TO BRAIN OR NOT TO BRAIN: evaluating the possible direct effects of oleoylethanolamide in the central nervous system
| Componente | Categoria |
|---|---|
| Adele Romano | Componenti strutturati del gruppo di ricerca / Structured participants in the research project |
| Barbara Eramo | Dottorando/Assegnista/Specializzando componente non strutturato del gruppo di ricerca / PhD/Assegnista/Specializzando member non structured of the research group |
| Annabella Vitalone | Componenti strutturati del gruppo di ricerca / Structured participants in the research project |
| Caterina Scuderi | Componenti strutturati del gruppo di ricerca / Structured participants in the research project |
| Paola Casolini | Componenti strutturati del gruppo di ricerca / Structured participants in the research project |
By activating PPAR-alpha receptors, oleoylethanolamide (OEA) acts as a gut-derived signal that regulates feeding behavior and metabolism. These effects are attracting a great attention, suggesting that OEA might be a potential target for novel therapies against obesity and eating disorders.
Preclinical and clinical observations suggest that the pharmacological effects of OEA on energy homeostasis are highly specific and mostly peripheral, although the involvement of central pathways was also demonstrated. These include noradrenergic, histaminergic and oxytocinergic systems of the brainstem and the hypothalamus that are involved in mediating OEA¿s effects on feeding behaviour. Whether these effects are directly induced by OEA permeating the brain parenchyma is still highly debated. Understanding this aspect is of importance to elucidate the pharmacological mode of action on this molecule and evaluate its potential benefits for the treatment of other pathologies often associated to obesity and eating disorders, such as neurodegenerative conditions and neuropsychiatric
pathologies, including anxiety and depression.
The aim of the present project is to elucidate whether OEA can permeate the brain from the circumventricular organs, and directly act at these sites modulating specific molecular targets.