title: Autonomic nervous system dysfunction in obesity and Prader-Willi syndrome: current evidence and implications for future obesity therapies.
abstract: The autonomic nervous system (ANS) controls essential functions like breathing, heart rate, digestion, body temperature and hormone levels. Evidence suggests that ANS dysfunction is associated with adult and childhood obesity and plays a role in the distribution of total body fat and the development of obesity-related complications in humans. This review summarizes our current understanding of ANS involvement in the pathogenesis of obesity and Prader-Willi syndrome. Available evidence of ANS dysfunction in the control of energy balance is limited and, in some cases, contradictory. Further investigation in this area is warranted in order to better understand the important contributions of the ANS to regulation of body fat, development of obesity and its comorbidities. Results from these studies will guide the development of novel obesity therapeutics targeting specific ANS dysfunction.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pediatrics, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, CanadaFaculty of Physical Education and Recreation, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, CanadaDepartment of Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, CanadaDepartment of Pediatrics, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USADepartment of Pediatrics, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
authors.forename: A M
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Haqq
authors.forename: D S
authors.initials: DS
authors.lastname: DeLorey
authors.forename: A M
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Sharma
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Freemark
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Kreier
authors.forename: M L
authors.initials: ML
authors.lastname: Mackenzie
authors.forename: L P
authors.initials: LP
authors.lastname: Richer
keywords: Autonomic Nervous System (ANS); Prader-Willi syndrome; childhood obesity