Interaction between nesfatin-1 and oxytocin in the modulation of the swallowing reflex

"Sibling" battle or harmony: crosstalk between nesfatin-1 and ghrelin

Ghrelin was first identified as an endogenous ligand of the growth hormone secretagogue receptor (GHSR) in 1999, with the function of stimulating the release of growth hormone (GH), while nesfatin-1 was identified in 2006. Both peptides are secreted by the same kind of endocrine cells, X/A-like cells in the stomach. Compared with ghrelin, nesfatin-1 exerts opposite effects on energy metabolism, glucose metabolism, gastrointestinal functions and regulation of blood pressure, but exerts similar effects on anti-inflammation and neuroprotection. Up to now, nesfatin-1 remains as an orphan ligand because its receptor has not been identified. Several studies have shown the effects of nesfatin-1 are dependent on the receptor of ghrelin. We herein compare the effects of nesfatin-1 and ghrelin in several aspects and explore the possibility of their interactions.

Nesfatin-1 in lipid metabolism and lipid-related diseases

Nesfatin-1, an anorexic neuropeptide discovered in 2006, is widely distributed in the central nervous system and peripheral tissues. It has been shown to be involved in the regulation of food intake and lipid metabolism, inhibiting fat accumulation, accelerating lipid decomposition, and in general, inhibiting the development of lipid-related diseases, such as obesity and metabolic syndrome. Potential mechanisms of Nesfatin-1 action in lipid metabolism and lipid-related diseases will be discussed as well as its role as a biomarker in cardiovascular disease. This review expected to provide a new strategy for the diagnosis and prevention of clinically related diseases.

Nucleobindin 2/nesfatin-1 expression and colocalisation with neuropeptide Y and cocaine- and amphetamine-regulated transcript in the human brainstem

Feeding is a complex behaviour entailing elaborate interactions between forebrain, hypothalamic and brainstem neuronal circuits via multiple orexigenic and anorexigenic neuropeptides. Nucleobindin-2 (NUCB2)/nesfatin-1 is a negative regulator of food intake and body weight with a widespread distribution in rodent brainstem nuclei. However, its localisation pattern in the human brainstem is unknown. The present study aimed to explore NUCB2/nesfatin-1 immunoexpression in human brainstem nuclei and its possible correlation with body weight. Sections of human brainstem from 20 autopsy cases (13 males, seven females; eight normal weight, six overweight, six obese) were examined using immunohistochemistry and double immunofluorescence labelling. Strong immunoreactivity for NUCB2/nesfatin-1 was displayed in various brainstem areas, including the locus coeruleus, medial and lateral parabrachial nuclei, pontine nuclei, raphe nuclei, nucleus of the solitary tract, dorsal motor nucleus of vagus (10N), area postrema, hypoglossal nucleus, reticular formation, inferior olive, cuneate nucleus, and spinal trigeminal nucleus. NUCB2/nesfatin-1 was shown to extensively colocalise with neuropeptide Y and cocaine- and amphetamine-regulated transcript in the locus coeruleus, dorsal raphe nucleus and solitary tract. Interestingly, in the examined cases, NUCB2/nesfatin-1 protein expression was lower in obese than normal weight subjects in the solitary tract (P = 0.020). The findings of the present study provide neuroanatomical support for a role for NUCB2/nesfatin-1 in feeding behaviour and energy balance. The widespread distribution of NUCB2/nesfatin-1 in the human brainstem nuclei may be indicative of its pleiotropic effects on autonomic, neuroendocrine and behavioural processes. In the solitary tract, a key integrator of energy status, altered neurochemistry may contribute to obesity. Further research is necessary to decipher human brainstem energy homeostasis circuitry, which, despite its importance, remains inadequately characterised.

The Effects of Mutual Interaction of Orexin-A and Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 on Reflex Swallowing Induced by SLN Afferents in Rats

(1) Background: Our previous studies revealed that orexin-A, an appetite-increasing peptide, suppressed reflex swallowing via the commissural part of the nucleus tractus solitarius (cNTS), and that glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), an appetite-reducing peptide, also suppressed reflex swallowing via the medial nucleus of the NTS (mNTS). In this study, we examined the mutual interaction between orexin-A and GLP-1 in reflex swallowing. (2) Methods: Sprague–Dawley rats under urethane–chloralose anesthesia were used. Swallowing was induced by electrical stimulation of the superior laryngeal nerve (SLN) and was identified by the electromyographic (EMG) signals obtained from the mylohyoid muscle. (3) Results: The injection of GLP-1 (20 pmol) into the mNTS reduced the swallowing frequency and extended the latency of the first swallow. These suppressive effects of GLP-1 were not observed after the fourth ventricular administration of orexin-A. After the injection of an orexin-1 receptor antagonist (SB334867) into the cNTS, an ineffective dose of GLP-1 (6 pmol) into the mNTS suppressed reflex swallowing. Similarly, the suppressive effects of orexin-A (1 nmol) were not observed after the injection of GLP-1 (6 pmol) into the mNTS. After the administration of a GLP-1 receptor antagonist (exendin-4(5-39)), an ineffective dose of orexin-A (0.3 nmol) suppressed reflex swallowing. (4) Conclusions: The presence of reciprocal inhibitory connections between GLP-1 receptive neurons and orexin-A receptive neurons in the NTS was strongly suggested.