Abstract
BackgroundObesity is a result of a relative excess in energy intake over energy expenditure. These processes are controlled by genetic, environmental, psychological and biological factors. One of the factors involved in the regulation of food intake and satiety is dopaminergic signalling. A small number of studies have reported that striatal dopamine D2/D3 receptor [D2/3R] availability is lower in morbidly obese subjects.MethodsTo confirm the role of D2/3R in obesity, we measured striatal D2/3R availability, using [123I]IBZM SPECT, in 15 obese women and 15 non-obese controls.ResultsStriatal D2/3R availability was 23% (p = 0.028) lower in obese compared with non-obese women.ConclusionThis study is an independent replication of the finding that severely obese subjects have lower striatal D2/3R availability. Our findings invigorate the evidence for lower striatal D2/3R availability in obesity and confirm the role of the striatal dopaminergic reward system in obesity.
Highlights
Obesity is a result of a relative excess in energy intake over energy expenditure
Obesity is the result of an imbalance between energy intake and energy expenditure, and these processes are normally controlled by genetic, environmental, psychological and biological factors
The protocol was approved by the ethics committee of the Academic Medical Center of Amsterdam
Summary
Obesity is a result of a relative excess in energy intake over energy expenditure. These processes are controlled by genetic, environmental, psychological and biological factors. One of the factors involved in the regulation of food intake and satiety is dopaminergic signalling. The prevalence of obesity (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2) in the USA is over 30% among adults [1]. This leads to a substantial increase in obesity-related diseases and costs. Obesity is the result of an imbalance between energy intake and energy expenditure, and these processes are normally controlled by genetic, environmental, psychological and biological factors. A role for several neurotransmitters and hormones has been proposed (for a review, see the study of Volkow et al [3])
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