Scientific evidence has an extensive list of tests Following a diet low in bad fats has negative effects on the body.From high levels of nitric oxide and increased risk of cancer to increased risk of cognitive decline and dementia.
Now, a new investigation published in the journal has been added to the expanding body of studies Journal of Physiology: what does it point to Eating too much fat impairs brain’s ability to regulate calories,
In experiments done with rats, it can be seen that after feeding the rodents a diet high in fat and calories for a long period of time, The signaling pathway between the brain and the gut was altered, impairing or reducing the ability to control caloric intake.
in this way astrocytes are involved, star-shaped brain cells that hold nerve cells in place and help them develop and function properly. What is normal is that they react to the intake of many fats and calories, balancing the intake, but after some time follow this pattern of poor nutritionThey become insensitive.
“After about 10 to 14 days of a high-fat, high-calorie diet, the astrocytes do not respond and the brain’s ability to control caloric intake is lost, signaling to the stomach is altered and stomach emptying is delayed. ,” notes Kirsten Browning, professor of neuroscience and behavioral sciences at Penn State School of Medicine.
The rodents used in the research were divided into groups and fed a high-fat, high-calorie diet or a standard control diet for 1, 3, 5, or 14 days. In addition to recording food intake and body weight, Gene editing techniques were used to direct and control specific neural circuits, including astrocytes.
inhibiting astrocytes in the brainstem, Scientists were able to link the cells to reduced gut-brain communication and a lack of regulation of food intakeWhich usually occurs within 3-5 days of following a high-fat diet.
The disrupted astrocytes mimic what happened to normal mice after a few weeks of a high-fat diet.
although still Much remains to be learned about the complex brain mechanisms behind the brain’s response to breastfeedingAnd the discovery of mice has to be applied to humans too, assuming this is the pattern.
“We have yet to ascertain whether the loss of astrocyte activity and signaling mechanisms is the cause of overeating or if it occurs in response to overeating,” says Browning.
can further explore this aspect Provide tools to reduce obesity in the future, as it has been linked to diseases such as type 2 diabetes, coronary heart disease, stroke and various types of cancer, as well as mental health problems such as depression. Furthermore, childhood obesity is a dangerous mental health problem.
“We are keen to find out whether it is possible to reactivate the brain’s apparently lost ability to regulate caloric intake. If so, this could lead to interventions that are effective in humans.” help restore calorie regulation,” says the lead researcher. Science alert.
