1
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Keskin M, Avul S, Beyaz A, Koca N. The association of Neuromedin U levels and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: A comparative analysis. Heliyon 2024; 10:e27291. [PMID: 38486771 PMCID: PMC10937677 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e27291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2023] [Revised: 02/26/2024] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 03/17/2024] Open
Abstract
This comprehensive study delves into the potential link between Neuromedin U (NmU) serum levels and the development of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), a condition of increasing global prevalence and significant public health concern. The research provides a nuanced understanding of the disease's etiology by examining a cohort of 112 participants, including individuals with and without NAFLD. The study meticulously considers a spectrum of variables such as demographic factors, body composition metrics, and blood parameters. Advanced diagnostic tools like Fibroscan® are employed to ascertain NAFLD presence, ensuring accurate and reliable results. The investigation reveals a noteworthy correlation between NAFLD and several risk factors, notably obesity, increased waist and neck circumferences, hypertriglyceridemia, and insulin resistance. These findings underscore the multifactorial nature of NAFLD and its intricate connection with metabolic syndromes. Intriguingly, the study observes lower NmU levels in individuals diagnosed with NAFLD. However, the role of NmU as an independent risk factor for NAFLD remains inconclusive, warranting further investigation. Although triglyceride level was observed to be an independent risk factor for NAFLD, this relationship was not associated with NmU. This research contributes significantly to the existing knowledge on NAFLD, highlighting the disease's complexity and the interplay of various risk factors. It also opens up new avenues for future research, particularly in exploring the role of NmU within the metabolic pathways associated with NAFLD. The insights gained from this study could guide the development of novel diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for NAFLD, addressing a crucial need in contemporary healthcare. In conclusion, the findings of this study not only enhance the understanding of NAFLD's pathophysiology but also emphasize the importance of comprehensive risk factor analysis in the management and prevention of this growing health concern.
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Affiliation(s)
- Murat Keskin
- Department of Gastroenterology, Medicana Private Hospital, Bursa, Turkey
| | - Sercan Avul
- Department of Internal Medicine, Birecik State Hospital, Şanlıurfa, Turkey
| | - Aylin Beyaz
- Department of Biochemistry, Kagizman State Hospital, Kars, Turkey
| | - Nizameddin Koca
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Health Sciences, Bursa Faculty of Medicine, Bursa City Training & Research Hospital, Bursa, Turkey
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2
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Pałasz A, Worthington JJ, Filipczyk Ł, Saganiak K. Pharmacomodulation of brain neuromedin U signaling as a potential therapeutic strategy. J Neurosci Res 2023; 101:1728-1736. [PMID: 37496289 DOI: 10.1002/jnr.25234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2023] [Revised: 06/08/2023] [Accepted: 07/14/2023] [Indexed: 07/28/2023]
Abstract
Neuromedin U (NMU) belongs to a family of multifunctional neuropeptides that modulate the activity of several neural networks of the brain. Acting via metabotropic receptor NMUR2, NMU plays a role in the regulation of multiple systems, including energy homeostasis, stress responses, circadian rhythms, and endocrine signaling. The involvement of NMU signaling in the central regulation of important neurophysiological processes and its disturbances is a potential target for pharmacological modulation. Number of preclinical studies have proven that both modified NMU analogues such as PASR8-NMU or F4R8-NMU and designed NMUR2 agonists, for example, CPN-116, CPN-124 exhibit a distinct pharmacological activity especially when delivered transnasally. Their application can potentially be useful in the more convenient and safe treatment of obesity, eating disorders, Alzheimer's disease-related memory impairment, alcohol addiction, and sleep disturbances. Accumulating findings suggest that pharmacomodulation of the central NMU signaling may be a promising strategy in the treatment of several neuropsychiatric disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Artur Pałasz
- Department of Histology, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Katowice, Medical University of Silesia, Katowice, Poland
| | - John J Worthington
- Division of Biomedical and Life Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medicine, Lancaster University, Lancaster, UK
| | - Łukasz Filipczyk
- Department of Histology, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Katowice, Medical University of Silesia, Katowice, Poland
| | - Karolina Saganiak
- Department of Anatomy, Collegium Medicum, Jagiellonian University, Kraków, Poland
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3
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Botticelli L, Micioni Di Bonaventura E, Del Bello F, Giorgioni G, Piergentili A, Quaglia W, Bonifazi A, Cifani C, Micioni Di Bonaventura MV. The neuromedin U system: Pharmacological implications for the treatment of obesity and binge eating behavior. Pharmacol Res 2023; 195:106875. [PMID: 37517560 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2023.106875] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2023] [Revised: 07/25/2023] [Accepted: 07/28/2023] [Indexed: 08/01/2023]
Abstract
Neuromedin U (NMU) is a bioactive peptide produced in the gut and in the brain, with a role in multiple physiological processes. NMU acts by binding and activating two G protein coupled receptors (GPCR), the NMU receptor 1 (NMU-R1), which is predominantly expressed in the periphery, and the NMU receptor 2 (NMU-R2), mainly expressed in the central nervous system (CNS). In the brain, NMU and NMU-R2 are consistently present in the hypothalamus, commonly recognized as the main "feeding center". Considering its distribution pattern, NMU revealed to be an important neuropeptide involved in the regulation of food intake, with a powerful anorexigenic ability. This has been observed through direct administration of NMU and by studies using genetically modified animals, which revealed an obesity phenotype when the NMU gene is deleted. Thus, the development of NMU analogs or NMU-R2 agonists might represent a promising pharmacological strategy to treat obese individuals. Furthermore, NMU has been demonstrated to influence the non-homeostatic aspect of food intake, playing a potential role in binge eating behavior. This review aims to discuss and summarize the current literature linking the NMU system with obesity and binge eating behavior, focusing on the influence of NMU on food intake and the neuronal mechanisms underlying its anti-obesity properties. Pharmacological strategies to improve the pharmacokinetic profile of NMU will also be reported.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Botticelli
- School of Pharmacy, Pharmacology Unit, University of Camerino, via Madonna delle Carceri, 9, Camerino 62032, Italy
| | | | - Fabio Del Bello
- School of Pharmacy, Medicinal Chemistry Unit, University of Camerino, via Madonna delle Carceri, Camerino 62032, Italy
| | - Gianfabio Giorgioni
- School of Pharmacy, Medicinal Chemistry Unit, University of Camerino, via Madonna delle Carceri, Camerino 62032, Italy
| | - Alessandro Piergentili
- School of Pharmacy, Medicinal Chemistry Unit, University of Camerino, via Madonna delle Carceri, Camerino 62032, Italy
| | - Wilma Quaglia
- School of Pharmacy, Medicinal Chemistry Unit, University of Camerino, via Madonna delle Carceri, Camerino 62032, Italy
| | - Alessandro Bonifazi
- Medicinal Chemistry Section, Molecular Targets and Medications Discovery Branch, National Institute on Drug Abuse, Intramural Research Program, National Institutes of Health, 333 Cassell Drive, Baltimore, MD 21224, United States
| | - Carlo Cifani
- School of Pharmacy, Pharmacology Unit, University of Camerino, via Madonna delle Carceri, 9, Camerino 62032, Italy.
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4
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Regulation of feeding and therapeutic application of bioactive peptides. Pharmacol Ther 2022; 239:108187. [DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2022.108187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2022] [Revised: 03/25/2022] [Accepted: 04/07/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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5
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Yokogi K, Goto Y, Otsuka M, Ojima F, Kobayashi T, Tsuchiba Y, Takeuchi Y, Namba M, Kohno M, Tetsuka M, Takeuchi S, Matsuyama M, Aizawa S. Neuromedin U-deficient rats do not lose body weight or food intake. Sci Rep 2022; 12:17472. [PMID: 36302800 PMCID: PMC9614009 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-21764-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2022] [Accepted: 09/30/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Studies in genetically modified mice establish that essential roles of endogenous neuromedin U (NMU) are anorexigenic function and metabolic regulation, indicating that NMU is expected to be a potential target for anti-obesity agents. However, in central administration experiments in rats, inconsistent results have been obtained, and the essential role of NMU energy metabolism in rats remain unclear. This study aims to elucidate the role of endogenous NMU in rats. We generated NMU knockout (KO) rats that unexpectedly showed no difference in body weight, adiposity, circulating metabolic markers, body temperature, locomotor activity, and food consumption in both normal and high fat chow feeding. Furthermore, unlike reported in mice, expressions of Nmu and NMU receptor type 2 (Nmur2) mRNA were hardly detectable in the rat hypothalamic nuclei regulating feeding and energy metabolism, including the arcuate nucleus and paraventricular nucleus, while Nmu was expressed in pars tuberalis and Nmur2 was expressed in the ependymal cell layer of the third ventricle. These results indicate that the species-specific expression pattern of Nmu and Nmur2 may allow NMU to have distinct functions across species, and that endogenous NMU does not function as an anorexigenic hormone in rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyoka Yokogi
- grid.261356.50000 0001 1302 4472Department of Biology, Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University, 3-1-1 Tsushimanaka, Kitaku, Okayama 700-8530 Japan
| | - Yuki Goto
- grid.261356.50000 0001 1302 4472Department of Biology, Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University, 3-1-1 Tsushimanaka, Kitaku, Okayama 700-8530 Japan
| | - Mai Otsuka
- grid.261356.50000 0001 1302 4472Department of Biology, Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University, 3-1-1 Tsushimanaka, Kitaku, Okayama 700-8530 Japan
| | - Fumiya Ojima
- grid.415086.e0000 0001 1014 2000Department of Natural Sciences and Biology, Kawasaki Medical School, 577 Matsushima, Kurashiki, Okayama 701-0192 Japan
| | - Tomoe Kobayashi
- grid.415729.c0000 0004 0377 284XDivision of Molecular Genetics, Shigei Medical Research Institute, 2117 Yamada, Minami-ku, Okayama 701-0202 Japan
| | - Yukina Tsuchiba
- grid.261356.50000 0001 1302 4472Department of Biology, Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University, 3-1-1 Tsushimanaka, Kitaku, Okayama 700-8530 Japan
| | - Yu Takeuchi
- grid.261356.50000 0001 1302 4472Department of Biology, Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University, 3-1-1 Tsushimanaka, Kitaku, Okayama 700-8530 Japan
| | - Masumi Namba
- grid.415729.c0000 0004 0377 284XDivision of Molecular Genetics, Shigei Medical Research Institute, 2117 Yamada, Minami-ku, Okayama 701-0202 Japan
| | - Mayumi Kohno
- grid.415729.c0000 0004 0377 284XDivision of Molecular Genetics, Shigei Medical Research Institute, 2117 Yamada, Minami-ku, Okayama 701-0202 Japan
| | - Minami Tetsuka
- grid.261356.50000 0001 1302 4472Department of Biology, Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University, 3-1-1 Tsushimanaka, Kitaku, Okayama 700-8530 Japan
| | - Sakae Takeuchi
- grid.261356.50000 0001 1302 4472Department of Biology, Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University, 3-1-1 Tsushimanaka, Kitaku, Okayama 700-8530 Japan
| | - Makoto Matsuyama
- grid.415729.c0000 0004 0377 284XDivision of Molecular Genetics, Shigei Medical Research Institute, 2117 Yamada, Minami-ku, Okayama 701-0202 Japan
| | - Sayaka Aizawa
- grid.261356.50000 0001 1302 4472Department of Biology, Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University, 3-1-1 Tsushimanaka, Kitaku, Okayama 700-8530 Japan
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6
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Wang P, Wang SC, Liu X, Jia S, Wang X, Li T, Yu J, Parpura V, Wang YF. Neural Functions of Hypothalamic Oxytocin and its Regulation. ASN Neuro 2022; 14:17590914221100706. [PMID: 35593066 PMCID: PMC9125079 DOI: 10.1177/17590914221100706] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Oxytocin (OT), a nonapeptide, has a variety of functions. Despite extensive studies on OT over past decades, our understanding of its neural functions and their regulation remains incomplete. OT is mainly produced in OT neurons in the supraoptic nucleus (SON), paraventricular nucleus (PVN) and accessory nuclei between the SON and PVN. OT exerts neuromodulatory effects in the brain and spinal cord. While magnocellular OT neurons in the SON and PVN mainly innervate the pituitary and forebrain regions, and parvocellular OT neurons in the PVN innervate brainstem and spinal cord, the two sets of OT neurons have close interactions histologically and functionally. OT expression occurs at early life to promote mental and physical development, while its subsequent decrease in expression in later life stage accompanies aging and diseases. Adaptive changes in this OT system, however, take place under different conditions and upon the maturation of OT release machinery. OT can modulate social recognition and behaviors, learning and memory, emotion, reward, and other higher brain functions. OT also regulates eating and drinking, sleep and wakefulness, nociception and analgesia, sexual behavior, parturition, lactation and other instinctive behaviors. OT regulates the autonomic nervous system, and somatic and specialized senses. Notably, OT can have different modulatory effects on the same function under different conditions. Such divergence may derive from different neural connections, OT receptor gene dimorphism and methylation, and complex interactions with other hormones. In this review, brain functions of OT and their underlying neural mechanisms as well as the perspectives of their clinical usage are presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ping Wang
- Department of Genetics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Stephani C. Wang
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, University of California-Irvine, Irvine, California, USA
| | - Xiaoyu Liu
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Shuwei Jia
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Xiaoran Wang
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Tong Li
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
- Neuroscience Laboratory for Translational Medicine, School of Mental Health, Qiqihar Medical University, Qiqihar, China
| | - Jiawei Yu
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
- Kerqin District Maternity & Child Healthcare Hospital, Tongliao, Inner Mongolia, China
| | - Vladimir Parpura
- Department of Neurobiology, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Yu-Feng Wang
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
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7
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Sasaki-Hamada S, Maeno Y, Yabe M, Ishibashi H. Neuromedin U modulates neuronal excitability in rat hippocampal slices. Neuropeptides 2021; 89:102168. [PMID: 34243110 DOI: 10.1016/j.npep.2021.102168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2020] [Revised: 06/24/2021] [Accepted: 06/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Neuromedin U (NMU) is a neuropeptide that was initially isolated from the porcine spinal cord and later from several species. Although NMU receptors exist in the CA1 region of the hippocampus, the role of NMU in hippocampal synaptic transmission remains unknown. In the present study, we demonstrated that the colocalization ratio of NMU type 1 (NMUR1) or type 2 (NMUR2) receptors was higher with neuronal nuclei (a neuronal marker) than with glial fibrillary acidic protein (an astrocyte marker) in the CA1 region of rats. Moreover, we revealed that the bath application of NMU (1 μM) enhanced extracellular field excitatory postsynaptic potentials at Schaffer collateral-CA1 synapses in rat hippocampal slices (+28.9 ± 1.3%; P < 0.05). After extracellular recordings, we examined the pattern of neuronal activation induced by NMU using c-Fos immunohistochemistry (Fos-IR). Histological analyses revealed that NMU increased Fos-IR in the CA1 region, but reduced the proportion of Fos-IR colocalized with glutamic acid decarboxylase (a GABA neuron marker). These results suggest that the activation of NMU receptors contributes to GABAergic neuronal activity in the CA1 region of the hippocampus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sachie Sasaki-Hamada
- Department of Physiology, School of Allied Health Sciences, Kitasato University, Sagamihara 252-0373, Japan.
| | - Yoshimichi Maeno
- Department of Physiology, School of Allied Health Sciences, Kitasato University, Sagamihara 252-0373, Japan
| | - Mizuki Yabe
- Department of Physiology, School of Allied Health Sciences, Kitasato University, Sagamihara 252-0373, Japan
| | - Hitoshi Ishibashi
- Department of Physiology, School of Allied Health Sciences, Kitasato University, Sagamihara 252-0373, Japan
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8
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Neuromedin U, a Key Molecule in Metabolic Disorders. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22084238. [PMID: 33921859 PMCID: PMC8074168 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22084238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2021] [Revised: 04/09/2021] [Accepted: 04/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Obesity is now a public health concern. The leading cause of obesity is an energy imbalance between ingested and expended calories. The mechanisms of feeding behavior and energy metabolism are regulated by a complex of various kinds of molecules, including anorexigenic and orexigenic neuropeptides. One of these neuropeptides, neuromedin U (NMU), was isolated in the 1980s, and its specific receptors, NMUR1 and NMUR2, were defined in 2000. A series of subsequent studies has revealed many of the physiological roles of the NMU system, including in feeding behavior, energy expenditure, stress responses, circadian rhythmicity, and inflammation. Particularly over the past decades, many reports have indicated that the NMU system plays an essential and direct role in regulating body weight, feeding behavior, energy metabolism, and insulin secretion, which are tightly linked to obesity pathophysiology. Furthermore, another ligand of NMU receptors, NMS (neuromedin S), was identified in 2005. NMS has physiological functions similar to those of NMU. This review summarizes recent observations of the NMU system in relation to the pathophysiology of obesity in both the central nervous systems and the peripheral tissues.
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9
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Malendowicz LK, Rucinski M. Neuromedins NMU and NMS: An Updated Overview of Their Functions. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2021; 12:713961. [PMID: 34276571 PMCID: PMC8283259 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2021.713961] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2021] [Accepted: 06/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
More than 35 years have passed since the identification of neuromedin U (NMU). Dozens of publications have been devoted to its physiological role in the organism, which have provided insight into its occurrence in the body, its synthesis and mechanism of action at the cellular level. Two G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) have been identified, with NMUR1 distributed mainly peripherally and NMUR2 predominantly centrally. Recognition of the role of NMU in the control of energy homeostasis of the body has greatly increased interest in this neuromedin. In 2005 a second, structurally related peptide, neuromedin S (NMS) was identified. The expression of NMS is more restricted, it is predominantly found in the central nervous system. In recent years, further peptides related to NMU and NMS have been identified. These are neuromedin U precursor related peptide (NURP) and neuromedin S precursor related peptide (NSRP), which also exert biological effects without acting via NMUR1, or NMUR2. This observation suggests the presence of another, as yet unrecognized receptor. Another unresolved issue within the NMU/NMS system is the differences in the effects of various NMU isoforms on diverse cell lines. It seems that development of highly specific NMUR1 and NMUR2 receptor antagonists would allow for a more detailed understanding of the mechanisms of action of NMU/NMS and related peptides in the body. They could form the basis for attempts to use such compounds in the treatment of disorders, for example, metabolic disorders, circadian rhythm, stress, etc.
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De Prins A, Allaoui W, Medrano M, Van Eeckhaut A, Ballet S, Smolders I, De Bundel D. Effects of neuromedin U-8 on stress responsiveness and hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis activity in male C57BL/6J mice. Horm Behav 2020; 121:104666. [PMID: 31899262 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2019.104666] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2019] [Revised: 11/29/2019] [Accepted: 12/24/2019] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Neuromedin U (NMU) is a highly conserved neuropeptide that has been implicated in the stress response. To better understand how it influences various aspects of the stress response, we studied the effects of intracerebroventricular NMU-8 administration on stress-related behavior and activity of the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis in male C57BL/6J mice. We investigated these NMU-8 effects when mice remained in their home cage and when they were challenged by exposure to forced swim stress. NMU-8 administration resulted in increased grooming behavior in mice that remained in their home cage and in a significant increase in c-Fos immunoreactivity in the paraventricular hypothalamus (PVH) and arcuate nucleus (ARC). Surprisingly, NMU-8 administration significantly decreased plasma corticosterone concentrations. Furthermore, NMU-8 administration increased immobility in the forced swim test in both naïve mice and mice that were previously exposed to swim stress. The effect of NMU-8 on c-Fos immunoreactivity in the PVH was dependent on previous exposure to swim stress given that we observed no significant changes in mice exposed for the first time to swim stress. In contrast, in the ARC we observed a significant increase in c-Fos immunoreactivity regardless of previous stress exposure. Interestingly, NMU-8 administration also significantly decreased plasma corticosterone concentrations in mice that were exposed to single forced swim stress, while this effect was no longer observed when mice were exposed to forced swim stress for a second time. Taken together, our data indicate that NMU-8 regulates stress responsiveness and suggests that its effects depend on previous stress exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- An De Prins
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Drug Analysis and Drug Information, Center for Neurosciences (C4N), Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 103, 1090 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Wissal Allaoui
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Drug Analysis and Drug Information, Center for Neurosciences (C4N), Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 103, 1090 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Mireia Medrano
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Drug Analysis and Drug Information, Center for Neurosciences (C4N), Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 103, 1090 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Ann Van Eeckhaut
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Drug Analysis and Drug Information, Center for Neurosciences (C4N), Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 103, 1090 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Steven Ballet
- Research Group of Organic Chemistry, Departments of Chemistry and Bioengineering Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Pleinlaan 2, 1050 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Ilse Smolders
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Drug Analysis and Drug Information, Center for Neurosciences (C4N), Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 103, 1090 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Dimitri De Bundel
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Drug Analysis and Drug Information, Center for Neurosciences (C4N), Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 103, 1090 Brussels, Belgium.
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11
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Aizawa S, Gu T, Kaminoda A, Fujioka R, Ojima F, Sakata I, Sakai T, Ogoshi M, Takahashi S, Takeuchi S. Adenosine stimulates neuromedin U mRNA expression in the rat pars tuberalis. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2019; 496:110518. [PMID: 31344393 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2019.110518] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2019] [Revised: 07/20/2019] [Accepted: 07/21/2019] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Neuromedin U (NMU) shows circadian expression in the rat pars tuberalis (PT), and is known to be suppressed by melatonin. Here we examined the involvement of adenosine in the regulation of Nmu expression. We found that the rat PT expressed adenosine receptor A2b and that an adenosine receptor agonist, NECA, stimulated Nmu expression in brain slice cultures. In vitro promoter assays revealed that NECA stimulated Nmu promoter activity via a cAMP response element (CRE) in the presence of adenosine receptor A2b. NECA also increased the levels of phosphorylated CRE-binding protein. These findings suggest that adenosine stimulates Nmu expression by activating the cAMP signaling pathway through adenosine receptor A2b in the rat PT. This is the first report to demonstrate that Nmu expression in the PT is regulated by adenosine, which acts as an intravital central metabolic signal, in addition to melatonin, which acts as an external photoperiodic environmental signal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sayaka Aizawa
- Department of Biology, Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University, 3-1-1 Tsushimanaka, Kitaku, Okayama, 700-8530, Japan.
| | - Tingting Gu
- Department of Biology, Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University, 3-1-1 Tsushimanaka, Kitaku, Okayama, 700-8530, Japan
| | - Arisa Kaminoda
- Department of Biology, Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University, 3-1-1 Tsushimanaka, Kitaku, Okayama, 700-8530, Japan
| | - Ryuya Fujioka
- Department of Biology, Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University, 3-1-1 Tsushimanaka, Kitaku, Okayama, 700-8530, Japan
| | - Fumiya Ojima
- Department of Natural Sciences and Biology, Kawasaki Medical School, 577 Matsushima, Kurashiki, Okayama, 701-0192, Japan
| | - Ichiro Sakata
- Area of Regulatory Biology, Division of Life Science, Graduate School of Science and Engineering, Saitama University, 255 Shimo-ohkubo, Sakuraku, Saitama, 338-8570, Japan
| | - Takafumi Sakai
- Area of Regulatory Biology, Division of Life Science, Graduate School of Science and Engineering, Saitama University, 255 Shimo-ohkubo, Sakuraku, Saitama, 338-8570, Japan
| | - Maho Ogoshi
- Department of Biology, Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University, 3-1-1 Tsushimanaka, Kitaku, Okayama, 700-8530, Japan
| | - Sumio Takahashi
- Department of Biology, Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University, 3-1-1 Tsushimanaka, Kitaku, Okayama, 700-8530, Japan
| | - Sakae Takeuchi
- Department of Biology, Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University, 3-1-1 Tsushimanaka, Kitaku, Okayama, 700-8530, Japan
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12
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Nagai H, Kaisho T, Yokoyama K, Asakawa T, Fujita H, Matsumiya K, Noguchi J, Tsuchimori K, Nishizawa N, Kanematsu-Yamaki Y, Dote K, Inooka H, Sakamoto JI, Ohtaki T, Asami T, Takekawa S. Differential effects of selective agonists of neuromedin U1 and U2 receptors in obese and diabetic mice. Br J Pharmacol 2017; 175:359-373. [PMID: 29057457 DOI: 10.1111/bph.14077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2017] [Revised: 10/13/2017] [Accepted: 10/15/2017] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Neuromedin U (NmU) may be a novel target for obesity treatment owing to its anorectic and energy expenditure enhancing effects. Although two receptors, NMU1 and NMU2, are both responsible for the NmU-mediated anti-obesity effects, the receptor agonist with the most appropriate profiles for treating obesity and diabetes in terms of efficacy and safety is as yet unknown. Thus, we developed and evaluated novel NMU1/2 receptor-selective agonists. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH Efficacy and safety were assessed in mice with diet-induced obesity (DIO) and those with leptin-deficient diabetes (ob/ob) through repeated peripheral administration of selective agonists to NMU1 (NMU-6102) and NMU2 (NMU-2084), along with non-selective NMU1/2 agonists (NMU-0002 and NMU-6014). We also performed immunohistochemistry for c-Fos protein expression in the brain to probe their mechanisms of action. KEY RESULTS Although both non-selective NMU1/2 agonists and the NMU2-selective agonist had high efficacy compared with the NMU1-selective agonist, only the NMU2-selective agonist led to relatively low adverse effects, such as diarrhoea, in DIO mice. However, the non-selective NMU1/2 agonist and the NMU1-selective agonist, but not the NMU2-selective agonist, were effective in diabetic ob/ob mice. Mechanistically, NMU2-selective agonists preferentially activate pro-opiomelanocortin neurons in the hypothalamic arcuate nucleus but not in the paraventricular nucleus. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS These results suggest that an NMU2 receptor-selective agonist may be a well-balanced drug for the treatment of obesity and that an NMU1 receptor-selective agonist may also be beneficial for treating obesity and diabetes once its side effects are minimized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroaki Nagai
- Research, Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited, Fujisawa, Japan
| | - Tomoko Kaisho
- Research, Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited, Fujisawa, Japan
| | - Kotaro Yokoyama
- Research, Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited, Fujisawa, Japan
| | - Tomoko Asakawa
- Research, Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited, Fujisawa, Japan
| | - Hisashi Fujita
- Research, Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited, Fujisawa, Japan
| | - Kouta Matsumiya
- Research, Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited, Fujisawa, Japan
| | - Jiro Noguchi
- Research, Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited, Fujisawa, Japan
| | - Kazue Tsuchimori
- Research, Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited, Fujisawa, Japan
| | - Naoki Nishizawa
- Research, Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited, Fujisawa, Japan
| | | | - Katsuko Dote
- Research, Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited, Fujisawa, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Inooka
- Research, Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited, Fujisawa, Japan
| | | | - Tetsuya Ohtaki
- Research, Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited, Fujisawa, Japan
| | - Taiji Asami
- Research, Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited, Fujisawa, Japan
| | - Shiro Takekawa
- Research, Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited, Fujisawa, Japan
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Gianfagna F, Grippi C, Ahrens W, Bailey MES, Börnhorst C, De Henauw S, Foraita R, Koni AC, Krogh V, Mårild S, Molnár D, Moreno L, Pitsiladis Y, Russo P, Siani A, Tornaritis M, Veidebaum T, Iacoviello L. The role of neuromedin U in adiposity regulation. Haplotype analysis in European children from the IDEFICS Cohort. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0172698. [PMID: 28235053 PMCID: PMC5325300 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0172698] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2016] [Accepted: 02/08/2017] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Neuromedin U (NMU) is a hypothalamic neuropeptide with important roles in several metabolic processes, recently suggested as potential therapeutic target for obesity. We analysed the associations between NMU gene variants and haplotypes and body mass index (BMI) in a large sample of European children. METHODS AND RESULTS From a large European multi-center study on childhood obesity, 4,528 children (2.0-9.9 years, mean age 6.0±1.8 SD; boys 52.2%) were randomly selected, stratifying by age, sex and country, and genotyped for tag single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs; rs6827359, T:C; rs12500837, T:C; rs9999653,C:T) of NMU gene, then haplotypes were inferred. Regression models were applied to estimate the associations between SNPs or haplotypes and BMI as well as other anthropometric measures. BMI was associated with all NMU SNPs (p<0.05). Among five haplotypes inferred, the haplotype carrying the minor alleles (CCT, frequency = 22.3%) was the only associated with lower BMI values (beta = -0.16, 95%CI:-0.28,-0.04, p = 0.006; z-score, beta = -0.08, 95%CI:-0.14,-0.01, p = 0.019) and decreased risk of overweight/obesity (OR = 0.81, 95%CI:0.68,0.97, p = 0.020) when compared to the most prevalent haplotype (codominant model). Similar significant associations were also observed using the same variables collected after two years' time (BMI, beta = -0.25, 95%CI:-0.41,-0.08, p = 0.004; z-score, beta = -0.10, 95%CI:-0.18,-0.03, p = 0.009; overweight/obesity OR = 0.81, 95%CI:0.66,0.99, p = 0.036). The association was age-dependent in girls (interaction between CCT haplotypes and age, p = 0.008), more evident between 7 and 9 years of age. The CCT haplotype was consistently associated with lower levels of fat mass, skinfold thickness, hip and arm circumferences both at T0 and at T1, after adjustment for multiple testing (FDR-adjusted p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS This study shows an association between a NMU haplotype and anthropometric indices, mainly linked to fat mass, which appears to be age- and sex-specific in children. Genetic variations within or in linkage with this haplotype should be investigated to identify functional variants responsible for the observed phenotypic variation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Gianfagna
- Laboratory of Molecular and Nutritional Epidemiology, Department of Epidemiology and Prevention, IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Mediterraneo Neuromed, Pozzilli, Isernia, Italy
- EPIMED Research Center, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Insubria, Varese, Italy
- * E-mail:
| | - Claudio Grippi
- Laboratory of Molecular and Nutritional Epidemiology, Department of Epidemiology and Prevention, IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Mediterraneo Neuromed, Pozzilli, Isernia, Italy
| | - Wolfgang Ahrens
- Leibniz Institute for Prevention Research and Epidemiology – BIPS, Bremen, Germany
- Faculty of Mathematics and Computer Science, Institute of Statistics, Bremen University, Bremen, Germany
| | - Mark E. S. Bailey
- School of Life Sciences, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Claudia Börnhorst
- Leibniz Institute for Prevention Research and Epidemiology – BIPS, Bremen, Germany
| | - Stefan De Henauw
- Department of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Ronja Foraita
- Leibniz Institute for Prevention Research and Epidemiology – BIPS, Bremen, Germany
| | - Anna C. Koni
- School of Life Sciences, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Vittorio Krogh
- Department of Preventive and Predictive Medicine, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | - Staffan Mårild
- Dept. of Paediatrics, Inst. of Clinical Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy at Gothenburg University, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Dénes Molnár
- Department of Paediatrics, Medical Faculty, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Luis Moreno
- GENUD (Growth, Exercise, Nutrition and Development) Research Group, University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Yannis Pitsiladis
- Centre for Sport and Exercise Science and Medicine, University of Brighton, Brighton, United Kingdom
| | - Paola Russo
- Unit of Epidemiology & Population Genetics, Institute of Food Sciences, CNR, Avellino, Italy
| | - Alfonso Siani
- Unit of Epidemiology & Population Genetics, Institute of Food Sciences, CNR, Avellino, Italy
| | | | - Toomas Veidebaum
- Department of Chronic Diseases, National Institute for Health Development, Tallinn, Estonia
| | - Licia Iacoviello
- Laboratory of Molecular and Nutritional Epidemiology, Department of Epidemiology and Prevention, IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Mediterraneo Neuromed, Pozzilli, Isernia, Italy
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Gajjar S, Patel BM. Neuromedin: An insight into its types, receptors and therapeutic opportunities. Pharmacol Rep 2017; 69:438-447. [PMID: 31994106 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharep.2017.01.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2016] [Revised: 12/26/2016] [Accepted: 01/18/2017] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Neuropeptides are small protein used by neurons in signal communications. Neuromedin U was the first neuropeptide discovered from the porcine spinal and showed its potent constricting activities on uterus hence was entitled with neuromedin U. Following neuromedin U another of its isoform was discovered neuromedin S which was observed in suprachiasmatic nucleus hence was entitled neuromedin S. Neuromedin K and neuromedin L are of kanassin class which belong to tachykinin family. Bombesin family consists of neuromedin B and neuromedin C. All these different neuromedins have various physiological roles like constrictive effects on the smooth muscles, control of blood pressure, pain sensations, hunger, bone metastasis and release and regulation of hormones. Over the years various newer physiological roles have been observed thus opening ways for various novel therapeutic treatments. This review aims to provide an overview of important different types of neuromedin, their receptors, signal transduction mechanism and implications for various diseases.
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Wang L, Chen C, Li F, Hua QQ, Chen S, Xiao B, Dai M, Li M, Zheng A, Yu D, Hu ZW, Tao Z. Overexpression of neuromedin U is correlated with regional metastasis of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. Mol Med Rep 2016; 14:1075-82. [PMID: 27279246 PMCID: PMC4940074 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2016.5347] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2015] [Accepted: 05/05/2016] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Regional metastasis is an important prognostic factor for patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). Neuromedin U (Nmu) is a secreted neuropeptide, named due to its potent uterine contraction‑inducing activity. The aim of the present study was to analyze the significance of Nmu in the regional metastasis of HNSCC. The characteristics of 240 patients recruited from the Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University (Wuhan, China) were summarized retrospectively. The positive rate of neck dissection was analyzed according to the material. The expression levels of Nmu in human tumor samples were analyzed using immunohistochemistry. Subsequently, the expression of Nmu was investigated using a tissue microassay to analyze the association between Nmu protein expression and Tumor Node Metastasis (TNM) status. The positive rate of neck dissection was 51.4% in the study sample. The expression levels of Nmu in primary tumors with regional metastasis were higher, compared with those without metastasis. There was increased protein expression of Nmu in the advanced tumor tissues. The data obtained in the present study demonstrated that the expression of Nmu was correlated with regional metastasis and TNM status. Overexpression of Nmu may be involved in the process of regional metastasis of HNSCC, and may serve as a novel and valuable biomarker for predicting regional metastasis in patients with HNSCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Wang
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei 430060, P.R. China
| | - Chen Chen
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei 430060, P.R. China
| | - Fen Li
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei 430060, P.R. China
| | - Qing-Quan Hua
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei 430060, P.R. China
| | - Shiming Chen
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei 430060, P.R. China
| | - Bokui Xiao
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei 430060, P.R. China
| | - Mengyuan Dai
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei 430060, P.R. China
| | - Man Li
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei 430060, P.R. China
| | - Anyuan Zheng
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei 430060, P.R. China
| | - Di Yu
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei 430060, P.R. China
| | - Zhang Wei Hu
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei 430060, P.R. China
| | - Zezhang Tao
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei 430060, P.R. China
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Vallöf D, Vestlund J, Engel JA, Jerlhag E. The Anorexigenic Peptide Neuromedin U (NMU) Attenuates Amphetamine-Induced Locomotor Stimulation, Accumbal Dopamine Release and Expression of Conditioned Place Preference in Mice. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0154477. [PMID: 27139195 PMCID: PMC4854378 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0154477] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2015] [Accepted: 04/14/2016] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Amphetamine dependence, besides its substantial economical consequence, is a serious cause of mortality and morbidity. By investigations of the neurochemical correlates through which addictive drugs, such as amphetamine, activate the mesoaccumbal dopamine system unique targets for treatment of drug addiction can be identified. This reward link consists of a dopamine projection from the ventral tegmental area to the nucleus accumbens (NAc) suggesting that these brain areas are important for reward. The physiological function of gut-brain peptides has expanded beyond food intake modulation and involves regulation of drug reinforcement. A novel candidate for reward regulation is the anorexigenic peptide neuromedin U (NMU). We therefore investigated the effects of intracerebroventricular (icv) administration of NMU on amphetamine’s well-documented effects on the mesoaccumbal dopamine system, i.e. locomotor stimulation and accumbal dopamine release in mice. In addition, the effect of accumbal NMU administration on locomotor activity was examined. The effect of NMU, icv or intra-NAc, on the expression of conditioned place preference (CPP) was elucidated. Firstly, we showed that icv administration of NMU attenuate the amphetamine-induced locomotor stimulation, accumbal dopamine release and expression of CPP in mice. Secondly, we found that a lower dose of NMU (icv) reduce the amphetamine-induced locomotor stimulation in mice. Thirdly, we demonstrated that NMU administration into the NAc block the ability of amphetamine to cause a locomotor stimulation in mice. However, accumbal NMU administration did not attenuate the amphetamine-induced expression of CPP in mice. Our novel data suggest that central NMU signalling is involved in development of amphetamine dependence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Vallöf
- Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Department of Pharmacology, The Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Jesper Vestlund
- Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Department of Pharmacology, The Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Jörgen A Engel
- Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Department of Pharmacology, The Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Elisabet Jerlhag
- Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Department of Pharmacology, The Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
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Martinez VG, O'Driscoll L. Neuromedin U: a multifunctional neuropeptide with pleiotropic roles. Clin Chem 2015; 61:471-82. [PMID: 25605682 DOI: 10.1373/clinchem.2014.231753] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Neuromedin U (NmU) belongs to the neuromedin family, comprising a series of neuropeptides involved in the gut-brain axis and including neuromedins B and C (bombesin-like), K (neurokinin B), L (neurokinin A or neurotensin), N, S, and U. CONTENT Although initially isolated from porcine spinal cord on the basis of their ability to induce uterine smooth muscle contraction, these peptides have now been found to be expressed in several different tissues and have been ascribed numerous functions, from appetite regulation and energy balance control to muscle contraction and tumor progression. NmU has been detected in several species to date, particularly in mammals (pig, rat, rabbit, dog, guinea pig, human), but also in amphibian, avian, and fish species. The NmU sequence is highly conserved across different species, indicating that this peptide is ancient and plays an important biological role. Here, we summarize the main structural and functional characteristics of NmU and describe its many roles, highlighting the jack-of-all-trades nature of this neuropeptide. SUMMARY NmU involvement in key processes has outlined the possibility that this neuropeptide could be a novel target for the treatment of obesity and cancer, among other disorders. Although the potential for NmU as a therapeutic target is obvious, the multiple functions of this molecule should be taken into account when designing an approach to targeting NmU and/or its receptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vanesa G Martinez
- School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Trinity Biomedical Sciences Institute, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Lorraine O'Driscoll
- School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Trinity Biomedical Sciences Institute, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland.
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19
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Aizawa S, Sakata I, Nagasaka M, Higaki Y, Sakai T. Negative regulation of neuromedin U mRNA expression in the rat pars tuberalis by melatonin. PLoS One 2013; 8:e67118. [PMID: 23843987 PMCID: PMC3699551 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0067118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2013] [Accepted: 05/15/2013] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The pars tuberalis (PT) is part of the anterior pituitary gland surrounding the median eminence as a thin cell layer. The characteristics of PT differ from those of the pars distalis (PD), such as cell composition and gene expression, suggesting that the PT has a unique physiological function compared to the PD. Because the PT highly expresses melatonin receptor type 1, it is considered a mediator of seasonal and/or circadian signals of melatonin. Expression of neuromedin U (NMU) that is known to regulate energy balance has been previously reported in the rat PT; however, the regulatory mechanism of NMU mRNA expression and secretion in the PT are still obscure. In this study, we examined both the diurnal change of NMU mRNA expression in the rat PT and the effects of melatonin on NMU in vivo. In situ hybridization and quantitative PCR analysis of laser microdissected PT samples revealed that NMU mRNA expression in the PT has diurnal variation that is high during the light phase and low during the dark phase. Furthermore, melatonin administration significantly suppressed NMU mRNA expression in the PT in vivo. On the other hand, 48 h fasting did not have an effect on PT-NMU mRNA expression, and the diurnal change of NMU mRNA expression was maintained. We also found the highest expression of neuromedin U receptor type 2 (NMUR2) mRNA in the third ventricle ependymal cell layer, followed by the arcuate nucleus and the spinal cord. These results suggest that NMU mRNA expression in the PT is downregulated by melatonin during the dark phase and shows diurnal change. Considering that NMU mRNA in the PT showed the highest expression level in the brain, PT-NMU may act on NMUR2 in the brain, especially in the third ventricle ependymal cell layer, with a circadian rhythm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sayaka Aizawa
- Area of Regulatory Biology, Division of Life Science, Graduate School of Science and Engineering, Saitama University, Sakuraku, Saitama, Japan
| | - Ichiro Sakata
- Area of Regulatory Biology, Division of Life Science, Graduate School of Science and Engineering, Saitama University, Sakuraku, Saitama, Japan
| | - Mai Nagasaka
- Area of Regulatory Biology, Division of Life Science, Graduate School of Science and Engineering, Saitama University, Sakuraku, Saitama, Japan
| | - Yuriko Higaki
- Area of Regulatory Biology, Division of Life Science, Graduate School of Science and Engineering, Saitama University, Sakuraku, Saitama, Japan
| | - Takafumi Sakai
- Area of Regulatory Biology, Division of Life Science, Graduate School of Science and Engineering, Saitama University, Sakuraku, Saitama, Japan
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Malendowicz LK, Ziolkowska A, Rucinski M. Neuromedins U and S involvement in the regulation of the hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal axis. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2012; 3:156. [PMID: 23227022 PMCID: PMC3514618 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2012.00156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2012] [Accepted: 11/20/2012] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
We reviewed neuromedin U (NMU) and neuromedin S (NMS) involvement in the regulation of the hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis function. NMU and NMS are structurally related and highly conserved neuropeptides. They exert biological effects via two GPCR receptors designated as NMUR1 and NMUR2 which show differential expression. NMUR1 is expressed predominantly at the periphery, while NMUR2 in the central nervous system. Elements of the NMU/NMS and their receptors network are also expressed in the HPA axis and progress in molecular biology techniques provided new information on their actions within this system. Several lines of evidence suggest that within the HPA axis NMU and NMS act at both hypothalamic and adrenal levels. Moreover, new data suggest that NMU and NMS are involved in central and peripheral control of the stress response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ludwik K. Malendowicz
- *Correspondence: Ludwik K. Malendowicz, Department of Histology and Embryology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 6 Swięcicki St., 60-781 Poznan, Poland. e-mail:
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Nixon JP, Kotz CM, Novak CM, Billington CJ, Teske JA. Neuropeptides controlling energy balance: orexins and neuromedins. Handb Exp Pharmacol 2012:77-109. [PMID: 22249811 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-642-24716-3_4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
In this chapter, we review the feeding and energy expenditure effects of orexin (also known as hypocretin) and neuromedin. Orexins are multifunctional neuropeptides that affect energy balance by participating in regulation of appetite, arousal, and spontaneous physical activity. Central orexin signaling for all functions originates in the lateral hypothalamus-perifornical area and is likely functionally differentiated based on site of action and on interacting neural influences. The effect of orexin on feeding is likely related to arousal in some ways but is nonetheless a separate neural process that depends on interactions with other feeding-related neuropeptides. In a pattern distinct from other neuropeptides, orexin stimulates both feeding and energy expenditure. Orexin increases in energy expenditure are mainly by increasing spontaneous physical activity, and this energy expenditure effect is more potent than the effect on feeding. Global orexin manipulations, such as in transgenic models, produce energy balance changes consistent with a dominant energy expenditure effect of orexin. Neuromedins are gut-brain peptides that reduce appetite. There are gut sources of neuromedin, but likely the key appetite-related neuromedin-producing neurons are in the hypothalamus and parallel other key anorectic neuropeptide expression in the arcuate to paraventricular hypothalamic projection. As with other hypothalamic feeding-related peptides, hindbrain sites are likely also important sources and targets of neuromedin anorectic action. Neuromedin increases physical activity in addition to reducing appetite, thus producing a consistent negative energy balance effect. Together with the other various neuropeptides, neurotransmitters, neuromodulators, and neurohormones, neuromedin and orexin act in the appetite network to produce changes in food intake and energy expenditure, which ultimately influences the regulation of body weight.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua P Nixon
- Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Research Service (151), Minneapolis, MN, USA
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Egecioglu E, Ploj K, Xu X, Bjursell M, Salomé N, Andersson N, Ohlsson C, Taube M, Hansson C, Bohlooly-Y M, Morgan DGA, Dickson SL. Central NMU signaling in body weight and energy balance regulation: evidence from NMUR2 deletion and chronic central NMU treatment in mice. Am J Physiol Endocrinol Metab 2009; 297:E708-16. [PMID: 19584200 DOI: 10.1152/ajpendo.91022.2008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
To investigate the role of the central neuromedin U (NMU) signaling system in body weight and energy balance regulation, we examined the effects of long-term intracerebroventricular (icv) infusion of NMU in C57Bl/6 mice and in mice lacking the gene encoding NMU receptor 2. In diet-induced obese male and female C57BL/6 mice, icv infusion of NMU (8 microg x day(-1) x mouse(-1)) for 7 days decreased body weight and total energy intake compared with vehicle treatment. However, these parameters were unaffected by NMU treatment in lean male and female C57BL/6 mice fed a standard diet. In addition, female (but not male) NMUR2-null mice had increased body weight and body fat mass when fed a high-fat diet but lacked a clear body weight phenotype when fed a standard diet compared with wild-type littermates. Furthermore, female (but not male) NMUR2-null mice fed a high-fat diet were protected from central NMU-induced body weight loss compared with littermate wild-type mice. Thus, we provide the first evidence that long-term central NMU treatment reduces body weight, food intake, and adiposity and that central NMUR2 signaling is required for these effects in female but not male mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emil Egecioglu
- Dept. of Physiology/Endocrinology, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, The Sahlgrenska Academy at the Univ. of Gothenburg, Medicinaregatan, Gothenburg, Sweden.
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Abstract
Neuromedin U (NMU) is known to have potent actions on appetite and energy expenditure. Deletion of the NMU gene in mice leads to an obese phenotype, characterized by hyperphagia and decreased energy expenditure. Conversely, transgenic mice that overexpress proNMU exhibit reduced body weight and fat storage. Here, we show that central administration of NMU or the related peptide neuromedin S (NMS) dose-dependently decreases food intake, increases metabolic rate, and leads to significant weight loss in mice. The effects of NMU and NMS on both feeding and metabolism are almost completely lost in mice lacking the putative CNS receptor for NMU and NMS, NMUr2. However, NMUr2 knockout mice do not exhibit overt differences in body weight or energy expenditure compared with wild-type mice, suggesting that the dramatic phenotype of the NMU gene knockout mouse is not due simply to the loss of NMU/NMUr2 signaling. Putative proteolytic cleavage sites indicate that an additional peptide is produced from the NMU precursor protein, which is extremely well conserved between human, mouse, and rat. Here, we demonstrate that this peptide, proNMU(104-136), has a pronounced effect on energy balance in mice. Specifically, central administration of proNMU(104-136) causes a significant but transient ( approximately 4 h) increase in feeding, yet both food intake and body weight are decreased over the following 24 h. proNMU(104-136) administration also significantly increased metabolic rate. These results suggest that proNMU(104-136) is a novel modulator of energy balance and may contribute to the phenotype exhibited by NMU knockout mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- David A Bechtold
- Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
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Mitchell JD, Maguire JJ, Davenport AP. Emerging pharmacology and physiology of neuromedin U and the structurally related peptide neuromedin S. Br J Pharmacol 2009; 158:87-103. [PMID: 19519756 DOI: 10.1111/j.1476-5381.2009.00252.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuromedin U (NMU) has been paired with the G-protein-coupled receptors (GPRs) NMU(1) (formerly designated as the orphan GPR66 or FM-3) and NMU(2) (FM-4 or hTGR-1). Recently, a structurally related peptide, neuromedin S (NMS), which shares an amidated C-terminal heptapeptide motif, has been identified in both rat and human, and has been proposed as a second ligand for these receptors. Messenger RNA encoding NMU receptor subtypes shows differential expression: NMU(1) is predominantly expressed in peripheral tissues, particularly the gastrointestinal tract, whereas NMU(2) is abundant within the brain and spinal cord. NMU peptide parallels receptor distribution with highest expression in the gastrointestinal tract and specific structures within the brain, reflecting its major role in the regulation of energy balance. The NMU knockout mouse has an obese phenotype and, in agreement, the Arg165Trp amino acid variant of NMU-25 in humans, which is functionally inactive, co-segregated with childhood-onset obesity. Emerging physiological roles for NMU include vasoconstriction mediated predominantly via NMU(1) with nociception and bone remodelling via NMU(2). The NMU system has also been implicated in the pathogenesis of septic shock and cancers including bladder carcinoma and acute myeloid leukaemia. Intriguingly, NMS is more potent at NMU(2) receptors in vivo where it has similar central actions in suppression of feeding and regulation of circadian rhythms to NMU. Taken together with its vascular actions, NMU may be a functional link between energy balance and the cardiovascular system and may provide a future target for therapies directed against the disorders that comprise metabolic syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- J D Mitchell
- Clinical Pharmacology Unit, University of Cambridge, Level 6 Centre for Clinical Investigation, Cambridge, UK
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25
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Sasaki T, Shimizu T, Wakiguchi H, Yokotani K. Centrally administered neuromedin U elevates plasma adrenaline by brain prostanoid TP receptor-mediated mechanisms in rats. Eur J Pharmacol 2008; 592:81-6. [PMID: 18647601 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2008.07.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2008] [Revised: 06/23/2008] [Accepted: 07/05/2008] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Neuromedin U is a hypothalamic peptide involved in energy homeostasis and stress responses. The peptide, when administered intracerebroventricularly (i.c.v.), decreases food intake and body weight while increasing body temperature and heat production. We examined the effect of i.c.v. administered neuromedin U on plasma catecholamines with regard to the brain prostanoid using anesthetized rats. Neuromedin U (0.1, 0.5 and 1 nmol/animal, i.c.v.) effectively elevated plasma adrenaline (a maximal response was obtained at 0.5 nmol/animal), but had little effect on plasma noradrenaline. However, intravenously administered neuromedin U (0.5 nmol/animal) had no effect on plasma catecholamines. Neuromedin U (0.5 nmol/animal, i.c.v.)-induced elevation of plasma adrenaline was effectively reduced by intracerebroventricular pretreatments with indomethacin (an inhibitor of cyclooxygenase) (0.6 and 1.2 micromol/animal), furegrelate (an inhibitor of thromboxane A2 synthase) (0.9 and 1.8 micromol/animal) and (+)-S-145 (a blocker of prostanoid TP receptors) (250 and 625 nmol/animal), respectively. The neuromedin U-induced adrenaline response was also abolished by acute bilateral adrenalectomy. These results suggest that centrally administered neuromedin U evokes the secretion of adrenaline from the adrenal medulla by brain prostanoid TP receptor-mediated mechanisms in rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tsuyoshi Sasaki
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Kochi University, Nankoku, Kochi 783-8505, Japan
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26
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Kohno D, Nakata M, Maejima Y, Shimizu H, Sedbazar U, Yoshida N, Dezaki K, Onaka T, Mori M, Yada T. Nesfatin-1 neurons in paraventricular and supraoptic nuclei of the rat hypothalamus coexpress oxytocin and vasopressin and are activated by refeeding. Endocrinology 2008; 149:1295-301. [PMID: 18048495 DOI: 10.1210/en.2007-1276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 203] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Nesfatin-1, a newly discovered satiety molecule, is located in the hypothalamic nuclei, including the paraventricular nucleus (PVN) and supraoptic nucleus (SON). In this study, fine localization and regulation of nesfatin-1 neurons in the PVN and SON were investigated by immunohistochemistry of neuropeptides and c-Fos. In the PVN, 24% of nesfatin-1 neurons overlapped with oxytocin, 18% with vasopressin, 13% with CRH, and 12% with TRH neurons. In the SON, 35% of nesfatin-1 neurons overlapped with oxytocin and 28% with vasopressin. After a 48-h fast, refeeding for 2 h dramatically increased the number of nesfatin-1 neurons expressing c-Fos immunoreactivity by approximately 10 times in the PVN and 30 times in the SON, compared with the fasting controls. In the SON, refeeding also significantly increased the number of nesfatin-1-immunoreactive neurons and NUCB2 mRNA expression, compared with fasting. These results indicate that nesfatin-1 neurons in the PVN and SON highly overlap with oxytocin and vasopressin neurons and that they are activated markedly by refeeding. Feeding-activated nesfatin-1 neurons in the PVN and SON could play a role in the postprandial regulation of feeding behavior and energy homeostasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daisuke Kohno
- Division of Integrative Physiology, Department of Physiology, Jichi Medical University, School of Medicine, Tochigi 329-0498, Japan
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27
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Novak CM, Zhang M, Levine JA. Sensitivity of the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus to the locomotor-activating effects of neuromedin U in obesity. Brain Res 2007; 1169:57-68. [PMID: 17706946 PMCID: PMC2735201 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2007.06.055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2007] [Revised: 06/15/2007] [Accepted: 06/25/2007] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Obesity is associated with a decrease in energy expenditure relative to energy intake. The decrease in physical activity associated with obesity in several species, including humans, contributes to decreased energy expenditure. Several hormones and neuropeptides that affect appetite also modulate physical activity, including neuromedin U (NMU), a peptide found in the gut and brain. We have demonstrated that NMU microinjected into the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus (PVN) in rats increases the energy expenditure associated with physical activity, called non-exercise activity thermogenesis (NEAT). Here we examined whether obesity in rats is related to decreased sensitivity of the PVN to the locomotor-activating effect of NMU. Diet-induced obese (DIO) rats and lean, diet-resistant (DR) rats were given PVN microinjections of increasing doses of NMU both before and after 1 month on a high-fat diet. We found that NMU increases physical activity, energy expenditure, and NEAT in a dose-dependent manner in both DR and DIO rats, both before and after 1 month on the high-fat diet. Before high-fat feeding, the obesity-prone and lean rats showed similar levels of physical activity after intra-PVN microinjections of NMU. After 1 month of the high-fat diet, however, the obesity-resistant rats showed significantly more NMU-induced physical activity compared to the obese DIO rats. Taken together with previous studies, these results suggest that obesity may represent a state associated with decreased central sensitivity to neuropeptides such as NMU that increase physical activity and therefore energy expenditure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Colleen M Novak
- Mayo Clinic, Endocrine Research Unit, St Marys Hospital, Joseph 5-194, 200 1st St. SW, Rochester, MN 55905, USA.
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Kamisoyama H, Honda K, Saneyasu T, Sugahara K, Hasegawa S. Central administration of neuromedin U suppresses food intake in chicks. Neurosci Lett 2007; 420:1-5. [PMID: 17445984 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2007.03.062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2007] [Revised: 03/13/2007] [Accepted: 03/30/2007] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
The appetite-suppressive action of brain-gut peptides is similar in both chickens and mammals. In mammals, the brain-gut peptide neuromedin U (NMU) suppresses food intake via hypothalamic neuropeptides, corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF), oxytocin, and arginine-vasopressin. In chickens, central administration of CRF, oxytocin, or arginine-vasotocin (AVT, a nonmammalian equivalent of arginine-vasopressin) suppresses food intake. However, the anorexigenic action of NMU in chickens has not yet been identified. In the present study, we analyzed the effects of the central administration of NMU on food intake and hypothalamic mRNA levels of CRF, AVT and mesotocin (a nonmammalian equivalent of oxytocin) in chicks. Intracerebroventricular administration of NMU in chicks significantly suppressed food intake and induced wing-flapping behavior. NMU also significantly upregulated mRNA expression of CRF and AVT, but did not influence mRNA expression of mesotocin in the hypothalamus. These results suggest that NMU functions as an appetite-suppressive peptide via CRF and AVT in the central nervous system in chicks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroshi Kamisoyama
- Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Kobe University, Kobe 657-8501, Japan
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29
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Zeng H, Gragerov A, Hohmann JG, Pavlova MN, Schimpf BA, Xu H, Wu LJ, Toyoda H, Zhao MG, Rohde AD, Gragerova G, Onrust R, Bergmann JE, Zhuo M, Gaitanaris GA. Neuromedin U receptor 2-deficient mice display differential responses in sensory perception, stress, and feeding. Mol Cell Biol 2006; 26:9352-63. [PMID: 17030627 PMCID: PMC1698522 DOI: 10.1128/mcb.01148-06] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuromedin U (NMU) is a highly conserved neuropeptide with a variety of physiological functions mediated by two receptors, peripheral NMUR1 and central nervous system NMUR2. Here we report the generation and phenotypic characterization of mice deficient in the central nervous system receptor NMUR2. We show that behavioral effects, such as suppression of food intake, enhanced pain response, and excessive grooming induced by intracerebroventricular NMU administration were abolished in the NMUR2 knockout (KO) mice, establishing a causal role for NMUR2 in mediating NMU's central effects on these behaviors. In contrast to the NMU peptide-deficient mice, NMUR2 KO mice appeared normal with regard to stress, anxiety, body weight regulation, and food consumption. However, the NMUR2 KO mice showed reduced pain sensitivity in both the hot plate and formalin tests. Furthermore, facilitated excitatory synaptic transmission in spinal dorsal horn neurons, a mechanism by which NMU stimulates pain, did not occur in NMUR2 KO mice. These results provide significant insights into a functional dissection of the differential contribution of peripherally or centrally acting NMU system. They suggest that NMUR2 plays a more significant role in central pain processing than other brain functions including stress/anxiety and regulation of feeding.
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Novak CM, Zhang M, Levine JA. Neuromedin U in the paraventricular and arcuate hypothalamic nuclei increases non-exercise activity thermogenesis. J Neuroendocrinol 2006; 18:594-601. [PMID: 16867180 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2826.2006.01454.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Brain neuromedin U (NMU) has been associated with the regulation of both energy intake and expenditure. We hypothesized that NMU induces changes in spontaneous physical activity and nonexercise activity thermogenesis (NEAT) through its actions on hypothalamic nuclei. We applied increasing doses of NMU directly to the paraventricular (PVN) and arcuate hypothalamic nuclei using chronic unilateral guide cannulae. In both nuclei, NMU significantly and dose-dependently increased physical activity and NEAT. Moreover, NMU increased physical activity and NEAT during the first hour of the dark phase, indicating that the reduction of sleep is unlikely to account for the increased physical activity seen with NMU treatment. As a positive control, we demonstrated that paraventricular NMU also significantly decreased food intake, as well as body weight. These data demonstrate that NMU is positively associated with NEAT through its actions in the PVN and arcuate nucleus. In co-ordination with its suppressive effects on feeding, the NEAT-activating effects of NMU make it a potential candidate in the combat of obesity.
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Affiliation(s)
- C M Novak
- Endocrine Research Unit, Mayo Clinic and Mayo Foundation, Rochester, MN 55905, USA.
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31
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Fang L, Zhang M, Li C, Dong S, Hu Y. Chemical genetic analysis reveals the effects of NMU2R on the expression of peptide hormones. Neurosci Lett 2006; 404:148-53. [PMID: 16781063 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2006.05.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2006] [Revised: 04/29/2006] [Accepted: 05/16/2006] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Neuromedin U 2 receptor (NMU2R) plays important roles for the regulation of food intake and body weight. However, the molecular mechanism underlying the action of NMU2R has not been clearly defined. We have taken chemical genetic approach to examine the involvement of peptides in the regulation of NMU2R effects. A cell-based reporter gene assay has been developed and used for the screening of human NMU2R agonist. Three natural product compounds, EUK2010, EUK2011 and EUK2012, were identified that could activate the reporter gene expression in the cell-based functional assay. Although these compounds showed high EC50 at hundreds micro-molar range, in vitro pharmacological analysis suggested that they were specific agonists for the human NMU2R. The natural compounds could decrease food intake and lead to the reduction of body weight in different animal models. To understand the molecular basis of the NMU2R regulation of food intake and body weight, we examined the expression of a number of key genes in hypothalamus and adipose tissues after oral administration of EUK2010 in mice. Our results demonstrated that the expression levels of a number of neuropeptide genes were altered after the treatment of EUK2010. Interestingly, EUK2010 increased the expression of Leptin in white fat. These results suggested that these peptides may participate in the regulation of NMU2R effects in mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liyan Fang
- Key Lab of Brain Functional Genomics, MOE & STCSM, Shanghai Institute of Brain Functional Genomics, East China Normal University, China
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32
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Qiu DL, Chu CP, Tsukino H, Shirasaka T, Nakao H, Kato K, Kunitake T, Katoh T, Kannan H. Neuromedin U receptor-2 mRNA and HCN channels mRNA expression in NMU-sensitive neurons in rat hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus. Neurosci Lett 2005; 374:69-72. [PMID: 15631899 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2004.10.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2004] [Accepted: 10/12/2004] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
We have characterized the neuromedin U (NMU)-sensitive neurons in the rat paraventricular nucleus (PVN) using whole-cell patch-clamp recordings and single-cell reverse transcription-multiplex polymerase chain reaction (single-cell RT-mPCR). Following completion of whole-cell recording, the NMU-sensitive neurons were examined for oxytocin (OT), vasopressin (VP), and corticotrophin-releasing hormone (CRH) mRNA expression using single-cell RT-mPCR. Of the NMU-sensitive neurons (n=23), 82% expressed OT mRNA, 9% expressed VP mRNA, 9% did not express the detected specific phenotypes mRNA. Further, the NMU-sensitive neurons (23/23) predominantly expressed NMU-receptor 2 (NMUR-2) mRNA, co-expressed HCN1 channel mRNA, HCN2 channel mRNA, and HCN3 channel mRNA but not HCN4 channel mRNA. These results suggest that NMU modulates the function of the PVN putative parvocellular neurons and is involved in the regulation of OTergic and VPergic neurons by enhanced HCN ion channels activity via NMU-receptor 2.
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Affiliation(s)
- De-Lai Qiu
- Department of Physiology, Miyazaki Medical College, University of Miyazaki, 5200 Kihara, Kiyotake-cho, Miyazaki-gun, Miyazaki 889-1692, Japan
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Makarenko IG, Meguid MM, Gatto L, Goncalves CG, Ramos EJB, Chen C, Ugrumov MV. Hypothalamic 5-HT1B-receptor changes in anorectic tumor bearing rats. Neurosci Lett 2004; 376:71-5. [PMID: 15698923 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2004.11.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2004] [Revised: 11/10/2004] [Accepted: 11/11/2004] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Serotonin (5-HT) is an anorectic monoamine and its regulatory effects on feeding are mediated primarily via 5-HT1B-receptors localized in the hypothalamic nuclei, which, apart from the brain stem, are among the most crucial areas of food intake regulation. The distribution of 5-HT1B-receptors in the hypothalamic nuclei was studied in tumor-bearing (TB) rats at the onset of anorexia and in sham-operated control rats, using the peroxidase-anti-peroxidase immunocytochemical method and specific polyclonal antiserum. Semiquantitative image analysis of 5-HT1B-receptor immunostaining was performed on high-resolution digital photomicrographs using the NIH Scion Image analysis program and the data were compared using Student's t-test. Immunostaining detected 5-HT1B-receptor proteins in the same hypothalamic structures in the Controls as in the TB rats. Qualitative and semiquantitative analysis revealed a significant increase in 5-HT1B-receptor expression in the magnocellular neurons of paraventricular and supraoptic hypothalamic nuclei in TB rats versus Controls. In contrast, changes were not significant in the parvocellular portion of paraventricular nucleus or in the lateral hypothalamus including perifornical region. These findings emphasize serotonin's influence on the magnocellular hypothalamic nuclei during developing of cancer anorexia, which is associated with a decrease in food intake.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irina G Makarenko
- Department of Surgery, Surgical Metabolism and Nutrition Laboratory, Neuroscience Program, SUNY Upstate Medical University, University Hospital, 750 East Adams Street, Syracuse, NY 13210, USA
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Bachner-Melman R, Zohar AH, Elizur Y, Nemanov L, Gritsenko I, Konis D, Ebstein RP. Association between a vasopressin receptor AVPR1A promoter region microsatellite and eating behavior measured by a self-report questionnaire (Eating Attitudes Test) in a family-based study of a nonclinical population. Int J Eat Disord 2004; 36:451-60. [PMID: 15558634 DOI: 10.1002/eat.20049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Considerable evidence including twin and family studies suggests that biologic determinants interact with cultural cues in the etiology of anorexia and bulimia nervosa. A gene that makes "biologic sense" in contributing susceptibility to these disorders, and to our knowledge not previously investigated for this phenotype, is the vasopressin receptor (AVPR1A), which we have tested for association with eating pathology. METHODS We genotyped 280 families with same-sex siblings for two microsatellites in the promoter region of the AVPR1A gene. Siblings completed the 26-item Eating Attitudes Test (EAT) and the Drive for Thinness (DT) and Body Dissatisfaction (BD) subscales of the Eating Disorders Inventory (EDI). The Quantitative Transmission Disequilibrium Test program (QTDT), which employs flexible and powerful variance-components procedures, was used to test for an association between EAT scores and the two AVPR1A promoter region microsatellites, RS1 and RS3. RESULTS A significant association (p = .036) was detected between the RS3 microsatellite and EAT scores. The strongest association was between RS3 and the Dieting subscale of the EAT (p = .011). A significant association was also observed between the EDI-DT and the RS3 microsatellit (p = .0450). CONCLUSIONS We demonstrate for the first time an association between a microsatellite polymorphism in the AVPR1A promoter region and scores on the EAT as well as with the EDI-DT. The strongest association was observed between the RS3 microsatellite and the Dieting subscale of the EAT. The relevant phenotype appears to tap severe dietary restriction for weight loss purposes.
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Brighton PJ, Szekeres PG, Willars GB. Neuromedin U and its receptors: structure, function, and physiological roles. Pharmacol Rev 2004; 56:231-48. [PMID: 15169928 DOI: 10.1124/pr.56.2.3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 185] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Neuromedin U (NmU) is a structurally highly conserved neuropeptide. It is ubiquitously distributed, with highest levels found in the gastrointestinal tract and pituitary. Originally isolated from porcine spinal cord, it has since been isolated and sequenced from several species. Amino acid alignment of NmU from different species reveals a high level of conservation, and particular features within its structure are important for bioactivity. Specifically, the C terminus, including a terminal asparagine-linked amidation, is essential for activity. The conservation of NmU across a wide range of species indicates a strong evolutionary pressure to conserve this peptide and points to its physiological significance. Despite this, the precise physiological and indeed pathophysiological roles of NmU have remained elusive. NmU was first isolated based on its ability to contract rat uterine smooth-muscle (hence the suffix "U") and has since been implicated in the regulation of smooth-muscle contraction, blood pressure and local blood flow, ion transport in the gut, stress responses, cancer, gastric acid secretion, pronociception, and feeding behavior. Two G-protein-coupled receptors for NmU have recently been cloned. These receptors are widespread throughout the body but have differential distributions suggesting diverse but specific roles for the receptor subtypes. Here we detail the isolation and characterization of NmU, describe the discovery, cloning, distribution, and structure of its two receptors, and outline its possible roles in both physiology and pathophysiology. Ultimately the development of receptor-specific ligands and the generation of animals in which the receptors have been selectively knocked out will hopefully reveal the true extent of the biological roles of NmU and suggest novel therapeutic indications for selective activation or blockade of either of its receptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul J Brighton
- Department of Cell Physiology and Pharmacology, Maurice Shock Medical Sciences Building, University of Leicester, University Road, Leicester, LE1 9HN United Kingdom
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36
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Thompson EL, Murphy KG, Todd JF, Martin NM, Small CJ, Ghatei MA, Bloom SR. Chronic administration of NMU into the paraventricular nucleus stimulates the HPA axis but does not influence food intake or body weight. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2004; 323:65-71. [PMID: 15351702 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2004.08.058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2004] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Hypothalamic neuromedin U (NMU) appears to have a role in the regulation of appetite and the hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. Acute administration of NMU into the paraventricular nuclei (iPVN) increases plasma adrenocorticotrophic hormone and corticosterone, and inhibits food intake in fasted rats. No studies have as yet investigated the chronic effects of centrally administered NMU. We investigated the effect of twice-daily iPVN injections of 0.3 nmol NMU for 7 days on food intake, body weight, the HPA axis, and behavior in freely fed rats. Chronic iPVN NMU was not associated with a decrease in food intake or body weight. Chronic iPVN NMU produced a typical behavioral response on day 1 and day 4 of the study, and resulted in the elevation of plasma corticosterone present 18 h after the final injection. These results suggest NMU may have a role in the regulation of the HPA axis and behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily L Thompson
- Division of Metabolic Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College of Science, Technology and Medicine, Hammersmith Campus, London W12 ONN, UK
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Yokota M, Ozaki Y, Sakamoto F, Yamada S, Saito J, Fujihara H, Ueta Y. Fos expression in CRF-containing neurons in the rat paraventricular nucleus after central administration of neuromedin U. Stress 2004; 7:109-12. [PMID: 15512854 DOI: 10.1080/10253890410001727370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022] Open
Abstract
We examined the effects of centrally administered neuromedin U (NMU) on corticotrophin-releasing factor (CRF)-containing neurons in the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus (PVN) of rats, using double immunohistochemistry for CRF and Fos. Almost all CRF-containing neurons in the parvocellular divisions of the PVN expressed Fos-like immunoreactivity 90 min after intracerebroventricular administration of NMU (3 nmol/rat). This results suggest the possibility that central NMU may be involved in stress-induced activation of CRF-containing neurons in the PVN.
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Affiliation(s)
- Makoto Yokota
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, 1-1 Iseigaoka, Yahatanishi-ku, Kitakyushu, 807-8555, Japan
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38
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Hanada T, Date Y, Shimbara T, Sakihara S, Murakami N, Hayashi Y, Kanai Y, Suda T, Kangawa K, Nakazato M. Central actions of neuromedin U via corticotropin-releasing hormone. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2004; 311:954-8. [PMID: 14623274 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2003.10.098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Neuromedin U (NMU), a hypothalamic peptide, has been known to be involved in feeding behavior as a catabolic signaling molecule. However, little is known about the participation of NMU in the neuronal network. One NMU receptor, NMU2R, is abundantly expressed in the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus, where corticotrophin-releasing hormone (CRH) is synthesized. The functions of CRH, regulation of stress response and feeding behavior, are comparable with those of NMU. Here, we have investigated the functional relationships between NMU and CRH using CRH knockout (KO) mice. Intracerebroventricular administration of NMU suppressed dark-phase food intake and fasting-induced feeding in wild-type mice. In contrast, these suppressions were not observed in CRH KO mice. NMU-induced increases in oxygen consumption and body temperature were attenuated in CRH KO mice. These results suggest that NMU plays a role in feeding behavior and catabolic functions via CRH. This study demonstrates a novel hypothalamic pathway that links NMU and CRH in the regulation of feeding behavior and energy homeostasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takeshi Hanada
- Third Department of Internal Medicine, Miyazaki Medical College, 889-1692, Miyazaki, Japan
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Graham ES, Turnbull Y, Fotheringham P, Nilaweera K, Mercer JG, Morgan PJ, Barrett P. Neuromedin U and Neuromedin U receptor-2 expression in the mouse and rat hypothalamus: effects of nutritional status. J Neurochem 2003; 87:1165-73. [PMID: 14622096 DOI: 10.1046/j.1471-4159.2003.02079.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Neuromedin U (NMU) has been associated with the regulation of food-intake and energy balance in rats. The objective of this study was to identify the sites of gene expression for NMU and the NMU receptor-2 (NMU2R) in the mouse and rat hypothalamus and ascertain the effects of nutritional status on the expression of these genes. In situ hybridization studies revealed that NMU is expressed in several regions of the mouse hypothalamus associated with the regulation of energy balance. Analysis of NMU expression in the obese ob/ob mouse revealed that NMU mRNA levels were elevated in the dorsomedial hypothalamic (DMH) nucleus of obese ob/ob mice compared to lean litter-mates. In addition, NMU mRNA levels were elevated in the DMH of mice fasted for 24 h relative to ad libitum fed controls. The pattern of expression of NMU and NMU2R were more widespread in the hypothalamus of mice than rats. These data provide the first detailed anatomical analysis of the NMU and NMU2R expression in the mouse and advance our knowledge of expression in the rat. The data from the obese rodent models supports the hypothesis that NMU is involved in the regulation of nutritional status.
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Affiliation(s)
- E S Graham
- Molecular Endocrinology Group, Divison of Energy Balance and Obesity, Rowett Research Institute, Aberdeen Centre for Energy Regulation and Obesity (ACERO), Greenburn Road, Bucksburn, Aberdeen AB21 9SB, Scotland, UK
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