Researchers at Brown University and Rhode Island Hospital say that inhibiting an enzyme called Sirt1 in the brain appears to help reduce food intake, a finding that potentially lays the foundation for new obesity treatments. The study, published in the journal PLoS ONE, suggests that Sirt1 behaves differently in the brain than in organs, such as the liver and pancreas, where other studies have focused.

 

The researchers, who also identified specific brain receptors where Sirt1 induced eating in rats, expect that a similar mechanism operates in humans.

 

The discovery of Sirt1's action in the brain runs counter to its action in other parts of the body. Earlier studies suggest that activating Sirt1 through fasting or drinking red wine can have health benefits. Conversely, in the brain, Sirt1 inhibition may help keep people losing weight by reducing their food intake.

 

The potential for calorie-restriction plans and red-wine drinking to help people live healthier and longer lives has kept scientists and drug companies alike fascinated with Sirt1 for years. Despite a multitude of studies, claims that such actions can increase production of the Sirt1 enzyme and human longevity remain controversial, says Eduardo Nillni, the Brown study’s lead author.

 

Next up, Nillni says more work should be done to investigate whether or how the brain pathways involving Sirt1 and food intake are affected in obese animals.