Study authors have compared the TAAR1 receptor to a "brake" in the region of the brain responsible for decision-making. Photo by bohed.
BOSTON, Oct. 7 (UPI) -- A study conducted by researchers at Boston University School of Medicine may provide clues for developing new treatments for compulsive binge eating.
The study, published in the journal Neuropsychopharmacology, tested the potentially beneficial effects of activating a class of receptors in rats. Scientists identified Trace Armine-Associated Receptor, or TAAR1, as the key to treating binge eating. Compulsive bing eating affects an estimated 15 million people in the United States who are obese or have eating disorders.
Researchers measured addiction-like behaviors in rats using sugary, chocolate-flavored food. During the tests, the experimental group of rats were found to be more prone to cues associated with the food than the control group. The research group says administering TAAR1 agonist RO5256390 could reduce the maladaptive feeding behaviors.
"Our data show that RO5256390 was able to block binge eating of the sugary diet, blocked the strength of cues associated with junk food and blocked compulsive eating in a potentially unsafe environment," co-author Antonio Ferragud explained in a press release.
Study co-author Adam Howell compared TAAR1 to a "brake" in the areas of the brain associated with decision-making.
"Subjects exposed to junk food lose this 'brake' and show aberrant addiction-like behavior over food. We are able to restore the function by activating this receptor," he said.
Compulsive binge eating is characterized by episodes of consuming more food than needed, often at a rapid pace. Binge eaters may also experience feelings of guilt, preoccupation with body weight, and mood swings.
