Neuroendocrine Mediators, Food Intake and Obesity: An Updated Narrative Review

This review aims to analyze the most insights about the complex and redundant molecular mechanisms which regulate food intake, focusing on the most encouraging perspectives for the treatment of Obesity. An imbalance between caloric intake and energy expenditure leads to obesity, a chronic multifactorial disease. One of the most important mechanisms governing human energy intake is the neuroendocrine system. The neuroendocrine system consists of cells that may generate and produce amines, peptides, growth factors, and biological mediators known as neurohormones that regulate a variety of biological processes through interacting with the neurological and immune systems. Some drugs, such as Sibutramine and Rimonabant, that modulate the activity of several neuroendocrine mediators (Serotonin, Noradrenaline, Endocannabinoids), have recently been shown to be effective in reducing weight excess, even though they were withdrawn due to serious side effects. Recently, promising results have been obtained in this manner with Glucagon-like Peptide-1 analogues, demonstrating significant efficacy in weight loss without side effects. More investigation into these intricate neuroendocrine circuits and their interactions with the hypothalamus in controlling food intake may lead to a more potent pharmacological therapy strategy for treating obesity and other nutritional diseases.