Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Thomas M. Barber, Ioannis Kyrou, Gregory Kaltsas, Ashley B. Grossman, Harpal S. Randeva, Martin O. Weickert
Summary: Reproductive function relies on the HPG axis, which is susceptible to various signals resulting in Central Hypogonadism. Factors like hyperprolactinaemia, hypoleptinaemia, obesity, as well as external signals such as morphine, steroids, trauma and stress, can all impact the HPG axis. Patients with CH require sensitive and empathetic clinical management.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Review
Pediatrics
Francesca Mainieri, Saverio La Bella, Marta Rinaldi, Francesco Chiarelli
Summary: Obesity is a major health issue in children worldwide, caused by both genetic and environmental factors. Rare forms of obesity are mainly caused by single gene variations, while polygenic obesity is more common and less severe. Non-syndromic monogenic obesity is associated with single gene variations in the leptin-melanocortin signaling pathway, which regulates hunger and satiety. Advances in genetic diagnostic testing have enabled early identification and intervention for patients with genetic obesity.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF PEDIATRICS
(2023)
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Mei Yu, Mengxian Ju, Penghua Fang, Zhenwen Zhang
Summary: Consumption of a high calorie diet with irregular eating and sedentary behavior habits is typical of the current suboptimal lifestyle, contributing to the development of metabolic diseases such as obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus. The adipokines spexin and leptin play important roles in regulating adipogenesis and glucose metabolism. Their levels and interaction in patients with obesity and diabetes also affect the development of these diseases.
BIOCHEMICAL PHARMACOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biology
Sadaf Farooqi
Summary: Genetic disruption of the hypothalamic leptin-melanocortin pathway causes severe obesity, while a lack of leptin leads to increased appetite. Studies on obesity and thinness provide insights into weight regulation mechanisms and molecular targets for weight loss therapy.
PHILOSOPHICAL TRANSACTIONS OF THE ROYAL SOCIETY B-BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
(2023)
Review
Behavioral Sciences
Jin Peng, Lijun Yin, Xiaohui Wang
Summary: Obesity is strongly linked to leptin resistance, and reducing leptin resistance is crucial for obesity treatment. Leptin resistance occurs primarily in the central and peripheral tissues, with mechanisms that are not fully understood, while exercise serves as an effective method to alleviate leptin resistance.
HORMONES AND BEHAVIOR
(2021)
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Emanuela Pannia, Rola Hammoud, Ruslan Kubant, Jong Yup Sa, Rebecca Simonian, Brandi Wasek, Paula Ashcraft, Teodoro Bottiglieri, Zdenka Pausova, G. Harvey Anderson
Summary: The study found that high levels of MTHF compared to FA can promote weight gain in offspring and induce changes in central and peripheral mechanisms. However, when fed folate diets at the requirement level, there were no differences found in offspring.
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
E. Marmol-Sanchez, J. S. Artman, M. Fredholm, S. Cirera
Summary: The study utilized pigs to investigate the impact of increased adiposity on the leptin signaling pathway, finding an increase in leptin and interleukin 6 expression in fat tissues of pigs with high mesenteric fat content, while no significant changes were observed in the central nervous system.
Review
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Milan Obradovic, Emina Sudar-Milovanovic, Sanja Soskic, Magbubah Essack, Swati Arya, Alan J. Stewart, Takashi Gojobori, Esma R. Isenovic
Summary: Leptin, a peptide hormone, regulates food intake, body mass, and reproductive function, playing a crucial role in fetal growth, immune responses, angiogenesis, and lipolysis. Leptin resistance can lead to reduced satiety, overconsumption of nutrients, and increased body mass, potentially causing obesity. Combining leptin therapies with sensitizers may help overcome resistance and treat obesity effectively.
FRONTIERS IN ENDOCRINOLOGY
(2021)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Juan Antonio Flores-Cordero, Antonio Perez-Perez, Carlos Jimenez-Cortegana, Gonzalo Alba, Alfonso Flores-Barragan, Victor Sanchez-Margalet
Summary: Obesity is a global health problem and leptin resistance, a mechanism of obesity, is associated with the development of Alzheimer's Disease.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Jelte Wieting, Kirsten Jahn, Vanessa Buchholz, Ralf Lichtinghagen, Stephanie Deest-Gaubatz, Stefan Bleich, Christian K. Eberlein, Maximilian Deest, Helge Frieling
Summary: Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS) is a rare neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by insatiable appetite and obesity. This study found elevated serum leptin levels and altered DNA methylation of the leptin and leptin receptor gene in adult PWS patients.
PSYCHONEUROENDOCRINOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Ingrid Caroline van Nieuwpoort, Tessa N. A. Slagboom, Sigridur Jakobsdottir, Jan Berend Deijen, Dick J. Veltman, Leopold M. G. Curfs, Madeleine L. Drent
Summary: Individuals with PWS exhibit abnormal food-related brain activation in the fasting state. Leptin is positively associated with activation within the neural motivation/reward circuitry, while glucose shows a negative correlation.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL MEDICINE
(2021)
Review
Nutrition & Dietetics
Huimin Liu, Tianxin Du, Chen Li, Guoqing Yang
Summary: Leptin plays a crucial role in energy regulation, but leptin resistance is common in obese individuals, hindering the effectiveness of leptin therapy. The mechanism of leptin resistance involves various factors and requires further research.
NUTRITION & METABOLISM
(2021)
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Soniya Xavier, Jasmine Gili, Peter McGowan, Simin Younesi, Paul F. A. Wright, David W. Walker, Sarah J. Spencer, Luba Sominsky
Summary: The study findings indicate that a maternal diet high in fat and sugar had minimal negative effects on newborn pups, while consuming a diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids during pregnancy may be detrimental for some metabolic developmental outcomes in the offspring.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Maria E. Casado, Sandra Canelles, Eduardo Arilla-Ferreiro, Laura M. M. Frago, Vicente Barrios
Summary: Leptin can regulate lipid metabolism and reduce adipose tissue stores by inhibiting food intake and altering adipocyte sensitivity to insulin. This study investigated the effects of chronic central leptin administration on lipid metabolism and inflammatory- and insulin-signaling pathways in epididymal adipose tissue. Changes were observed in the expression of key enzymes involved in lipid metabolism, as well as insulin-signaling targets and inflammatory markers.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Lihua Guan, Yifei Wang, Liling Lin, Yutong Zou, Ling Qiu
Summary: Blood copper levels during pregnancy show various trends, influenced by estrogen, other trace elements, and other factors. Maternal-fetal copper transport caused by estrogen may be the main reason for the inconsistencies observed in the 2nd and 3rd trimester.
BIOLOGICAL TRACE ELEMENT RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Neurosciences
Purificacion Ordas, Pablo Hernandez-Ortego, Hugo Vara, Carlos Fernandez-Pena, Alfonso Reimundez, Cruz Morenilla-Palao, Ana Guadano-Ferraz, Ana Gomis, Mark Hoon, Felix Viana, Rosa Senaris
Summary: TRPM8 is the principal detector of environmental cold in mammalian sensory nerve endings, and it is also expressed in restricted areas of the central nervous system, especially in regions like the hypothalamus and septum. The presence of TRPM8-expressing central neurons in different areas of the brain suggests a potential role in thermal regulation, which has been confirmed by electrophysiological recordings in mouse brain.
JOURNAL OF COMPARATIVE NEUROLOGY
(2021)
Review
Medicine, General & Internal
A. Borrajo, C. Spuch, M. A. Penedo, J. M. Olivares, R. C. Agis-Balboa
Summary: The development of effective cART has reduced the death rate associated with HIV-1 infection, but over 50% of patients develop HAND. Microglia, as the primary cells infected by HIV-1 in CNS, contribute to neurotoxicity observed in HAND through inflammation and oxidative stress mechanisms. Understanding the activation of microglia and pathways involved in neuroinflammation is crucial for potential therapeutic targets in HAND treatment.
ANNALS OF MEDICINE
(2021)
Article
Cell Biology
Daniela Rodrigues-Amorim, Tania Rivera-Baltanas, Patricia Fernandez-Palleiro, Marta Iglesias-Martinez-Almeida, Luis Freiria-Martinez, Cynthia Jarmardo-Rodriguez, Maria del Carmen Vallejo-Curto, Maria Alvarez-Ariza, Marta Lopez-Garcia, Elena de las Heras, Alejandro Garcia-Caballero, Jose Manuel Olivares, Carlos Spuch
Summary: The study found significant abnormalities in the composition and expression of brain extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins in patients with schizophrenia, which may lead to impaired neuronal function and neurodegenerative processes. The brain ECM and its components are potential pharmacological targets for developing new therapeutic approaches to treat schizophrenia.
CELLULAR AND MOLECULAR NEUROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Daniela Rodrigues-Amorim, Marta Iglesias-Martinez-Almeida, Tania Rivera-Baltanas, Patricia Fernandez-Palleiro, Luis Freiria-Martinez, Cynthia Rodriguez-Jamardo, Maria Comis-Tuche, Maria Del Carmen Vallejo-Curto, Maria Alvarez-Ariza, Marta Lopez-Garcia, Elena de las Heras, Alejandro Garcia-Caballero, Jose Manuel Olivares, Carlos Spuch
Summary: The study investigated the expression levels of NEText, TrkC, and NT-3 in the peripheral blood of 54 patients with schizophrenia and 54 healthy controls, finding significantly lower levels in patients. Protein interactions were observed through co-immunoprecipitation, and computational modelling showed accurate models for NT-3-NEText and TrkC-NEText interactions. The results suggest a potential peripheral molecular biomarker for schizophrenia related to the dysregulation of intracellular signaling pathways.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Psychiatry
Maria del Carmen Vallejo-Curto, Daniela Rodrigues-Amorim, Laura Jardon-Golmar, Maria Blanco-Formoso, Tania Rivera-Baltanas, Cynthia Rodriguez-Jamardo, Patricia Fernandez-Palleiro, Maria Alvarez-Ariza, Marta Lopez-Garcia, Alejandro Garcia-Caballero, Elena de las Heras, Jose Manuel Olivares, Carlos Spuch
Summary: The study on chronic schizophrenia patients undergoing physical exercise program revealed significant benefits in improving their physical and mental health, including weight, metabolism, and clinical parameters. The research also identified various biological and molecular pathways affected by physical exercise, providing insights for future therapies in chronic schizophrenia.
REVISTA DE PSIQUIATRIA Y SALUD MENTAL
(2021)
Article
Psychology, Multidisciplinary
Maria Lado-Codesido, Rosa Maria Rey Varela, Marina Larios Quinones, Luis Martinez Agulleiro, Julieta Ossa Basanes, Maria Martinez Querol, Raimundo Mateos, Carlos Spuch, Alejandro Garcia-Caballero
Summary: This study aimed to test the capacity of the Voices 2 program to improve emotion recognition through prosody for adults with schizophrenia, as well as to observe durability effects 1 month after intervention. The research found significant improvements in prosodic recognition in the Voices group post-intervention.
FRONTIERS IN PSYCHOLOGY
(2021)
Editorial Material
Neurosciences
Gorka Orive, Francisco Lopera, Eva Carro
JOURNAL OF ALZHEIMERS DISEASE
(2022)
Editorial Material
Geriatrics & Gerontology
David Facal, Carlos Spuch, Sonia Valladares-Rodriguez
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Fernando Bartolome, Eva Carro, Carolina Alquezar
Summary: Oxidative stress is the imbalance between reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and the antioxidant capacity of cells. The human brain is highly susceptible to oxidative stress, making it an essential component in the pathophysiology of neurodegenerative diseases such as tauopathies. However, there currently exist no effective therapies for these diseases. Although antioxidant therapies have shown promise in preclinical studies, clinical trials have been disappointing. To develop effective antioxidant therapies, a complete understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying oxidative stress in tauopathies is crucial.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Desiree Antequera, Laura Carrero, Victoria Cunha Alves, Isidro Ferrer, Jesus Hernandez-Gallego, Cristina Municio, Eva Carro
Summary: Impaired brain clearance mechanisms may lead to the accumulation of aberrant proteins in Alzheimer's disease. AQP5, an important water channel protein, is found to be abnormally expressed in AD brains and may play a significant role in AD pathology.
Article
Physiology
Alfonso Reimundez, Carlos Fernandez-Pena, Purificacion Ordas, Pablo Hernandez-Ortego, Rosalia Gallego, Cruz Morenilla-Palao, Juan Navarro, Francisco Martin-Cora, Jose Luis Pardo-Vazquez, Lindsay A. Schwarz, Victor Arce, Felix Viana, Rosa Senaris
Summary: TRPM8 plays a role as a temperature sensor in regulating central and peripheral clocks and the circadian control of body temperature. Its deficiency results in abnormalities in the central pacemaker and disrupted temperature regulation, as well as dysregulated gene expression in metabolic tissues.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Yolanda Diz-Chaves, Zainab Mastoor, Carlos Spuch, Lucas C. Gonzalez-Matias, Federico Mallo
Summary: GLP-1 plays a role in insulin secretion and has neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory effects in the brain. GLP-1R activation has been shown to reduce inflammation and may be a potential therapeutic tool for neurodegenerative diseases and neuroinflammatory pathologies.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Cristina Municio, Laura Carrero, Desiree Antequera, Eva Carro
Summary: The glymphatic system, responsible for brain waste clearance, is impaired in neurological disorders, including Alzheimer's disease (AD). Understanding the mechanisms and factors controlling glymphatic function, especially involving aquaporins (AQPs), is crucial. CSF transport through the brain parenchyma is important for waste removal, but a balance with CSF production and secretion is necessary. Any disruption in CSF homeostasis affects waste removal and neurodegenerative processes.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Neurosciences
Laura Carrero, Desiree Antequera, Ignacio Alcalde, Diego Megias, Joana Figueiro-Silva, Jesus Merayo-Lloves, Cristina Municio, Eva Carro
Summary: In this study, circadian clock gene expression was found to be altered not only in the hypothalamus but also in the cerebral cortex and hippocampus in the transgenic APP/PS1 mouse model of Alzheimer's disease. Additionally, retinal degeneration was observed, including A beta deposits, reduced choline acetyltransferase levels, loss of melanopsin retinal ganglion cells, and decreased functional integrity of inner retina layers. These findings suggest that retinal degeneration is an early pathological event that directly affects the control of circadian rhythm in Alzheimer's disease.
ACTA NEUROPATHOLOGICA COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Luis Freiria-Martinez, Marta Iglesias-Martinez-Almeida, Cynthia Rodriguez-Jamardo, Tania Rivera-Baltanas, Maria Comis-Tuche, Daniela Rodrigues-Amorim, Patricia Fernandez-Palleiro, Maria Blanco-Formoso, Yolanda Diz-Chaves, Natalia Gonzalez-Freiria, Maria Suarez-Albo, Montserrat Martin-Forero-Maestre, Cristina Duran Fernandez-Feijoo, Jose Ramon Fernandez-Lorenzo, Ana Concheiro Guisan, Jose Manuel Olivares, Carlos Spuch
Summary: Human milk is rich in miRNAs and exosomes, which play significant roles in neurodevelopment and normal function. Through analyzing human breast milk samples, we identified 132 different miRNAs, 69 of which showed significant differential expression. These miRNAs are involved in gene regulation related to synaptic activity and neuron projection morphogenesis. Our findings suggest that human milk can transmit molecular and biological information for brain development.