4 research outputs found
Lipotoxicity, neuroinflammation, glial cells and oestrogenic compounds
The high concentrations of free fatty acids as a consequence of obesity and overweight have
become risk factors for the development of different diseases including neurodegenerative
ailments. Free fatty acids (FAs) are strongly related to inflammatory events, causing cellular
and tissue alterations in the brain, including cell death, deficits in neurogenesis and
gliogenesis and cognitive decline. It has been reported that people with a high body mass
index have a higher risk of suffering from Alzheimer's disease. Hormones such as estradiol
not only have beneficial effects on brain tissue but also exert some adverse effects on
peripheral tissues including the ovary and breast. For this reason, some studies have evaluated
the protective effect of estrogen receptor (ER) agonists with more specific tissue activities,
such as the neuroactive steroid tibolone. Activation of ERs positively affects the expression
of pro-survival factors and cell signaling pathways, thus promoting cell survival. This review
aims to discuss the relationship between lipotoxicity and the development of
neurodegenerative diseases. We also elaborate on the cellular and molecular mechanisms
involved in neuroprotection induced by estrogens