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Lawson EA. Understanding oxytocin in human physiology and pathophysiology: A path towards therapeutics. COMPREHENSIVE PSYCHONEUROENDOCRINOLOGY 2024; 19:100242. [PMID: 38974962 PMCID: PMC11225698 DOI: 10.1016/j.cpnec.2024.100242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2023] [Revised: 05/06/2024] [Accepted: 05/27/2024] [Indexed: 07/09/2024] Open
Abstract
•Oxytocin is a multifaceted hypothalamic-pituitary hormone involved in energy homeostasis, mental health, and bone metabolism.•Oxytocin deficiency in energy deficit states and in hypopituitarism is associated with worse mental health and bone health.•Oxytocin modulates appetitive neurocircuitry, improves impulse control, and reduces food intake in humans.•Defining the oxytocin system in human physiology and pathophysiology could lead to novel therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth A. Lawson
- Neuroendocrine Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital, Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, 50 Staniford Street, Suite 750B, Boston, MA, 02114, USA
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2
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Quintana DS, Glaser BD, Kang H, Kildal ESM, Audunsdottir K, Sartorius AM, Barth C. The interplay of oxytocin and sex hormones. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2024; 163:105765. [PMID: 38885888 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2024.105765] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2024] [Revised: 05/31/2024] [Accepted: 06/08/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024]
Abstract
The neuropeptide oxytocin has historically been associated with reproduction and maternal behavior. However, more recent research has uncovered that oxytocin has a much wider range of roles in physiology and behavior. Despite the excitement surrounding potential therapeutical applications of intranasally administered oxytocin, the results of these intervention studies have been inconsistent. Various reasons for these mixed results have been proposed, which tend to focus on methodological issues, such as study design. While methodological issues are certainly important, emerging evidence suggests that the interaction between oxytocin and sex hormones may also account for these varied findings. To better understand the purpose and function of the interaction of oxytocin with sex hormones, with a focus on estrogens, progesterone, and testosterone, we conducted a comprehensive thematic review via four perspectives: evolutionary, developmental, mechanistic, and survival. Altogether, this synergistic approach highlights the critical function of sex hormone activity for accomplishing the diverse roles of oxytocin via the modulation of oxytocin release and oxytocin receptor activity, which is also likely to contribute to the heterogeneity of outcomes after oxytocin administration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel S Quintana
- Department of Psychology, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway; KG Jebsen Centre for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway; NevSom, Department of Rare Disorders, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway.
| | - Bernt D Glaser
- Department of Psychology, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Heemin Kang
- Department of Psychology, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Emilie S M Kildal
- KG Jebsen Centre for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway; Institute of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway; Department of Psychiatry, Lovisenberg Diakonale Sykehus, Oslo, Norway
| | - Kristin Audunsdottir
- Department of Psychology, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway; KG Jebsen Centre for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | | | - Claudia Barth
- Department of Psychiatric Research, Diakonhjemmet Hospital, Oslo, Norway
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3
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Gan HW, Cerbone M, Dattani MT. Appetite- and Weight-Regulating Neuroendocrine Circuitry in Hypothalamic Obesity. Endocr Rev 2024; 45:309-342. [PMID: 38019584 PMCID: PMC11074800 DOI: 10.1210/endrev/bnad033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2023] [Revised: 10/25/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 11/30/2023]
Abstract
Since hypothalamic obesity (HyOb) was first described over 120 years ago by Joseph Babinski and Alfred Fröhlich, advances in molecular genetic laboratory techniques have allowed us to elucidate various components of the intricate neurocircuitry governing appetite and weight regulation connecting the hypothalamus, pituitary gland, brainstem, adipose tissue, pancreas, and gastrointestinal tract. On a background of an increasing prevalence of population-level common obesity, the number of survivors of congenital (eg, septo-optic dysplasia, Prader-Willi syndrome) and acquired (eg, central nervous system tumors) hypothalamic disorders is increasing, thanks to earlier diagnosis and management as well as better oncological therapies. Although to date the discovery of several appetite-regulating peptides has led to the development of a range of targeted molecular therapies for monogenic obesity syndromes, outside of these disorders these discoveries have not translated into the development of efficacious treatments for other forms of HyOb. This review aims to summarize our current understanding of the neuroendocrine physiology of appetite and weight regulation, and explore our current understanding of the pathophysiology of HyOb.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hoong-Wei Gan
- Department of Endocrinology, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust, Great Ormond Street, London WC1N 3JH, UK
- Genetics & Genomic Medicine Research & Teaching Department, University College London Great Ormond Street Institute for Child Health, 30 Guilford Street, London WC1N 1EH, UK
| | - Manuela Cerbone
- Department of Endocrinology, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust, Great Ormond Street, London WC1N 3JH, UK
- Genetics & Genomic Medicine Research & Teaching Department, University College London Great Ormond Street Institute for Child Health, 30 Guilford Street, London WC1N 1EH, UK
| | - Mehul Tulsidas Dattani
- Department of Endocrinology, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust, Great Ormond Street, London WC1N 3JH, UK
- Genetics & Genomic Medicine Research & Teaching Department, University College London Great Ormond Street Institute for Child Health, 30 Guilford Street, London WC1N 1EH, UK
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Zhao Y, Peng X, Wang Q, Zhang Z, Wang L, Xu Y, Yang H, Bai J, Geng D. Crosstalk Between the Neuroendocrine System and Bone Homeostasis. Endocr Rev 2024; 45:95-124. [PMID: 37459436 DOI: 10.1210/endrev/bnad025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
The homeostasis of bone microenvironment is the foundation of bone health and comprises 2 concerted events: bone formation by osteoblasts and bone resorption by osteoclasts. In the early 21st century, leptin, an adipocytes-derived hormone, was found to affect bone homeostasis through hypothalamic relay and the sympathetic nervous system, involving neurotransmitters like serotonin and norepinephrine. This discovery has provided a new perspective regarding the synergistic effects of endocrine and nervous systems on skeletal homeostasis. Since then, more studies have been conducted, gradually uncovering the complex neuroendocrine regulation underlying bone homeostasis. Intriguingly, bone is also considered as an endocrine organ that can produce regulatory factors that in turn exert effects on neuroendocrine activities. After decades of exploration into bone regulation mechanisms, separate bioactive factors have been extensively investigated, whereas few studies have systematically shown a global view of bone homeostasis regulation. Therefore, we summarized the previously studied regulatory patterns from the nervous system and endocrine system to bone. This review will provide readers with a panoramic view of the intimate relationship between the neuroendocrine system and bone, compensating for the current understanding of the regulation patterns of bone homeostasis, and probably developing new therapeutic strategies for its related disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuhu Zhao
- Department of Orthopedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University; Orthopedics Institute, Medical College, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215006, China
| | - Xiaole Peng
- Department of Orthopedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University; Orthopedics Institute, Medical College, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215006, China
| | - Qing Wang
- Department of Orthopedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University; Orthopedics Institute, Medical College, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215006, China
| | - Zhiyu Zhang
- Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215006, China
| | - Liangliang Wang
- Department of Orthopedics, The Affiliated Changzhou No. 2 People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Changzhou, Jiangsu 213000, China
| | - Yaozeng Xu
- Department of Orthopedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University; Orthopedics Institute, Medical College, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215006, China
| | - Huilin Yang
- Department of Orthopedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University; Orthopedics Institute, Medical College, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215006, China
| | - Jiaxiang Bai
- Department of Orthopedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University; Orthopedics Institute, Medical College, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215006, China
- Department of Orthopedics, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230022, China
| | - Dechun Geng
- Department of Orthopedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University; Orthopedics Institute, Medical College, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215006, China
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Malewska-Kasprzak M, Jowik K, Tyszkiewicz-Nwafor M. The use of intranasal oxytocin in the treatment of eating disorders. Neuropeptides 2023; 102:102387. [PMID: 37837804 DOI: 10.1016/j.npep.2023.102387] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2023] [Revised: 10/06/2023] [Accepted: 10/07/2023] [Indexed: 10/16/2023]
Abstract
Oxytocin (OXT) is a hypothalamic peptide that plays a number of roles in the body, being involved in labor and lactation, as well as cognitive-emotional processes and social behavior. In recent years, knowledge of the physiology of OXT has been repeatedly used to explore its potential role in the treatment of numerous diseases, identifying a significant role for OXT in appetite regulation, eating behavior, weight regulation, and food-related beliefs. In this review we provide an overview of publications on this topic, but due to the wealth of research, we have limited our focus to studies based on the use of intranasal OXT in psychiatric diseases, with a particular focus on the role of oxytocin in eating disorders and obesity. Accumulating evidence that OXT intranasal supplementation may provide some therapeutic benefit seems promising. In individuals with autistic spectrum disorders (ASD) and schizophrenia, OXT may affect core deficits, improving social cognition and reducing symptom severity in schizophrenia. Dysregulation of serum and CSF OXT levels, as well as polymorphisms of its genes, may affect emotion perception in patients with eating disorders and correlate with co-occurring depressive and anxiety disorders. Nevertheless, there are still many critical questions regarding the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of intranasal OXT that can only be answered in larger randomized controlled trials.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Katarzyna Jowik
- Department of Psychiatry, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland.
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Fricke C, Voderholzer U. Endocrinology of Underweight and Anorexia Nervosa. Nutrients 2023; 15:3509. [PMID: 37630700 PMCID: PMC10458831 DOI: 10.3390/nu15163509] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2023] [Revised: 07/27/2023] [Accepted: 08/04/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
More than any other mental illness, the course, prognosis, and therapy of anorexia nervosa are shaped by the physical changes associated with being underweight. This article provides an overview of the endocrine changes associated with malnutrition and underweight. This overview serves as a basis for understanding the other articles in this special issue, which deal with the health risks associated with being underweight. In this context, the differences between underweight in anorexia nervosa and in constitutional thinness are of particular importance in assessing the impact of intentional weight loss. In this context, the regulation of hunger and satiety deserves special interest, as this is the area in which the intentional influence on body weight comes into play. Clinical consequences on, for example, fertility, bone metabolism, the homeostasis of, for example, serum glucose levels, or body temperature have been observed for a long time; nonetheless, the medical responses, apart from vitamin supplementations and advice to gain weight, are still limited. Therefore, emphasis was placed on the potential improvement of outcomes through the administration of central or peripheral hormones. Studies were identified on PubMed via a selection of relevant keywords; original texts that were cited in reviews were studied where it was advantageous. This review found some promising data on bone health and the administration of transdermal oestrogen, which is not yet widely used, as well as distinct hormonal markers to differentiate between CT and AN. We concluded that the continuous efforts to investigate the role of endocrinology in underweight and/or anorexia nervosa lead to outcome benefits and that more and higher-powered studies are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ulrich Voderholzer
- Schoen Klinik Roseneck, 83209 Prien am Chiemsee, Germany;
- Klinik für Psychiatrie und Psychotherapie, Ludwig Maximilians Universität, 80336 Munich, Germany
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Aulinas A, Muhammed M, Becker KR, Asanza E, Hauser K, Stern C, Gydus J, Holmes T, Murray HB, Breithaupt L, Micali N, Misra M, Eddy KT, Thomas JJ, Lawson EA. Oxytocin response to food intake in avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder. Eur J Endocrinol 2023; 189:149-155. [PMID: 37474111 PMCID: PMC10396082 DOI: 10.1093/ejendo/lvad087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2023] [Revised: 05/16/2023] [Accepted: 06/07/2023] [Indexed: 07/22/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the response of anorexigenic oxytocin to food intake among adolescents and young adults with avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID), a restrictive eating disorder characterized by lack of interest in food or eating, sensory sensitivity to food, and/or fear of aversive consequences of eating, compared with healthy controls (HC). DESIGN Cross-sectional. METHODS A total of 109 participants (54 with ARFID spectrum and 55 HC) were instructed to eat a ∼400-kcal standardized mixed meal. We sampled serum oxytocin at fasting and at 30-, 60-, and 120-min postmeal. We tested the hypothesis that ARFID would show higher mean oxytocin levels across time points compared with HC using a mixed model ANOVA. We then used multivariate regression analysis to identify the impact of clinical characteristics (sex, age, and body mass index [BMI] percentile) on oxytocin levels in individuals with ARFID. RESULTS Participants with ARFID exhibited greater mean oxytocin levels at all time points compared with HC, and these differences remained significant even after controlling for sex and BMI percentile (P = .004). Clinical variables (sex, age, and BMI percentile) did not show any impact on fasting and postprandial oxytocin levels among individuals with ARFID. CONCLUSIONS Consistently high oxytocin levels might be involved in low appetite and sensory aversions to food, contributing to food avoidance in individuals with ARFID.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Aulinas
- Department of Endocrinology and Nutrition, Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, IIB-Sant Pau, 08041 Barcelona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER Unidad 747), ISCIII, 08025 Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Medicine, University of Vic—Central University of Catalonia, 08500 Vic, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Maged Muhammed
- Neuroendocrine Unit, Division of Endocrinology, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, 02114 Boston, MA, United States
| | - Kendra R Becker
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, 02115 Boston, MA, United States
- Eating Disorders Clinical and Research Program, Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, 02114 Boston, MA, United States
| | - Elisa Asanza
- Neuroendocrine Unit, Division of Endocrinology, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, 02114 Boston, MA, United States
| | - Kristine Hauser
- Neuroendocrine Unit, Division of Endocrinology, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, 02114 Boston, MA, United States
| | - Casey Stern
- Neuroendocrine Unit, Division of Endocrinology, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, 02114 Boston, MA, United States
- Eating Disorders Clinical and Research Program, Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, 02114 Boston, MA, United States
| | - Julia Gydus
- Neuroendocrine Unit, Division of Endocrinology, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, 02114 Boston, MA, United States
- Eating Disorders Clinical and Research Program, Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, 02114 Boston, MA, United States
| | - Tara Holmes
- Translational and Clinical Research Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, 02114 Boston, MA, United States
| | - Helen Burton Murray
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, 02115 Boston, MA, United States
- Center for Neurointestinal Health, Division of Gastroenterology, Massachusetts General Hospital, 02114 Boston, MA, United States
| | - Lauren Breithaupt
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, 02115 Boston, MA, United States
- Eating Disorders Clinical and Research Program, Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, 02114 Boston, MA, United States
| | - Nadia Micali
- Eating Disorders Research Unit, Mental Health Services of the Capital Region of Denmark, Psychiatric Centre Ballerup, 2750 Ballerup, Denmark
- Population, Policy and Practice, Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, WC1N 1EH, London, United Kingdom
| | - Madhusmita Misra
- Neuroendocrine Unit, Division of Endocrinology, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, 02114 Boston, MA, United States
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, 02115 Boston, MA, United States
- Division of Pediatric Endocrinology, Massachusetts General Hospital, 02114 Boston, MA, United States
| | - Kamryn T Eddy
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, 02115 Boston, MA, United States
- Eating Disorders Clinical and Research Program, Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, 02114 Boston, MA, United States
| | - Jennifer J Thomas
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, 02115 Boston, MA, United States
- Eating Disorders Clinical and Research Program, Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, 02114 Boston, MA, United States
| | - Elizabeth A Lawson
- Neuroendocrine Unit, Division of Endocrinology, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, 02114 Boston, MA, United States
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, 02115 Boston, MA, United States
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Li Y, Luo R, Wang D, Zhang X. Association between Empathy and Clinical Symptoms among Overweight and Non-Overweight Chinese Chronic Schizophrenia Patients. Brain Sci 2023; 13:1075. [PMID: 37509007 PMCID: PMC10377734 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci13071075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2023] [Revised: 07/10/2023] [Accepted: 07/13/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Patients with schizophrenia are afflicted by severe clinical symptoms and serious cognitive dysfunction. The aim of this study is to investigate the potential relationships between clinical symptoms and empathy and their variations between overweight and non-overweight schizophrenia patients. To address this problem, a group of 776 inpatients diagnosed with chronic schizophrenia (504 overweight patients and 272 non-overweight patients) was recruited. The Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) and its five-factor model were employed to assess clinical symptoms, while empathy levels were measured using the Interpersonal Reactivity Index (IRI). The overweight patients had lower education levels but higher positive symptoms than the non-overweight patients (all p < 0.05). In addition, the overweight patients performed significantly better with respect to empathy (FDR-corrected p < 0.05). Additional multiple regression analyses indicated significant associations between the total score of the IRI and PANSS negative symptoms, gender, and family history of psychiatric disorders among the overweight group; among non-overweight patients, there was a significant correlation between suicide and the total score of the IRI. This study provides evidence suggesting that chronic schizophrenia patients who are overweight may have distinct clinical characteristics, particularly with respect to their empathy, compared with non-overweight patients. Moreover, different variables are associated with empathy in different groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuchen Li
- School of Mental Health and Psychological Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Ruichenxi Luo
- School of Mental Health and Psychological Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Dongmei Wang
- Institute of Psychology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
- Department of Psychology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Xiangyang Zhang
- School of Mental Health and Psychological Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
- Institute of Psychology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
- Department of Psychology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
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Highly Specific Detection of Oxytocin in Saliva. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24054832. [PMID: 36902261 PMCID: PMC10003004 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24054832] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2022] [Revised: 02/27/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Oxytocin is a peptide neurophysin hormone made up of nine amino acids and is used in induction of one in four births worldwide (more than 13 percent in the United States). Herein, we have developed an antibody alternative aptamer-based electrochemical assay for real-time and point-of-care detection of oxytocin in non-invasive saliva samples. This assay approach is rapid, highly sensitive, specific, and cost-effective. Our aptamer-based electrochemical assay can detect as little as 1 pg/mL of oxytocin in less than 2 min in commercially available pooled saliva samples. Additionally, we did not observe any false positive or false negative signals. This electrochemical assay has the potential to be utilized as a point-of-care monitor for rapid and real-time oxytocin detection in various biological samples such as saliva, blood, and hair extracts.
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Yu WJ, Shi HL, Wu XQ, Du YP, Li HL, Tang WJ, Chen MM, Zhang XM, Shen L, Cheng Q. Association between Serum Oxytocin, Bone Mineral Density and Body Composition in Chinese Adult Females. MEDICINA (KAUNAS, LITHUANIA) 2022; 58:medicina58111625. [PMID: 36422164 PMCID: PMC9695124 DOI: 10.3390/medicina58111625] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2022] [Revised: 11/04/2022] [Accepted: 11/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Oxytocin (OT) is a neuropeptide hormone which is known for its classical effects in pregnancy and lactation. Recently, growing evidence demonstrated a close relation between OT and bone. The present study aimed to explore the relationship between OT, bone and osteoporosis risk in Chinese adult females. Materials and Methods: in total, 149 adult females were enrolled. The serum OT levels were measured using ELISA kits. Bone mineral density (BMD) and body composition were measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). The study subjects were divided into two groups according to their menopause status and then divided into tertiles based on their serum OT level. Results: Serum OT, serum estradiol and BMD at three skeletal sites were significantly higher in the premenopausal group than in the postmenopausal group (p < 0.001, p = 0.008 and p < 0.001, respectively). In the tertile analysis, relative to tertile 1, significant associations were found for tertile 3 for OT levels and higher BMD in the femoral neck and total hip, in both pre- and postmenopausal groups. Using logistic regression analysis, tertile 3 appeared less likely to have low-BMD osteoporosis than tertile 1 (OR = 0.257, 95% CI = 0.073, 0.910). In multivariate stepwise regression analysis, OT and total lean mass were two positive determinants of BMD in the femoral neck and total hip in the premenopausal group (adjusted R2 for the model = 0.232 and 0.199, respectively; both p < 0.001). Conclusion: Our study demonstrated positive associations between serum OT levels and BMD in a Chinese (non-Caucasian) population. OT appeared to be more strongly associated with hip BMD in premenopausal females. These results may suggest a protective role and potential therapeutic use of OT in osteoporosis, especially for premenopausal women.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Qun Cheng
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +86-13918336748; Fax: +86-21-62498319
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Giel KE, Schag K, Leehr EJ, Mack I, Schuster LS, Wiegand A, Zipfel S, Hallschmid M, Nieratschker V. OXTR DNA methylation differentiates men on the obesity spectrum with and without binge eating disorder. Clin Epigenetics 2022; 14:108. [PMID: 36042529 PMCID: PMC9429727 DOI: 10.1186/s13148-022-01318-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2021] [Accepted: 07/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The neuropeptide oxytocin (OXT) plays a role in the regulation of eating behavior and metabolism. OXT functioning is altered in patients with eating and weight disorders, and a variant of the oxytocin receptor gene (OXTR) has been associated with impulsive eating behavior as it is seen in patients with binge eating disorder (BED). Gene × environment interactions could play a role in BED. One mechanism mediating this interaction is the epigenetic alteration of gene expression. We therefore investigated if DNA methylation of the OXTR differs between individuals with obesity depending on a comorbid BED. We analyzed DNA methylation of the OXTR in peripheral blood of 227 individuals on the obesity spectrum (mean age: 40.3 ± 13.1 yrs; mean BMI: 38.6 ± 7.3 kg/m2), 130 of which were diagnosed with BED. RESULTS There were no overall differences in OXTR methylation between participants with and those without BED (p > 0.05), while both subgroups were comparable regarding age and body mass index (BMI), but significantly differed in sex distribution (p = 0.035). We found no relationship between mean DNA methylation and BMI or self-reported eating disorder (ED) pathology. Analyzing potential sex differences revealed a significantly lower OXTR DNA methylation in male participants with BED as compared to those without BED (p = 0.017). No such difference was found in the female subsample (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS Clinically significant binge eating pathology might be associated with lower OXTR DNA methylation exclusively in males. The differential DNA methylation of OXTR in males with BED supports the view that BED represents a phenotype within the obesity spectrum that is characterized by specific vulnerability factors. A better understanding of the epigenetic underpinnings of the OXT system might contribute to the refinement of OXT administration approaches as potential interventions in eating and weight disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katrin Elisabeth Giel
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, Medical University Hospital Tübingen, Osianderstr. 5, 72076, Tübingen, Germany. .,Centre of Excellence for Eating Disorders (KOMET), Osianderstr. 5, 72076, Tübingen, Germany.
| | - Kathrin Schag
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, Medical University Hospital Tübingen, Osianderstr. 5, 72076, Tübingen, Germany.,Centre of Excellence for Eating Disorders (KOMET), Osianderstr. 5, 72076, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Elisabeth Johanna Leehr
- Institute for Translational Psychiatry, University of Münster, Albert-Schweitzer-Straße 11, 48149, Münster, Germany
| | - Isabelle Mack
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, Medical University Hospital Tübingen, Osianderstr. 5, 72076, Tübingen, Germany.,Centre of Excellence for Eating Disorders (KOMET), Osianderstr. 5, 72076, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Lea-Sarah Schuster
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical University Hospital Tübingen, Calwerstraße 14, 72076, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Ariane Wiegand
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical University Hospital Tübingen, Calwerstraße 14, 72076, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Stephan Zipfel
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, Medical University Hospital Tübingen, Osianderstr. 5, 72076, Tübingen, Germany.,Centre of Excellence for Eating Disorders (KOMET), Osianderstr. 5, 72076, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Manfred Hallschmid
- Institute of Medical Psychology and Behavioural Neurobiology, University of Tübingen, Otfried-Müller-Straße 25, 72076, Tübingen, Germany.,German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD), Otfried-Müller-Straße 10, 72076, Tübingen, Germany.,Institute for Diabetes Research and Metabolic Diseases of the Helmholtz Center Munich at the University of Tübingen (IDM), Otfried-Müller-Straße 10, 72076, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Vanessa Nieratschker
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical University Hospital Tübingen, Calwerstraße 14, 72076, Tübingen, Germany
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12
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Marazziti D, Diep PT, Carter S, Carbone MG. Oxytocin: An Old Hormone, A Novel Psychotropic Drug And Possible Use In Treating Psychiatric Disorders. Curr Med Chem 2022; 29:5615-5687. [PMID: 35894453 DOI: 10.2174/0929867329666220727120646] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2021] [Revised: 03/17/2022] [Accepted: 04/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Oxytocin is a nonapeptide synthesized in the paraventricular and supraoptic nuclei of the hypothalamus. Historically, this molecule has been involved as a key factor in the formation of infant attachment, maternal behavior and pair bonding and, more generally, in linking social signals with cognition, behaviors and reward. In the last decades, the whole oxytocin system has gained a growing interest as it was proposed to be implicated in etiopathogenesis of several neurodevelopmental and neuropsychiatric disorders. METHODS With the main goal of an in-depth understanding of the oxytocin role in the regulation of different functions and complex behaviors as well as its intriguing implications in different neuropsychiatric disorders, we performed a critical review of the current state of art. We carried out this work through PubMed database up to June 2021 with the search terms: 1) "oxytocin and neuropsychiatric disorders"; 2) "oxytocin and neurodevelopmental disorders"; 3) "oxytocin and anorexia"; 4) "oxytocin and eating disorders"; 5) "oxytocin and obsessive-compulsive disorder"; 6) "oxytocin and schizophrenia"; 7) "oxytocin and depression"; 8) "oxytocin and bipolar disorder"; 9) "oxytocin and psychosis"; 10) "oxytocin and anxiety"; 11) "oxytocin and personality disorder"; 12) "oxytocin and PTSD". RESULTS Biological, genetic, and epigenetic studies highlighted quality and quantity modifications in the expression of oxytocin peptide or in oxytocin receptor isoforms. These alterations would seem to be correlated with a higher risk of presenting several neuropsychiatric disorders belonging to different psychopathological spectra. Collaterally, the exogenous oxytocin administration has shown to ameliorate many neuropsychiatric clinical conditions. CONCLUSION Finally, we briefly analyzed the potential pharmacological use of oxytocin in patient with severe symptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection due to its anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidative and immunoregulatory properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donatella Marazziti
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Section of Psychiatry, University of Pisa, Italy.,Saint Camillus International University of Health and Medical Sciences, Rome, Italy
| | - Phuoc-Tan Diep
- Department of Histopathology, Royal Lancaster Infirmary, University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay NHS Foundation Trust, Lancaster, United Kingdom
| | - Sue Carter
- Director Kinsey Institute, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA
| | - Manuel G Carbone
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, Division of Psychiatry, University of Insubria, 21100 Varese, Italy
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13
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Peripheral oxytocin concentrations in psychiatric disorders - A systematic review and methanalysis: Further evidence. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2022; 117:110561. [PMID: 35461971 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2022.110561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2021] [Revised: 04/14/2022] [Accepted: 04/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Increased interest in understanding how changes in the oxytocinergic system are associated with the etiology and progression of psychiatric disorders has currently boosted the publication of studies. We present a systematic literature review followed by meta-analyses assessing whether peripheral oxytocin (OXT) levels among psychiatric patients differ from healthy controls, considering the moderating role of methodological aspects and samples' characteristics. The following electronic databases were searched: PubMed, Web of Science, PsycINFO, SciELO, LILACS, and Scopus. Fifty-five papers were included in the analysis, and nine independent meta-analyses were performed according to the different diagnoses. Lower OXT concentrations were found in groups of specific disorders (i.e., schizophrenia, restricting and binge-eating/purging subtypes of anorexia nervosa, and borderline personality disorder) with medium to large effect sizes. Great heterogeneity was found among the studies, so that caution is needed to interpret the results. High OXT levels with an effect size of the same magnitude were found for bipolar disorder - type I and obsessive disorder. In contrast, no differences were found for bulimia, autism spectrum, depression, or social anxiety. No meta-analyses were performed for body dysmorphic disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, or trichotillomania because only one study was identified for each of these disorders. Altered endogenous OXT concentrations are found in several disorders addressed and must be analyzed according to each disorder's specificities.
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14
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Hung C, Muñoz M, Shibli-Rahhal A. Anorexia Nervosa and Osteoporosis. Calcif Tissue Int 2022; 110:562-575. [PMID: 33666707 DOI: 10.1007/s00223-021-00826-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2020] [Accepted: 02/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Patients with anorexia nervosa (AN) often experience low bone mineral density (BMD) and increased fracture risk, with low body weight and decreased gonadal function being the strongest predictors of the observed bone mineral deficit and fractures. Other metabolic disturbances have also been linked to bone loss in this group of patients, including growth hormone resistance, low insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) concentrations, low leptin concentrations, and hypercortisolemia. However, these correlations lack definitive evidence of causality. Weight restoration and resumption of menstrual function have the strongest impact on increasing BMD. Other potential treatment options include bisphosphonates and teriparatide, supported by data from small clinical trials, but these agents are not approved for the treatment of low BMD in adolescents or premenopausal women with AN.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chermaine Hung
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Marcus Muñoz
- Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Amal Shibli-Rahhal
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA.
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15
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Plessow F, Galbiati F, Eddy KT, Misra M, Miller KK, Klibanski A, Aulinas A, Lawson EA. Low oxytocin levels are broadly associated with more pronounced psychopathology in anorexia nervosa with primarily restricting but not binge/purge eating behavior. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:1049541. [PMID: 36798485 PMCID: PMC9927219 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.1049541] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2022] [Accepted: 12/28/2022] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Anorexia nervosa (AN) is commonly associated with depression, anxiety, and deficits in socioemotional functioning. Basal levels of oxytocin, a neurohormone with antidepressant, anxiolytic, and prosocial properties, are low in women with AN. However, the relationship between oxytocin and psychopathology of AN/atypical AN has not been examined in individuals with primarily food restriction (AN/AtypAN-R) or those with restriction plus binge/purge behaviors (AN/AtypAN-BP) alone, which is important to further elucidate the neurobiology of different AN presentations. We investigated whether oxytocin levels are related to eating, affective, and socioemotional psychopathology in women with AN/AtypAN-R and separately AN/AtypAN-BP. METHODS In a cross-sectional study of 53 women with low-weight AN or atypical AN based on DSM-5 (AN/AtypAN-R: n=21, AN/AtypAN-BP: n=32), we obtained fasting serum oxytocin levels and self-report measures of psychopathology, including the Eating Disorder Examination-Questionnaire (EDE-Q), Beck Depression Inventory-IA (BDI), State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), and Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS-20). RESULTS In individuals with AN/AtypAN-R, oxytocin levels were negatively associated with eating psychopathology (EDE-Q Global Score: r=-0.49, p=0.024), depressive and anxiety symptoms (BDI Total Score: r=-0.55, p=0.009; STAI Trait Score: r=-0.63, p=0.002), and socioemotional symptoms (TAS-20 Difficulty Identifying Feelings Score: r=-0.49, p=0.023). In contrast, in those with AN/AtypAN-BP oxytocin levels were negatively associated with depressive symptoms only (BDI Total Score: r=-0.52, p=0.049). CONCLUSIONS These findings support the notion that AN/AtypAN-R and AN/AtypAN-BP might have divergent underlying neurobiology. Understanding these differences is crucial to develop targeted treatments for a population with high levels of chronicity, for which no specific pharmacological treatments are currently available. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION https://clinicaltrials.gov, identifier: NCT01121211.
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Affiliation(s)
- Franziska Plessow
- Neuroendocrine Unit, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Francesca Galbiati
- Neuroendocrine Unit, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Kamryn T. Eddy
- Eating Disorders Clinical and Research Program, Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Madhusmita Misra
- Neuroendocrine Unit, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
- Division of Pediatric Endocrinology, Massachusetts General Hospital for Children and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Karen K. Miller
- Neuroendocrine Unit, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Anne Klibanski
- Neuroendocrine Unit, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Anna Aulinas
- Neuroendocrine Unit, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Elizabeth A. Lawson
- Neuroendocrine Unit, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
- *Correspondence: Elizabeth A. Lawson,
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16
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Niu J, Tong J, Blevins JE. Oxytocin as an Anti-obesity Treatment. Front Neurosci 2021; 15:743546. [PMID: 34720864 PMCID: PMC8549820 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2021.743546] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2021] [Accepted: 09/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Obesity is a growing health concern, as it increases risk for heart disease, hypertension, type 2 diabetes, cancer, COVID-19 related hospitalizations and mortality. However, current weight loss therapies are often associated with psychiatric or cardiovascular side effects or poor tolerability that limit their long-term use. The hypothalamic neuropeptide, oxytocin (OT), mediates a wide range of physiologic actions, which include reproductive behavior, formation of prosocial behaviors and control of body weight. We and others have shown that OT circumvents leptin resistance and elicits weight loss in diet-induced obese rodents and non-human primates by reducing both food intake and increasing energy expenditure (EE). Chronic intranasal OT also elicits promising effects on weight loss in obese humans. This review evaluates the potential use of OT as a therapeutic strategy to treat obesity in rodents, non-human primates, and humans, and identifies potential mechanisms that mediate this effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- JingJing Niu
- VA Puget Sound Health Care System, Office of Research and Development, Medical Research Service, Department of Veterans Affairs Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, WA, United States.,Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology and Nutrition, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Jenny Tong
- VA Puget Sound Health Care System, Office of Research and Development, Medical Research Service, Department of Veterans Affairs Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, WA, United States.,Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology and Nutrition, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - James E Blevins
- VA Puget Sound Health Care System, Office of Research and Development, Medical Research Service, Department of Veterans Affairs Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, WA, United States.,Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology and Nutrition, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, United States
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17
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Chen CY, Chiang YC, Kuo TC, Tam KW, Loh EW. Effects of intranasal oxytocin in food intake and craving: A meta-analysis of clinical trials. Clin Nutr 2021; 40:5407-5416. [PMID: 34600216 DOI: 10.1016/j.clnu.2021.08.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2021] [Revised: 07/25/2021] [Accepted: 08/18/2021] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE A rise of endogenous oxytocin (OT) is associated with anxiety and meal size reduction, and the effects of intranasal OT (INOT) have been examined in the management of food intake and craving. However, the discrepancy INOT effects in different disease populations are not entirely clear. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS Updated systematic review and meta-analysis. By systematically searching the PubMed, Embase and Cochrane Library, we obtained 12 controlled trials. We performed meta-analyses to examine food intake, craving, anxiety or stress reduction on INOT administration, using standard mean difference (SMD) with a 95% confidence interval (CI) and a random-effects model. RESULTS This study examined 12 trials with 266 non-psychiatric and 157 psychiatric participants. The pooled results showed that single-dose INOT induced a significant lesser food intake in non-psychiatric subjects (SMD: -0.66 [95% CI: -1.18, -0.14]), but no effects was found in anorexia nervosa (AN) (SMD: 0.17 [95% CI: -0.32, 0.66]), bulimia nervosa (BN) and binge eating disorder (BED) (SMD: -0.41 [95% CI: -0.94, 0.11]), and schizophrenia (SMD: 0.04 [95% CI: -0.94, 1.02] subjects. Further analysis on leisure food also indicated an inhibition of consumption of chocolate biscuits in non-psychiatric subjects. Neither the non-psychiatric (SMD: -0.08 [95% CI: -0.50, 0.33]) nor the BN and BED (SMD: -0.08 [95% CI: -0.72, 0.88]) and schizophrenia subjects (SMD: -0.07 [95% CI: -1.05, 0.91]) demonstrated a difference in food craving or hunger compared with placebo. Anxiety or stress level was not influenced by INOT in any subgroup (non-psychiatric, SMD: 0.19 [95% CI: -0.22, 0.60]; AN, SMD: -0.01 [95% CI: -0.28, 0.88]; BN and BED: SMD: 0.00 [95% CI: -0.80, 0.80]). CONCLUSIONS Single-dose INOT significantly reduces food intake in nonpsychiatric subjects, and further studies are necessary to assess the long-term effects and safety in obese patients. Whether INOT could be a treatment option for patients with eating disorders remains to be investigated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chi-Ying Chen
- School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Chen Chiang
- Department of Psychiatry, Taipei Medical University Shuang Ho Hospital, New Taipei City, Taiwan
| | - Tai-Chih Kuo
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Cell Biology, School of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Ka-Wai Tam
- Center for Evidence-Based Health Care, Taipei Medical University Shuang Ho Hospital, New Taipei City, Taiwan; Division of General Surgery, Department of Surgery, Taipei Medical University Shuang Ho Hospital, New Taipei City, Taiwan; Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan; Cochrane Taiwan, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan; Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - El-Wui Loh
- Center for Evidence-Based Health Care, Taipei Medical University Shuang Ho Hospital, New Taipei City, Taiwan; Cochrane Taiwan, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan; Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan; Department of Dentistry, Taipei Medical University Shuang Ho Hospital, New Taipei City, Taiwan.
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18
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Kerem L, Lawson EA. The Effects of Oxytocin on Appetite Regulation, Food Intake and Metabolism in Humans. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:7737. [PMID: 34299356 PMCID: PMC8306733 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22147737] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2021] [Revised: 07/13/2021] [Accepted: 07/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The hypothalamic peptide oxytocin and its receptor are involved in a range of physiological processes, including parturition, lactation, cell growth, wound healing, and social behavior. More recently, increasing evidence has established the effects of oxytocin on food intake, energy expenditure, and peripheral metabolism. In this review, we provide a comprehensive description of the central oxytocinergic system in which oxytocin acts to shape eating behavior and metabolism. Next, we discuss the peripheral beneficial effects oxytocin exerts on key metabolic organs, including suppression of visceral adipose tissue inflammation, skeletal muscle regeneration, and bone tissue mineralization. A brief summary of oxytocin actions learned from animal models is presented, showing that weight loss induced by chronic oxytocin treatment is related not only to its anorexigenic effects, but also to the resulting increase in energy expenditure and lipolysis. Following an in-depth discussion on the technical challenges related to endogenous oxytocin measurements in humans, we synthesize data related to the association between endogenous oxytocin levels, weight status, metabolic syndrome, and bone health. We then review clinical trials showing that in humans, acute oxytocin administration reduces food intake, attenuates fMRI activation of food motivation brain areas, and increases activation of self-control brain regions. Further strengthening the role of oxytocin in appetite regulation, we review conditions of hypothalamic insult and certain genetic pathologies associated with oxytocin depletion that present with hyperphagia, extreme weight gain, and poor metabolic profile. Intranasal oxytocin is currently being evaluated in human clinical trials to learn whether oxytocin-based therapeutics can be used to treat obesity and its associated sequela. At the end of this review, we address the fundamental challenges that remain in translating this line of research to clinical care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liya Kerem
- Neuroendocrine Unit, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA;
- Division of Pediatric Endocrinology, Massachusetts General Hospital for Children, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Elizabeth A. Lawson
- Neuroendocrine Unit, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA;
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19
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Montégut L, Lopez-Otin C, Magnan C, Kroemer G. Old Paradoxes and New Opportunities for Appetite Control in Obesity. Trends Endocrinol Metab 2021; 32:264-294. [PMID: 33707095 DOI: 10.1016/j.tem.2021.02.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2020] [Revised: 02/09/2021] [Accepted: 02/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Human obesity is accompanied by alterations in the blood concentrations of multiple circulating appetite regulators. Paradoxically, most of the appetite-inhibitory hormones are elevated in nonsyndromic obesity, while most of the appetite stimulatory hormones are reduced, perhaps reflecting vain attempts of regulation by inefficient feedback circuitries. In this context, it is important to understand which appetite regulators exhibit a convergent rather than paradoxical behavior and hence are likely to contribute to the maintenance of the obese state. Pharmacological interventions in obesity should preferentially consist of the supplementation of deficient appetite inhibitors or the neutralization of excessive appetite stimulators. Here, we critically analyze the current literature on appetite-regulatory peptide hormones. We propose a short-list of appetite modulators that may constitute the best candidates for therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Léa Montégut
- Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, Equipe labellisée par la Ligue Contre le Cancer, Université de Paris, Sorbonne Université, INSERM U1138, Institut Universitaire de France, Paris, France; Metabolomics and Cell Biology Platforms, Institut Gustave Roussy, Villejuif, France
| | - Carlos Lopez-Otin
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Medicina, Instituto Universitario de Oncología del Principado de Asturias (IUOPA), Universidad de Oviedo, 33006, Oviedo, Spain
| | | | - Guido Kroemer
- Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, Equipe labellisée par la Ligue Contre le Cancer, Université de Paris, Sorbonne Université, INSERM U1138, Institut Universitaire de France, Paris, France; Metabolomics and Cell Biology Platforms, Institut Gustave Roussy, Villejuif, France; Unité de Biologie Fonctionnelle et Adaptative, Sorbonne Paris Cité, CNRS UMR8251, Université Paris Diderot, Paris, France; Pôle de Biologie, Hôpital Européen Georges Pompidou, AP-, HP, Paris, France; Suzhou Institute for Systems Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Suzhou, China; Karolinska Institute, Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden.
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20
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Hong SM, Ko JK, Moon JJ, Kim YR. Oxytocin: A Potential Therapeutic for Obesity. J Obes Metab Syndr 2021; 30:115-123. [PMID: 33820878 PMCID: PMC8277591 DOI: 10.7570/jomes20098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2020] [Revised: 11/20/2020] [Accepted: 01/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Oxytocin is a neuropeptide involved in the homeostasis of food consumption and energy; it affects hedonic eating. Studies in obese or binge-eating patients reported the hypophagic effect of oxytocin, which reduced caloric intake after administration. Several studies have demonstrated the effect of oxytocin’s increasing energy intake, decreasing food consumption, and contributing to weight loss. Oxytocin’s effects on food intake and metabolism suggest its therapeutic potential for treating obesity and binge eating.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soo Min Hong
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Seoul Paik Hospital, Inje University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jeong-Kyung Ko
- Institute of Eating Disorders and Mental Health, Inje University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jung-Joon Moon
- Department of Psychiatry, Busan Paik Hospital, Inje University, Busan, Korea
| | - Youl-Ri Kim
- Institute of Eating Disorders and Mental Health, Inje University, Seoul, Korea.,Department of Psychiatry, Seoul Paik Hospital, Inje University, Seoul, Korea
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21
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Abstract
The hypothalamic peptide oxytocin has been increasingly recognized as a hormone and neurotransmitter with important effects on energy intake, metabolism, and body weight and is under investigation as a potential novel therapeutic agent for obesity. The main neurons producing oxytocin and expressing the oxytocin receptor are strategically located in brain areas known to be critically involved in homeostatic energy balance as well as hedonic and motivational aspects of eating behavior. In this chapter, we will review the central and peripheral physiology of oxytocin and the interaction of oxytocin with key hormones and neural circuitries that affect food intake and metabolism. Next, we will synthesize the available data on endogenous oxytocin levels related to caloric intake, body weight, and metabolic status. We will then review the effects of exogenous oxytocin administration on eating behavior, body weight, and metabolism in humans, including in healthy individuals as well as specific populations with suspected perturbations involving oxytocin pathways. Finally, we will address the promise and fundamental challenges of translating this line of research to clinical care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liya Kerem
- Neuroendocrine Unit, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States; Division of Pediatric Endocrinology, Massachusetts General Hospital for Children, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Elizabeth A Lawson
- Neuroendocrine Unit, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States.
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22
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Aulinas A, Guarda FJ, Yu EW, Haines MS, Asanza E, Silva L, Tritos NA, Verbalis J, Miller KK, Lawson EA. Lower Oxytocin Levels Are Associated with Lower Bone Mineral Density and Less Favorable Hip Geometry in Hypopituitary Men. Neuroendocrinology 2021; 111:87-98. [PMID: 32074621 PMCID: PMC8372692 DOI: 10.1159/000506638] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2019] [Accepted: 02/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Hypopituitary patients are at risk for bone loss. Hypothalamic-posterior pituitary hormones oxytocin and vasopressin are anabolic and catabolic, respectively, to the skeleton. Patients with hypopituitarism may be at risk for oxytocin deficiency. Whether oxytocin and/or vasopressin contribute to impaired bone homeostasis in hypopituitarism is unknown. OBJECTIVES To determine the relationship between plasma oxytocin and vasopressin levels and bone characteristics (bone mineral density [BMD] and hip structural analysis [HSA]) in patients who have anterior pituitary deficiencies only (APD group) or with central diabetes insipidus (CDI group). METHODS This is a cross-sectional study. Subjects included 37 men (17 CDI and 20 APD), aged 20-60 years. Main outcome measures were fasting plasma oxytocin and vasopressin levels, and BMD and HSA using dual X-ray absorptiometry. RESULTS Mean BMD and HSA variables did not differ between the CDI and APD groups. Mean BMD Z-scores at most sites were lower in those participants who had fasting oxytocin levels below, rather than above, the median. There were positive associations between fasting oxytocin levels and (1) BMD Z-scores at the spine, femoral neck, total hip, and subtotal body and (2) favorable hip geometry and strength variables at the intertrochanteric region in CDI, but not APD, participants. No associations between vasopressin levels and bone variables were observed in the CDI or ADP groups. CONCLUSIONS This study provides evidence for a relationship between oxytocin levels and BMD and estimated hip geometry and strength in hypopituitarism with CDI. Future studies will be important to determine whether oxytocin could be used therapeutically to optimize bone health in patients with hypopituitarism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Aulinas
- Neuroendocrine Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER, Unidad 747), ISCIII, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Francisco J Guarda
- Neuroendocrine Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Endocrinology, School of Medicine, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
- Center of Translational Endocrinology (CETREN), Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
- Programa de Tumores Hipofisarios, Red de Salud UC-CHRISTUS, Santiago, Chile
| | - Elaine W Yu
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Endocrine Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Melanie S Haines
- Neuroendocrine Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Elisa Asanza
- Neuroendocrine Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Lisseth Silva
- Neuroendocrine Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Nicholas A Tritos
- Neuroendocrine Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Joseph Verbalis
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | - Karen K Miller
- Neuroendocrine Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Elizabeth A Lawson
- Neuroendocrine Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA,
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA,
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23
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Moghazy H, Abdeen Mahmoud A, Elbadre H, Abdel Aziz HO. Protective Effect of Oxytocin Against Bone Loss in a Female Rat Model of Osteoporosis. Rep Biochem Mol Biol 2020; 9:147-155. [PMID: 33178863 DOI: 10.29252/rbmb.9.2.147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Background Introduction: Oxytocin (OT) has been proposed to assist in the regulation of bone remodeling and to exert an antiosteoporotic effect. We evaluated the possible protective effect of OT against bone degeneration in ovariectomized (OVX) rats. Methods The study was performed on three groups of adult female rats; group I was subjected to sham operation, group II was subjected to ovariectomy, and group III was subjected to ovariectomy and intraperitoneal injection with OT for eight successive weeks. At the end of the study, bone mass density (BMD) was measured; then the rats were euthanized and their blood and bone tissues were examined. Results The group II rats had significantly less BMD and greater serum bone-specific alkaline phosphatase (bALP), osteocalcin (OC), and tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) levels than the group I rats. Furthermore, group II rats had fewer osteocytes and osteoblasts, and less OPG/RANKL mRNA expression than group I rats. The groups I and III and rats showed no significant differences in BMD, bALP, OC, TRAP, OPG/RANKL mRNA expression, or osteocyte and osteoblast numbers. Conclusion Oxytocin may have an antiosteoporotic effect in OVX rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hoda Moghazy
- Medical Physiology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Sohag University, Egypt
| | - Aida Abdeen Mahmoud
- Medical Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Medicine, Sohag University, Egypt
| | - Hala Elbadre
- Medical Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Medicine, Assiut University, Egypt
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24
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Orihashi R, Mizoguchi Y, Imamura Y, Yamada S, Ueno T, Monji A. Oxytocin and elderly MRI-based hippocampus and amygdala volume: a 7-year follow-up study. Brain Commun 2020; 2:fcaa081. [PMID: 32954331 PMCID: PMC7472904 DOI: 10.1093/braincomms/fcaa081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2019] [Revised: 05/01/2020] [Accepted: 05/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Oxytocin is deeply involved in human relations. In recent years, it is becoming clear that oxytocin is also involved in social cognition and social behaviour. Oxytocin receptors are also thought to be present in the hippocampus and amygdala, and the relationship between oxytocin and the structure and function of the hippocampus and amygdala has been reported. However, a few studies have investigated oxytocin and its relationship to hippocampus and amygdala volume in elderly people. The aim of this study is to investigate the association between serum oxytocin levels and hippocampus and amygdala volume in elderly people. The survey was conducted twice in Kurokawa-cho, Imari, Saga Prefecture, Japan, among people aged 65 years and older. We collected data from 596 residents. Serum oxytocin level measurements, brain MRI, Mini–Mental State Examination and Clinical Dementia Rating were performed in Time 1 (2009–11). Follow-up brain MRI, Mini–Mental State Examination and Clinical Dementia Rating were performed in Time 2 (2016–17). The interval between Time 1 and Time 2 was about 7 years. Fifty-eight participants (14 men, mean age 72.36 ± 3.41 years, oxytocin 0.042 ± 0.052 ng/ml; 44 women, mean age 73.07 ± 4.38 years, oxytocin 0.123 ± 0.130 ng/ml) completed this study. We analysed the correlation between serum oxytocin levels (Time 1) and brain volume (Time 1, Time 2 and Times 1–2 difference) using voxel-based morphometry implemented with Statistical Parametric Mapping. Analysis at the cluster level (family-wise error; P < 0.05) showed a positive correlation between serum oxytocin levels (Time 1) and brain volume of the region containing the left hippocampus and amygdala (Time 2). This result suggests that oxytocin in people aged 65 years and older may be associated with aging-related changes in hippocampus and amygdala volume.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryuzo Orihashi
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Saga University, Saga 849-8501, Japan
| | - Yoshito Mizoguchi
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Saga University, Saga 849-8501, Japan
| | - Yoshiomi Imamura
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Saga University, Saga 849-8501, Japan
| | | | - Takefumi Ueno
- Division of Clinical Research, National Hospital Organization, Hizen Psychiatric Center, Kanzaki, Saga 842-0192, Japan
| | - Akira Monji
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Saga University, Saga 849-8501, Japan
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25
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McCormack SE, Blevins JE, Lawson EA. Metabolic Effects of Oxytocin. Endocr Rev 2020; 41:5658523. [PMID: 31803919 PMCID: PMC7012298 DOI: 10.1210/endrev/bnz012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2019] [Accepted: 11/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
There is growing evidence that oxytocin (OXT), a hypothalamic hormone well recognized for its effects in inducing parturition and lactation, has important metabolic effects in both sexes. The purpose of this review is to summarize the physiologic effects of OXT on metabolism and to explore its therapeutic potential for metabolic disorders. In model systems, OXT promotes weight loss by decreasing energy intake. Pair-feeding studies suggest that OXT-induced weight loss may also be partly due to increased energy expenditure and/or lipolysis. In humans, OXT appears to modulate both homeostatic and reward-driven food intake, although the observed response depends on nutrient milieu (eg, obese vs. nonobese), clinical characteristics (eg, sex), and experimental paradigm. In animal models, OXT is anabolic to muscle and bone, which is consistent with OXT-induced weight loss occurring primarily via fat loss. In some human observational studies, circulating OXT concentrations are also positively associated with lean mass and bone mineral density. The impact of exogenous OXT on human obesity is the focus of ongoing investigation. Future randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trials in humans should include rigorous, standardized, and detailed assessments of adherence, adverse effects, pharmacokinetics/pharmacodynamics, and efficacy in the diverse populations that may benefit from OXT, in particular those in whom hypothalamic OXT signaling may be abnormal or impaired (eg, individuals with Sim1 deficiency, Prader-Willi syndrome, or craniopharyngioma). Future studies will also have the opportunity to investigate the characteristics of new OXT mimetic peptides and the obligation to consider long-term effects, especially when OXT is given to children and adolescents. (Endocrine Reviews XX: XX - XX, 2020).
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Affiliation(s)
- Shana E McCormack
- Neuroendocrine Center, Division of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.,Department of Pediatrics, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - James E Blevins
- VA Puget Sound Health Care System, Office of Research and Development Medical Research Service, Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Seattle, Washington.,Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology and Nutrition, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, Washington
| | - Elizabeth A Lawson
- Neuroendocrine Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts.,Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
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26
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Lawson EA, Olszewski PK, Weller A, Blevins JE. The role of oxytocin in regulation of appetitive behaviour, body weight and glucose homeostasis. J Neuroendocrinol 2020; 32:e12805. [PMID: 31657509 PMCID: PMC7186135 DOI: 10.1111/jne.12805] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2019] [Revised: 10/14/2019] [Accepted: 10/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Obesity and its associated complications have reached epidemic proportions in the USA and also worldwide, highlighting the need for new and more effective treatments. Although the neuropeptide oxytocin (OXT) is well recognised for its peripheral effects on reproductive behaviour, the release of OXT from somatodendrites and axonal terminals within the central nervous system (CNS) is also implicated in the control of energy balance. In this review, we summarise historical data highlighting the effects of exogenous OXT as a short-term regulator of food intake in a context-specific manner and the receptor populations that may mediate these effects. We also describe what is known about the physiological role of endogenous OXT in the control of energy balance and whether serum and brain levels of OXT relate to obesity on a consistent basis across animal models and humans with obesity. We describe recent data on the effectiveness of chronic CNS administration of OXT to decrease food intake and weight gain or to elicit weight loss in diet-induced obese (DIO) and genetically obese mice and rats. Of clinical importance is the finding that chronic central and peripheral OXT treatments both evoke weight loss in obese animal models with impaired leptin signalling at doses that are not associated with visceral illness, tachyphylaxis or adverse cardiovascular effects. Moreover, these results have been largely recapitulated following chronic s.c. or intranasal treatment in DIO non-human primates (rhesus monkeys) and obese humans, respectively. We also identify plausible mechanisms that contribute to the effects of OXT on body weight and glucose homeostasis in rodents, non-human primates and humans. We conclude by describing the ongoing challenges that remain before OXT-based therapeutics can be used as a long-term strategy to treat obesity in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth A Lawson
- Neuroendocrine Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Pawel K Olszewski
- Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Waikato, Hamilton, New Zealand
- Department of Integrative Biology and Physiology, Medical School, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Aron Weller
- Psychology Department and Gonda Brain Research Center, Bar Ilan University, Ramat-Gan, Israel
| | - James E Blevins
- Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Office of Research and Development Medical Research Service, VA Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, WA, USA
- Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology and Nutrition, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA
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27
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Weingarten MFJ, Scholz M, Wohland T, Horn K, Stumvoll M, Kovacs P, Tönjes A. Circulating Oxytocin Is Genetically Determined and Associated With Obesity and Impaired Glucose Tolerance. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2019; 104:5621-5632. [PMID: 31361301 DOI: 10.1210/jc.2019-00643] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2019] [Accepted: 07/22/2019] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT Despite the emerging evidence on the role of oxytocin (OXT) in metabolic diseases, there is a lack of well-powered studies addressing the relationship of circulating OXT with obesity and diabetes. OBJECTIVES AND DESIGN Here, we measured OXT in a study cohort (n = 721; 396 women, 325 men; mean age ± SD, 47.7 ± 15.2 years) with subphenotypes related to obesity, including anthropometric traits such as body mass index [BMI (mean ± SD), 26.8 ± 4.6 kg/m2], waist-to-hip ratio (WHR; 0.88 ± 0.09), blood parameters (glucose, 5.32 ± 0.50 mmol/L; insulin, 5.3 ± 3.3 µU/mL), and oral glucose tolerance test to clarify the association with OXT. We also tested in a genome-wide association study (GWAS) whether the interindividual variation in OXT serum levels might be explained by genetic variation. RESULTS The OXT concentration was increased in subjects with elevated BMI and positively correlated with WHR, waist circumference, and triglyceride levels. The OXT concentration in subjects with BMI <25 kg/m2 was significantly lower (n = 256; 78.6 pg/mL) than in subjects with a BMI between 25 and 30 kg/m2 (n = 314; 98.5 pg/mL, P = 6 × 10-6) and with BMI >30 kg/m2 (n = 137; 106.4 pg/mL, P = 8 × 10-6). OXT levels were also positively correlated with plasma glucose and insulin and were elevated in subjects with impaired glucose tolerance (P = 4.6 × 10-3). Heritability of OXT was estimated at 12.8%. In a GWAS, two hits in linkage disequilibrium close (19 kb) to the OXT reached genome-wide significant association (top-hit rs12625893, P = 3.1 × 10-8, explained variance 3%). CONCLUSIONS Our data show that OXT is genetically affected by a variant near OXT and is associated with obesity and impaired glucose tolerance.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Markus Scholz
- Institute for Medical Informatics, Statistics, and Epidemiology, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
- LIFE Research Center, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Tobias Wohland
- IFB Adiposity Diseases, University of Leipzig Medical Center, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Katrin Horn
- Institute for Medical Informatics, Statistics, and Epidemiology, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
- LIFE Research Center, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Michael Stumvoll
- Medical Department III-Endocrinology, Nephrology, Rheumatology, University of Leipzig Medical Center, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Peter Kovacs
- Medical Department III-Endocrinology, Nephrology, Rheumatology, University of Leipzig Medical Center, Leipzig, Germany
- IFB Adiposity Diseases, University of Leipzig Medical Center, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Anke Tönjes
- Medical Department III-Endocrinology, Nephrology, Rheumatology, University of Leipzig Medical Center, Leipzig, Germany
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28
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Skinner JA, Garg ML, Dayas CV, Burrows TL. Is weight status associated with peripheral levels of oxytocin? A pilot study in healthy women. Physiol Behav 2019; 212:112684. [PMID: 31629767 DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2019.112684] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2019] [Revised: 09/09/2019] [Accepted: 09/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The neuropeptide oxytocin is best known for its role during parturition and the milk-let down reflex. Recent evidence identifies a role for oxytocin in eating behaviour. After oxytocin administration, caloric intake is reduced with stronger inhibitory effects in individuals with obesity. Whether the experience of visual food cues affects secretion or circulating levels of oxytocin is unknown. This pilot study had three aims: 1) to measure fasting appetite hormones with a focus on plasma oxytocin concentrations; 2) determine whether healthy vs. hyperpalatable visual food cues differentially altered plasma oxytocin; and 3) assess whether appetite hormone responses to healthy vs. hyperpalatable food images depended on weight or food addiction status. Eighteen healthy women of varying weight status, with/without self-reported food addiction were recruited. Study participants completed a set of standardised questionnaires, including Yale Food Addiction Scale, and attended a one-off experimental session. Blood was collected before and after viewing two sets of food images (healthy and hyperpalatable foods). Participants were randomly allocated in a crossover design to view either healthy images or hyperpalatable foods first. A positive correlation between BMI and plasma oxytocin was found (r2 = 0.32, p = 0.021) at baseline. Oxytocin levels were higher, and cholecystokinin levels lower, in food addicted (n = 6) vs. non-food addicted females (p = 0.015 and p<0.001, respectively). There were no significant changes (p>0.05) in plasma oxytocin levels in response to either healthy or hyperpalatable food images. Given that endogenous oxytocin administration tends to suppress eating behaviour; these data indicate that oxytocin receptor desensitization or oxytocin resistance may be important factors in the pathogenesis of obesity and food addiction. However, further studies in larger samples are needed to determine if peripheral oxytocin is responsive to visual food cues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janelle A Skinner
- Nutrition and Dietetics, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medicine, University of Newcastle, Callaghan NSW 2308, Australia; Priority Research Centre for Physical Activity and Nutrition, University of Newcastle, Callaghan NSW 2308, Australia
| | - Manohar L Garg
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, Faculty of Health and Medicine, University of Newcastle, Callaghan NSW 2308, Australia
| | - Christopher V Dayas
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, Faculty of Health and Medicine, University of Newcastle, Callaghan NSW 2308, Australia
| | - Tracy L Burrows
- Nutrition and Dietetics, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medicine, University of Newcastle, Callaghan NSW 2308, Australia; Priority Research Centre for Physical Activity and Nutrition, University of Newcastle, Callaghan NSW 2308, Australia.
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29
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Thom RP, Keary CJ, Palumbo ML, Ravichandran CT, Mullett JE, Hazen EP, Neumeyer AM, McDougle CJ. Beyond the brain: A multi-system inflammatory subtype of autism spectrum disorder. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2019; 236:3045-3061. [PMID: 31139876 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-019-05280-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2018] [Revised: 05/09/2019] [Accepted: 05/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
An immune-mediated subtype of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) has long been hypothesized. This article reviews evidence from family history studies of autoimmunity, immunogenetics, maternal immune activation, neuroinflammation, and systemic inflammation, which suggests immune dysfunction in ASD. Individuals with ASD have higher rates of co-morbid medical illness than the general population. Major medical co-morbidities associated with ASD are discussed by body system. Mechanisms by which FDA-approved and emerging treatments for ASD act upon the immune system are then reviewed. We conclude by proposing the hypothesis of an immune-mediated subtype of ASD which is characterized by systemic, multi-organ inflammation or immune dysregulation with shared mechanisms that drive both the behavioral and physical illnesses associated with ASD. Although gaps in evidence supporting this hypothesis remain, benefits of this conceptualization include framing future research questions that will help define a clinically meaningful subset of patients and focusing clinical interactions on early detection and treatment of high-risk medical illnesses as well as interfering behavioral signs and symptoms across the lifespan.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robyn P Thom
- Massachusetts General Hospital, 55 Fruit St, Boston, MA, 02114, USA.,Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, 25 Shattuck St, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Christopher J Keary
- Massachusetts General Hospital, 55 Fruit St, Boston, MA, 02114, USA.,Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, 25 Shattuck St, Boston, MA, 02115, USA.,Lurie Center for Autism, 1 Maguire Road, Lexington, MA, 02421, USA
| | - Michelle L Palumbo
- Massachusetts General Hospital, 55 Fruit St, Boston, MA, 02114, USA.,Lurie Center for Autism, 1 Maguire Road, Lexington, MA, 02421, USA.,Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, 25 Shattuck St, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Caitlin T Ravichandran
- Massachusetts General Hospital, 55 Fruit St, Boston, MA, 02114, USA.,Lurie Center for Autism, 1 Maguire Road, Lexington, MA, 02421, USA.,Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, 25 Shattuck St, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Jennifer E Mullett
- Massachusetts General Hospital, 55 Fruit St, Boston, MA, 02114, USA.,Lurie Center for Autism, 1 Maguire Road, Lexington, MA, 02421, USA
| | - Eric P Hazen
- Massachusetts General Hospital, 55 Fruit St, Boston, MA, 02114, USA.,Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, 25 Shattuck St, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Ann M Neumeyer
- Massachusetts General Hospital, 55 Fruit St, Boston, MA, 02114, USA.,Lurie Center for Autism, 1 Maguire Road, Lexington, MA, 02421, USA.,Department of Neurology, Harvard Medical School, 25 Shattuck St, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Christopher J McDougle
- Massachusetts General Hospital, 55 Fruit St, Boston, MA, 02114, USA. .,Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, 25 Shattuck St, Boston, MA, 02115, USA. .,Lurie Center for Autism, 1 Maguire Road, Lexington, MA, 02421, USA.
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30
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Steinman J, Shibli-Rahhal A. Anorexia Nervosa and Osteoporosis: Pathophysiology and Treatment. J Bone Metab 2019; 26:133-143. [PMID: 31555610 PMCID: PMC6746661 DOI: 10.11005/jbm.2019.26.3.133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2019] [Revised: 07/06/2019] [Accepted: 07/21/2019] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Anorexia nervosa (AN) affects 2.9 million people, many of whom experience bone loss and increased fracture risk. In this article, we review data on the underlying pathophysiology of AN-related osteoporosis and possible approaches to disease management. Available research suggests that low body weight and decreased gonadal function are the strongest predictors of bone loss and fractures in patients with AN. Additionally, other metabolic disturbances have been linked to bone loss, including growth hormone resistance, low leptin concentrations, and hypercortisolemia, but those correlations are less consistent and lack evidence of causality. In terms of treatment of AN-related bone disease, weight gain has the most robust impact on bone mineral density (BMD). Restoration of gonadal function seems to augment this effect and may independently improve BMD. Bisphosphonates, insulin-like growth factor 1 supplementation, and teriparatide may also be reasonable considerations, however need long-term efficacy and safety data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeremy Steinman
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Amal Shibli-Rahhal
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA, USA
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31
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Bhargava R, Daughters KL, Rees A. Oxytocin therapy in hypopituitarism: Challenges and opportunities. Clin Endocrinol (Oxf) 2019; 90:257-264. [PMID: 30506703 DOI: 10.1111/cen.13909] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2018] [Revised: 11/06/2018] [Accepted: 11/27/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Patients with hypopituitarism display impaired quality of life and excess morbidity and mortality, despite apparently optimal pituitary hormone replacement. Oxytocin is a neuropeptide synthesized in the anterior hypothalamus which plays an important role in controlling social and emotional behaviour, body weight and metabolism. Recent studies have suggested that a deficiency of oxytocin may be evident in patients with hypopituitarism and craniopharyngioma, and that this may be associated with deficits in cognitive empathy. Preliminary data hint at potential benefits of oxytocin therapy in improving these deficits and the accompanying metabolic disturbances that are common in these conditions. However, several challenges remain, including an incomplete understanding of the regulation and mechanisms of action of oxytocin, difficulties in accurately measuring oxytocin levels and in establishing a diagnosis of oxytocin deficiency, and a need to determine both the optimal mode of administration for oxytocin therapy and an acceptable safety profile with long-term use. This review considers the data linking oxytocin to the neuropsychological and metabolic disturbances evident in patients with craniopharyngioma and hypopituitarism, and describes the challenges that need to be overcome before replacement therapy can be considered as a therapeutic option in clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raghav Bhargava
- Schools of Medicine (RB, DAR) and Psychology (KLD), Neuroscience and Mental Health Research Institute, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Katie L Daughters
- Schools of Medicine (RB, DAR) and Psychology (KLD), Neuroscience and Mental Health Research Institute, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Aled Rees
- Schools of Medicine (RB, DAR) and Psychology (KLD), Neuroscience and Mental Health Research Institute, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
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32
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Brede S, Fehr S, Dalla-Man C, Cobelli C, Lehnert H, Hallschmid M, Klement J. Intranasal oxytocin fails to acutely improve glucose metabolism in obese men. Diabetes Obes Metab 2019; 21:424-428. [PMID: 30203536 DOI: 10.1111/dom.13527] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2018] [Revised: 08/27/2018] [Accepted: 09/05/2018] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
The hypothalamic neuropeptide oxytocin not only modulates psychosocial function, but also contributes to metabolic regulation. We have recently shown that intranasal oxytocin acutely improves beta-cell responsivity and glucose tolerance in normal-weight men. In the present experiment, we investigated the acute glucoregulatory impact of oxytocin in obese men with impaired insulin sensitivity. Fifteen obese healthy men with an average body mass index of 35 kg/m2 and an average body fat content of 33% received a single intranasal dose (24 IU) of oxytocin before undergoing an oral glucose tolerance test. Results were analysed according to the oral minimal model and compared with our findings in normal-weight participants. In contrast to the results in normal-weight subjects, oxytocin did not blunt postprandial glucose and insulin excursions in obese men, and moreover failed to enhance beta-cell responsivity and glucose tolerance. These results indicate that pronounced obesity may be associated with a certain degree of resistance to the glucoregulatory impact of exogenous oxytocin, and underlines the need for further investigations into the potential of oxytocin to improve glucose homeostasis in the clinical context.
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Affiliation(s)
- Swantje Brede
- Department of Internal Medicine I, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Sebastian Fehr
- Department of Internal Medicine I, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Chiara Dalla-Man
- Department of Information Engineering, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Claudio Cobelli
- Department of Information Engineering, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Hendrik Lehnert
- Department of Internal Medicine I, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
- German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD), Lübeck, Germany
| | - Manfred Hallschmid
- Department of Medical Psychology and Behavioural Neurobiology, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
- German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD), Tübingen, Germany
- Institute for Diabetes Research and Metabolic Diseases of the Helmholtz Center Munich at the University of Tübingen (IDM), Tübingen, Germany
| | - Johanna Klement
- Department of Internal Medicine I, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
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33
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Ding C, Leow MKS, Magkos F. Oxytocin in metabolic homeostasis: implications for obesity and diabetes management. Obes Rev 2019; 20:22-40. [PMID: 30253045 PMCID: PMC7888317 DOI: 10.1111/obr.12757] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2018] [Revised: 07/25/2018] [Accepted: 07/25/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Oxytocin was once understood solely as a neuropeptide with a central role in social bonding, reproduction, parturition, lactation and appetite regulation. Recent evidence indicates that oxytocin enhances glucose uptake and lipid utilization in adipose tissue and skeletal muscle, suggesting that dysfunction of the oxytocin system could underlie the pathogenesis of insulin resistance and dyslipidaemia. Murine studies revealed that deficiencies in oxytocin signalling and oxytocin receptor expression lead to obesity despite normal food intake, motor activity and increased leptin levels. In addition, plasma oxytocin concentration is notably lower in obese individuals with diabetes, which may suggest an involvement of the oxytocin system in the pathogenesis of cardiometabolic disease. More recently, small scale studies demonstrated that intranasal administration of oxytocin was associated with significant weight loss as well as improvements in insulin sensitivity and pancreatic β-cell responsivity in human subjects. The multi-pronged effects of oxytocin signalling on improving peripheral insulin sensitivity, pancreatic function and lipid homeostasis strongly suggest a role for this system as a therapeutic target in obesity and diabetes management. The complexity of obesity aetiology and the pathogenesis of obesity-related metabolic complications underscore the need for a systems approach to better understand the role of oxytocin in metabolic function.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Ding
- Clinical Nutrition Research Centre (CNRC), Singapore Institute for Clinical Sciences (SICS), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR) and National University Health System, Singapore
| | - M K-S Leow
- Clinical Nutrition Research Centre (CNRC), Singapore Institute for Clinical Sciences (SICS), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR) and National University Health System, Singapore.,Department of Endocrinology, Tan Tock Seng Hospital, Singapore.,Cardiovascular and Metabolic Disorders Program, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore.,Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
| | - F Magkos
- Clinical Nutrition Research Centre (CNRC), Singapore Institute for Clinical Sciences (SICS), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR) and National University Health System, Singapore.,Department of Physiology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore (NUS), Singapore
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Tyszkiewicz-Nwafor M, Rybakowski F, Dmitrzak-Weglarz M, Skibinska M, Paszynska E, Dutkiewicz A, Słopien A. Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor and Oxytocin Signaling in Association With Clinical Symptoms in Adolescent Inpatients With Anorexia Nervosa-A Longitudinal Study. Front Psychiatry 2019; 10:1032. [PMID: 32184739 PMCID: PMC7058805 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2019.01032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2019] [Accepted: 12/31/2019] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), as well as oxytocin (OXY), are centrally secreted neuropeptides regulating a range of physiological processes, including food intake and metabolism. Moreover, numerous reports suggest their role in affective and cognitive symptoms of various psychiatric disorders. Thus, the study aimed to measure the serum level of BDNF and its receptor-tropomyosin-related kinase B (TrkB) and OXY in the malnourished anorexia nervosa patients and following partial weight-recovery. The correlations between levels of these proteins with the primary symptoms of the anorexia nervosa (AN) were also analyzed. METHODOLOGY Eighty-four adolescent AN patients were recruited into the study, but only forty-two AN patients completed it. The control group comprises of thirty age- and height-matched girls (CG). Serum BDNF, TrkB, and OXY levels were measured in AN group in two time-points-at the beginning of the hospitalization in malnourished patients (AN-T1) and again after partial weight normalization, on the day of discharge (AN-T2). The severity of eating disorders, as well as depressive and obsessive-compulsive symptoms, were assessed at the same two-time points. RESULTS Body mass index (BMI) differed significantly between the AN-T1, AN-T2, and CG. BDNF levels for the AN-T2 increased significantly in comparison to the AN-T1, but at two-time points were significantly lower than in the CG. The OXY level did not change with weight gain and in both groups AN-T1 and AN-T2 were statistically significantly higher than in the CG. Statistically significant negative correlations between BDNF and the severity of eating disorders symptoms were found. Depressive and obsessive-compulsive symptoms did not show significant correlations with levels of studied proteins for either malnourished or partially weight recovered AN patients. CONCLUSIONS BDNF serum levels were decreased in the malnourished AN patients and tended to normalize with partial weight recovery. OXY serum levels were found to be increased in the malnourished AN patients and did not normalize with partial weight recovery, confirming previous reports about its role in the etiopathogenesis of AN. BDNF can be related to aberrant eating behaviors occurring in AN. Our results do not support the role of serum levels of BDNF, TrkB, or OXY in the modulation of depressive or obsessive-compulsive symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Tyszkiewicz-Nwafor
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland
| | - Filip Rybakowski
- Department Psychiatry, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland
| | | | - Maria Skibinska
- Department of Psychiatric Genetics, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland
| | - Elżbieta Paszynska
- Department of Integrated Dentistry, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland
| | - Agata Dutkiewicz
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland
| | - Agnieszka Słopien
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland
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Fazeli PK, Klibanski A. Effects of Anorexia Nervosa on Bone Metabolism. Endocr Rev 2018; 39:895-910. [PMID: 30165608 PMCID: PMC6226604 DOI: 10.1210/er.2018-00063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2018] [Accepted: 08/21/2018] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Anorexia nervosa is a psychiatric disease characterized by a low-weight state due to self-induced starvation. This disorder, which predominantly affects women, is associated with hormonal adaptations that minimize energy expenditure in the setting of low nutrient intake. These adaptations include GH resistance, functional hypothalamic amenorrhea, and nonthyroidal illness syndrome. Although these adaptations may be beneficial to short-term survival, they contribute to the significant and often persistent morbidity associated with this disorder, including bone loss, which affects >85% of women. We review the hormonal adaptions to undernutrition, review hormonal treatments that have been studied for both the underlying disorder as well as for the associated decreased bone mass, and discuss the important challenges that remain, including the lack of long-term treatments for bone loss in this chronic disorder and the fact that despite recovery, many individuals who experience bone loss as adolescents have chronic deficits and an increased risk of fracture in adulthood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pouneh K Fazeli
- Neuroendocrine Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Anne Klibanski
- Neuroendocrine Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The neurohormone oxytocin (OXT) impacts food intake as well as cognitive, emotional, and social functioning-all of which are central to eating disorder (ED) pathology across the weight spectrum. Here, we review findings on endogenous OXT levels and their relationship to ED pathology, the impact of exogenous OXT on mechanisms that drive ED presentation and chronicity, and the potential role of genetic predispositions in the OXT-ED link. RECENT FINDINGS Current findings suggest a role of the OXT system in the pathophysiology of anorexia nervosa. In individuals with bulimia nervosa, endogenous OXT levels were comparable to those of healthy controls, and exogenous OXT reduced food intake. Studies in other ED are lacking. However, genetic studies suggest a broad role of the OXT system in influencing ED pathology. Highlighting findings on why OXT represents a potential biomarker of and treatment target for ED, we advocate for a systematic research approach spanning the entire ED spectrum.
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Pataky Z, Guessous I, Caillon A, Golay A, Rohner-Jeanrenaud F, Altirriba J. Variable oxytocin levels in humans with different degrees of obesity and impact of gastric bypass surgery. Int J Obes (Lond) 2018; 43:1120-1124. [PMID: 30006581 DOI: 10.1038/s41366-018-0150-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2018] [Revised: 05/21/2018] [Accepted: 06/03/2018] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Exogenous oxytocin administration in obese mice, rats, and monkeys was shown to induce sustained weight loss, mostly due to a decrease in fat mass, accompanied by an improvement of glucose metabolism. A pilot study in obese humans confirmed the weight-reducing effect of oxytocin. Knowledge about circulating oxytocin levels in human obesity might help indicating which obese subjects could potentially benefit from an oxytocin treatment. Conclusive results on this topic are missing. The aim of this study was to measure circulating oxytocin levels in lean (n = 37) and obese (n = 72) individuals across a wide range of body mass index (BMI) values (18.5-60 kg/m2) and to determine the impact of pronounced body weight loss following gastric bypass surgery in 12 morbidly obese patients. We observed that oxytocin levels were unchanged in overweight and in class I and II obese subjects and only morbidly obese patients (obesity class III, BMI > 40 kg/m2) exhibited significantly higher levels than lean individuals, with no modification 1 year after gastric bypass surgery, despite substantial body weight loss. In conclusion, morbidly obese subjects present elevated oxytocin levels which were unaltered following pronounced weight loss.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zoltan Pataky
- Service of Therapeutic Education for Chronic Diseases, WHO Collaborating Centre, University Hospitals of Geneva and University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Idris Guessous
- Unit of Population Epidemiology, Department of Community Medicine, Primary Care and Emergency Medicine, Division of Primary Care Medicine, Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Aurélie Caillon
- Laboratory of Metabolism, Department of Medicine Specialties, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Alain Golay
- Service of Therapeutic Education for Chronic Diseases, WHO Collaborating Centre, University Hospitals of Geneva and University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Françoise Rohner-Jeanrenaud
- Laboratory of Metabolism, Department of Medicine Specialties, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Jordi Altirriba
- Laboratory of Metabolism, Department of Medicine Specialties, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland.
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Zaidi M, New MI, Blair HC, Zallone A, Baliram R, Davies TF, Cardozo C, Iqbal J, Sun L, Rosen CJ, Yuen T. Actions of pituitary hormones beyond traditional targets. J Endocrinol 2018; 237:R83-R98. [PMID: 29555849 PMCID: PMC5924585 DOI: 10.1530/joe-17-0680] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2018] [Accepted: 03/19/2018] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Studies over the past decade have challenged the long-held belief that pituitary hormones have singular functions in regulating specific target tissues, including master hormone secretion. Our discovery of the action of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) on bone provided the first glimpse into the non-traditional functions of pituitary hormones. Here we discuss evolving experimental and clinical evidence that growth hormone (GH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH), prolactin, oxytocin and arginine vasopressin (AVP) regulate bone and other target tissues, such as fat. Notably, genetic and pharmacologic FSH suppression increases bone mass and reduces body fat, laying the framework for targeting the FSH axis for treating obesity and osteoporosis simultaneously with a single agent. Certain 'pituitary' hormones, such as TSH and oxytocin, are also expressed in bone cells, providing local paracrine and autocrine networks for the regulation of bone mass. Overall, the continuing identification of new roles for pituitary hormones in biology provides an entirely new layer of physiologic circuitry, while unmasking new therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mone Zaidi
- The Mount Sinai Bone Program, Department of Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
- Correspondence: Mone Zaidi, MD, PhD, The Mount Sinai Bone Program, Department of Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, One Gustave L Levy Place, Box 1055, New York, NY 10029;
| | - Maria I. New
- The Mount Sinai Bone Program, Department of Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Harry C. Blair
- The Pittsburgh VA Medical Center and Departments of Pathology and of Cell Biology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Alberta Zallone
- Department of Histology, University of Bari, 70121 Bari, Italy
| | - Ramkumarie Baliram
- The Mount Sinai Bone Program, Department of Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Terry F. Davies
- The Mount Sinai Bone Program, Department of Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Christopher Cardozo
- The Mount Sinai Bone Program, Department of Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - James Iqbal
- The Mount Sinai Bone Program, Department of Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Li Sun
- The Mount Sinai Bone Program, Department of Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | | | - Tony Yuen
- The Mount Sinai Bone Program, Department of Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
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Miller J. The potential of oxytocin for the treatment of hyperphagia in Prader-Willi Syndrome. Expert Opin Orphan Drugs 2018. [DOI: 10.1080/21678707.2018.1451326] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Miller
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Endocrinology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
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Oxytocin curbs calorie intake via food-specific increases in the activity of brain areas that process reward and establish cognitive control. Sci Rep 2018; 8:2736. [PMID: 29426874 PMCID: PMC5807408 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-20963-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2017] [Accepted: 01/26/2018] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The hypothalamic neurohormone oxytocin decreases food intake via largely unexplored mechanisms. We investigated the central nervous mediation of oxytocin's hypophagic effect in comparison to its impact on the processing of generalized rewards. Fifteen fasted normal-weight, young men received intranasal oxytocin (24 IU) or placebo before functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) measurements of brain activity during exposure to food stimuli and a monetary incentive delay task (MID). Subsequently, ad-libitum breakfast intake was assessed. Oxytocin compared to placebo increased activity in the ventromedial prefrontal cortex, supplementary motor area, anterior cingulate, and ventrolateral prefrontal cortices in response to high- vs. low-calorie food images in the fasted state, and reduced calorie intake by 12%. During anticipation of monetary rewards, oxytocin compared to placebo augmented striatal, orbitofrontal and insular activity without altering MID performance. We conclude that during the anticipation of generalized rewards, oxytocin stimulates dopaminergic reward-processing circuits. In contrast, oxytocin restrains food intake by enhancing the activity of brain regions that exert cognitive control, while concomitantly increasing the activity of structures that process food reward value. This pattern points towards a specific role of oxytocin in the regulation of eating behaviour in humans that might be of relevance for potential clinical applications.
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Maestrini S, Mele C, Mai S, Vietti R, Di Blasio A, Castello L, Surico D, Aimaretti G, Scacchi M, Marzullo P. Plasma Oxytocin Concentration in Pre- and Postmenopausal Women: Its Relationship with Obesity, Body Composition and Metabolic Variables. Obes Facts 2018; 11:429-439. [PMID: 30372704 PMCID: PMC6257199 DOI: 10.1159/000492001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2017] [Accepted: 07/10/2018] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the relationship between oxytocin, menopause and obesity. METHODS A cross-sectional analysis on 56 obese (OB; 28 premenopausal) and 53 normal-weight women (NW; 27 premenopausal) was performed by measurement of oxytocin, leptin, adiponectin, gonadotropins, sex steroids, glucose, and lipid homeostasis as well as DXA assessment of fat mass (%FM) and fat-free mass (FFM). RESULTS Women from NW and OB groups were comparable for age but differed in anthropometric measures. In our cohorts, menopause was not associated with changes in gluco-lipid homeostasis and %FM, while FFM was lower in postmenopausal women from both study groups (p < 0.05). In each group, leptin was unaltered, and adiponectin only marginally changed across menopause, while oxytocin levels were lower in post- than in premenopausal women (NW: p < 0.05; OB: p < 0.005), and lower in OB than NW women, either when assessed as whole groups or if stratified by menopause (p < 0.001). In correlation analysis, inverse associations related oxytocin to menopause, obesity, and adiposity-related measures. BMI (p < 0.0001) and menopause independently predicted oxytocin levels (p < 0.001), but their interaction was null (p = 0.5). CONCLUSIONS Obesity and menopause are independent negative predictors of plasma oxytocin. Longitudinal studies should clarify the role of oxytocin on weight modifications experienced around and after menopause.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabrina Maestrini
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, I.R.C.C.S. Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Ospedale S. Giuseppe, Verbania, Italy
| | - Chiara Mele
- Division of General Medicine, I.R.C.C.S. Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Ospedale S. Giuseppe, Verbania, Italy
- Department of Translational Medicine, Università del Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
| | - Stefania Mai
- Laboratory of Metabolic Research, I.R.C.C.S. Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Ospedale S. Giuseppe, Verbania, Italy
| | - Roberta Vietti
- Laboratory of Metabolic Research, I.R.C.C.S. Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Ospedale S. Giuseppe, Verbania, Italy
| | - Annamaria Di Blasio
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, I.R.C.C.S. Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Ospedale S. Giuseppe, Verbania, Italy
| | - Luigi Castello
- Department of Translational Medicine, Università del Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
| | - Daniela Surico
- Department of Translational Medicine, Università del Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
| | - Gianluca Aimaretti
- Department of Translational Medicine, Università del Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
| | - Massimo Scacchi
- Division of General Medicine, I.R.C.C.S. Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Ospedale S. Giuseppe, Verbania, Italy
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Paolo Marzullo
- Division of General Medicine, I.R.C.C.S. Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Ospedale S. Giuseppe, Verbania, Italy
- Department of Translational Medicine, Università del Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
- *Paolo Marzullo, MD, PhD, Department of Translational Medicine, Università del Piemonte Orientale, Via Solaroli 17, Novara, 28100 Italy,
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Giel K, Zipfel S, Hallschmid M. Oxytocin and Eating Disorders: A Narrative Review on Emerging Findings and Perspectives. Curr Neuropharmacol 2018; 16:1111-1121. [PMID: 29189166 PMCID: PMC6187754 DOI: 10.2174/1570159x15666171128143158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2017] [Revised: 08/27/2017] [Accepted: 11/23/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The hypothalamic neuropeptide oxytocin regulates reproductive behavior and mother-infant interaction, and conclusive studies in humans indicate that oxytocin is also a potent modulator of psychosocial function. Pilot experiments have yielded first evidence that this neuropeptide moreover influences eating behavior. METHODS We briefly summarize currently available studies on the involvement of the oxytocin system in the pathophysiology of eating disorders, as well as on the effects of oxytocin administration in patients with these disorders. RESULTS Brain administration of oxytocin in animals with normal weight, but also with diet-induced or genetically induced obesity, attenuates food intake and reduces body weight. In normal-weight and obese individuals, acute intranasal oxytocin delivery curbs calorie intake from main dishes and snacks. Such effects might converge with the poignant social and cognitive impact of oxytocin to also improve dysfunctional eating behavior in the therapeutic context. This assumption has received support in first studies showing that oxytocin might play a role in the disease process of anorexia nervosa. In contrast, respective experiments in patients with bulimia nervosa and binge eating disorder are still scarce. CONCLUSIONS We propose a framework of oxytocin's role and its therapeutic potential in eating disorders that aims at integrating social and metabolic aspects of its pharmacological profile, and ponder perspectives and limitations of oxytocin use in the clinical setting.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Manfred Hallschmid
- Address correspondence to this author at the Department of Medical
Psychology and Behavioral Neurobiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tuebingen, 72076 Tuebingen, Germany; Tel/Fax: ++49-7071-29-88925, +49-7071-29-25016; E-mail:
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Activity-based anorexia activates nesfatin-1 immunoreactive neurons in distinct brain nuclei of female rats. Brain Res 2017; 1677:33-46. [DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2017.09.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2017] [Revised: 07/25/2017] [Accepted: 09/20/2017] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
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Abstract
Oxytocin, a hypothalamic hormone that is secreted directly into the brain and enters the peripheral circulation through the posterior pituitary gland, regulates a range of physiologic processes, including eating behaviour and metabolism. In rodents and nonhuman primates, chronic oxytocin administration leads to sustained weight reduction by reducing food intake, increasing energy expenditure and inducing lipolysis. Oxytocin might improve glucose homeostasis, independently of its effects on weight. Clinical studies are beginning to translate these important preclinical findings to humans. This Review describes key data linking oxytocin to eating behaviour and metabolism in humans. For example, a single intranasal dose of oxytocin can reduce caloric intake, increase fat oxidation and improve insulin sensitivity in men. Furthermore, a pilot study of 8 weeks of oxytocin treatment in adults with obesity or overweight led to substantial weight loss. Together, these data support further investigation of interventions that target pathways involving oxytocin as potential therapeutics in metabolic disorders, including obesity and diabetes mellitus. Therapeutic considerations and areas for further research are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth A Lawson
- Neuroendocrine Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital, 55 Fruit Street, Bulfinch 457 D, Boston, Massachusetts 02114, USA
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