A new study reveals how adipocytes, or fat cells, play a role in cognitive decline and increased neurodegeneration risks. Using genetically modified mouse models, researchers found oxidative stress through exposure to a Western diet increased the production of inflammatory cytokines confined to adipocytes and altered protein markers of memory and cognition in the hippocampus.
Adipocytes, or beige fat cells, are indispensable to the anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective effects of subcutaneous fat, researchers say.
A new study reveals the holiday spice cinnamon may be a useful tool in the battle against obesity. Researchers report cinnamaldehyde can improve metabolic health by inducing fat cells to burn energy through a process called thermogenesis.
Researchers report the brain's ability to sense insulin and coordinate feeding with energy expenditure is controlled by a mechanism that is turned on after fasting to inhibit insulin response and conserve energy. After feeding, the mechanism is turned off to facilitate insulin response and expend energy. However, in obese people, researchers believe the switch may stay on all the time.
Researchers report that without enough copper, fat builds up in fat cells without being used.
New research provides additional insight into how the brain regulates body fat and could help provide more effective methods of weight loss.