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An assessment of rapamycin for weakening binge-eating memories via reconsolidation: a pre-registered, double-blind randomised placebo-controlled experimental study

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  18 November 2019

Katie Walsh ,
Georges Iskandar ,
Sunjeev K. Kamboj  and
Ravi K. Das Open the ORCID record for Ravi K. Das [Opens in a new window]
Katie Walsh
Affiliation:
Clinical, Educational and Health Psychology, University College London, Gower Street, London, WC1E 6BT
Georges Iskandar
Affiliation:
University College Hospital and University College Hospital at Westmoreland Street, London, UK
Sunjeev K. Kamboj
Affiliation:
Clinical, Educational and Health Psychology, University College London, Gower Street, London, WC1E 6BT
Ravi K. Das*
Affiliation:
Clinical, Educational and Health Psychology, University College London, Gower Street, London, WC1E 6BT
*
Author for correspondence: Ravi K. Das, E-mail: ravi.das@ucl.ac.uk
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Abstract

Background

Maladaptive learning linking environmental food cues to high-palatability food reward plays a central role in overconsumption in obesity and binge eating disorders. The process of memory reconsolidation offers a mechanism to weaken such learning, potentially ameliorating over-eating behaviour. Here we investigated whether putatively interfering with synaptic plasticity using the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) inhibitor, rapamycin, could weaken retrieved chocolate reward memories through blockade of reconsolidation

Methods

Seventy five healthy volunteers with a tendency to binge eat chocolate were randomised to retrieve chocolate reward memory under 10 mg rapamycin (RET + RAP, active condition), or placebo (RET + PBO), or they received 10 mg rapamycin without subsequent retrieval (NO RET + RAP). Indices of chocolate reward memory strength were assessed one week pre and post manipulation and at one month follow-up.

Results

Contrary to hypotheses, the RET + RAP group did not show any greater reduction than control groups on indices of motivational salience of chocolate cues, motivation to consume chocolate or liking of chocolate. Mild evidence of improvement in the RET + RAP group was found, but this was limited to reduced chocolate binge episodes and improved healthy food choices.

Conclusions

We did not find convincing evidence of comprehensive naturalistic chocolate reward memory reconsolidation blockade by rapamycin. The effects on chocolate bingeing and food choices may warrant further investigation. These limited positive findings may be attributable to insufficient interference with mTOR signalling with 10 mg rapamycin, or failure to destabilise chocolate memories during retrieval.

Keywords

Binge eatingmemorymTORobesityoverweightrapamycinreconsolidationreward
Type
Original Articles
Information
Psychological Medicine , Volume 51 , Issue 1 , January 2021 , pp. 158 - 167
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Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 2019

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