Appetite Enhancement and Weight Gain by Peripheral Administration of TrkB Agonists in Non-Human Primates

Authors: John C. Lin, David Tsao, Paul Barras, Raul A. Bastarrachea, Bob Boyd, Joyce Chou, Rodnie Rosete, Hua Long, Alison Forgie, Yasmina Abdiche, Jeanette Dilley, Jennifer Stratton, Carlos Garcia, David L. Sloane, Anthony G. Comuzzie, Arnon Rosenthal

DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0001900

Abstract Summary

TrkB receptor shows surprising dual role in appetite control. While brain activation suppresses appetite as expected, peripheral TrkB stimulation paradoxically increases eating and weight gain in primates—opposite to rodent studies. This dose-dependent effect offers potential therapeutic targets for both obesity and wasting disorders in humans.

Why Brain? 🧠

TrkB receptor agonists show opposite effects on appetite in primates: reducing it when given to the brain but increasing it peripherally, offering potential treatments for both obesity and wasting diseases.

The image is AI-generated for illustrative purposes only. Courtesy of Midjourney.