Diabetes, Metabolic Syndrome and Obesity (Sep 2022)

Effects of the POMC System on Glucose Homeostasis and Potential Therapeutic Targets for Obesity and Diabetes

  • Yang D,
  • Hou X,
  • Yang G,
  • Li M,
  • Zhang J,
  • Han M,
  • Zhang Y,
  • Liu Y

Journal volume & issue
Vol. Volume 15
pp. 2939 – 2950

Abstract

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Dan Yang,1,2 Xintong Hou,1,2 Guimei Yang,1,2 Mengnan Li,1,2 Jian Zhang,1,2 Minmin Han,1,2 Yi Zhang,3 Yunfeng Liu1 1Department of Endocrinology, First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, People’s Republic of China; 2First Clinical Medical College, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, People’s Republic of China; 3Department of Pharmacology, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, People’s Republic of ChinaCorrespondence: Yi Zhang, Department of Pharmacology, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, People’s Republic of China, Email [email protected] Yunfeng Liu, Department of Endocrinology, First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, People’s Republic of China, Tel +86 18703416196, Email [email protected]: The hypothalamus is indispensable in energy regulation and glucose homeostasis. Previous studies have shown that pro-opiomelanocortin neurons receive both central neuronal signals, such as α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone, β-endorphin, and adrenocorticotropic hormone, as well as sense peripheral signals such as leptin, insulin, adiponectin, glucagon-like peptide-1, and glucagon-like peptide-2, affecting glucose metabolism through their corresponding receptors and related signaling pathways. Abnormalities in these processes can lead to obesity, type 2 diabetes, and other metabolic diseases. However, the mechanisms by which these signal molecules fulfill their role remain unclear. Consequently, in this review, we explored the mechanisms of these hormones and signals on obesity and diabetes to suggest potential therapeutic targets for obesity-related metabolic diseases. Multi-drug combination therapy for obesity and diabetes is becoming a trend and requires further research to help patients to better control their blood glucose and improve their prognosis.Keywords: POMC neurons, central signals, peripheral signals, glucose homeostasis, obesity, diabetes

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