Scientists find appetite-fighting hormore

WASHINGTON – Scientists have discovered a biological brake for a hunger hormone: a competing hormone that seems to counter the urge to eat.

The substance, named obestatin, has been tested just in laboratory rats so far. But if it pans out, the discovery of the dueling hormones could lead not only to a new appetite suppressant, but also help unravel the complex ways that the body regulates weight.

It turns out that the same gene sparks production of the two opposing hormones, Stanford University researchers say in today’s edition of the journal Science.

“It is an unexpected but very, very intriguing finding,” said Matthias Tschop of the University of Cincinnati, who reviewed the work. “It seems counterintuitive that Mother Nature would press on the brake and gas pedal at the same time.”

Years of additional research lie ahead to see whether obestatin might work as an appetite suppressor. Other weight-related hormones announced to great fanfare, such as leptin, have yet to lead to obesity treatments, and scientists now know that dozens of hormones probably are involved in the balancing act of weight gain and loss.

But with one-third of American adults obese and only a few prescription drugs providing modest weight-loss help, every new clue generates intense interest.

“Obese patients shouldn’t get their hopes up yet,” Tschop said.

Among the crucial questions to be answered is whether obestatin made the rats eat less not because it directly suppressed their appetite but because it made them feel ill.