The Connection Between Obesity and the Blood-Brain Barrier

The blood-brain barrier (BBB) is an important physiological formation tasked with protecting the brain from multiple chemicals that might circulate in our bloodstream. The BBB obstructs the exchange and movement of most molecules, cells, and proteins in and out of the central nervous system (CNS). This helps to keep the brain “cool” and unaffected by whatever we eat and the kind of infections we encounter. The BBB is formed by the blood vessels in the CNS that are lined by endothelial cells. It is a complex structure that ensures the maintenance of the metabolic and immunoregulatory homeostasis in the CNS. In a healthy brain, the barrier prevents most of the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) molecules from circulating in the periphery and most of the peripheral molecules from diffusing into the CSF. However, even in healthy brains, the BBB is not completely impermeable. The arcuate nucleus of the hypothalamus has an incomplete BBB, allowing circulating hormones to act on the regulatory systems of this part of the brain. Several neurological disorders are characterized by a compromised BBB, including stroke, CNS infections, and neurodegenerative diseases. Obesity and BBB It has been shown that overconsumption of foods high in saturated fats and simple sugars degrades the integrity of the BBB and could lead to the serious damage of vulnerable brain regions such as the hippocampus. Moreover, obesity causes pathological changes to the BBB that can worsen one’s general health and l...
Source: World of Psychology - Category: Psychiatry & Psychology Authors: Tags: Brain and Behavior Brain Blogger Health-related Publishers Research BBB Blood Brain Barrier body weight feeding behavior Hormones leptin Metabolism Obesity Overweight Source Type: blogs