Hypothalamic inflammation and obesity

Vitam Horm. 2010:82:129-43. doi: 10.1016/S0083-6729(10)82007-2.

Abstract

Obesity is one of the most prevalent diseases in the modern world. It results from the progressive loss of balance between food intake and whole body energy expenditure. Recent studies have shown that consumption of fat-rich diets induces hypothalamic inflammation and dysfunction which is characterized by defective response to anorexygenic and thermogenic hormones, such as leptin and insulin, leading to anomalous neurotransmitter production and favoring body mass gain. In this chapter, we present the main recent advances in this rapidly evolving field, focusing on the role of hypothalamic inflammation on the genesis of obesity.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Energy Intake
  • Energy Metabolism
  • Feeding Behavior
  • Humans
  • Hypothalamus / physiopathology*
  • Inflammation / complications
  • Inflammation / physiopathology*
  • Obesity / complications
  • Obesity / physiopathology*