Divergent effects of central melanocortin signalling on fat and sucrose preference in humans.

Melanocortin-4-receptor (MC4R)-expressing neurons modulate food intake and preference in rodents but their role in human food preference is unknown. Here we show that compared with lean and weight-matched controls, MC4R deficient individuals exhibited a markedly increased preference for high fat, but a significantly reduced preference for high sucrose food. These effects mirror those in Mc4r null rodents and provide evidence for a central molecular circuit influencing human macronutrient preference.

Role of melanocortin signalling in the preference for dietary macronutrients in human beings.

Background: Signalling though the melanocortin 4 receptor (MC4R), which is widely expressed in the hypothalamus, mediates food intake and macronutrient preference in rodents. Studies in patients with MC4R deficiency can provide insights into the role of this pathway in man. We investigated the role of melanocortin signalling in fat and sucrose preference in human beings by studying patients with loss of function mutations in MC4R.

High protein intake stimulates postprandial GLP1 and PYY release.

Objective: Meals high in protein induce greater intermeal satiety than meals high in fat and carbohydrates. We studied the gut hormone response and subsequent food intake after breakfasts high in protein, carbohydrate or high in fat controlled for volume, calories and appearance.

Design And Methods: Eight healthy volunteers participated in this randomized three-way crossover study.