Nesfatin-1 in the neurochemistry of eating disorders

Abstract

The vast majority of new neuropeptides feature unique biochemical properties as well as awide spectrum of physiological activity applied in numerous neuronal pathways, including hypothalamus and the limbic system. Special interest should be paid to nesfatin-1 - the relatively recently discovered and still intensively studied regulatory factor and a potential modulator of eating behaviors. New information about it now allows to consider this neuropeptide as a potentially important factor involved in the pathogenesis of many different mental disorders. The considered pharmacomodulation of nesfatinergic signaling may be potentially helpful in the future treatment of some neuropsychiatric and metabolic disorders including anorexia nervosa. Although the results of some basic and clinical tests seem to be promising, all possible applications of the aforementioned neuropeptides, together with their agonists and antagonists still remain in the area of speculation. The intensive search of selective modulators of their known receptors may facilitate the opening of a promising chapter in the eating disorders therapy. This paper provides a review of recent scientific reports regarding the hypothetical role of nesfatin-1 in the neuronal pathways related to pathophysiology of anorexia nervosa.

Keywords: anorexia nervosa; hypothalamus; neuropeptides.