somatosensory function
The lipid sensor LXRs protect small sensory neurons... 29 September 2018
Our findings suggest that lipid-binding nuclear receptors expressed in the sensory neurons of the DRG play a role in the onset of obesity-induced hypersensitivity. The LXR and lipid-sensor pathways represent a research avenue to identify targets to prevent debilitating complications affecting the peripheral nerve system in obesity.
Read more >Obesity-Associated Neuropathy: Recent Preclinical Studies and Proposed Mechanisms 26 February 2022
In this review, we focus on interventions and their mechanisms that are shown to ameliorate neuropathy in MetS obese models including: (i) inhibition of a sensory neuron population, (ii), modification of dietary components, (iii) activation of nuclear and mitochondrial lipid pathways, (iv) exercise, (v) modulation of gut microbiome composition and their metabolites.
Read more >LXR agonist Prevents Peripheral Neuropathy and modifies PNS... 22 February 2022
Our results suggest that activation of the LXR may block the progression of neuropathy associated with aging by modifying nerve-immune cell cholesterol, thereby providing new pathways to target in efforts to delay neuropathy during aging.
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LXR agonist modifies neuronal lipid homeostasis and decreases... 12 October 2022
GW3965 decreased prostaglandin levels and decreased free fatty acid content, while increasing lysophosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylcholine, and cholesterol ester species in the sensory neurons of the dorsal root ganglia (DRG). These data suggest novel downstream interplaying mechanisms that modifies DRG neuronal lipid following GW3965 treatment.
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Comparison of western diet-induced obesity and streptozotocin mouse... 4 June 2024
Front Physiol. 2023 Oct 11;14:1238120. doi: 10.3389/fphys.2023.1238120. PMID: 37885804; PMCID: PMC10598778.
Elshareif N, Gornick E, Gavini CK, Aubert G, Mansuy-Aubert V.
In our research, we thoroughly characterized energy balance and glucose homeostasis, as well as allodynia and cardiac function, all of which have been previously shown to be altered by WD feeding. Notably, our findings revealed that the treatment of WD-fed mice with STZ exacerbated dysfunction in glucose homeostasis via reduced insulin secretion in addition to impaired peripheral insulin signaling. Furthermore, both WD and WD + STZ mice exhibited the same degree of cardiac autonomic neuropathy, such as reduced heart rate variability and decreased protein levels of cardiac autonomic markers. Furthermore, both groups developed the same symptoms of neuropathic pain, accompanied by elevated levels of activating transcription factor 3 (Atf3) in the dorsal root ganglia. These discoveries enhance our understanding of metabolic activity, insulin resistance, neuropathy, and cardiac dysfunction of diet-induced models of obesity and diabetes.
Read more >Short chain fatty acids: the messengers from down... 18 August 2023
Short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), produced by the metabolism of dietary fibers in the gut, have wide-ranging effects locally and throughout the body. They modulate the enteric and central nervous systems, benefit anti-inflammatory pathways, and serve as energy sources. Recent research reveals SCFAs as crucial communicators between the gut and brain, forming the gut-brain axis. This perspective highlights key findings and discusses signaling mechanisms connecting SCFAs to the brain. By shedding light on this link, the perspective aims to inspire innovative research in this rapidly developing field.
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