在一项新的研究中,来自美国肯塔基大学、马萨诸塞大学和瑞典隆德大学的研究人员发现肥胖产生的一个潜在的新的生物标志物,而且该生物标志物也可能是预防和治疗肥胖的靶标。相关研究结果在线发表在Nature期刊上。神经降压素(neurotensin,NT)是一种主要在胃肠道和中枢神经系统中产生的肽,是在脂肪摄入时释放出来的。它促进肠道脂肪酸吸收。之前的研究已证实NT也能够促进多种癌症的生长,而且增加的空腹pro-NT(NT前体激素)水平与心血管疾病和乳腺癌产生相关联。 In a new study, researchers from the University of Kentucky, the University of Massachusetts, and Lund University in Sweden found a potentially new biomarker of obesity that could also be a target for the prevention and treatment of obesity . Relevant research results published online in Nature. Neurotensin (NT), a peptide that is produced mainly in the gastrointestinal and central nervous system, is released upon fat intake. It promotes intestinal fatty acid absorption. Previous studies have demonstrated that NT can also promote the growth of a variety of cancers and that increased levels of fasting pro-NT (NT precursor hormone) are associated with cardiovascular disease and breast cancer production.