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(Reference retrieved automatically from Web of Science through information on FAPESP grant and its corresponding number as mentioned in the publication by the authors.)

Oral Leucine Supplementation Is Sensed by the Brain but neither Reduces Food Intake nor Induces an Anorectic Pattern of Gene Expression in the Hypothalamus

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Author(s):
Zampieri, Thais T. [1] ; Pedroso, Joao A. B. [1] ; Furigo, Isadora C. [1] ; Tirapegui, Julio [2] ; Donato, Jr., Jose [1]
Total Authors: 5
Affiliation:
[1] Univ Sao Paulo, Dept Physiol & Biophys, Inst Biomed Sci, Sao Paulo - Brazil
[2] Univ Sao Paulo, Dept Food Sci & Expt Nutr, Fac Pharmaceut Sci, Sao Paulo - Brazil
Total Affiliations: 2
Document type: Journal article
Source: PLoS One; v. 8, n. 12 DEC 13 2013.
Web of Science Citations: 15
Abstract

Leucine activates the intracellular mammalian target of the rapamycin (mTOR) pathway, and hypothalamic mTOR signaling regulates food intake. Although central infusion of leucine reduces food intake, it is still uncertain whether oral leucine supplementation is able to affect the hypothalamic circuits that control energy balance. We observed increased phosphorylation of p70s6k in the mouse hypothalamus after an acute oral gavage of leucine. We then assessed whether acute oral gavage of leucine induces the activation of neurons in several hypothalamic nuclei and in the brainstem. Leucine did not induce the expression of Fos in hypothalamic nuclei, but it increased the number of Fos-immunoreactive neurons in the area postrema. In addition, oral gavage of leucine acutely increased the 24 h food intake of mice. Nonetheless, chronic leucine supplementation in the drinking water did not change the food intake and the weight gain of ob/ob mice and of wild-type mice consuming a low- or a high-fat diet. We assessed the hypothalamic gene expression and observed that leucine supplementation increased the expression of enzymes (BCAT1, BCAT2 and BCKDK) that metabolize branched-chain amino acids. Despite these effects, leucine supplementation did not induce an anorectic pattern of gene expression in the hypothalamus. In conclusion, our data show that the brain is able to sense oral leucine intake. However, the food intake is not modified by chronic oral leucine supplementation. These results question the possible efficacy of leucine supplementation as an appetite suppressant to treat obesity. (AU)

FAPESP's process: 12/15517-6 - Involvment of molecular factors in metabolic changes during pregnancy: role of SOCS3
Grantee:Thais Tessari Zampieri
Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate
FAPESP's process: 10/18086-0 - Molecular basis of leptin resistance
Grantee:Jose Donato Junior
Support Opportunities: Research Grants - Young Investigators Grants