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Brain reward-system activation in response to anticipation and consumption of palatable food is altered by glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor activation in humans
The interplay between brain mechanisms and food consumption is a crucial area of investigation, particularly for managing obesity. This study evaluates the role of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor activation in modulating anticipatory and consummatory food rewards. The research involved a sample of 48 participants, including obese subjects with type 2 diabetes and both obese and lean individuals with normal glucose metabolism. Each participant underwent three separate functional MRI (fMRI) sessions where they received either the GLP-1 receptor agonist exenatide, exenatide preceded by GLP-1 receptor blockade using exendin-9-39, or a placebo, while controlling for somatostatin levels.
Results indicated a notable negative correlation between body mass index (BMI) and brain activity associated with the receipt of chocolate milk, alongside a positive correlation with brain activity relating to the anticipation of receiving the same reward. When administered exenatide, there was an increase in brain responses to the consumption of chocolate milk and a decrease in the anticipation of this reward compared to the placebo condition. This response was associated with a subsequent reduction in food intake. Notably, the effects observed with exenatide were largely nullified by the administration of exendin-9-39.
In summary, the data suggest that activating GLP-1 receptors effectively diminishes the anticipation of food rewards while enhancing the experience of actual consumption, potentially leading to decreased cravings and preventing overeating. These findings underline the promising implications of GLP-1 receptor modulation in the context of obesity management.
Year: 2015
