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Gut Microbiome, Inflammation, and Cerebrovascular Function: Link Between Obesity and Cognition
Lisette Olsthoorn1, Debby Vreeken1,2, Amanda J Kiliaan1
1Department of Medical Imaging, Anatomy, Radboud University Medical Center, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition, and Behavior, Nijmegen, Netherlands.
Frontiers in Neuroscience
|December 23, 2021
Summary
Obesity impacts brain structure and cognition by affecting the gut microbiome, inflammation, and blood-brain barrier integrity. Understanding these links is crucial for developing effective obesity and cognitive decline preventatives.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Metabolic Health
- Microbiome Research
Background:
- Obesity affects 13% of adults globally, increasing risks for cardiovascular, metabolic, and neurological conditions.
- Midlife obesity is linked to cognitive impairment and later-life dementia.
- Mechanisms connecting obesity to brain changes remain incompletely understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent literature on obesity's effects on brain structure and cognition.
- To explore the roles of the gut microbiome, white adipose tissue (WAT), inflammation, and cerebrovascular function.
- To elucidate the interplay between these factors in obesity-related cognitive decline.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review of literature published between 2010 and March 2021.
- Analysis of studies investigating obesity's impact on brain structure, cognitive function, and related physiological mechanisms.
- Synthesis of findings concerning the gut microbiome, WAT, inflammation, and cerebrovascular integrity.
Main Results:
- Obesity is associated with gray and white matter integrity loss and impaired cognitive functions (executive function, memory, inhibition, language).
- Gut microbiome alterations in obesity can increase gut permeability and inflammation, affecting cognition.
- Excess WAT releases pro-inflammatory adipokines, causing systemic inflammation and impacting cognition; it also increases blood-brain barrier permeability, leading to neuroinflammation.
Conclusions:
- The gut microbiota, white adipose tissue inflammation, and cerebrovascular integrity interact significantly in the obesity-cognition relationship.
- Neuroinflammation, particularly in the hypothalamus, hippocampus, and amygdala, is a key consequence of obesity-related systemic inflammation.
- Future research should focus on the complex interplay of these factors for developing targeted preventatives and personalized treatments for obesity-related cognitive dysfunction.
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