Regulation of NUCB2/nesfatin-1 production in rat's stomach and adipose tissue is dependent on age, testosterone levels and lactating status.

Nesfatin-1, which is derived from the NEFA/nucleobindin 2 (NUCB2) precursor, was recently identified as an anorexigenic peptide that is produced in several tissues including the hypothalamus. Currently, no data exist regarding the regulation of NUCB2/nesfatin-1 production in peripheral tissues, such as gastric mucosa and adipose tissue, through different periods of development. The aim of the present work was to study the variations on circulating levels, mRNA expression and tissue content in gastric mucosa and adipose tissue of NUCB2/nesfatin-1 with age and specially in two clue periods of maturation, weaning and puberty. The weaning period affected NUCB2/nesfatin-1 production in gastric tissue. The testosterone changes associated with the initiation of puberty regulated NUCB2/nesfatin-1 production via adipose tissue and gastric NUCB2/nesfatin-1 production. In conclusion, the production of NUCB2/nesfatin-1 by the stomach and adipose tissue fluctuates with age to regulate energy homeostasis during different states of development.