Researchers at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center in the United States have made a significant discovery, shedding light on the link between obesity and neurodegenerative disorders like Alzheimer’s disease. Their study, published on November 7th in the open-access journal PLOS Biology, reveals that a high-sugar diet, a common characteristic of obesity, causes insulin resistance in the brain. This insulin resistance, identified in glial cells (the brain's support cells), impairs their ability to remove neuronal debris, increasing the risk of neurodegeneration.
The research, conducted on fruit flies due to their biological similarities to humans, focused on understanding how obesity contributes to neurodegenerative diseases. The study demonstrated that a high-sugar diet reduced levels of the protein PI3k in glial cells, indicating insulin resistance. Additionally, the fly equivalent of microglia, called ensheathing glia, responsible for clearing neural debris, exhibited low levels of the protein Draper, suggesting impaired function. Artificial reduction of PI3k levels resulted in insulin resistance and low Draper levels in ensheathing glia. Moreover, when olfactory neurons were damaged, ensheathing glia on a high-sugar diet could not effectively remove degenerating axons due to their low Draper levels.
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This groundbreaking research provides valuable insights into how obesity-inducing diets may contribute to the elevated risk of neurodegenerative disorders. The findings could influence the development of therapies aimed at reducing the incidence of these debilitating conditions, offering hope for future treatments and prevention strategies. Stay tuned for further updates as scientists continue to unravel the complexities of neurological diseases and their connections to lifestyle factors.
