L-cysteine suppresses ghrelin and reduces appetite in rodents and humans.

ABSTRACT:

Background

High-protein diets promote weight loss and subsequent weight maintenance, but are difficult to adhere to. The mechanisms by which protein exerts these effects remain unclear. However, the amino acids produced by protein digestion may have a role in driving protein-induced satiety.

Methods

We tested the effects of a range of amino acids on food intake in rodents and identified l-cysteine as the most anorexigenic. Using rodents we further studied the effect of l-cysteine on food intake, behaviour and energy expenditure. We proceeded to investigate its effect on neuronal activation in the hypothalamus and brainstem before investigating its effect on gastric emptying and gut hormone release. The effect of l-cysteine on appetite scores and gut hormone release was then

SUBMITTER: McGavigan AK 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4276721 | biostudies-literature | 2015 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature