Scientists discover protein that steers eating behavior based on what you eat
Researchers have identified how LEAP2, a liver protein, shifts in response to diet and influences impulse control and food cravings—with implications for obesity treatment. The finding suggests that manipulating this protein could reshape how people make food choices, opening a new avenue for pharmaceutical intervention in weight management.
Originaltitel: LEAP2 is associated with impulsivity and reward sensitivity depending on the nutritional status and decreases with protein intake in humans
<p> Aim</p><p>Liver-expressed antimicrobial peptide 2 (LEAP2) dynamics in human plasma and its association with feeding behaviour remain poorly understood. Therefore, this study aims: (a) to investigate fasting LEAP2 in participants with normal weight or with overweight or mild obesity (OW/OB); (b) to study the association between fasting LEAP2 and anthropometric and metabolic traits, feeding behaviour, <em>LEAP2</em> genetic variants and blood cell DNA methylation status; and (c) to ascertain postprandial changes in LEAP2 after high protein intake and the association with feeding behaviour and food intake.</p><p>Methods</p><p>Anthropometric and behavioural measures, genotyping, methylation profiling, plasma glucose and LEAP2 concentrations were assessed in 327 females and males. A subgroup of 123 participants received an <em>ad libitum</em> high-protein meal, and postprandial LEAP2 concentration and behavioural measures were assessed.</p><p>Results</p><p>LEAP2 concentration was higher in participants with OW/OB (<em>p</em> < 0.001) and in females (<em>p</em> < 0.001), and was associated with LEAP2 single nucleotide polymorphisms rs765760 (<em>p</em> = 0.012) and rs803223 (<em>p</em> = 0.019), but not with <em>LEAP2</em> methylation status. LEAP2 concentration was directly related to glycaemia (<em>p</em> = 0.001) and fullness (<em>p</em> = 0.003) in participants with normal weight, whereas it was associated with body mass index (<em>p</em> = 0.018), waist circumference (<em>p</em> = 0.014) and motor impulsivity in participants with OW/OB (<em>p</em> = 0.005). A negative association with reward responsiveness was observed in participants with OW/OB (<em>p</em> = 0.023). LEAP2 concentration was inversely associated with food intake (<em>p</em> = 0.034) and decreased after a high-protein meal (<em>p</em> < 0.001), particularly in women (<em>p</em> = 0.002).</p><p>Conclusion</p><p>Increased LEAP2 in participants with OW/OB is associated with behavioural characteristics of obesity. Our results show sexual dimorphism in LEAP2 concentration before and after food intake and highlight the role of LEAP2 in feeding regulation.</p>