摘要: Obesity is taking on pandemic proportions. The laws of thermodynamics, however, remain unchanged, as energy will be stored if less expended than consumed; the storage usually in form adipose tissue. Several neural, humeral and psychological factors control complex process known appetite. Recently, a close evolutionary relationship between gut brain has become apparent. hormones regulate important gastrointestinal functions such motility, secretion, absorption, provide feedback to central nervous system availability nutrients may play part regulating food intake. Peptide YY (PYY) thirty-six amino acid peptide related neuropeptide Y (NPY) co-secreted with glucagon-like 1. Produced by intestinal L-cells, highest tissue concentrations PYY are found distal segments tract, although it present throughout gut. Following intake released into circulation. proportional meal content peak plasma levels appear postprandially after 1 h. PYY3-36 major both mucosal endocrine cells Peripheral administration inhibits for several hours rodents man. binding Y2 receptor leads an inhibition NPY neurones possible reciprocal stimulation pro-opiomelanocortin neurones. Thus, appears providing powerful hypothalamic circuits. effect been demonstrated at physiological and, therefore, everyday regulation