Leptin, nutrition, and the programming of hypothalamic feeding circuits.
A large body of epidemiological data suggests that adverse early environments, including obesity during pregnancy or early postnatal life, are linked to an elevated prevalence of metabolic disease in adult offspring. The mechanisms underlying these effects are still poorly understood, but recent data from rodents provide insight into a potential role for the brain in this 'metabolic programming.' This review summarizes the developmental changes that have been observed in the hypothalamus in response to changes in the early nutritional and hormonal environment. It also discusses how resetting a diverse array of neuroendocrine systems may have long-term effects on the regulation of metabolism and energy balance.
The Saban Research Institute, Neuroscience Program, Childrens Hospital Los Angeles, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
Sebastien G
SG
Bouret
D000818:Animals; D002657:Child Development; D004734:Energy Metabolism; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007031:Hypothalamus / Q000254:growth & development / Q000502:physiology*; D007223:Infant; D007227:Infant Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; D020738:Leptin / Q000502:physiology*; D039382:Maternal Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; D008659:Metabolic Diseases / Q000209:etiology*; D009490:Neurosecretory Systems / Q000254:growth & development; D009765:Obesity / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology; D011247:Pregnancy; D011248:Pregnancy Complications; D011297:Prenatal Exposure Delayed Effects
D020738:Leptin