Rhythmic Leptin Is Required for Weight Gain from Circadian Desynchronized Feeding in the Mouse
Author Information
Author(s): Deanna Marie Arble, Martha Hotz Vitaterna, Fred W. Turek
Primary Institution: Northwestern University, Center for Sleep and Circadian Biology, Evanston, Illinois, United States of America
Hypothesis
Leptin plays an important role in weight gain during desynchronized feeding and the circadian expression of leptin influences that weight gain.
Conclusion
A rhythmic profile of leptin is necessary for excessive weight gain from desynchronized feeding in mice.
Supporting Evidence
- Leptin-deficient ob/ob mice do not gain excess weight during desynchronized feeding.
- Continuous leptin treatment does not lead to differential weight loss during desynchronized feeding.
- Rhythmic leptin injections lead to excessive weight gain in ob/ob mice during desynchronized feeding.
Takeaway
Mice that eat at the wrong times gain more weight if their leptin levels rise and fall in a regular pattern, like a clock.
Methodology
The study used ob/ob mice to test the effects of rhythmic versus non-rhythmic leptin on weight gain during desynchronized feeding.
Limitations
The ob/ob mouse model may have confounding metabolic factors that could affect the interpretation of the data.
Participant Demographics
Male ob/ob mice aged 6 weeks at the start of the experiment.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p=0.01
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website