Selfish brain and selfish immune system interplay: A theoretical framework for metabolic comorbidities of mood
Ana Sayuri Yamagata1, Rodrigo Barbachan Mansur2, Lucas Bortolotto Rizzo3
1Institute of Biosciences University of São Paulo (USP). R. do Matão, 14, 321 - Butantã, São Paulo, SP, 05508-090, Brazil,; Research Group of Behavioral and Molecular Neuroscience of Bipolar Disorder, Department of Psychiatry, Federal University of São Paulo (Unifesp). R. Pedro de Toledo, 669-3rd Floor, Vila Clementino, São Paulo, SP, CEP 04039-032, Brazil.
Abstract:
According to the "selfish brain" theory, the brain regulates its own energy supply influencing the peripheral metabolism and food intake according to its needs. The immune system has been likewise "selfish" due to independent energy consumption; and it may compete with the brain (another high energy-consumer) for glucose. In mood disorders, stress in mood episodes or physiological stress activate homeostasis mechanisms from the brain and the immune system to solve the imbalance. The interaction between the selfish brain and the selfish immune system may explain various conditions of medical impairment in mood disorders, such as Metabolic Syndrome (MetS), obesity, type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and immune dysregulation. The objective of this study is to comprehensively review the literature regarding the competition between the brain and the immune system for energy substrate. Targeting the energetic regulation of the brain and the immune system and their cross-talk open alternative treatments and a different approach in the study of general medical comorbidities in mood disorders, although more investigation is needed.
More Related Videos
10:17An Advanced Murine Model for Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis in Association with Type 2 Diabetes
Published on: April 26, 2019
03:05Influence of Emotional Factors on the Efficacy of Acupuncture Treatment for Overweight Complicated with Hyperlipidemia: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Published on: November 21, 2025
Related Concept Videos
Psychoneuroimmunology: Cardiovascular Disease
A key area of focus in PNI is the relationship between stress and coronary...
Psychoneuroimmunology: Diabetes and Cancer
Causes of Social Behavior III: Biological and Environmental Influences
Human Genetics
The complex relationship between genetics and psychology is observable through common biological components such...
Depressive Disorders: Etiology
Biological Factors in Depression
Biological predispositions significantly influence the risk of developing depressive disorders. Genetic studies highlight the role of variations in the serotonin transporter...
Introduction to Biological Bases of Psychology
The nervous system, the cornerstone of...
