TITLE:
Molecular Insights into Appetite Control and Neuroendocrine Disease as Risk Factors for Chronic Diseases in Western Countries
AUTHORS:
I. J. Martins, Rhona Creegan, W. L. F. Lim, R. N. Martins
KEYWORDS:
Stress; Metabolic Syndrome; Neuroendocrine Disease; Appetite; Fatty Liver
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases,
Vol.3 No.5A,
August
19,
2013
ABSTRACT: Environmental
factors such as stress, anxiety and depression are important to consider with
the global increase in chronic diseases such as cardiovascular diseases,
cancer, stroke, obesity, diabetes and neurodegenerative diseases. Brain
metabolic diseases associated with conditions such as obesity and diabetes
require early intervention with diet, lifestyle and drug therapy to prevent
diseases to various organs such as the liver with non alcoholic fatty liver
disease (NAFLD) and other organs such as the heart, lungs thyroid, pancreas,
brain, kidneys and reproductive systems. Behavioural stress and the molecular
mechanisms that are involved in neuroendocrine diseases such as insulin
resistance in obesity require attention since associated inflammatory processes
early in the disease process have been associated with neurodegenerative diseases.
Molecular neuroendocrine disturbances that cause appetite dysregulation and
hyperphagia are closely linked to hyperinsulinemia, dyslipidaemia and reduced
lifespan. The origins of metabolic diseases that afflict various organs
possibly arise from hypothalamic disturbances with loss of control of
peripheral endocrine hormones and neuropeptides released from the brain. Diet
and drug therapies that are directed to the autonomic nervous system, neuroendocrine
and limbic systems may help regulate and integrate leptin and insulin signals
involving various neuropeptides associated with chronic diseases such as
obesity and diabetes. The understanding of brain circuits and stabilization of
neuroanatomical structures in the brain is currently under investigation. Research
that is involved in the understanding of diet and drugs in the stabilization of
brain structures such as frontostriatal limbic circuits, hypothalamus brainstem
circuits and parasympathetic nervous system is required. Information related to
neuropeptides and neurotransmitters that are released from the brain and their
regulation by therapeutic drugs requires further assessment. The promise of
appropriate diets, lifestyle and drugs that target the CNS and peripheral
tissues such as the adipose tissue, liver and pancreas may improve the
prognosis of chronic diseases such as obesity and diabetes that are also
closely associated with neurodegeneration.