Plasma concentrations of α-MSH, AgRP and leptin in lean and obese men and their relationship to differing states of energy balance perturbation

Summary objective  A great deal of attention has focused on the central role of alpha melanocyte‐stimulating hormone (α‐MSH) and its antagonism at the melanocortin‐4 receptor (MC4R) by agouti related protein (AgRP) in the regulation of energy balance. However, very little is known regarding the func...

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Published in:Clinical endocrinology (Oxford) 2004-07, Vol.61 (1), p.31-39
Main Authors: Hoggard, Nigel, Johnstone, Alexandra M., Faber, Peter, Gibney, Eileen R., Elia, Marinos, Lobley, Gerald, Rayner, Vernon, Horgan, Graham, Hunter, Leif, Bashir, Shabina, Stubbs, R. James
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adult
Agouti-Related Protein
alpha-MSH - blood
Biological and medical sciences
Case-Control Studies
Diet, Reducing
Endocrinopathies
Energy Metabolism
Fasting
Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology
Humans
Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins
Leptin - blood
Male
Medical sciences
Middle Aged
Obesity - blood
Obesity - diet therapy
Obesity - metabolism
Proteins - analysis
Vertebrates: endocrinology
Weight Loss
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Summary:Summary objective  A great deal of attention has focused on the central role of alpha melanocyte‐stimulating hormone (α‐MSH) and its antagonism at the melanocortin‐4 receptor (MC4R) by agouti related protein (AgRP) in the regulation of energy balance. However, very little is known regarding the function of circulating AgRP and α‐MSH in humans. We aimed to determine whether circulating α‐MSH and AgRP are responsive to long‐term perturbations in energy balance, in a manner consistent with their central putative functions. design and measurements  Circulating α‐MSH, AgRP and leptin were measured in both lean (n = 11) and obese (n = 18) male volunteers, some of whom (lean n = 11, obese n = 12) were then allocated one of two weight‐loss dietary strategies to achieve about 5% weight loss. This was achieved by either total starvation (for 4–6 days) for rapid weight loss or a very low calorie diet (VLCD, 2·6 MJ/day) (11–12 days) for less rapid weight loss, in both the lean and obese volunteers. results  At baseline, prior to any weight loss both plasma α‐MSH (15·8 ± 1·2 vs. 5·8 ± 1·0 pmol/l ± SEM; P 
ISSN:0300-0664
1365-2265
DOI:10.1111/j.1365-2265.2004.02056.x