The Brain’s Secret to Weight Control and Bone Strength

 

Your brain does more than just think—it also helps control your body weight and keeps your bones strong! Scientists at HKU have discovered that a hormone called secretin, found in a part of the brain called the ventromedial hypothalamus (VMH), plays a key role in managing appetite, metabolism, and bone health.

While secretin was previously known for its role in digestion, this study reveals its surprising function in the brain. When secretin signals in the brain are disrupted, it can lead to overeating, metabolism problems, and weaker bones. Nevertheless, when these signals are boosted, bones grow stronger without affecting appetite or weight. 

 

This exciting discovery opens up new possibilities for treating conditions like obesity and osteoporosis by targeting the brain. It also shows how different areas of science, like neuroscience and medicine, can work together to tackle complex health problems.

 

我們的生物學家與港大李嘉誠醫學院及牙醫學院合作，發現大腦腹內側下丘腦中的促胰液素信號在控制能量平衡和骨密度方面起着關鍵作用。這一發現挑戰了促胰液素僅在消化系統中發揮作用的傳統觀點，揭示了其在中樞神經系統中的重要性。