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Insulin, aging, and the brain: mechanisms and implications
Abimbola A Akintola1, Diana van Heemst1
1Department of Gerontology and Geriatrics, Leiden University Medical Center , Leiden , Netherlands.
Frontiers in Endocrinology
|February 24, 2015
Summary
Insulin plays a key role in brain health and longevity. This review explores insulin
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Gerontology
- Endocrinology
Background:
- Growing evidence links insulin and insulin signaling pathways to successful aging and longevity.
- Recent studies have expanded knowledge of insulin's physiological functions within the brain.
- The specific connection between brain insulin activity and aging processes requires further clarification.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current understanding of insulin's physiological role in the brain.
- To examine mechanisms of insulin transport into the brain.
- To elucidate the relevance of brain insulin signaling to aging and longevity.
Main Methods:
- Comprehensive literature review of in vivo and in vitro studies.
- Analysis of research on insulin and insulin receptors in the brain.
- Examination of aging models (delayed and accelerated) in relation to insulin.
Main Results:
- Insulin has significant physiological roles within the brain.
- Understanding of insulin's brain entry mechanisms is advancing.
- The link between brain insulin and aging/longevity is an active area of research.
Conclusions:
- Insulin signaling in the brain is crucial for understanding aging and longevity.
- Further research is needed to fully elucidate these connections.
- Therapeutic strategies targeting brain insulin may offer future anti-aging applications.
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