Neuropeptides as emerging targets in anorexia and cachexia

Abstract

Anorexia and body weight loss are characteristic of many diseases, including cancer and AIDS. Neuropeptides play a pivotal role in the physiological mechanisms regulating food intake and body weight. Neuropeptide Y (NPY) is a key molecule of the orexigenic network for energy intake and for normal adaptive feeding response to energy deficits. Therefore, the NPY receptors (notably, Y1 and Y5) may be one of the most significant target classes for treatment of anorexia and body weight loss. In addition, several anorexigenic peptides including corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF), cholecystokinin (CCK), leptin and melanocortin (MC) are emerging as potential targets for anorexia. Antagonists for CRF 2 receptor, CCK A receptor, MC 4 receptor and leptin receptor may be useful in stimulating food intake. The development of highly specific and selective non-peptide antagonists for these receptors is awaited. Anorexia is a crucial and critical disease. Increasing knowledge of its pathophysiology could lead to innovative new medicines for anorexia-cachexia syndrome.

• melanocyte-stimulating hormone
• agonist
• agouti-related protein
• anorexia
• antagonist
• cachexia
• cancer
• cholecystokinin
• compound
• corticotropin-releasing factor
• cytokine
• feeding
• infection
• leptin
• melanin concentrating hormone
• neuropeptide
• neuropeptide Y
• orexin
• receptor
• transmitter