[Role of apolipoprotein A-IV in the regulation of food intake].
Although many exciting functions of Apolipoprotein A-IV(apo-A IV) have been proposed, this review focuses on its unique role in regulating food intake. Apo-A IV is a glycoprotein produced by human intestine and rodent intestine and liver, but the small intestine is the major organ responsible for the circulating apo-A-IV. Our Laboratory recently demonstrated that apo-A IV protein and apo-A IV mRNA were present in rat hypothalamus. Intestinal apo-A IV synthesis is markedly stimulated by fat absorption and the formation of chylomicrons. Intestinal apo-A IV synthesis is also enhanced by the peptide tyrosine-tyrosine. The inhibition of food intake by apo-A IV is mediated centrally. Apo-A IV likely plays a role in the short-term regulation of food intake. Other evidence suggests that apo-A IV may also be involved in the long-term regulation of food intake and body weight. Reduction of apo-A IV in response to lipid feeding in both animal and humans that chronically consume a high-fat diet may explain in part why the chronic ingestion of a high-fat diet predisposes to obesity.