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Elevated levels of appetite-controlling molecule may contribute to overeating–sleep deprivation link
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SAN FRANCISCO — Researchers here said that decreased sleep time could increase levels of 2-arachidonoylglycerol, an endocannabinoid molecule, leading to an increased risk for overeating. According to the abstract, the endocannabinoid system is a pharmacotherapeutic target for obesity treatment, and researchers say it could play a role in the risk for overeating associated with lack of sleep.
In a randomized, crossover study of 9 healthy patients (aged 23 years, BMI of 23.6 kg/m2), Erin Hanlon, PhD, research associate at the University of Chicago’s section of endocrinology, diabetes and metabolism, and colleagues investigated the 24-hour profile of 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG) and its structural analog, 2-oleoylglycerol (2-OG).
Erin Hanlon
“This study provides the first demonstration of a robust circadian rhythm of human plasma endocannabinoid (EC) levels. We’ve shown that sleep restriction results increase amplitude of the mid-sleep to early afternoon rise of both 2-AG and 2-OG. We’ve also shown that sleep restriction results in a delay of peak 2-OG, which may affect appetite in afternoon and evening,” Hanlon said during her presentation.
They found both 2-AG and 2-OG demonstrated circadian rhythms with a nadir around mid-sleep, with peak levels in the early afternoon.
Further, sleep restriction led to a significant increase for both 2-AG and 2-OG (2-AG: 151 pmol/mL vs. 126 pmol/mL, P=.01; 2-OG: 894 pmol/mL vs. 709 pmol/mL, P=.005) due to an increase in peak levels (2-AG: 386 pmol/mL vs. pmol/mL, P=.008; 2-OG: 3,329 pmol/mL vs. 3,138 pmol/mL, P=.08), according to data.
They also reported that mean 24-hour levels of 2-AG and 2-OG were related during the normal sleep condition and restrictive sleep (P<.05 for both).
“Lastly, our data suggest that elevation of peak daytime levels of EC may contribute to the risk of overreating associated with sleep deprivation. One limitation of our current study is that the data set included 7 men and only 2 women. We are currently analyzing the 24-hour profiles from other participants,” Hanlon said. – by Samantha Costa
For more information:
Hanlon E. #OR09-1. Presented at: The Endocrine Society Annual Meeting and Expo; June 15-18, 2013; San Francisco.
Disclosure: The researchers report no relevant financial disclosures.
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Tamara L. Wexler, MD, PhD
The association between sleep and weight gain has been of particular interest in recent years. Levels of 2-AG do appear to be associated with increased eating, and separate work has described an association between poor sleep and increased calorie consumption. This abstract describes a reproduced finding in a limited sample size. Other hormonal changes that normally occur during sleep – and may be attenuated by poor or limited sleep – may also be related to weight gain (whether by food intake or effects on signaling or metabolism). Further research may elucidate the causality and exact mechanism between sleep, 2-AG and other hormones, and weight gain.
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