Article
Neurosciences
Hongxiao Yu, Luo Shi, Jinting Chen, Shirui Jun, Yinchao Hao, Shuang Wang, Congrui Fu, Xiang Zhang, Haiyan Lu, Sheng Wang, Fang Yuan
Summary: The study demonstrates that neurons expressing LepRb in the nucleus tractus solitarii (NTS) play a key role in respiratory control, with leptin potentiating breathing via an NTS-LPBN-preBotC circuit. Stimulation of NTSLepRb neurons notably activates breathing, while ablation of NTSLepRb neurons projecting to the LPBN eliminates the enhanced effect.
NEUROSCIENCE BULLETIN
(2022)
Article
Neurosciences
Yinchao Hao, Ziqian Wei, Shuang Wang, Pei An, Yifei Huang, Lingxiao Yu, Mengchu Zhu, Hongxiao Yu, Fang Yuan, Sheng Wang
Summary: The disrupted medullary leptin signaling contributes to obesity-related hypoventilation, and inhibiting the upregulated SOCS3 in the NTS and RTN can alleviate this condition.
Article
Neurosciences
Shirui Jun, Xianhong Ou, Luo Shi, Hongxiao Yu, Tianjiao Deng, Jinting Chen, Xiaojun Nie, Yinchao Hao, Yishuo Shi, Wei Liu, Yanming Tian, Sheng Wang, Fang Yuan
Summary: The NTS is involved in the autonomic regulation of cardiovascular activity. NTSPNMT neurons have different effects on blood pressure depending on their projections. Stimulation of NTSPNMT neurons projecting to different areas can cause either a decrease or increase in blood pressure and heart rate. Ablation of NTSPNMT neurons and their projections to specific areas impairs the arterial baroreflex.
NEUROSCIENCE BULLETIN
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Jing Wang, Linshan Sun, Jingjing You, Honghai Peng, Haijing Yan, Jiangong Wang, Fengjiao Sun, Minghu Cui, Sanwang Wang, Zheng Zhang, Xueli Fan, Dunjiang Liu, Cuilan Liu, Changyun Qiu, Chao Chen, Zhicheng Xu, Jinbo Chen, Wei Li, Bin Liu
Summary: Chronic stress induces depression and insulin resistance, and there is a bidirectional relationship between them. This study reveals the involvement of the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus (PVN) in depression and insulin resistance induced by chronic stress. The activation of PVN neurons plays a role in increasing sympathetic innervation of adipose tissues, downregulating several adipokines, and leading to depression and insulin resistance.
Article
Integrative & Complementary Medicine
Jingya Wang, Qiumei Zhang, Lin Yao, Teng He, Xinyi Chen, Yang Su, Shengxuan Sun, Mengyue Fan, Jinglan Yan, Taiyi Wang, Meng Zhang, Feng Guo, Shiqing Mo, Manqi Lu, Meixia Zou, Liangjie Li, Qing Yuan, Huashan Pan, Yongjun Chen
Summary: This study found that electroacupuncture (EA) at the BL15 acupuncture point effectively prevented circulatory dysfunction in a rat model of atrial fibrillation. The treatment restored impaired vascular contraction and relaxation caused by atrial fibrillation and blocked abnormal activity of the autonomic nervous system. Importantly, excessive activation of PVN neurons diminished the protective effects of EA treatment on atrial fibrillation-induced circulatory dysfunction.
Article
Physiology
Elenia Cinelli, Ludovica Iovino, Fulvia Bongianni, Tito Pantaleo, Federico Lavorini, Claudia Mannini, Donatella Mutolo
Summary: It has been shown that muscarinic acetylcholine receptors (mAChRs) located within the caudal nucleus tractus solitarii (cNTS) mediate a cholinergic inhibitory control mechanism of the cough reflex. Identification of the involved mAChR subtypes could be of considerable interest for novel therapeutic strategies.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PHYSIOLOGY-LUNG CELLULAR AND MOLECULAR PHYSIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Psychology, Biological
Winfried L. Neuhuber, Hans -Rudolf Berthoud
Summary: Due to its important role in autonomic networks and interoception, the vagus nerve continues to attract interest from both basic scientists and therapists. In addition to the classical vagal brainstem nuclei, the spinal trigeminal and paratrigeminal nuclei also play a role in vagal innervation. Furthermore, the nucleus of the solitary tract integrates not only visceral but also somatic sensory inputs.
BIOLOGICAL PSYCHOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Uday Singh, Jingwei Jiang, Kenji Saito, Brandon A. Toth, Jacob E. Dickey, Samuel R. Rodeghiero, Yue Deng, Guorui Deng, Baojian Xue, Zhiyong Zhu, Leonid V. Zingman, Joel C. Geerling, Huxing Cui
Summary: The PVNMC4R+ neurons project broadly to brain regions involved in feeding, neuroendocrine, and autonomic control, while receiving monosynaptic input mainly from other hypothalamic nuclei and circumventricular organs. Activation of PVNMC4R+ neurons leads to suppression of feeding and physiological changes in cardiovascular and thermoregulatory functions, accompanied by acute transient hyperactivity and rest-like behavior.
MOLECULAR METABOLISM
(2022)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Wenzhi Yang, Hao Li, Zhongle Cheng, You Lu, Wuli Li, Jun Feng, Liecheng Wang, Juan Cheng
Summary: Dexmedetomidine modulates water-electrolyte metabolism balance by depressing AVP expression in the PVN without impairing renal function.
FRONTIERS IN PHARMACOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Neurosciences
Basak Donertas Ayaz, Aline C. Oliveira, Wendi L. Malphurs, Ty Redler, Alan Moreira de Araujo, Ravindra K. Sharma, Basar Sirmagul, Jasenka Zubcevic
Summary: Chronic infusion of sodium hydrosulfide was found to alleviate the effects of Ang II-induced hypertension in rats and impact microglia in PVN. This suggests that central H2S may alleviate rodent hypertension independently of circulating H2S via effects on the autonomic nervous system and PVN microglia.
FRONTIERS IN NEUROSCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Zhe Chen, Ming-Tong Lin, Chen Zhan, Nan-Shan Zhong, Di Mu, Ke-Fang Lai, Mingzhe J. Liu
Summary: This study reveals that GABAergic neurons in the l/vlPAG region suppress cough processing through a descending pathway. Activation of these neurons decreases coughing-like behaviors, while suppression of these neurons enhances cough sensitivity. These findings provide important insights into the neural mechanisms underlying chronic cough.
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Chieh-Jen Wu, Pei-Wen Cheng, Ming-Hsiang Kung, Chiu-Yi Ho, Jun-Yen Pan, Ching-Jiunn Tseng, Hsin-Hung Chen
Summary: This study investigated the impact of NTS Glut5 knockdown on fructose-induced hypertension. The results showed that Glut5 KD reduced sympathetic nerve hyperactivity, improved central insulin signaling, lowered blood pressure, restored signaling dependent on adenosine 5'-monophosphate-activated protein kinase, and reduced fructose-induced oxidative stress within the NTS.
JOURNAL OF NUTRITION
(2022)
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Yue Deng, Jacob E. Dickey, Kenji Saito, Guorui Deng, Uday Singh, Jingwei Jiang, Brandon A. Toth, Zhiyong Zhu, Leonid Zingman, Jon M. Resch, Justin L. Grobe, Huxing Cui
Summary: This study characterized the expression of RGS2 in the paraventricular nucleus of hypothalamus (PVN) and investigated its role in metabolic homeostasis. The results showed that Rgs2 mRNA was widely expressed throughout the mouse brain, with the highest expression observed in the PVN. Rgs2 was specifically enriched in CRH+ endocrine neurons within the PVN and was further increased by calorie restriction. The adult deletion of Rgs2 in the PVN resulted in increased food intake, body weight, body length, and blood glucose levels in mice. Prolonged postnatal loss of Rgs2 led to neuronal cell death in the PVN. In conclusion, PVN Rgs2 expression is sensitive to metabolic challenge and is crucial for the function and maintenance of metabolic homeostasis in PVN endocrine neurons.
MOLECULAR METABOLISM
(2022)
Article
Neurosciences
Kei Tsukioka, Ko Yamanaka, Hidefumi Waki
Summary: This study elucidates the central mechanisms of cardiovascular regulation during high-intensity exercise, revealing that amygdala activation acts to limit maximum exercise performance and may implicate autonomic control modulating the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus-nucleus tractus solitarius pathway.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Gwo-Ching Sun, Jockey Tse, Yung-Ho Hsu, Chiu-Yi Ho, Ching-Jiunn Tseng, Pei-Wen Cheng
Summary: Opioids play a role in the development of hypertension by causing inflammation and affecting blood pressure control. The formation of AT1R and mu OR heterodimers may contribute to the progression of hypertension.
Article
Behavioral Sciences
Hugues Piloquet, Benoit Berge, Pascal Maigret, Veronique Hospital
Summary: This study aimed to explore the effects of environmental factors on eating behavior and food intake in toddlers. The results showed that food fussiness was more common in older children, children conceived with medical assistance, children exposed to distractions during meals, rewarded by parents to finish meals, free to eat at will, and those who ate only occasionally with the whole family. Unsatisfactory dietary diversification was not significantly associated with any variable.
Article
Behavioral Sciences
Victoria Norton, Julie A. Lovegrove, Marcus Tindall, Julia Rodriguez Garcia, Stella Lignou
Summary: The UK's aging population requires promotion of balanced nutrition, with a particular focus on increasing dietary fiber intake. Surveys involving older adults showed their willingness to learn about dietary fiber and the need for accessible information. Educational materials proved effective in engaging older adults and were perceived as useful. A holistic approach, involving support from various sources, can aid in improving dietary fiber consumption and overall health outcomes among older adults.
Article
Behavioral Sciences
Gary J. Farkas, Paige M. Cunningham, Alicia M. Sneij, John E. Hayes, Mark S. Nash, Arthur S. Berg, David R. Gater, Barbara J. Rolls
Summary: Overeating associated with neurogenic obesity after spinal cord injury (SCI) may be related to how persons with SCI experience satiation, their eating frequency, and the context in which they eat their meals. Those with SCI rely less on physiological satiation cues for meal termination and instead rely more on hedonic cues. There are differences in meal contexts and eating frequency between SCI individuals and controls, with SCI individuals consuming fewer meals but having a higher overall eating frequency due to increased snacking. These factors likely contribute to overeating associated with neurogenic obesity after SCI.
Article
Behavioral Sciences
Shana Adise, Kerri N. Boutelle, Panteha Hayati Rezvan, Eric Kan, Kyung E. Rhee, Michael I. Goran, Elizabeth R. Sowell
Summary: This study investigated the relationship between executive functions and cognition during adolescence, and the intake of fat and sugar two years later. The study found that higher impulsivity and reward-seeking behaviors were related to greater fat and sugar intake in males, while higher negative urgency and BMI were related to greater intake in both sexes. These findings suggest that individuals with certain traits may be more at risk for weight gain due to overconsumption of unhealthy foods.
Article
Behavioral Sciences
Claire Margerison, Gozde Aydin, Christel Larsson, Alison Booth, Anthony Worsley, Janandani Nanayakkara
Summary: The COVID-19 pandemic and associated lockdowns resulted in changes in food accessibility and availability, leading to shifts in food habits and behaviors among people worldwide. A study conducted in Australia examined the self-reported changes in food habits and behaviors of adults during the COVID-19 restrictions in 2020. The majority of respondents reported developing positive food habits, such as trying new recipes, cooking from scratch, and reducing take-away meals. The study also found that family involvement in food preparation and eating together increased during the restrictions. However, there were negative experiences, including difficulties in purchasing certain foods and limited access to food outlets.
Article
Behavioral Sciences
Betsy Cogan, Jamie A. Cooper
Summary: This study aimed to assess the effect of dietary sweetness on appetite in adults with and without obesity. The results showed that the response of ghrelin to unsweetened rinses was energy-specific for all adults, while rinses containing sucralose led to greater cephalic phase cholecystokinin release in adults with a BMI between 18.5 and 24.9 kg/m(2).
Article
Behavioral Sciences
Rebecca Gregson, Jared Piazza, Heather Shaw
Summary: Recent scholarship has identified a group of individuals who self-identify as anti-vegan, and they have distinct dietarian identities and ideological profiles. Anti-vegans show higher levels of commitment to their dietary patterns compared to omnivores, and they also score higher on various ideological measures.
Review
Behavioral Sciences
Gibson Weydmann, Patricia Maidana Miguel, Nour Hakim, Laurette Dube, Patricia Pelufo Silveira, Lisiane Bizarro
Summary: This study systematically reviewed the association between obesity and overweight with reinforcement learning performance. It was found that obesity might be associated with impairments in utilizing aversive outcomes to change behavior, but further research is needed to confirm this association.
Article
Behavioral Sciences
Laura Kudlek, Rebecca A. Jones, Carly Hughes, Robbie Duschinsky, Andrew Hill, Rebecca Richards, Megan Thompson, Ann Vincent, Simon J. Griffin, Amy L. Ahern
Summary: This study explored how participants of an ACT-based weight management intervention (WMI) experience emotional eating and highlighted the importance of self-awareness and alternative coping strategies in improving emotional eating. It also emphasized the need for ongoing and personalized interventions to support individuals with external locus of control and complex emotional eating experiences.
Article
Behavioral Sciences
Stefanie C. Landwehr, Monika Hartmann
Summary: This study examines the influence of peers on children's snack purchasing decisions, finding that the presence of peers strongly impacts children's brand awareness and price perception, highlighting the crucial role of social influence in shaping children's decision-making processes.
Article
Behavioral Sciences
Rao Yuan, Shaosheng Jin, Wenchao Wu
Summary: This study examines the interactive effects of information and consumer trust on consumer preferences for organic food. The results show that consumers are willing to pay a higher price for organic food, especially those with higher levels of trust. The introduction of information significantly increases consumers' willingness to pay, with a greater increase observed among high-trust consumers.
Article
Behavioral Sciences
Oda Bjorklund, Lars Wichstrom, Clare Llewellyn, Silje Steinsbekk
Summary: This study tests the psychometric properties of the Adult Eating Behavior Questionnaire (AEBQ) in a sample of 14-year-olds and examines its construct validity using the parent-reported Children's Eating Behavior Questionnaire (CEBQ). The results show that a 7-factor solution of the AEBQ without the Hunger scale is a better fitting model, and there are small-to-moderate correlations between the AEBQ and CEBQ scales.
Article
Behavioral Sciences
Alice M. Cox, Rachael W. Taylor, Jillian J. Haszard, Kathryn L. Beck, Pamela R. von Hurst, Cathryn A. Conlon, Lisa A. Te Morenga, Lisa Daniels, Jenny Mcarthur, Rebecca Paul, Neve H. McLean, Emily A. Jones, Ioanna Katiforis, Kimberley J. Brown, Madeline Gash, Madeleine Rowan, Elizabeth A. Fleming, Rosario Jupiterwala, Bailey R. Bruckner, Anne-Louise M. Heath
Summary: Although concerns are often raised about the potential impact of baby food pouch use and Baby-Led Weaning (BLW) on infant health, there is limited research in this area. This study found that frequent pouch use was associated with increased food fussiness and more selective eating, while BLW was associated with higher energy intake and a range of eating behaviors.
Article
Behavioral Sciences
Briana L. Kennedy, Andrew M. Camara, Dominic M. D. Tran
Summary: This study investigated the relationship between obesity, overconsumption, and oversensitivity to rewards, and how it affects attentional biases towards food-related stimuli. The results showed that individuals with higher BMI had lower attentional priority for food and food logos, while increased consumption of HFHS foods and dieting predicted increased attentional priority for food and food logo images.
Article
Behavioral Sciences
Irene Campos-Sanchez, Rocio Munoz-Sanchez, Eva-Maria Navarrete-Munoz, Maria Sofia Molina-Inigo, Miriam Hurtado-Pomares, Paula Fernandez-Pires, Alicia Sanchez-Perez, Daniel Prieto-Botella, Iris Juarez-Leal, Paula Peral-Gomez, Cristina Espinosa-Sempere, Desiree Valera-Gran
Summary: This study aimed to investigate the association between sensory reactivity and feeding problems in young children. The results showed that taste/smell sensitivity was significantly associated with difficulties in texture transition/introduction, limited variety of foods, and both feeding problems. Additionally, children with total sensory reactivity or auditory filtering sensory reactivity had a higher prevalence of consuming a limited variety of foods. These findings highlight the importance of considering sensory reactivity as a potential predictor of feeding problems.