Modulation of irisin and physical activity on executive functions in obesity and morbid obesity

Abstract

Whether the executive profile is different between obesity (OB) and morbid obesity (MO) remains unclear. Recent evidence suggests that physical activity (PA) can act as a cognitive enhancer. Irisin is a recently discovered hormone associated with some of the positive effects of PA. The objective of the study was to investigate the executive profile in OB and MO, and to explore the role of PA and irisin. 114 participants were included (21 OB, 44 MO and 49 healthy controls-HC) in the study and assessed with the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test, Stroop Color and Word Test, and Iowa Gambling Task. All participants were female, aged between 18 and 60 years. Results showed a similar dysfunctional profile on decision making in OB and MO compared with HC. Thus, no specific neuropsychological profiles between OB and MO can be clearly observed in our sample. However, a negative correlation was found between irisin and executive functioning. These results demonstrate a specific executive profile in OB and a relevant and negative modulation of irisin on executive functioning. Although irisin might be a promising target for the treatment of obesity, its effects on cognition might be considered when thinking about its therapeutic use.This work was supported by Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII)[FIS PI14/00290 and European Regional Development Fund (ERDF)-“a way to Build Europe”-// FONDOS FEDER “una manera de hacer Europa”] AGAUR (2009SGR1554, 2009SGR718); ABF was supported by Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación Subprograma Juan de la Cierva (JCI-2011-09248); CGB was supported by Ayudas Predoctorales de Formación en Investigación en Salud-PFIS (FI12/00470). ABC is funded by the ISCIII through a research contract “Sara Borrell” (C09/00365). MP is a Miguel Servet Fellow (ISCIII/SERGAS). JCFG is recipient of a research contract from Servicio Andaluz de Salud (SAS) (B-0033-2014). CIBER Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutrición (CIBERobn) and CIBER Salud Mental (CIBERsam), are supported by ISCIII