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Role of NPY in Brown Adipocytes and Obesity

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Abstract

Neuropeptide Y (NPY) plays an important role in maintaining energy homeostasis. Within the hypothalamus, Npy is primarily expressed in the arcuate nucleus (Arc) and the dorsomedial hypothalamus (DMH). ARC NPY acts as an orexigenic neuromodulator integrating energy-related systemic signals (such as the adiposity signal leptin) to modulate food intake and energy balance. In contrast, DMH NPY acts independently of leptin. In addition to its feeding effects, DMH NPY has specific actions on brown adipocyte formation and thermoregulation. Knockdown of NPY in the DMH promotes development of brown adipocytes in white adipose tissue and increases brown adipocyte activity, leading to increased energy expenditure and lowered fat contents. DMH NPY knockdown prevents high-fat diet-induced obesity. Peripheral NPY also directly acts on adipose tissue and promotes white adipogenesis. Overall, NPY plays critical roles in the control of energy balance through affecting food intake, body adiposity, and energy expenditure. These actions provide evidence for the potential target(s) for combatting obesity and diabetes.

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Acknowledgments

This work was supported by the US National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases Grants DK074269 and DK087888.

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Bi, S. (2013). Role of NPY in Brown Adipocytes and Obesity. In: Cao, Y. (eds) Angiogenesis in Adipose Tissue. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4614-8069-3_9

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