Hormones in the double against fat and diabetes

The interplay of the hormones glucagon and fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) regulates vital lipid metabolism and body weight. Their combined effect results in a decreased food intake and increased fat burning, so the messengers are considered as promising candidates for the treatment of obesity and type diabetes 2. This found scientists from the Institute for Diabetes and Obesity (IDO), Helmholtz Zentrum München in collaboration with the Metabolic Diseases Institute at the University of Cincinnati, USA, out. The results were published in the current issue of the journal, Diabetes'.

Glucagon as a hunger hormone mediates a reduction in the energy reserves of the body. For the first time, the researchers found that the immediate interaction with the messenger FGF21 is required for this effect. In a mouse model, the team led by Professor Tschöp, Director of IDO, investigated the long-term effects of glucagon. It showed a reduced food intake, increased fat burning and falling cholesterol levels. At the same time, the hormone FGF21 was released significantly more, and this effect was also demonstrated in humans. If the animals lacked FGF21 due to a genetic defect, glucagon lost its positive metabolic properties. "Our results show that FGF21 is essential for glucagon-mediated effects on fat burning and cholesterol levels," Dr. Kirk Habegger of the Metabolic Disease Institute and first author of the study.

Dr. Kerstin Stemmer, co-author of the publication and head of the working group for cancer and metabolic research at the Helmholtz Zentrum München, points to additional benefits of the findings, as the FGF21 signaling pathway is also a possible starting point for new therapy concepts in glucagon-producing tumors. Earlier results from the working groups had shown that glucagon fusion hormones and glucagon-like peptides (eg, GLP-1) have significant potential for the treatment of obesity and diabetes. "Until now, it was unknown which glucagon could help to melt fat pads so impressively," says Professor Tschöp. "Now we know that with FGF21 an old acquaintance is quite decisively involved." In further studies, the details of the hormonal Collaboration will be explored to examine a concrete applicability to the treatment of metabolic diseases.

The numerous sequelae of overweight, such as type 2 diabetes, are among the major common diseases in Germany. These are the focus of research at the Helmholtz Zentrum München. The aim is to develop new approaches for diagnostics, therapy and prevention.

Original publication:

Habegger, KM et al (2013). Fibroblast Growth Factor 21 Mediates Specific Glucagon Actions, Diabetes, doi: 10.2337 / db12-1116

Link to the specialist publication

http://diabetes.diabetesjournals.org/content/early/2013/01/03/db12-1116.long 

Source: Neuherberg [Helmholtz Zentrum]