Translational studies on PYY as a novel target in obesity

The obesity epidemic has a direct impact on every aspect of health. Current strategies to treat obesity are limited and there is a need to pioneer novel solutions. Anorectic gut hormones, physiologically secreted post-prandially to mediate satiety, have recently emerged as potential therapeutic targets in obesity. Peptide tyrosine tyrosine (PYY) is one such anorectic gut hormone, secreted from entero-endocrine L cells, which acts on neuropeptide Y (NPY) receptors within the central appetite circuit. Since the first intravenous administration of PYY to man nearly a decade ago, a number of translational studies and clinical trials have ensued with a view to developing this peptide as a treatment for obesity. This review reports on the current state of play of this on-going research.

► Current medical strategies to treat obesity are extremely limited.
► Anorectic gut hormones involved in appetite regulation are potential obesity treatments.
► Peptide tyrosine tyrosine (PYY) is a key anorectic gut hormone, which also modulates hedonic aspects of appetite.
► Different routes of PYY administration have been trialled in humans, with varying degrees of success.
► PYY based therapies show promise for the treatment of obesity.