Study: Liver hormone regulates sweet, alcohol preferences – UPI.com

Posted by on Dec 26th, 2015 and filed under Medical News. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback to this entry

Study: Liver hormone regulates sweet, alcohol preferences – UPI.com

DALLAS, Dec. 26 (UPI) — A hormone found in the liver has the ability to reduce sweet and alcohol cravings in mammals, a recent study found.

UT Southwestern Medical Center researchers found the hormone, fibroblast growth factor 21, works through the brain’s reward system to weaken cravings. It is induced in the body by extreme cold temperatures, sudden changes in diet and in carbohydrate consumption.

The study, published Thursday in the journal Cell Metabolism, represents one of an increasing number of links between the liver-borne hormone and the nervous system, the university said. With further research, the hormone FGF21 may present new possibilities for the treatment methods of certain addictions and type 2 diabetes, researchers found.

“Our findings raise the possibility that FGF21 administration could affect nutrient preference and other reward behaviors in humans, and that the hormone could potentially be used to treat alcoholism,” co-senior author of the study, Dr. Steven Kliewer, said in a statement.

During the study, researchers found that mice with higher levels of the hormone exhibited a lessened preference for sweetened water and alcohol-laced water.

Co-senior author Dr. David Mangelsdorf says monkeys with increased FGF21 levels showed weakened cravings for sweets as well.

Findings establish a deeper-known connection between FGF21 and the nervous system. After four studies of the hormone, researchers at the Mangelsdorf-Kliewer laboratory have asserted its ability to regulate metabolism, female reproduction and the body’s internal clock.

“The finding that FGF21 acts via the brain was completely unexpected when we started down this path of investigation a dozen years ago,” Kilewer said. “These findings suggest that additional studies are warranted to assess the effects of FGF21 on sweet and alcohol preference and other reward behavior in humans.”

Related UPI Stories

Latest Headlines

Precision weight loss based on genetics may be future of dietingPrecision weight loss based on genetics may be future of dieting 1 day ago

AUSTIN, Texas, Dec. 25 (UPI) — Within five years, diets may be tailored to individuals’ genetic makeup in order to make eating habits more beneficial to weight loss, according to a new study.

'Victorian' disease resurgence in England follows global pattern‘Victorian’ disease resurgence in England follows global pattern 2 days ago

LONDON, Dec. 24 (UPI) — Increases in Victorian-era diseases such as tuberculosis and cholera in England mirror rises around the world, several recent reviews of data have shown.

Surgical castration less risky treatment for prostate cancerSurgical castration less risky treatment for prostate cancer 2 days ago

BOSTON, Dec. 24 (UPI) — While chemical and surgical castration are both effective against prostate cancer, researchers say the choice is between aesthetics and side effects.

Study: Glaucoma patients need better education on marijuanaStudy: Glaucoma patients need better education on marijuana 2 days ago

WASHINGTON, Dec. 24 (UPI) — Glaucoma patients need better education on the potential benefits of marijuana on their condition, according to a study by George Washington University.

Smoking bans may be more effective than raising taxesSmoking bans may be more effective than raising taxes 3 days ago

COLUMBUS, Ohio, Dec. 23 (UPI) — New research shows that smoking bans are more effective at discouraging smoking than raising taxes, though both are effective at reducing tobacco use.

'Kangaroo care' linked to fewer low birth weight infant deaths‘Kangaroo care’ linked to fewer low birth weight infant deaths 3 days ago

BOSTON, Dec. 23 (UPI) — Kangaroo mother care, or continuous skin-to-skin contact, can reduce rates of low birth weight infant death, according to a review of studies.

High number of IBS patients also vitamin D deficientHigh number of IBS patients also vitamin D deficient 3 days ago

SHEFFIELD, England, Dec. 23 (UPI) — Scientists have found an association between vitamin D deficiency and severity of irritable bowel syndrome symptoms, according to a new study.

Study: Higher number of IVF cycles beneficialStudy: Higher number of IVF cycles beneficial 3 days ago

BRISTOL, England, Dec. 23 (UPI) — A new study in England shows repeated IVF cycles increase the chance for pregnancy as two-thirds of patients are successful after six or more cycles.

Diabetes drug could treat, prevent preeclampsia in pregnant womenDiabetes drug could treat, prevent preeclampsia in pregnant women 3 days ago

MELBOURNE, Dec. 23 (UPI) — The diabetes drug metformin may help doctors treat and prevent preeclampsia in pregnant women, according to a new study.

Americans drinking themselves to death at record ratesAmericans drinking themselves to death at record rates 3 days ago

ATLANTA, Dec. 23 (UPI) — Americans are drinking themselves to death at record rates, even without counting deaths from DUIs, according to a new government report.

Leave a Reply

    Copyright 2011-2013, www.EHealthJournal.net, Web Site Development & SEO by SecondEffort, Inc.