Autonomic Nervous System in Obesity and Insulin-Resistance—The Complex Interplay between Leptin and Central Nervous System

• Published in: International journal of molecular sciences Vol. 22; no. 10; p. 5187
• Main Authors: Russo, Benedetta, Menduni, Marika, Borboni, Patrizia, Picconi, Fabiana, Frontoni, Simona
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Basel MDPI AG 14-05-2021; MDPI
• Subjects: Adipose tissue; Adrenal glands; Autonomic nervous system; autonomic nervous system (ANS); Biological clocks; Blood pressure; Cardiovascular system; Central nervous system; central nervous system (CNS); Circadian rhythms; Energy; Energy balance; Energy expenditure; Energy metabolism; Glucose; Heart rate; Homeostasis; Hormones; Hyperinsulinemia; Hypertension; Hypothalamus; Insulin; Insulin resistance; Kidneys; Leptin; Metabolism; Musculoskeletal system; Nervous system; Obesity; Pathogenesis; Plasma; Review; Thermogenesis; Weight control
• ISSN: 1422-0067; 1661-6596; 1422-0067
• DOI: 10.3390/ijms22105187

The role of the autonomic nervous system in obesity and insulin-resistant conditions has been largely explored. However, the exact mechanisms involved in this relation have not been completely elucidated yet, since most of these mechanisms display a bi-directional effect. Insulin-resistance, for instance, can be caused by sympathetic activation, but, in turn, the associated hyperinsulinemia can activate the sympathetic branch of the autonomic nervous system. The picture is made even more complex by the implicated neural, hormonal and nutritional mechanisms. Among them, leptin plays a pivotal role, being involved not only in appetite regulation and glucose homeostasis but also in energy expenditure. The purpose of this review is to offer a comprehensive view of the complex interplay between leptin and the central nervous system, providing further insights on the impact of autonomic nervous system balance on adipose tissue and insulin-resistance. Furthermore, the link between the circadian clock and leptin and its effect on metabolism and energy balance will be evaluated.