Proopiomelanocortin (POMC) and obesity: pathogenesis and perspectives
Abstract
Introduction: Although obesity is related to the modern lifestyle, it is significantly influenced by genetic factors. The activation of hypothalamic neurons that express POMC (pro-opiomelanocortin) by binding to the hormone leptin is one of the genetic pathways of interest in terms of body weight regulation. Objective: to present the role of POMC in satiety control, relate mutations in this gene to non-syndromic obesity and present possible treatments. Materials and methods: based on scientific articles, books, dissertations and theses, based on electronic databases. Results: POMC originates bioactive peptides which perform various functions in the body, acting on MC1R to MC5R receptors, MC3R and MC4R are the most important for body weight regulation. Point mutations, such as Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs), can cause loss of function in the POMC gene, causing damage to the signaling pathway and impacting the regulation of energy expenditure and food intake. Besides the laboratory studies to understand the role of this neuroendocrine pathway for the control of body weight, there are cases described in the literature about mutations in the POMC gene and their impact on obesity predisposition, demonstrating the necessity of understanding such genetic factors to treat this chronic disease. Some possibilities of treatment include Setmelanotide (MC4R agonist), nicotinic drugs and Ômega 3. Conclusion: Due to the role of the POMC gene in the Hypothalamus-melanocortin-leptin system, mutations negatively impact body weight regulation. Studies about treatments for obesity related to this gene are still recent, but promising.
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