The Metabolic Health Brain Connection describes the bidirectional signaling pathways linking systemic metabolic status, including glucose homeostasis and lipid handling, directly to central nervous system function, mood, and cognition. Dysregulation in peripheral metabolism, such as insulin resistance, directly compromises neuronal health and signaling efficiency. This connection highlights the brain as a highly metabolically active organ sensitive to systemic fuel availability.
Origin
This concept bridges endocrinology, particularly diabetes and obesity research, with cognitive neuroscience, recognizing that metabolic dysfunction has profound central nervous system consequences. It emphasizes the systemic nature of health regulation.
Mechanism
Mechanisms include the brain’s high demand for glucose, reliance on insulin signaling for synaptic maintenance, and the impact of circulating inflammatory cytokines released from adipose tissue on the blood-brain barrier integrity. Furthermore, imbalances in leptin and ghrelin signaling centrally affect satiety and energy expenditure regulation. Maintaining metabolic flexibility is therefore prerequisite for optimal neurological performance.
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