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Energy, evolution, and human diseases: an overview.

Jesse Roth¹, Alessandra L Szulc, Ann Danoff

¹Feinstein Institute for Medical Research, Elmezzi Graduate School of Molecular Medicine, North Shore-Long Island Jewish Health System, Manhasset, NY, USA. jesserothmd@hotmail.com

The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition

|February 4, 2011

Summary

Energy sensing molecules like AMP kinase and FGF21 are key to metabolic balance. Evolutionary adaptations, including an overactive immune system, contribute to modern diseases like metabolic syndrome.

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Area of Science:

Molecular Biology and Metabolism
Evolutionary Biology
Human Physiology

Background:

Symposium focused on "Transcriptional controls of energy sensing."
Discussed AMP kinase, PGC-1α, methylation, and FGF21.
Explored energy sensing and balance in human evolution and disease.

Purpose of the Study:

To provide an overview of advances in energy sensing and balance.
To analyze key elements of human biology in relation to energy metabolism.
To propose an evolutionary perspective on metabolic syndrome and inflammation.

Main Methods:

Review of recent advances in cellular energy sensors and metabolic coordinators.
Analysis of human biological traits: body temperature, reproduction, fat depots, immune signaling.
Evolutionary hypothesis linking past survival needs to present-day pathologies.

Main Results:

Identified AMP kinase, PGC-1α, methylation, and FGF21 as critical in energy sensing.
Highlighted four key human biological elements influencing energy balance.
Proposed that evolutionary immune system adaptations contribute to metabolic syndrome.

Conclusions:

An overactive immune system, once adaptive, now drives pathology in developed nations.
Understanding energy sensing molecules offers potential therapeutic targets.
Future therapies may address obesity, diabetes, and related complications.