Hormone from Adipose Tissue Triggers Fear, Blocked by Scientists
- Hamilton, ontario - A recent study from McMaster University has uncovered a potential link between body fat, a hormone known as Growth Differentiation Factor 15 (GDF15), and the...
- The research sheds light on how stress impacts not only mood but also metabolic processes.
- Though, the study, led by Professor gregory Steinberg, revealed that the breakdown of fat cells also releases GDF15, a hormone produced in white adipose tissue.
Fat Tissue Hormone Linked to Anxiety, Study Finds
Hamilton, ontario – A recent study from McMaster University has uncovered a potential link between body fat, a hormone known as Growth Differentiation Factor 15 (GDF15), and the experience of fear. The findings, published in Nature Metabolism, could pave the way for novel treatments for anxiety disorders.
GDF15 and the Body’s Stress Response
The research sheds light on how stress impacts not only mood but also metabolic processes. When the body encounters a stressful situation, it triggers the “fight or flight” response, mobilizing energy reserves. This process involves the breakdown of fat tissue, known as lipolysis, to provide readily available energy.
Though, the study, led by Professor gregory Steinberg, revealed that the breakdown of fat cells also releases GDF15, a hormone produced in white adipose tissue. This hormone directly affects the brain and appears to play a meaningful role in the development of anxiety.
Researchers found that GDF15 amplifies feelings of fear by interacting wiht specific receptors in the brain.
Mouse Studies Reveal Key Mechanism
To investigate the connection between GDF15 and fear, researchers conducted experiments on mice. They assessed stress-related fear responses in mice while simultaneously analyzing their fat tissue.
Mice lacking the Gfral receptor, which is how GDF15 interacts with the brain, did not exhibit fear even when exposed to stress. The study also confirmed that GDF15 triggers lipolysis in adipose tissue.
This indicates that fat cells not only release energy during stressful times but also produce a hormone that influences mental well-being.
Potential for New Anxiety Treatments
The study’s findings suggest a potential therapeutic avenue for anxiety disorders. Blocking the GDF15-Gfral pathway could potentially prevent the development of fear, researchers believe.
The research team hopes that medications targeting this mechanism could offer relief to individuals with anxiety disorders, especially those who do not respond to conventional treatments.
steinberg’s team noted that drugs targeting similar mechanisms are already in development to combat cancer-related weight loss, suggesting they could potentially be repurposed for anxiety treatment.
The Body-Mind Connection
The research underscores the intricate link between physical metabolism and mental health. What was once considered a purely psychological condition appears to be influenced by physical processes within the body.
This discovery could lead to innovative approaches to treating mental illnesses in the future. The study offers a new understanding of stress and metabolism and provides hope for more effective therapies for anxiety disorders.
Source
Townsend,L.K., Wang, D., Knuth, C.M. et al. GDF15 links adipose tissue lipolysis with anxiety. Nature Metabolism (2025).
Published: April 24, 2025