Appetite- and volume-regulating neuropeptides: Role in treating alcohol dependence.

Recent studies have demonstrated a role for appetite- and volume-regulating neuropeptides in alcohol dependence, particularly in association with alcohol craving. The peptides leptin, ghrelin, adiponectin, vasopressin and the atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) have been of particular interest because of their central effects on various brain circuits, including the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenocortical (HPA) axis. In addition, pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC) plays an important role in linking appetite regulation with the HPA axis. Recent research has also demonstrated that the expression of these peptides in alcohol dependence is, at least partially, regulated by genetic and epigenetic mechanisms. These peptides and their associated circuits provide an intriguing new field for future pharmacological approaches for treating depression, anxiety and, potentially, addictive disorders such as alcohol dependence.