Interactions between the gut, the brain and brown adipose tissue function
Johanna C van den Beukel1, Aldo Grefhorst
1Department of Internal Medicine, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
Frontiers of Hormone Research
|April 16, 2014
Summary
Gut hormones influence brown adipose tissue (BAT) activity, crucial for energy expenditure and combating obesity. Anorexigenic hormones stimulate BAT, while orexigenic hormones inhibit it, though mechanisms remain unclear.
Area of Science:
- Metabolism and Endocrinology
- Adipose Tissue Biology
- Gut-Brain Axis Signaling
Background:
- Brown adipose tissue (BAT) generates heat (thermogenesis) via uncoupling protein 1, aiding energy expenditure and obesity control.
- Activated BAT is inversely correlated with BMI, highlighting its metabolic importance.
- The gut is increasingly recognized as an endocrine organ influencing energy balance and glucose homeostasis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review how gut-derived hormones and intestinal factors modulate BAT activity.
- To explore whether these modulations occur directly on BAT or indirectly via the central nervous system.
- To discuss the complex interplay of food intake, hormonal factors, and BAT activity.
Main Methods:
- Literature review focusing on endocrine factors from the intestinal tract.
- Analysis of studies investigating gut hormone effects on BAT.
- Examination of research on bile acids and their impact on BAT.
Main Results:
- Anorexigenic gut hormones generally stimulate BAT activity.
- Orexigenic gut hormones tend to inhibit BAT activity.
- Gut-derived factors like bile acids also influence BAT, but direct vs. central nervous system effects are largely undetermined.
Conclusions:
- Gut hormones play a significant role in regulating BAT activity, impacting energy balance.
- The precise mechanisms (direct vs. central) by which gut factors modulate BAT require further investigation.
- Understanding these complex interactions is key to developing novel strategies for weight management.
Related Concept Videos
01:22Gut-Brain Axis
222
The gut–brain axis is a bidirectional communication system that connects the gastrointestinal tract and the brain. This interaction is mediated through multiple pathways, including the vagus nerve, hormonal signals, immune responses, and chemical messengers produced by gut microbes.Microbial Contributions to Brain FunctionGut microbiota contributes significantly to brain function by producing neuroactive compounds. These include neuroactive compounds that influence neurotransmitters such...
222
01:30Regulation of Food Intake
2.8K
Short-term regulation of food intake primarily involves neural signals from the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, blood nutrient levels, and GI tract hormones. Communication between the gut and brain via vagal nerve fibers plays a significant role in evaluating the contents of the gut. Clinical studies have shown that protein ingestion produces a more prolonged response in these nerve fibers compared to an equivalent amount of glucose. Additionally, the activation of stretch receptors caused by GI...
2.8K
01:18Functions of the Gut Microbiota
233
The gut microbiota includes trillions of microorganisms that colonize the human gastrointestinal tract, including bacteria, archaea, viruses, and fungi. This complex ecosystem plays a critical role in maintaining intestinal and systemic health. Most of these microbes inhabit the large intestine, establishing a relatively stable and diverse community that contributes to gut homeostasis through various metabolic, immunological, and protective mechanisms.Dominant bacterial phyla, such as...
233
01:37Neural Regulation
34.8K
Digestion begins with a cephalic phase that prepares the digestive system to receive food. When our brain processes visual or olfactory information about food, it triggers impulses in the cranial nerves innervating the salivary glands and stomach to prepare for food.
34.8K
01:13Functional Brain Systems: Reticular Formation
5.6K
The reticular formation is a complex network of gray and white matter located within the brainstem extending from the medulla to the midbrain.
Within the reticular formation, there are several distinct nuclei that can be classified into three broad categories. The Raphe nuclei are located along the midline of the brainstem. They are primarily known for their role in synthesizing and releasing serotonin, a neurotransmitter involved in regulating mood, appetite, sleep, and circadian rhythms. The...
Within the reticular formation, there are several distinct nuclei that can be classified into three broad categories. The Raphe nuclei are located along the midline of the brainstem. They are primarily known for their role in synthesizing and releasing serotonin, a neurotransmitter involved in regulating mood, appetite, sleep, and circadian rhythms. The...
5.6K
01:23Diencephalon: Hypothalamus and Coordination
4.6K
The hypothalamus is a small yet highly complex and essential brain region that plays a crucial role in regulating various bodily functions. Anatomically, it is located at the base of the brain, just above the brainstem and below the thalamus, forming part of the limbic system.
The hypothalamus interacts with other brain regions, including the pituitary gland, through a direct physical connection called the hypothalamic-pituitary axis. The hypothalamus receives somatic and visceral inputs and...
The hypothalamus interacts with other brain regions, including the pituitary gland, through a direct physical connection called the hypothalamic-pituitary axis. The hypothalamus receives somatic and visceral inputs and...
4.6K