Whispering Through the Barrier: Signaling Interfaces for Peripheral Regulation of Brain Function in Obesity

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Immunology
• Metabolic Disorders

Background:

• The blood-brain barrier (BBB) and blood-cerebrospinal fluid barrier (BCSFB) regulate brain homeostasis.
• Obesity is linked to neuroinflammation and altered brain function.
• Understanding barrier signaling in obesity is crucial for neurological health.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review signaling modalities at the BBB and BCSFB in steady-state and obese conditions.
• To summarize current knowledge on neuroinflammation progression and neuroimmune responses.
• To examine the reversibility of obesity-induced changes and potential interventions.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of preclinical models and human studies.
• Analysis of cell types and signaling pathways involved in barrier function.
• Synthesis of data on neuroinflammation and neuroimmune propagation.

Main Results:

• Obesity recruits specific cell types and pathways at the brain barriers.
• Neuroinflammation and neuroimmune responses show complex temporal progression.
• Middle age appears critical for obesity's impact on brain function.

Conclusions:

• Elucidating metabolic and immune signatures associated with neurological dysfunction is key.
• Novel biomarkers for neurological dysfunction in obesity may be identified.
• Targeted strategies can be developed to improve healthspan in obese individuals.