title: MECHANISMS IN ENDOCRINOLOGY: Hypothalamic inflammation and nutrition.
abstract: Selected subpopulations of hypothalamic neurons play important roles in the regulation of whole body energy homeostasis. Studies have shown that the saturated fats present in large amounts in western diets can activate an inflammatory response in the hypothalamus, affecting the capacity of such neurons to respond appropriately to satiety and adipostatic signals. In the first part of this review, we will explore the mechanisms behind saturated fatty acid-induced hypothalamic dysfunction. Next, we will present and discuss recent studies that have identified the mechanisms that mediate some of the anti-inflammatory actions of unsaturated fatty acids in the hypothalamus and the potential for exploring these mechanisms to prevent or treat obesity.
authors.affiliation: Laboratory of Cell SignalingUniversity of Campinas, Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil Faculty of NursingUniversity of Campinas, Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil.
authors.forename: Eliana P
authors.initials: EP
authors.lastname: Araujo
authors.affiliation: Laboratory of Cell SignalingUniversity of Campinas, Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil.
authors.forename: Juliana C
authors.initials: JC
authors.lastname: Moraes
authors.affiliation: Laboratory of Cell SignalingUniversity of Campinas, Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil Faculty of Applied SciencesUniversity of Campinas, Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil.
authors.forename: Dennys E
authors.initials: DE
authors.lastname: Cintra
authors.affiliation: Laboratory of Cell SignalingUniversity of Campinas, Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil lavelloso.unicamp@gmail.com.
authors.forename: Licio A
authors.initials: LA
authors.lastname: Velloso
mesh_terms: D006801:Humans; D007031:Hypothalamus / Q000503:physiopathology*; D007249:Inflammation / Q000503:physiopathology*; D007333:Insulin Resistance / Q000502:physiology; D009474:Neurons / Q000502:physiology; D009752:Nutritional Status; D009765:Obesity / Q000503:physiopathology*