Sunday November 08 2009 | Biotechnology feed | All feeds
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Sunday November 08 2009 | Biotechnology feed | All feeds
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Effects of ghrelin on memory and behavior It is estimated
that somewhere between 34 and 61 million people in the US are obese. Likewise
obesity is endemic in most other developing and developed countries. Following
the withdrawal of early treatments, the market for anti-obesity
pharmaceuticals was reestablished in November 1997, when the FDA approved
Abbott's sibutramine (Reductil/Meridia). The search for new molecular targets
that can be exploited by other anorectics continues with vigor today and one
of the most promising of the current targets is ghrelin. Although scientists
only identified ghrelin in 1999, more than 200 papers on the substance have
already been published. This growth hormone receptor agonist acts to stimulate
food intake and anorectic ghrelin receptor antagonists are soon expected to
enter into development. To mark this predicted activity, LeadDiscovery, in
collaboration with one of the global leaders in ghrelin research has produced
a state of the art dossier describing why and how ghrelin should be targeted;
and how ghrelin sits in the context of existing therapies and candidates in
development for the treatment of obesity (click
here for access). Although a
considerable amount of data has accumulated regarding the effect of ghrelin on
metabolic parameters, little is known about other central behavioral effects
of ghrelin. To address this issue researchers have recently investigated the
effects of ghrelin on anxiety and cognition. At doses that stimulate food
intake, ghrelin increased memory and was also anxiogenic. The former may
contribute to the ability of ghrelin to stimulate food intake by facilitating
the memorization of eating-related experiences. On the other hand the latter
introduces the possibility that ghrelin antagonists may not only reduce food
intake but may also reduce affective disorders that can accompany obesity. Adapted from Carlini et al, Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2002 Dec 20;299(5):739-43 - Interested in collaborating with this group? Contact LeadDiscovery or the authors direct.
Interested in collaborating with this group? Contact leaddiscovery@bioportfolio.co.uk Projects such as these are overviewed in full DiscoveryDossiers. LeadDiscovery and BioPortfolio aims to provide reliable, insightful analysis on the biotechnology industry. However, this information is provided "as is" and no representations or warranties either express or implied of completeness, accuracy, or of any other nature are made with respect to this information. This information is neither an offer to sell nor a solicitation to buy the securities of any company. This information contains forward-looking statements, which involve risks and uncertainties which may not be listed. The biotechnology industry is an emerging industry and the securities of the companies mentioned in this report have a very high degree of risk and volatility. For this reason, this information is supplied on the condition that the reader will make his or her own determination as to its suitability for any purpose prior to any use of this information. The employees and officers of LeadDiscovery and BioPortfolio may hold positions in some or all of the stocks discussed in this report. This abstract has been produced by LeadDiscovery Ltd. Founded by life scientists for life scientists we aim to help industry identify cutting edge drug discovery options and academic/biotech institutions maximize the potential of their research. Abstracts strictly reflect the opinion of LeadDiscovery's editorial panel. While all reasonable efforts are made to ensure the accuracy of information provided LeadDiscovery and the publisher BioPortfolio, takes no responsibility for incorrect or misleading information. LeadDiscovery is designed for educational and drug development purposes only and is not intended or designed to offer medical advice or advice of any sort, and must not be used for such purpose. The information provided through LeadDiscovery and BioPortfolio should not be used for diagnosing or treating a health problem or a disease and no reliance should be placed on any information contained in this abstract or elsewhere on LeadDiscovery's and BioPortfolio's website. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional care. If you have or suspect you may have a health problem, you should consult your physician or other health care provider. |
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