1.Basically we know that, it’s wrong to mention only 1 gland and 1 hormone involved in energy metabolism, as we at least 3 endocrine glands interfere in energy metabolism. Thyroid, Parathyroid glands and Pancreas. Two most affecting hormones produced by thyroid gland are thyroxine or T4 and triiodothyronine or T3. Parathyroid gland regulates the thyroid gland. But according to the article, I assume that the Pancreas and Insulin are meant to be mentioned, Pancreas is a gland in endocrine and digestive system and the hormones that are involved in energy metabolism are somatostatin, glucagon, pancreatic polypeptide and of course insulin. Insulin is a peptide hormone and the main hormone that affects the level of glucose in blood. Basically insulin increases the consumption of glucose by cells in the skeletal muscles, liver and adipose tissue, so as glucose is absorbed from the blood, it is used or saved as glycogen in muscles and liver and as triglycerides in adipocytes. In other words by inhibiting the release of glucagon it reduces the use of fat which is the other energy source.
2. According to this research it is shown that, Osteoblasts which are responsible for synthesis of bone tissue, produce a hormone called osteocalcin. Osteocalcin is basically a protein, it is also called : Bone gamma-carboxyglutamic acid-containing protein or BGLAP. It has several important roles but here the research focuses on it’s involvement in energy metabolism, when it acts as a hormone. So how it can affect the energy metabolism? As osteocalcin is released, it affects the beta cells in pancreas, the result is increase in secretion of insulin, at the same time and from the other side it directs the adipocytes to release adiponectin, which causes a higher sensitivity to insulin.
3, These new results are beneficial for two diseases, diabetes type 2 and obesity. According to this research it’s shown that people suffering from type 2 diabetes have a lower level of osteocalcin.
As it’s shown in this research mice with high levels of this hormone were prevented from becoming diabetic or gaining weight though they ate a high level fat diet. It is also witnessed that mice with low level or lacking this hormone suffer from type 2 diabetes and obesity, which shows the low levels of insulin and adiponectin activity and of course decrease in proliferation of pancreas beta-cells.
So we can see we may be able to control or prevent these diseases by increasing the level of osteocalcin secretion.
References
Endocrine System Glands and Hormones. (n.d.). HealthPagesorg Health Information You Can Use RSS2. Retrieved October 22, 2013, from http://healthpages.org/anatomy-function/endocrine-system-gland/#pancreas
Thyroid Gland. (n.d.). University of Maryland Medical Center. Retrieved October 22, 2013, from http://umm.edu/programs/diabetes/health/endocrinology-health-guide/thyroid-gland
ENDOCRINE PANCREAS. (n.d.). ENDOCRINE PANCREAS. Retrieved October 22, 2013, from http://mcb.berkeley.edu/courses/mcb135e/pancreas.html
