Neuroendokrine Regulation des menschlichen Energiestoffwechsels

Obesity represents a global and steadily increasing problem in our modern society. The regulation of human energy metabolism is complex and subject to classical homeostatic and (neuro)endocrine factors, as well as reward-associated and predisposing (epi)genetic factors. Homeostatically regulated systems must constantly and flexibly adapt to daily changes via positive and negative feedback mechanisms. The brain, in particular the core areas of the hypothalamus, represents a central switching point. Signals from the body periphery, such as gastrointestinal peptide hormones (e.g., ghrelin, glucagon-like peptide 1 [GLP-1], and glucose-dependent insulinotropic peptide [GIP]) or adipokines from the adipose tissue, but also energy substrates (e.g., free fatty acids and glucose), are integrated in these brain regions and serve as the actual value of the energy status, which is then compared with the target value. This homeostatic integral is also modulated by other factors such as reward-associated afferents from the limbic system, stress, or chronobiological signals in order to optimally adjust energy supply and energy export to the requirements of the organism.