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Obesity increases cerebrocortical reactive oxygen species and impairs brain function
Linnea R Freeman1, Le Zhang, Anand Nair
1Pennington Biomedical Research Center/Louisiana State University System, Baton Rouge, LA 70808, USA.
Free Radical Biology & Medicine
|November 3, 2012
Summary
Diet-induced obesity (DIO) increases reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the brain, correlating with body fat. While ROS levels rise, their direct link to cognitive decline in this model requires further investigation.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Metabolic Disorders
- Oxidative Stress Research
Background:
- Obesity affects nearly two-thirds of the US population, posing significant health risks.
- The impact of obesity on brain health and function remains largely unexplored.
- Diet-induced obesity (DIO) serves as a relevant model for studying obesity-related physiological changes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between diet-induced obesity (DIO) and cerebral oxidative stress.
- To examine the effects of DIO on cognitive function.
- To determine correlations between body weight, adiposity, and brain oxidative stress.
Main Methods:
- Induction of diet-induced obesity in a study model.
- Measurement of reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels in the brain.
- Assessment of cognitive function.
- Analysis of antioxidant enzyme activity (Nrf2 pathway, superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase).
Main Results:
- Diet-induced obesity (DIO) significantly increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels in the brain.
- Body weight and adiposity showed a strong correlation with brain ROS levels.
- Cognitive impairment was observed in DIO, but ROS levels were not directly correlated with this decline.
- Glutathione peroxidase activity was significantly impaired in response to DIO.
Conclusions:
- Diet-induced obesity (DIO) elevates brain oxidative stress, evidenced by increased ROS.
- Adiposity is a key factor directly associated with the level of oxidative stress in the brain.
- These findings underscore the detrimental effects of obesity on the brain and the role of oxidative stress.
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