Hypothalamic Lipids and the Regulation of Energy Homeostasis

Vol. 2, No. 2, 2009

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Review Article

Hypothalamic Lipids and the Regulation of Energy Homeostasis
Carlos Diéguez^{a, b}, Gema Frühbeck^{b, c}, Miguel López^{a, b}

^aDepartment of Physiology, School of Medicine, University of Santiago de Compostela,
^bCIBER 'Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutrición', Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Santiago de Compostela,
^cMetabolic Research Laboratory, Clínica Universitaria de Navarra, University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain

Address of Corresponding Author

Obes Facts 2009;2:126-135 (DOI: 10.1159/000209251)

Key Words

AMP-activated protein kinase
Acetyl-CoA carboxylase
Fatty acid synthase
Food intake
Hypothalamus
Lipid sensing

Summary

The hypothalamus is a specialised area in the brain that integrates the control of energy homeostasis, regulating both food intake and energy expenditure. The classical theory for hypothalamic feeding control is mainly based on the relationship between peripheral signals and neurotransmitters/neuromodulators in the central nervous system. Thus, hypothalamic neurons respond to peripheral signals, such as hormones and nutrients, by modifying the synthesis of neuropeptides. Despite the well-established role of these hypothalamic networks, increasing evidence indicates that the modulation of lipid metabolism in the hypothalamus plays a critical role in feeding control. In fact, the pharmacologic and genetic targeting of key enzymes from these pathways, such as AMP-activated protein kinase, acetyl-CoA carboxylase, carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1, fatty acid synthase, and malonyl-CoA decarboxylase, has a profound effect on food intake and body weight. Here, we review what is currently known about the relationship between hypothalamic lipid metabolism and whole body energy homeostasis. Defining these novel mechanisms may offer new therapeutic targets for the treatment of obesity and its associated pathologies.

Author Contacts

Miguel López, PhD, Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, University of Santiago de Compostela, S. Francisco s/n 15782, Santiago de Compostela (A Coruña), Spain, Tel. +34 981-582658, Fax -574145, m.lopez@usc.es

Article Information

Published online: April 3, 2009
Number of Print Pages : 10

Medline Abstract (ID 20054216)

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