Protein-carbohydrate interaction effects on energy balance, FGF21, IGF-1, and hypothalamic gene expression in rats

Abstract

As mechanisms controlling protein intake can operate independently and in combination with those controlling energy intakes, we investigated the metabolic and behavioral effects of the protein-carbohydrate interaction. With a simplified geometric framework, we showed that body composition, energy balance, plasma FGF21 and IGF-1 concentrations, and hypothalamic Pomc/ Agrp ratio were primarily responsive to protein content and, to a lesser extent, to carbohydrate content of the diet.