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Oxytocin and Vasopressin Systems in Obesity and Metabolic Health: Mechanisms and Perspectives

  • Metabolism (M Dalamaga, Section Editor)
  • Published:
Current Obesity Reports Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Purpose of Review

The neurohypophysial endocrine system is identified here as a potential target for therapeutic interventions toward improving obesity-related metabolic dysfunction, given its coinciding pleiotropic effects on psychological, neurological and metabolic systems that are disrupted in obesity.

Recent Findings

Copeptin, the C-terminal portion of the precursor of arginine-vasopressin, is positively associated with body mass index and risk of type 2 diabetes. Plasma oxytocin is decreased in obesity and several other conditions of abnormal glucose homeostasis. Recent data also show non-classical tissues, such as myocytes, hepatocytes and β-cells, exhibit responses to oxytocin and vasopressin receptor binding that may contribute to alterations in metabolic function.

Summary

The modulation of anorexigenic and orexigenic pathways appears to be the dominant mechanism underlying the effects of oxytocin and vasopressin on body weight regulation; however, there are apparent limitations associated with their use in direct pharmacological applications. A clearer picture of their wider physiological effects is needed before either system can be considered for therapeutic use.

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Abbreviations

AP:

Area postrema

AVP:

Arginine-vasopressin

BAT:

Brown adipose tissue

BMI:

Body mass index

CRH:

Corticotropin-releasing hormone

CSF:

Cerebrospinal fluid

DI:

Diabetes insipidus

HOMA:

Homeostasis model assessment

HPA:

Hypothalamus–pituitary–adrenal

HRmax:

Maximum heart rate

IRAP:

Insulin-regulated aminopeptidase/leucyl/cystinyl aminopeptidase

NPY:

Neuropeptide Y

NTS:

Nucleus tractus solitarius

OXT:

Oxytocin

PVN:

Paraventricular nucleus

RMR:

Resting metabolic rate

SAT:

Subcutaneous adipose tissue

SON:

Suprachiasmatic nucleus

T2DM:

Type 2 diabetes mellitus

TUG:

Tether containing UBX domain for GLUT4

VAT:

Visceral adipose tissue

WAT:

White adipose tissue

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Singapore, Singapore

    Cherlyn Ding

  2. Department of Nutrition, Exercise and Sports—Section of Obesity Research, Faculty of Science, University of Copenhagen, Rolighedsvej 26, 1958 Frederiksberg C; Building 2-85, Room H134, Copenhagen, Denmark

    Faidon Magkos

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  1. Cherlyn Ding
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CD reviewed the literature and drafted the manuscript. FM edited the manuscript. Both authors approved the version submitted for publication.

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Correspondence to Faidon Magkos.

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Ding, C., Magkos, F. Oxytocin and Vasopressin Systems in Obesity and Metabolic Health: Mechanisms and Perspectives. Curr Obes Rep 8, 301–316 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/s13679-019-00355-z

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