Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 15, 2026
07:09
Isolation of Adipose Tissue Immune Cells
Published on: May 22, 2013
37.3K
Hypothalamic innate immune reaction in obesity
Stefanie Kälin1, Frank L Heppner2, Ingo Bechmann3
1Institute for Diabetes and Obesity, Helmholtz Centre for Health and Environment &Technische Universität München, 85748, Munich, Germany.
Nature Reviews. Endocrinology
|April 1, 2015
Summary
Brain inflammation, particularly in the hypothalamus, is linked to obesity and metabolic syndrome. Targeting specific brain cells and pathways may offer new obesity treatments.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Immunology
- Metabolic Research
Background:
- Inflammatory factors correlate with obesity and metabolic syndrome in humans and rodents.
- Obesity-induced inflammation affects both peripheral tissues and the brain, specifically the hypothalamus.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of hypothalamic neural-glial-vascular networks in diet-induced obesity.
- To understand the cellular and molecular changes within the hypothalamus during obesity.
Main Methods:
- Examined hypothalamic glial cell reactivity (microglia, astrocytes) in mouse models of diet-induced obesity.
- Assessed hypothalamic vasculature and proopiomelanocortin (POMC) neuron function.
- Analyzed inflammatory signals within the hypothalamus.
Main Results:
- Hypercaloric conditions trigger reactive states in hypothalamic microglia and astrocytes, persisting in diet-induced obesity.
- Hypothalamic vasculature shows angiogenic alterations in obese mice.
- Impaired POMC neuron function and increased inflammatory signals observed in the arcuate nucleus.
Conclusions:
- Diet-induced obesity leads to hypothalamic innate immune reactivity involving complex changes in neural, glial, and vascular components.
- Therapeutic strategies for obesity should consider cell-specific targets within the hypothalamic network.
More Related Videos
07:46Isolation, Characterization, and Purification of Macrophages from Tissues Affected by Obesity-related Inflammation
Published on: April 3, 2017
26.1K
08:47Live Images of GLUT4 Protein Trafficking in Mouse Primary Hypothalamic Neurons Using Deconvolution Microscopy
Published on: December 7, 2017
10.4K
Related Concept Videos
01:24Obesity
1.6K
The Body Mass Index (BMI) is a numerical value derived from a person's weight and height, used to categorize individuals into weight ranges. It is calculated using the formula: weight in kilograms divided by height in meters squared. Obesity is a health condition characterized by excessive accumulation of adipose tissue that poses health risks, often diagnosed with a BMI ≥ 30. This excess fat storage occurs when surplus dietary calories are converted into triglycerides and stored in...
1.6K
01:30Regulation of Food Intake
3.2K
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...
3.2K
01:02Hypodermis
8.7K
The hypodermis (the subcutaneous layer or superficial fascia) is present directly below the dermis. It connects the skin to the underlying fascia (fibrous tissue) of the bones and muscles. It is not strictly a part of the skin, although the border between the hypodermis and dermis can be difficult to distinguish. The hypodermis consists of well-vascularized, loose, areolar connective tissue and adipose tissue, which functions as a mode of fat storage and provides insulation and cushioning for...
8.7K
01:28Inflammatory Response
19.7K
An inflammatory response is a localized, nonspecific immune reaction that occurs when a tissue is injured. It is characterized by redness, swelling, heat, and pain, which are commonly called the cardinal signs and symptoms of inflammation. Inflammation can sometimes result in a loss of function.
Inflammation can be triggered by various stimuli, such as impact, abrasion, chemical irritation, infections, and extreme hot or cold temperatures. These can damage cells and connective tissue fibers,...
Inflammation can be triggered by various stimuli, such as impact, abrasion, chemical irritation, infections, and extreme hot or cold temperatures. These can damage cells and connective tissue fibers,...
19.7K
01:19Psychoneuroimmunology: Diabetes and Cancer
649
Chronic stress has been linked to both the onset and progression of serious health conditions, including Type 2 diabetes and cancer. Type 2 diabetes, a widespread chronic illness, is closely associated with obesity and insulin resistance, both of which often worsen under stress. Studies indicate that men experiencing high levels of chronic stress face a 45% higher risk of developing diabetes compared to those with minimal stress. Stress triggers physiological responses that elevate blood...
649
01:37Hypothalamic-Pituitary Axis
71.2K
The response to stress—be it physical or psychological, acute or chronic—involves activation of the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal (HPA) axis. The HPA axis is part of the neuroendocrine system because it involves both neuronal and hormonal communication. Its function is to regulate homeostatic systems—metabolic, cardiovascular, and immune—providing the necessary means to respond to a stressor.
71.2K