Effects of MCH and a MCH1-receptor antagonist on (palatable) food and water intake

Melanin concentrating hormone (MCH) is a regulator of ingestive behavior, but several issues regarding its effects on specific components of ingestive behavior remain to be elucidated. Therefore, we injected, in the 3rd ventricle of male Wistar rats, saline, MCH (5 mu g), MCH (5 mu g) together with a MCH1-R antagonist (A, 10 mu g) and the antagonist alone (A, 10 mu g). Our results show that (1) central administration of MCH stimulates food intake (lab chow and medium high fat diet) and this can be blocked by a MCH1-R antagonist; (2) the MCH-induced increase in food intake is mediated through increased meal number, meal duration and meal size; (3) the MCH1-R antagonist is able to significantly reduce the intake of a highly palatable food (condensed sweet milk) and is more effective in blocking MCH-induced food intake when rats are fed a palatable medium high fat food; and (4) MCH stimulated water intake independently from and disproportionately to food intake. In conclusion, our results point to an involvement of endogenous MCH in the enhanced intake of palatable food. Furthermore, they confirm that MCH stimulates not only food intake but also water intake. (c) 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved

Current and Future Drug Targets in Weight Management

Obesity will continue to be one of the leading causes of chronic disease unless the ongoing rise in the prevalence of this condition is reversed. Accumulating morbidity figures and a shortage of effective drugs have generated substantial research activity with several molecular targets being investigated. However, pharmacological modulation of body weight is extremely complex, since it is essentially a battle against one of the strongest human instincts and highly efficient mechanisms of energy uptake and storage. This review provides an overview of the different molecular strategies intended to lower body weight or adipose tissue mass. Weight-loss drugs in development include molecules intended to reduce the absorption of lipids from the GI tract, various ways to limit food intake, and compounds that increase energy expenditure or reduce adipose tissue size. A number of new preparations, including combinations of the existing drugs topiramate plus phentermine, bupropion plus naltrexone, and the selective 5-HT2C agonist lorcaserin have recently been filed for approval. Behind these leading candidates are several other potentially promising compounds and combinations currently undergoing phase II and III testing. Some interesting targets further on the horizon are also discussed

Gender differences in the use of cardiovascular interventions in HIV-positive persons; the D:A:D Study

Peer reviewe

Riverine drift communities during larval fish dispersal over multiple recruitment years

Predation during the downstream dispersal of larval stages represents a major recruitment bottleneck for fish populations. The co-occurrence of other organisms in river drift may reduce predation, but our knowledge of the factors influencing the composition and abundance of drift communities during post-hatch dispersal of larval fish remain limited. A multi-year (2011-2018) study was conducted to investigate abiotic factors influencing drift communities during larval lake sturgeon (Acipenser fulvescens) dispersal in the Upper Black River (Cheboygan, MI, USA). Cumulative water temperature was a strong predictor of drift for larval lake sturgeon, suckers (Catostomidae) and macroinvertebrates, with reduced macroinvertebrate drift during lunar phases with higher lunar illumination. Nights with a new moon had on average, three times the drifting macroinvertebrate biomass as nights during a full moon, with Heptageniidae and Isonychiidae displaying higher abundances during lower light conditions. Favorable conditions for other taxa to reduce larval lake sturgeon predation through predator swamping were common, though variability in timing (overlap between drifting taxa), biomass, and abundances likely alters the strength of such effects among years. A better understanding of the conditions influencing drifting communities during larval fish dispersal may assist in predicting larval mortality and year-class strength for managed fish populations