Di Rosa Maria Carmela, Zimbone Stefania, Saab Miriam Wissam, Tomasello Marianna Flora
Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Via S. Sofia 64, 95123 Catania, Italy.
Institute of Crystallography, CNR, Via P. Gaifami 18, 95126 Catania, Italy.
Life (Basel). 2021 Nov 17;11(11):1256. doi: 10.3390/life11111256.
Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) represents one of the most widely studied neurotrophins because of the many mechanisms in which it is involved. Among these, a growing body of evidence indicates BDNF as a pleiotropic signaling molecule and unveils non-negligible implications in the regulation of energy balance. BDNF and its receptor are extensively expressed in the hypothalamus, regions where peripheral signals, associated with feeding control and metabolism activation, and are integrated to elaborate anorexigenic and orexigenic effects. Thus, BDNF coordinates adaptive responses to fluctuations in energy intake and expenditure, connecting the central nervous system with peripheral tissues, including muscle, liver, and the adipose tissue in a complex operational network. This review discusses the latest literature dealing with the involvement of BDNF in the maintenance of energy balance. We have focused on the physiological and molecular mechanisms by which BDNF: (I) controls the mitochondrial function and dynamics; (II) influences thermogenesis and tissue differentiation; (III) mediates the effects of exercise on cognitive functions; and (IV) modulates insulin sensitivity and glucose transport at the cellular level. Deepening the understanding of the mechanisms exploited to maintain energy homeostasis will lay the groundwork for the development of novel therapeutical approaches to help people to maintain a healthy mind in a healthy body.
脑源性神经营养因子（BDNF）是研究最为广泛的神经营养因子之一，因为它涉及多种机制。其中，越来越多的证据表明BDNF是一种多效性信号分子，并揭示了其在能量平衡调节中不可忽视的影响。BDNF及其受体在下丘脑广泛表达，下丘脑是与进食控制和代谢激活相关的外周信号整合并产生厌食和促食欲作用的区域。因此，BDNF在一个复杂的运作网络中协调对能量摄入和消耗波动的适应性反应，将中枢神经系统与包括肌肉、肝脏和脂肪组织在内的外周组织联系起来。本综述讨论了有关BDNF参与维持能量平衡的最新文献。我们重点关注了BDNF通过以下方式发挥作用的生理和分子机制：（I）控制线粒体功能和动力学；（II）影响产热和组织分化；（III）介导运动对认知功能的影响；以及（IV）在细胞水平调节胰岛素敏感性和葡萄糖转运。深入了解维持能量稳态所利用的机制将为开发新的治疗方法奠定基础，以帮助人们保持身心健康。
