Differential responses of circulating amylin to high-fat vs. high-carbohydrate meal in healthy men.

OBJECTIVE

The success of an amylin analogue in weight loss trials has generated interest in amylin as a physiological satiety signal. Little is known about how plasma amylin responds to macronutrients. This study examined the effects of a high-carbohydrate meal (CHO), a high-fat meal (FAT) or a continued fast (FAST) on amylin concentrations and correlations among other satiety hormones and measures of appetite.

DESIGN/PATIENTS: In a randomized, crossover design, 10 healthy males consumed a meal high in carbohydrate or fat or continued fasted.

MEASUREMENTS: Blood samples and subjective hunger scores were obtained at baseline and 30, 90 and 210 min postprandial.

RESULTS

After CHO, amylin, insulin and C-peptide were greater and des-acyl ghrelin lower compared to FAT (P < 0.001). Area under the curve (AUC) was greater for amylin and insulin and lower for des-acyl ghrelin following CHO. Subjective satiety and fullness were higher for CHO and FAT than FAST at 30 and 90 min but only for CHO at 210 min (P < 0.01). Hunger and desire to eat were lower for CHO and FAT than FAST at 30 and 90 min but only for CHO at 210 min (P < 0.005). Amylin was negatively correlated to hunger, desire to eat, and nausea and positively related to satiety and insulin. Des-acyl ghrelin was negatively associated with C-peptide, insulin and GLP-1 and satiety.

CONCLUSIONS

CHO enhances amylin and suppresses des-acyl ghrelin to a greater extent than FAT in healthy men. The mechanisms responsible for these changes and their implications in the physiology of satiety remain to be elucidated.