Our research into the hormonal regulation of brain function originated with the investigation of secretin, the first indentified hormone, and its influence on brain reward circuits and eating behavior (Laurila S., et al., 2021; Sun L., et al., 2023). Building on these foundational studies, our current focus has shifted toward pituitary hormones, with particular emphasis on growth hormone (GH). The long-term goal is to map how specific brain-active hormones influence complex social emotions, such as empathy and attachment, by integrating neuroimaging, behavioral, and molecular approaches.
At the Gold Pituitary Centre of Huashan Hospital, affiliated with Fudan University, over 1000 patients undergo surgical resection of pituitary tumors annually, often resulting in significant endocrine deficiencies. In collaboration with Professor Zhaoyun Zhang, the Director of the Gold Pituitary Centre, we are examining the impact of GH replacement therapy on cognitive and affective brain functions. Using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), we assess both the long-term and acute effects of GH on social-emotional processing and functional brain connectivity.
Concurrently, at the Turku PET Centre, our efforts are directed toward understanding the acute metabolic effects of growth hormone. By employing advanced total-body positron emission tomography (PET) imaging, we investigate how GH modulates systemic perfusion and glucose metabolism across the entire body.
Key Publications:
- Sanna Laurila, Lihua Sun, …, Pirjo Nuutila (2021). Secretin activates brown fat and induces satiation. Nature Metabolism, 3(6), 798–809.
- Lihua Sun, …, Pirjo Nuutila (2023). Secretin modulates appetite via brown adipose tissue – brain axis. European Journal of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging.
- Lihua Sun, Pirjo Nuutila (2023). Hormone induced body-brain interaction and the impact on cognition. European Journal of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging.