Abstract
Although the brain has long been considered an insulin-independent organ, recent research has shown that insulin has significant effects on the brain, where it plays a role in maintaining glucose and energy homeostasis. To avoid peripheral insulin resistance, the brain may act via hypoinsulinemic responses, maintaining glucose metabolism and insulin sensitivity within its own confines; however, brain insulin resistance may develop due to environmental factors. Insulin has two important functions in the brain: controlling food intake and regulating cognitive functions, particularly memory. Notably, defects in insulin signaling in the brain may contribute to neurodegenerative disorders. Insulin resistance may damage the cognitive system and lead to dementia states. Furthermore, inflammatory processes in the hypothalamus, where insulin receptors are expressed at high density, impair local signaling systems and cause glucose and energy metabolism disorders. Excessive caloric intake and high-fat diets initiate insulin and leptin resistance by inducing mitochondrial dysfunction and endoplasmic reticulum stress in the hypothalamus. This may lead to obesity and diabetes mellitus (DM). Exercise can enhance brain and hypothalamic insulin sensitivity, but it is the option least preferred and/or continuously practiced by the general population. Pharmacological treatments that increase brain and hypothalamic insulin sensitivity may provide new insights into the prevention of dementia disorders, obesity, and type 2 DM in the future.
Keywords: Brain, hypothalamus, insulin resistance, leptin.
Current Vascular Pharmacology
Title:Insulin Resistance in Brain and Possible Therapeutic Approaches
Volume: 12 Issue: 4
Author(s): Sevki Cetinkalp, Ilgin Y. Simsir and Sibel Ertek
Affiliation:
Keywords: Brain, hypothalamus, insulin resistance, leptin.
Abstract: Although the brain has long been considered an insulin-independent organ, recent research has shown that insulin has significant effects on the brain, where it plays a role in maintaining glucose and energy homeostasis. To avoid peripheral insulin resistance, the brain may act via hypoinsulinemic responses, maintaining glucose metabolism and insulin sensitivity within its own confines; however, brain insulin resistance may develop due to environmental factors. Insulin has two important functions in the brain: controlling food intake and regulating cognitive functions, particularly memory. Notably, defects in insulin signaling in the brain may contribute to neurodegenerative disorders. Insulin resistance may damage the cognitive system and lead to dementia states. Furthermore, inflammatory processes in the hypothalamus, where insulin receptors are expressed at high density, impair local signaling systems and cause glucose and energy metabolism disorders. Excessive caloric intake and high-fat diets initiate insulin and leptin resistance by inducing mitochondrial dysfunction and endoplasmic reticulum stress in the hypothalamus. This may lead to obesity and diabetes mellitus (DM). Exercise can enhance brain and hypothalamic insulin sensitivity, but it is the option least preferred and/or continuously practiced by the general population. Pharmacological treatments that increase brain and hypothalamic insulin sensitivity may provide new insights into the prevention of dementia disorders, obesity, and type 2 DM in the future.
Export Options
About this article
Cite this article as:
Cetinkalp Sevki, Simsir Y. Ilgin and Ertek Sibel, Insulin Resistance in Brain and Possible Therapeutic Approaches, Current Vascular Pharmacology 2014; 12 (4) . https://dx.doi.org/10.2174/1570161112999140206130426
DOI https://dx.doi.org/10.2174/1570161112999140206130426 |
Print ISSN 1570-1611 |
Publisher Name Bentham Science Publisher |
Online ISSN 1875-6212 |
Call for Papers in Thematic Issues
Ischemic Cardiovascular Diseases: Mechanisms, Diagnosis and Therapy
Ischemic cardiovascular disease includes myocardial infarction, coronary atherosclerotic heart disease, angina pectoris, etc., constitute the leading cause of patient mortality by preventing tissues from getting sufficient oxygen and nutrients. Ischemic heart disease, as a clinical condition, is characterized by myocardial ischemia, causing an imbalance between myocardial blood supply and demand, ...read more
TREATMENT OF CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE IN CHRONIC AND END STAGE KIDNEY DISEASE
Cardiovascular disease still remains the leading cause of death in Chronic and End Stage Kidney Disease, accounting for more than half of all deaths in dialysis patients. During the past decade, research has been focused on novel therapeutic agents that might delay or even reverse cardiovascular disease and vascular calcification, ...read more
- Author Guidelines
- Graphical Abstracts
- Fabricating and Stating False Information
- Research Misconduct
- Post Publication Discussions and Corrections
- Publishing Ethics and Rectitude
- Increase Visibility of Your Article
- Archiving Policies
- Peer Review Workflow
- Order Your Article Before Print
- Promote Your Article
- Manuscript Transfer Facility
- Editorial Policies
- Allegations from Whistleblowers
- Announcements
Related Articles
-
Alzheimer’s Disease and Retinal Degeneration: A Glimpse at Essential Trace Metals in Ocular Fluids and Tissues
Current Alzheimer Research Germinal and Somatic Trisomy 21 Mosaicism: How Common is it, What are the Implications for Individual Carriers and How Does it Come About?
Current Genomics Molecular Mechanisms of Inflammation. Anti-Inflammatory Benefits of Virgin Olive Oil and the Phenolic Compound Oleocanthal
Current Pharmaceutical Design An Updated Meta-Analysis of the Efficacy and Safety of Acupuncture Treatment for Vascular Cognitive Impairment Without Dementia
Current Neurovascular Research Trait vs. State Markers for Schizophrenia: Identification and Characterization Through Visual Processes
Current Psychiatry Reviews Immunotherapy for Targeting Tau Pathology in Alzheimer’s Disease and Tauopathies
Current Alzheimer Research MicroRNA Expression Analysis of Adult-Onset Drosophila Alzheimer`s Disease Model
Current Alzheimer Research Kinematic and Pressure Features of Handwriting and Drawing: Preliminary Results Between Patients with Mild Cognitive Impairment, Alzheimer Disease and Healthy Controls
Current Alzheimer Research The Ubiquitin Proteasome System as a Potential Target for the Treatment of Neurodegenerative Diseases
Current Pharmaceutical Design Endothelial Dysfunction and Coronary Atherosclerosis
Current Drug Targets - Cardiovascular & Hematological Disorders Effect of Withania somnifera Supplementation on Rotenone-Induced Oxidative Damage in Cerebellum and Striatum of the Male Mice Brain
Central Nervous System Agents in Medicinal Chemistry The Role of miR-124 in Drosophila Alzheimer's Disease Model by Targeting Delta in Notch Signaling Pathway
Current Molecular Medicine Definition of Genes and Paths Involved in Alzheimers Disease: Using Gene Expression Profiles and Chemical Genetics at the Mouse Brain Level
Current Genomics Genito-Urological Cancers in Elderly Patients
Anti-Cancer Agents in Medicinal Chemistry Mitochondrial Serine Protease HtrA2/Omi as a Potential Therapeutic Target
Current Drug Targets Heparin Induced Thrombocytopenia: Pathogenetic, Clinical, Diagnostic and Therapeutic Aspects
Cardiovascular & Hematological Disorders-Drug Targets Editorial [Hot topic: Parkinsons Disease (Guest Editor: Jurgen Dinges)]
Current Topics in Medicinal Chemistry The Novel Antipsychotic Cariprazine (RGH-188): State-of-the-Art in the Treatment of Psychiatric Disorders
Current Pharmaceutical Design Defective Insulin Signalling, Mediated by Inflammation, Connects Obesity to Alzheimer Disease; Relevant Pharmacological Therapies and Preventive Dietary Interventions
Current Alzheimer Research Derivatives of Resveratrol: Potential Agents in Prevention and Treatment of Cardiovascular Disease
Current Medicinal Chemistry