review presents all the currently available studies demonstrating the pleiotropic effects of PNX.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Billert
- Department of Animal Physiology, Biochemistry and Biostructure, Poznań University of Life Sciences, 60-637 Poznań, Poland; (M.B.); (K.W.N.)
| | - Agnieszka Rak
- Department of Physiology and Toxicology of Reproduction, Institute of Zoology and Biomedical Research, Jagiellonian University in Kraków, 30-387 Kraków, Poland;
| | - Krzysztof W. Nowak
- Department of Animal Physiology, Biochemistry and Biostructure, Poznań University of Life Sciences, 60-637 Poznań, Poland; (M.B.); (K.W.N.)
| | - Marek Skrzypski
- Department of Animal Physiology, Biochemistry and Biostructure, Poznań University of Life Sciences, 60-637 Poznań, Poland; (M.B.); (K.W.N.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +48-6184-637-24
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Grover HM, Smith PM, Ferguson AV. Phoenixin influences the excitability of nucleus of the solitary tract neurones, effects which are modified by environmental and glucocorticoid stress. J Neuroendocrinol 2020; 32:e12855. [PMID: 32436241 DOI: 10.1111/jne.12855] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2019] [Revised: 02/26/2020] [Accepted: 04/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Phoenixin (PNX) is a neuropeptide shown to play roles in the control of reproduction. The nucleus of the solitary tract (NTS), a critical autonomic integrating centre in the hindbrain, is one of many areas with dense expression of PNX. Using coronal NTS slices obtained from male Sprague-Dawley rats, the present study characterised the effects of PNX on both spike frequency and membrane potential of NTS neurones. Extracellular recordings demonstrated that bath-applied 10 nmol L-1 PNX increased the firing frequency in 32% of NTS neurones, effects which were confirmed with patch-clamp recordings showing that 50% of NTS neurones tested depolarised in response to application of the peptide. Surprisingly, the responsiveness to PNX in NTS neurones then declined suddenly to 9% (P < 0.001). This effect was subsequently attributed to stress associated with construction in our animal care facility because PNX responsiveness was again observed in slices from rats delivered and maintained in a construction-free facility. We then examined whether this loss of PNX responsiveness could be replicated in rats placed on a chronic stress regimen involving ongoing corticosterone (CORT) treatment in the construction-free facility. Slices from animals treated in this way showed a similar lack of neuronal responsiveness to PNX (9.1 ± 3.9%) within 2 weeks of CORT treatment. These effects were specific to PNX responsiveness because CORT treatment had no effect on the responsiveness of NTS neurones to angiotensin II. These results are the first to implicate PNX with respect to directly controlling the excitability of NTS neurones and also provide intriguing data showing the plasticity of these effects associated with environmental and glucocorticoid stress levels of the animal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanna M Grover
- Centre for Neuroscience Studies, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada
| | - Pauline M Smith
- Centre for Neuroscience Studies, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada
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Wei P, Keller C, Li L. Neuropeptides in gut-brain axis and their influence on host immunity and stress. Comput Struct Biotechnol J 2020; 18:843-851. [PMID: 32322366 PMCID: PMC7160382 DOI: 10.1016/j.csbj.2020.02.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2019] [Revised: 02/04/2020] [Accepted: 02/25/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
In recent decades, neuropeptides have been found to play a major role in communication along the gut-brain axis. Various neuropeptides are expressed in the central and peripheral nervous systems, where they facilitate the crosstalk between the nervous systems and other major body systems. In addition to being critical to communication from the brain in the nervous systems, neuropeptides actively regulate immune functions in the gut in both direct and indirect ways, allowing for communication between the immune and nervous systems. In this mini review, we discuss the role of several neuropeptides, including calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP), corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) and phoenixin (PNX), in the gut-brain axis and summarize their functions in immunity and stress. We choose these neuropeptides to highlight the diversity of peptide communication in the gut-brain axis.
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Key Words
- ACTH, adrenocorticotrophic hormone
- Antimicrobial peptides
- CGRP, calcitonin gene-related peptide
- CNS, central nervous system
- CRH, corticotropin-releasing hormone
- CRLR, calcitonin receptor like receptor
- Gut-brain axis
- HPA axis, hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis
- Hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis
- Immunity
- LPS, lipopolysaccharides
- NPY, neuropeptide Y
- Neuropeptide
- PACAP, pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide
- PNX, phoenixin
- RAMP1, receptor activity-modifying protein1
- SP, substance P
- Stress
- TRPV1, transient receptor potential vanilloid receptor-1
- VIP, vasoactive intestinal peptide
- α-MSH, α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone
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Affiliation(s)
- Pingli Wei
- Department of Chemistry, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Caitlin Keller
- Department of Chemistry, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Lingjun Li
- Department of Chemistry, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
- School of Pharmacy, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
- Corresponding author at: School of Pharmacy & Department of Chemistry, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 777 Highland Ave, Madison, WI 53705, USA.
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Leptin, hsCRP, TNF-α and IL-6 levels from normal aging to dementia: Relationship with cognitive and functional status. J Clin Neurosci 2018; 56:150-155. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jocn.2018.08.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2018] [Accepted: 08/13/2018] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
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Stein LM, Haddock CJ, Samson WK, Kolar GR, Yosten GLC. The phoenixins: From discovery of the hormone to identification of the receptor and potential physiologic actions. Peptides 2018; 106:45-48. [PMID: 29933026 PMCID: PMC6092957 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2018.06.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2018] [Revised: 06/12/2018] [Accepted: 06/19/2018] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Using a series of classical protein purification techniques, coupled with more modern molecular approaches, a family of neuropeptides, the Phoenixins, was identified to be produced in brain and heart, and to bind selectively in pituitary gland, ovary and brain. These same binding sites were revealed, using a novel receptor identification strategy, to express the orphan G protein-coupled receptor, GPR173, the expression of which was required for the actions of phoenixin both in vivo and in vitro. In fact, studies using small interfering RNA molecules to compromise GPR173 expression revealed the physiologic relevance of the initially reported pharmacologic actions of the peptides. Those include not only the reproductive actions of the peptides in brain and pituitary gland, but also a CNS site of action in the maintenance of fluid and electrolyte homeostasis. Additional pharmacologic actions of the phoenixins have been described and the race is on to establish the physiologic relevance of those actions as well as the therapeutic potential of phoenixin analogs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren M Stein
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, United States
| | - Christopher J Haddock
- Departments of Pharmacology and Physiology, Saint Louis University, St. Louis, MO, 63104, United States
| | - Willis K Samson
- Departments of Pharmacology and Physiology, Saint Louis University, St. Louis, MO, 63104, United States
| | - Grant R Kolar
- Department of Pathology, Saint Louis University, St. Louis, MO, 63104, United States
| | - Gina L C Yosten
- Departments of Pharmacology and Physiology, Saint Louis University, St. Louis, MO, 63104, United States.
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Schalla MA, Stengel A. Phoenixin-A Pleiotropic Gut-Brain Peptide. Int J Mol Sci 2018; 19:ijms19061726. [PMID: 29891773 PMCID: PMC6032287 DOI: 10.3390/ijms19061726] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2018] [Revised: 05/28/2018] [Accepted: 06/08/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Phoenixin is a recently discovered brain peptide initially thought to be restricted to reproductive functions. The subsequent identification of phoenixin’s expression in peripheral tissues was accompanied by the description of several other actions of this hormone, such as effects on behavior, sensory perception, memory retention, the cardiovascular system as well as food intake, pointing towards a pleiotropic role of this peptide. The present review will discuss the present knowledge on phoenixin and the signaling involved as well as highlight gaps in knowledge to stimulate further research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martha A Schalla
- Charité Center for Internal Medicine and Dermatology, Department for Psychosomatic Medicine, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, 12203 Berlin, Germany.
| | - Andreas Stengel
- Charité Center for Internal Medicine and Dermatology, Department for Psychosomatic Medicine, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, 12203 Berlin, Germany.
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, Medical University Hospital Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany.
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Pałasz A, Janas-Kozik M, Borrow A, Arias-Carrión O, Worthington JJ. The potential role of the novel hypothalamic neuropeptides nesfatin-1, phoenixin, spexin and kisspeptin in the pathogenesis of anxiety and anorexia nervosa. Neurochem Int 2018; 113:120-136. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuint.2017.12.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2017] [Revised: 12/13/2017] [Accepted: 12/14/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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