Appetite Suppressants, Cardiac Valve Disease and Combination Pharmacotherapy
Year: 2008
Type: review
Abstract: The prevalence of obesity in the United States is a major health problem associated with significant morbidity, mortality, and economic burden. Although obesity and drug addiction are typically considered distinct clinical entities, both diseases involve dysregulation of biogenic amine neuron systems in the brain. Thus, research efforts to develop medications for treating drug addiction can contribute insights into the pharmacotherapy for obesity. Here, we review the neurochemical mechanisms of selected stimulant medications used in the treatment of obesity and issues related to fenfluramine-associated cardiac valvulopathy. In particular, we discuss the evidence that cardiac valve disease involves activation of mitogenic serotonin 2B (5-HT2B) receptors by norfenfluramine, the major metabolite of fenfluramine. Advances in medication discovery suggest that novel molecular entities that target 2 different neurochemical mechanisms, that is, "combination pharmacotherapy," will yield efficacious antiobesity medications with reduced adverse side effects.
Source: American Journal of Therapeutics
Authors: Richard B Rothman, Michael H Baumann
Language: English
Subfield: Pharmacology
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W2088818787